Topical Bible: Hair Length

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Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, hair length is often associated with cultural and religious significance. One of the most notable references is found in the Nazirite vow, as described in Numbers 6:5: "For the entire period of his vow of separation, no razor shall pass over his head. He must be holy until the time of his consecration to the LORD is complete; he must let the hair of his head grow long." This vow, taken by individuals such as Samson (Judges 13-16), was a sign of dedication to God, and the uncut hair symbolized their commitment and separation for divine purposes.

Additionally, hair length could be a symbol of strength and vitality. In the account of Absalom, King David's son, his hair is described as being exceptionally heavy and long, which was a source of pride for him (2 Samuel 14:25-26). However, it also played a role in his downfall, as his hair became entangled in a tree during battle, leading to his death (2 Samuel 18:9-15).

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul addresses the topic of hair length in 1 Corinthians 11:14-15: "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." Here, Paul appeals to cultural norms and natural order to make a distinction between men and women, suggesting that long hair on women is a sign of honor and femininity, while long hair on men is considered dishonorable.

Paul's teaching reflects the cultural context of the time, where hair length was a visible marker of gender distinction and social propriety. The passage emphasizes the importance of maintaining these distinctions as a reflection of divine order and creation.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

Throughout the Bible, hair length carries cultural and symbolic meanings. It can signify consecration, as in the case of the Nazirite vow, or serve as a marker of gender roles and societal expectations, as discussed by Paul. The Bible does not prescribe a specific hair length for all individuals but rather addresses the topic within the context of cultural norms and religious practices of the time.

Practical Implications for Believers

For contemporary believers, the biblical references to hair length invite reflection on the principles of modesty, gender distinction, and cultural sensitivity. While the specific cultural norms may vary, the underlying principles of honoring God through one's appearance and maintaining a clear distinction between male and female roles remain relevant. Believers are encouraged to consider how their appearance, including hair length, aligns with their faith and testimony in their cultural context.

Topical Bible Verses

1 Corinthians 11:15
But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
Topicalbible.org

1 Corinthians 11:1-16
Be you followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
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1 Corinthians 11:14
Does not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame to him?
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Leviticus 19:27
You shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shall you mar the corners of your beard.
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Library

Of all the Parts of the Body.
... as if you should give a prolonged neck to an elephant, or a short neck to a camel;
or if you should attach feet or hair to serpents, in which the length of the ...
/.../lactantius/on the workmanship of god/chap vii of all the parts.htm

Now, Rebecca, Having Long Been Barren, at Length, through the ...
... Now, Rebecca, having long been barren, at length, through the unceasing prayers
of her ... Well, the first that was born, bristling over with hair, was called Esau ...
/.../life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter viii now rebecca having.htm

Changed Conditions
... the regulations had been less severely enforced, we found the queue replaced by
the most extraordinary head-dress; the hair, varying in length, was sometimes ...
/.../the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xx changed conditions.htm

The Embalming of the Body of Jesus.
... She also anointed the hair, and then, taking the sacred hands of Jesus in her ... body,
and then, handling it with respect, stretched it out full length, for it ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter li the embalming of.htm

The Death of Saint James.
... and ogres, wild beasts and evil spirits of every kind, sort, and description; but
he, at length, too, finding his strength departing, and his hair growing grey ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter eighteen the death of.htm

The Second Difference Between Meditation and Contemplation.
... Thus she goes on, meditating this sovereign beauty in detail, till at length she
concludes by ... by his well-beloved with one of her eyes, and that her hair is so ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter v the second difference.htm

The Battle of Thermopylae.
... They wore it very long. In fact, the length of the hair was, in their
commonwealth, a mark of distinction between freemen and slaves. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter ix the battle of.htm

Concerning the Tabernacle which Moses Built in the Wilderness for ...
... ten other curtains were four cubits in breadth, and twenty-eight in length; and
had ... for they were thirty cubits long; but these were woven of hair, with the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 concerning the tabernacle.htm

Letter xxxviii. To Marcella.
... to her conversion, and she was now famous throughout Rome for the length to which ...
Lord Himself, and yet he was clothed in raiment of camel's hair, and girded ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xxxviii to marcella.htm

And as She Stood Looking Towards London, Diamond Saw that She was ...
... The little girl was scudding before the blast, her hair flying too, and behind her
she dragged her broom. ... "Where is your crossing?" asked the girl at length. ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 4 and as she.htm