Topical Bible: Facial Hair

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Facial hair, particularly beards, holds significant cultural and religious importance in the biblical context. Throughout the Scriptures, facial hair is often associated with masculinity, dignity, and religious observance. The presence or absence of a beard can symbolize various states of being, from mourning to disgrace, and is frequently mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, beards are commonly seen as a natural and respected part of a man's appearance. Leviticus 19:27 provides a directive regarding the grooming of facial hair: "You must not cut off the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard." This command is part of the Holiness Code, which sets the Israelites apart from surrounding nations and their practices. The beard, therefore, becomes a symbol of identity and obedience to God's law.

The significance of the beard is further highlighted in the account of King David's envoys in 2 Samuel 10:4-5. When Hanun, the king of the Ammonites, shaves off half of the beards of David's servants, it is considered a great humiliation. David instructs his men to stay in Jericho until their beards have grown back, indicating the importance of facial hair as a sign of honor and respect.

In the context of mourning, the removal or neglect of facial hair can symbolize grief and distress. Isaiah 15:2 describes the Moabites in mourning: "Every head is shaved, every beard is cut off." This act of shaving the beard is a visible expression of sorrow and lamentation.

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not emphasize facial hair to the same extent as the Old Testament, it is understood that Jewish men, including Jesus and His disciples, likely wore beards in accordance with cultural and religious customs of the time. The New Testament does not provide specific instructions regarding facial hair, but it does address broader themes of appearance and conduct.

In 1 Corinthians 11:14, Paul discusses natural distinctions between men and women, stating, "Does not nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him?" While this passage does not directly address beards, it reflects the cultural norms and expectations regarding male appearance during the apostolic era.

Symbolism and Cultural Significance

Facial hair in the Bible often symbolizes maturity, wisdom, and authority. The elders of Israel, who were respected leaders, are frequently depicted with beards. The beard serves as a visual representation of their status and experience.

In addition to its cultural significance, facial hair can also carry spiritual symbolism. The anointing of Aaron's beard in Psalm 133:2 illustrates the unity and blessing of God's people: "It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, over the collar of his robes." Here, the beard is part of a metaphor for divine blessing and harmony.

Conclusion

Facial hair in the biblical narrative is more than a mere physical characteristic; it is imbued with cultural, religious, and symbolic meaning. From the laws of Leviticus to the accounts of David and the teachings of Paul, facial hair serves as a marker of identity, honor, and spiritual significance.

Topical Bible Verses

Ezra 9:3
And when I heard this thing, I rent my garment and my mantle, and plucked off the hair of my head and of my beard, and sat down astonished.
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2 Samuel 10:4
Why Hanun took David's servants, and shaved off the one half of their beards, and cut off their garments in the middle, even to their buttocks, and sent them away.
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Psalm 133:2
It is like the precious ointment on the head, that ran down on the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;
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Library

Soul-Rest.
... FACIAL INSCRIPTIONS. ... leaping from bridges, and shaking hands holding poison, and
maniacs behind the bars glaring with wild eye-balls through dishevelled hair! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rees/the heart-cry of jesus/chapter viii soul-rest.htm

A Prince's Bride
... "All these things may come to pass and not a hair of the ... Much of his facial distortion
was the result of his efforts to convey his ideas by expression and by ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter i a princes bride.htm

While the Foregoing Scene was Taking Place at the Vatican...
... "Yes, my Angela has beautiful eyes,"and such soft, pretty hair!" and he ... This was
the only facial sign he ever gave of the difficulty he at times experienced ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxix while the foregoing scene.htm

Cardinal Felix Bonpre Sat Alone in the Largest and Loneliest Room ...
... head bending closely towards the soft gold of Sylvie's hair, and smiled ... Gherardi
heard all, with a carefully arranged facial expression of sympathetic interest ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxii cardinal felix bonpre sat.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... We see them on such occasions represented with short-cut hair and naked breast,
the loin-cloth about their waist, advancing foremost in the rank, carrying the ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm