Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the beard was a significant symbol of masculinity, dignity, and honor among men. The act of plucking or forcibly removing a man's beard was considered a severe insult and a sign of deep humiliation. This practice is mentioned in several instances within the Scriptures, highlighting its cultural and symbolic importance.One of the most notable references to the plucking of the beard is found in the prophetic book of Isaiah. In Isaiah 50:6 , the suffering servant, a messianic figure, declares, "I offered My back to those who beat Me, and My cheeks to those who tore out My beard; I did not hide My face from scorn and spitting." This passage is often interpreted as a prophecy concerning the suffering and humiliation that Jesus Christ would endure. The plucking of the beard here symbolizes the extreme disgrace and rejection faced by the servant, emphasizing the depth of his suffering for the sake of others. The cultural context of the ancient Near East further underscores the significance of this act. A man's beard was not only a personal attribute but also a representation of his social status and identity. To have one's beard plucked was to be publicly shamed and stripped of honor. This is evident in the account of King David's envoys in 2 Samuel 10:4-5 , where Hanun, the king of the Ammonites, seized David's servants, shaved off half of each man's beard, and cut off their garments at the hips. This act was intended to disgrace David's men and, by extension, David himself. The men were so ashamed that David instructed them to stay in Jericho until their beards had grown back, highlighting the gravity of the insult. The plucking of the beard also serves as a metaphor for the suffering and persecution of the righteous. In the broader biblical narrative, it reflects the theme of enduring shame and dishonor for a greater purpose or divine mission. The imagery of the plucked beard, therefore, resonates with the experiences of those who face persecution and humiliation for their faith, drawing a parallel between the physical act and the spiritual trials endured by believers. In summary, the act of plucking a beard in biblical times was a profound insult, symbolizing humiliation and disgrace. It is used in Scripture to convey themes of suffering, persecution, and the stripping away of honor, often in the context of a greater redemptive purpose. Nave's Topical Index Ezra 9:3And 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. Nave's Topical Index Library That the Beard must not be Plucked. Voluntary Suffering Heads. A Compendious view of the Christian Life. A Spiritual Revival Three Books of Testimonies Against the Jews The Servant's Obedience Of the Commissioners Hellebichus Commander of the Troops, and ... The Adventures of Saint George of England. The Tangled Web Resources Is the account of Jesus taken from the story of Serapis Christus? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about shaving? | GotQuestions.org Does the name “Jesus” actually mean “Hail, Zeus”? | GotQuestions.org Beard: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Beard: Beards of David's Ambassadors Half Shaven by the King of the Amorites Beard: Idolatrous Practice of Marring, Forbidden Beard: Lepers Required to Shave The Beard in Affliction was Clipped The Beard in Affliction was Neglected and Untrimmed The Beard in Affliction was Shorn The Beard in Affliction: Sometimes Plucked Out The Beard of the Healed Leper to be Shaved The Beard: Corners of, not to be Marred for the Dead The Beard: Dribbling On, a Sign of Derangement The Beard: Laying Hold of, a Token of Respect The Beard: Plucking of, a Sign of Scorn The Beard: Shaving of, a Great Offense The Beard: Shaving, Illustrative of Severe Judgments The Beard: The Jews Never Appeared Without The Beard: Worn Even by the Priests Related Terms |
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