In the context of the Bible, the topic of long hair is addressed primarily in relation to cultural norms, religious vows, and gender distinctions. The discussion of long hair appears in both the Old and New Testaments, providing insights into its significance in biblical times.

Old Testament Context

One of the most notable references to long hair in the Old Testament is found in the Nazirite vow, a special vow of dedication to God. In Numbers 6:5 , it is stated: "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, which could be taken by both men and women, included abstaining from wine, avoiding contact with the dead, and allowing one's hair to grow uncut as a symbol of holiness and separation unto the Lord.

The most famous Nazirite in the Bible is Samson, whose strength was directly linked to his uncut hair. Judges 16:17 recounts Samson revealing the secret of his strength to Delilah: "No razor has ever come upon my head, because I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb. If I am shaved, my strength will leave me, and I will become as weak as any other man."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul addresses the topic of long hair in 1 Corinthians 11, where he discusses proper conduct and appearance during worship. In 1 Corinthians 11:14-15 , Paul writes: "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."

Paul's teaching reflects the cultural norms of the time, where long hair on women was considered a sign of femininity and honor, while long hair on men was viewed as contrary to societal expectations. The passage emphasizes the importance of maintaining gender distinctions and honoring God through one's appearance.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

Throughout biblical history, hair has held cultural and symbolic significance. Long hair, particularly in the context of the Nazirite vow, symbolized dedication and consecration to God. In the New Testament, the discussion of hair length serves to reinforce the distinctions between male and female roles and appearances, reflecting the created order and the importance of honoring God through adherence to these distinctions.

The topic of long hair in the Bible underscores the broader themes of holiness, dedication, and the importance of cultural and gender norms in expressing one's faith and identity in the community of believers.6546. pera -- perhaps leader
... leaders. Word Origin from an unused word Definition perhaps leader NASB
Word Usage leaders (1), long-haired (1). avenging, revenge. ...
/hebrew/6546.htm - 6k

These Things, My Brother Aurelius, Most Dear unto Me...
... I shrink from saying more against this fault, out of respect for certain long-haired
brethren, in whom, except this, we find much, and well-nigh every thing ...
/.../augustine/of the work of monks /section 38 these things my.htm

Concerning Maximus the Cynic and the Disorder which Has Happened ...
... In the second letter addressed to Ascholius individually (Ephesians 6. he repeats
his condemnation of the ordination of the long-haired Maximus ("comatum") and ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon iv concerning maximus the.htm

Arria and Her Brother were Far from the Shores of Hellas and Near ...
... "A knave, upon my honor! 'Tis better to be drunk, for then one has hope of recovery.
You long-haired dog! Here is something would make you bay the moon. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 21 arria and her.htm

Walamir and St. Telemachus
... He told me, as he told his long-haired chiefs, that before his first invasion of
Italy he had heard the voice, as of an Archangel, cry to him from the depths ...
/.../chapter lix walamir and st.htm

Letter Lxvi. To Pammachius.
... and raiment let us be therewith content." [1958] Where you see smoking dishes, steaming
pheasants, massive silver plate, spirited nags, long-haired boy-slaves ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxvi to pammachius.htm

Long-haired (1 Occurrence)
Long-haired. Long-forbearing, Long-haired. Longing . Multi-Version
Concordance Long-haired (1 Occurrence). Deuteronomy ...
/l/long-haired.htm - 6k

Longing (40 Occurrences)

/l/longing.htm - 18k

Long-forbearing (1 Occurrence)
Long-forbearing. Longevity, Long-forbearing. Long-haired . Multi-Version
Concordance ... Longevity, Long-forbearing. Long-haired . Reference Bible.
/l/long-forbearing.htm - 6k

Feasting (39 Occurrences)
... 32:42 I will make my arrows red with blood, my sword will be feasting on flesh,
with the blood of the dead and the prisoners, of the long-haired heads of my ...
/f/feasting.htm - 19k

Devours (26 Occurrences)
... 32:42 I will make Mine arrows drunk with blood, and My sword shall devour flesh;
with the blood of the slain and the captives, from the long-haired heads of ...
/d/devours.htm - 14k

Deborah (10 Occurrences)
... forth in his might." It is a song in praise of the "righteous acts" of the Lord,
His work of victory which Israel's leaders, `the long-haired princes,' wrought ...
/d/deborah.htm - 14k

Prisoners (170 Occurrences)
... 32:42 I will make my arrows red with blood, my sword will be feasting on flesh,
with the blood of the dead and the prisoners, of the long-haired heads of my ...
/p/prisoners.htm - 38k

Nazirite (10 Occurrences)
... became numerous in Israel in periods of great religious or political excitement,
and in Judges 5:2 we may paraphrase, `For the long-haired champions in Israel ...
/n/nazirite.htm - 21k

Haters (220 Occurrences)
... 32:42 I will make my arrows red with blood, my sword will be feasting on flesh,
with the blood of the dead and the prisoners, of the long-haired heads of my ...
/h/haters.htm - 37k

Heads (439 Occurrences)
... 32:42 I will make my arrows red with blood, my sword will be feasting on flesh,
with the blood of the dead and the prisoners, of the long-haired heads of my ...
/h/heads.htm - 38k

What does the Bible say about gray hair? | GotQuestions.org

What is the difference between Microevolution and Macroevolution? | GotQuestions.org

Why is apocalyptic literature so strange? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus