The mustache, a strip of facial hair grown on the upper lip, is a feature that has been present in various cultures throughout history, including those mentioned in the Bible. While the Bible does not specifically focus on the mustache as a distinct topic, facial hair in general, including the mustache, is often referenced in the context of cultural practices, personal grooming, and religious observance.

Cultural Significance in Biblical Times

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, including those of the Israelites, facial hair was a significant aspect of a man's appearance. It often symbolized maturity, dignity, and wisdom. The mustache, as part of the beard, was likely included in these cultural perceptions. The grooming and maintenance of facial hair were important, as seen in various biblical passages that discuss shaving and trimming practices.

Biblical References

While the Bible does not explicitly mention the mustache, it does refer to the beard, which would encompass the mustache as part of the facial hair. For instance, Leviticus 19:27 instructs, "You must not cut off the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard." This command was part of the Holiness Code given to the Israelites, emphasizing their distinctiveness from surrounding nations and their dedication to God.

In 2 Samuel 10:4-5 , we find an account involving the humiliation of David's envoys by the Ammonites: "So Hanun seized David’s servants, shaved off half of each man’s beard, cut off their garments at the hips, and sent them away. When this was reported to David, he sent messengers to meet the men, for they were greatly humiliated. The king told them, 'Stay in Jericho until your beards have grown back, and then return.'" This incident highlights the cultural importance of facial hair, including the mustache, as a symbol of honor and respect.

Religious and Ritualistic Context

Facial hair, including the mustache, also had religious connotations. In the context of vows and rituals, such as the Nazirite vow, the growth of hair was a sign of consecration to God. Numbers 6:5 states, "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."

Symbolism and Interpretation

In biblical symbolism, the mustache, as part of the beard, can represent various attributes such as wisdom, strength, and honor. The presence or absence of facial hair could convey messages about a person's status, role, or condition. For example, the shaving of a beard could signify mourning, shame, or subjugation, as seen in the account of David's envoys.

Conclusion

While the mustache is not explicitly singled out in biblical texts, it is inherently part of the broader discussion of facial hair. The cultural, religious, and symbolic significance of facial hair in biblical times provides insight into the values and practices of the people in the biblical narrative.1. (n.) That part of the beard which grows on the upper lip; hair left growing above the mouth.

2. (n.) A West African monkey (Cercopithecus cephus). It has yellow whiskers, and a triangular blue mark on the nose.

3. (n.) Any conspicuous stripe of color on the side of the head, beneath the eye of a bird.

8222. sapham -- mustache
... 8221, 8222. sapham. 8223 . mustache. Transliteration: sapham Phonetic
Spelling: (saw-fawm') Short Definition: mustache. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/8222.htm - 6k

When Lord Morley Said that the House of Lords must be Either ...
... But there is nothing but nonsense in the notion of swinging a communal stick;
it is as if one spoke of twirling a communal mustache. ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 43 when lord morley.htm

The Vatican Decrees. The Constitution on the Catholic Faith.
... when he says: 'If France complains of the Council, Antonelli makes three bows, and
all remains as before; but if Prussia comes with her mustache and cavalry ...
/.../ 32 the vatican decrees.htm

That Evening Vergilius Went to Feast with the Young Herodian ...
... The stiff, straight hairs in his mustache quivered as he turned slowly,
watchfully, towards the others, who were now standing near. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 4 that evening vergilius.htm

Mustache (3 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) Any conspicuous stripe of color on the side of the head, beneath the eye
of a bird. Multi-Version Concordance Mustache (3 Occurrences). ...
/m/mustache.htm - 7k

Mustard (5 Occurrences)

/m/mustard.htm - 11k

Must (2015 Occurrences)

/m/must.htm - 7k

Beard (23 Occurrences)
... The mustache (Hebrew sapham, "beard"), according to 2 Samuel 19:24, received regular
"trimming" (thus English Versions of the Bible after the Vulgate, but the ...
/b/beard.htm - 21k

Mustache: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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