Lexical Summary thrix: Hair Original Word: θρίξ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance hair. Genitive case trichos, etc.; of uncertain derivation; hair -- hair. Compare kome. see GREEK kome NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition hair NASB Translation hair (13), hairs (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2359: θρίξθρίξ, τριχός, dative plural θριξί, ἡ (from Homer down), the hair; a. "the hair of the head: Matthew 5:36; Luke 7:44; Luke 21:18; John 11:2; John 12:3; Acts 27:34; 1 Peter 3:3 (Lachmann omits); Revelation 1:14; with τῆς κεφαλῆς added (Homer, Odyssey 13, 399. 431), Matthew 10:30; Luke 7:38; Luke 12:7. b. the hair of animals: Revelation 9:8; ἐνδεδυμένος τρίχας καμήλου, with a garment made of camel's hair, Mark 1:6, cf. Matthew 3:4; ἐν ... τριχῶν καμηλειων πλέγμασιν περιεπάτησαν, Clement of Alexandria, strom. 4, p. 221, Sylb. edition. STRONGS NT 2359: τριχόςτριχός, see θρίξ. In first-century Mediterranean society hair functioned both as a basic bodily feature and a marker of status, gender distinction, and personal piety. The term occurs with reference to ordinary human hair (Matthew 5:36), animal hair used to make clothing (Mark 1:6; Matthew 3:4), and metaphorical descriptions (Revelation 9:8). Knowing the cultural assumptions about grooming, veiling, and shaving clarifies many New Testament scenes. Loose, uncovered hair on a woman in public could imply either humility or impropriety, depending on circumstance, whereas a man’s uncut hair might suggest prophetic vocation (John the Baptist) or Nazirite dedication (implied by comparison with Old Testament practice). Divine Sovereignty and Omniscience Twice the Lord Jesus declares, “The very hairs of your head are all numbered” (Matthew 10:30; Luke 12:7). This intimate knowledge illustrates God’s exhaustive sovereignty and assures believers that nothing in their lives escapes His notice. The statement is not hyperbole; it is a theological affirmation that the Creator governs even microscopic details. For pastoral care, these verses anchor exhortations against fear: if God inventories each strand, He also governs every circumstance confronting His people. Expressions of Reverence and Devotion The Gospels record a remarkable act of worship in which a repentant woman or, later, Mary of Bethany, kneels at Jesus’ feet, weeping and wiping them with her hair (Luke 7:38, 44; John 11:2; John 12:3). In all four occurrences the humble use of hair signals total self-abasement and affectionate devotion. By allowing her hair to become the towel for the Messiah’s feet, the woman publicly surrenders her own dignity, declaring Jesus’ pre-eminent worth. The scene challenges disciples toward extravagant, self-forgetting worship that prizes Christ above social reputation. Protection and Preservation Promises Jesus’ eschatological discourse assures persecuted disciples, “Yet not even a hair of your head will perish” (Luke 21:18). Likewise Paul encourages shipwrecked sailors, “Not one hair of your head will be lost” (Acts 27:34). Both sayings communicate divine preservation in the midst of life-threatening danger. Although martyrdom remains possible (Luke 21:16), God promises that ultimate harm cannot touch His elect; even the body, down to a single strand, will be raised and restored. Personal Appearance and Prophetic Imagery Several passages use hair to paint vivid word pictures: Human Limitation and Integrity of Speech “Nor should you swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black” (Matthew 5:36). The inability to control even one strand underscores human dependence on God and forms part of Jesus’ teaching against manipulative oaths. Christian integrity rests on truthful speech rather than ritual formulas. Christian Conduct Regarding Adornment Peter exhorts believing women: “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment such as braided hair” (1 Peter 3:3). The apostle does not forbid grooming; he redirects attention from ostentatious hairstyles—an ancient symbol of wealth and seduction—to the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit. The passage supplies enduring guidance: external presentation must never eclipse inner holiness. Practical Ministry Applications 1. Counseling: Matthew 10:30 and Luke 12:7 offer comfort to those anxious about health, finances, or persecution. Throughout Scripture the simple word “hair” becomes a canvas upon which God paints lessons of care, devotion, judgment, and glory. Every occurrence of Strong’s Greek 2359 contributes uniquely to the unfolding revelation of the character and purposes of God in Christ. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 3:4 N-GFPGRK: αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τριχῶν καμήλου καὶ NAS: of camel's hair and a leather KJV: of camel's hair, and a leathern INT: of him of hair of a camel and Matthew 5:36 N-AFS Matthew 10:30 N-NFP Mark 1:6 N-AFP Luke 7:38 N-DFP Luke 7:44 N-DFP Luke 12:7 N-NFP Luke 21:18 N-NFS John 11:2 N-DFP John 12:3 N-DFP Acts 27:34 N-NFS 1 Peter 3:3 N-GFP Revelation 1:14 N-NFP Revelation 9:8 N-AFP Revelation 9:8 N-AFP Strong's Greek 2359 |
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