2863. komaó

Lexicon

komaó: To let the hair grow long, to have long hair

Original Word: κομάω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: komaó
Pronunciation: ko-MAH-oh
Phonetic Spelling: (kom-ah'-o)
Definition: To let the hair grow long, to have long hair
Meaning: I wear the hair long, allow the hair to grow out.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

have long hair.

From kome; to wear tresses of hair -- have long hair.

see GREEK kome

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from komé
Definition
to wear long hair
NASB Translation
has long hair (2).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2863: κομάω

κομάω, κόμω; (κόμη); to let the hair grow, have long hair (cf. κόμη at the end): 1 Corinthians 11:14f (In Greek writings from Homer down.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek noun κόμη (komē), meaning "hair."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Hebrew equivalent for κομάω in the Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, as the concept of hair length as discussed in 1 Corinthians 11 is more culturally specific to the Greco-Roman context. However, hair and its significance are mentioned in various Hebrew scriptures, such as in the Nazarite vow (Numbers 6:5) where long hair is a sign of consecration. The Hebrew word נָזִיר (nazir) is related to this practice, though it does not directly correspond to κομάω.

Usage: The verb κομάω is used in the context of discussing the length of hair, particularly in relation to cultural or religious practices. It appears in the New Testament in discussions about propriety and customs regarding hair length.

Context: The Greek verb κομάω (komaō) is primarily found in the New Testament in 1 Corinthians 11:14-15, where the Apostle Paul addresses the Corinthian church regarding customs of hair length for men and women. In this passage, Paul uses κομάω to describe the natural distinction between men and women, emphasizing that long hair is a glory for women and a covering, while it is considered dishonorable for men to have long hair. This reflects the cultural norms of the time, where hair length was associated with gender identity and social propriety.

1 Corinthians 11:14-15 (BSB): "Does not nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering."

In the context of the early Christian church, these instructions were part of a broader discussion on maintaining order and decorum in worship settings. The use of κομάω highlights the importance placed on outward appearances as a reflection of inward spiritual truths and community values.

The cultural implications of κομάω extend beyond mere aesthetics, touching on themes of authority, submission, and the natural order as understood in the Greco-Roman world. The passage suggests that the physical distinction in hair length serves as a visible sign of the differences in roles and functions between men and women within the church and society.

Forms and Transliterations

κομα κομά κομᾷ koma komā̂i

Englishman's Concordance

1 Corinthians 11:14 V-PSA-3S
GRK: μὲν ἐὰν κομᾷ ἀτιμία αὐτῷ
NAS: a man has long hair, it is a dishonor
KJV: if a man have long hair, it is a shame
INT: indeed if he has long hair a dishonor to him

1 Corinthians 11:15 V-PSA-3S
GRK: δὲ ἐὰν κομᾷ δόξα αὐτῇ
NAS: a woman has long hair, it is a glory
KJV: a woman have long hair, it is
INT: however if she has long hair glory to her

Strong's Greek 2863
2 Occurrences

κομᾷ — 2 Occ.