Topical Bible: Hair: Numbered

◄ Hair: Numbered ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the concept of hair being "numbered" is a profound expression of God's intimate knowledge and care for His creation. This idea is primarily derived from the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, where He emphasizes God's meticulous attention to the details of our lives.

Biblical References:

1. Matthew 10:30 · In this passage, Jesus reassures His disciples of God's providential care, stating, "And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered." . This verse is part of a larger discourse where Jesus encourages His followers not to fear persecution or harm, as God is deeply aware of and concerned with every aspect of their lives. The numbering of hairs symbolizes God's comprehensive knowledge and the value He places on each individual.

2. Luke 12:7 · Similarly, in Luke's Gospel, Jesus reiterates this teaching: "Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." . Here, the context is a teaching on the fear of God versus the fear of man, underscoring the assurance that God values His people immensely and is attentive to their needs.

Theological Significance:

The imagery of hair being numbered serves as a metaphor for God's omniscience and omnipresence. It reflects the belief that God is not distant or detached but is actively involved in the lives of His people. This concept is comforting to believers, as it assures them of God's constant watchfulness and care.

From a theological perspective, the idea that God numbers the hairs on one's head highlights His sovereignty and the personal nature of His relationship with humanity. It suggests that nothing is too trivial for God's attention, reinforcing the belief in His loving and protective nature.

Old Testament Context:

While the specific phrase "numbered" in relation to hair is not found in the Old Testament, the significance of hair is evident in various narratives and laws. For instance, the Nazirite vow, as described in Numbers 6, involved letting one's hair grow long as a sign of dedication to God. This indicates that hair held symbolic meaning in terms of identity and consecration.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern culture, hair was often associated with strength, beauty, and identity. The biblical narrative of Samson, whose strength was linked to his uncut hair (Judges 16), exemplifies the cultural importance of hair. The notion that God numbers the hairs on one's head would have resonated deeply with a society that viewed hair as a significant aspect of personal and spiritual identity.

Practical Implications for Believers:

For contemporary believers, the teaching that God numbers the hairs on their heads serves as a reminder of His intimate involvement in their lives. It encourages trust in God's provision and care, even in the smallest details. This understanding fosters a sense of security and worth, knowing that they are valued and cherished by their Creator.

In summary, the biblical concept of hair being "numbered" is a powerful testament to God's detailed knowledge and loving care for His people, offering assurance and comfort to believers throughout the ages.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 10:30
But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Nave's Topical Index

Luke 12:7
But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: you are of more value than many sparrows.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

How, when Absalom was Beaten, He was Caught in a Tree by his Hair ...
... But when David had numbered his followers, and found them to be about four thousand ...
and a great motion, as being himself light, he entangled his hair greatly in ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 how when absalom.htm

Against Men who Embellish Themselves.
... all numbered," says the Lord; [1603] those on the chin, too, are numbered, and those
on ... But the using of pitch to pluck out hair (I shrink from even mentioning ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter iii against men who embellish.htm

Those who are Called Eremites and are Clothed in Black Robes...
... we decree that if they will receive the habit of other monks and wear their hair
cut short, they may be shut up in a monastery and numbered among the brothers ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon xlii those who are.htm

Introduction.
... known, says: "But even the hairs of your head are all numbered," [1025] implying,
indeed, acts of spiritual virtues, for God does not take care for our hair. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/introduction 2.htm

That all Bodily Blemishes which Mar Human Beauty in this Life ...
... However, what our Lord said, "Not a hair of your head shall perish," might more ... as
He elsewhere says, "The hairs of your head are all numbered." [1647] Nor ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 19 that all bodily blemishes.htm

A Willing People.
... These four tribes had once numbered as many as one hundred and eighty-four thousand
five ... living came to her, and cut off a big bunch of goat's hair, and then ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on service/a willing people.htm

"Knowledge Puffeth Up, but Love Edifieth. "
... the Lord said that "even the hairs of your head are all numbered," [3203] set ... have
larger and others smaller heads, some have bushy heads of hair, others thin ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxvi knowledge puffeth up but.htm

Separation to God.
... claim upon him, that not merely while his vow lasted was that hair to be ... dispensation,
we are told "the very hairs of your head are all numbered""so minute ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part i separation to god.htm

The Battle of Thermopylae.
... Their division numbered a thousand men. ... There was one particular, it seems, however,
in regard to which they were vain, and that was in respect to their hair. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter ix the battle of.htm

Ep. cxli. The People of Nazianzus had in Some Way Incurred the ...
... it have a voice, and be clothed in mourning and cut off its hair as in ... occasion to
after times to speak evil of you, that you received me numbered among cities ...
/.../cyril/select letters of saint gregory nazianzen/ep cxli the people of.htm