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The concept of Forehead in Christianity

The forehead holds significant meanings in Christianity, representing various concepts across different interpretations. In Christian symbolism, it is the site of the head-phylactery worn between the eyes, indicative of belonging to God, especially in the New Jerusalem. In Catholic tradition, it reflects the passions that impede confession and is associated with the application of unction. Additionally, in Early Christianity, it symbolizes the extension for grasping, the placement of a cross, and carries a seal for the 144,000, marking them as chosen.1
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Synonyms: Brow, Temple, Frontal region, Front, Countenance

In Swedish: Panna; In Finnish: Otsa; In Malay: Dahin; In Dutch: Voorhoofd; In Spanish: Frente; In German: Stirn

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Forehead'

Christianity Books

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) A reference to the conspicuous mark of God on the citizens of the New Jerusalem, indicating their belonging to Him.[1]

From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository

(1) The part of the face where anesthetic elephantiasis begins, characterized by the appearance of shining white patches that eventually burst.[2]

From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)

(1) The head-phylactery is positioned in the middle of this body part, between the eyes, when being worn.[3]

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) The foreheads of the 144,000 have the seal written on them, signifying their identity and the names of the Lamb and His Father, marking them as chosen.[4] (2) This is the area from which a soft and flexible limb was extended to enable the animal to grasp and hold things.[5] (3) The foreheads are where the cross would be the sign, according to the text.[6]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) The text mentions that this is where the signs of those passions which hinder free confession appear, and where the unction is applied.[7]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.