Topical Bible: Hair: Worn Long by Women

◄ Hair: Worn Long by Women ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the length and style of a woman's hair held cultural and religious significance. The Bible provides insights into the customs and theological implications of women wearing their hair long, reflecting both societal norms and spiritual symbolism.

Cultural Context

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, long hair on women was often associated with femininity, beauty, and modesty. It was customary for women to grow their hair long as a sign of their gender identity and social status. The length of a woman's hair could also indicate her marital status or her adherence to cultural norms.

Biblical References

The New Testament provides specific guidance on the topic of women wearing their hair long, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. In 1 Corinthians 11:14-15 , Paul addresses the Corinthian church regarding appropriate conduct during worship: "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."

This passage suggests that long hair is a natural and honorable adornment for women, serving as a covering that signifies their glory. The reference to "nature" implies that this practice aligns with the created order and divine intention for gender distinctions.

Theological Implications

The theological significance of long hair for women is tied to the concept of headship and authority within the Christian community. In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul discusses the hierarchical structure of relationships, emphasizing the importance of maintaining distinctions between men and women in worship settings. Long hair on women serves as a visible symbol of their acceptance of this divine order.

Furthermore, the notion of hair as a "covering" can be interpreted as a sign of a woman's submission to God's design and her role within the family and church. This understanding aligns with the broader biblical theme of humility and respect for God's established order.

Practical Considerations

While the biblical text highlights the importance of long hair for women, it is essential to consider the cultural and historical context in which these instructions were given. The emphasis on long hair as a covering may not necessarily mandate a specific hair length for all women across all cultures and times. Instead, it underscores the principle of honoring God through modesty and respect for gender distinctions.

In contemporary Christian practice, interpretations of these passages may vary, with some communities adhering strictly to the tradition of long hair for women, while others emphasize the underlying principles of modesty and respect without prescribing specific hair lengths.

Conclusion

The biblical perspective on women wearing their hair long reflects a blend of cultural customs and theological principles. While the practice is rooted in the historical context of the early church, its enduring significance lies in the broader themes of femininity, modesty, and adherence to divine order.

Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 3:24
And it shall come to pass, that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent; and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of sackcloth; and burning instead of beauty.
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Luke 7:38
And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
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1 Corinthians 11:5,6,15
But every woman that prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.
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1 Timothy 2:9
In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with modesty and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
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1 Peter 3:3
Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
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Revelation 9:8
And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the teeth of lions.
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Library

The Holy Women at the Sepulchre.
... hair floating loosely in the wind: her hair appeared to ... His dress was similar to
that worn by the gardener ... He was clothed in a long white robe, which concealed ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter lxiv the holy women.htm

The Right to Regulate My Private Affairs as I Wish
... When she comes out in gay colors that are not worn in that ... "There are rules about
how long your dresses must be, and how you must wear your hair. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/williamson/have we no rights/chapter 4 the right to.htm

Marriage of the Blessed virgin to Joseph
... The Blessed Virgin had very abundant hair, reddish-gold in ... Joseph wore a long full
coat of pale blue, fastened ... hung over his breast, like the bands worn by our ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/vii marriage of the blessed.htm

The Embalming of the Body of Jesus.
... give any testimony of love during the long hours of ... She also anointed the hair, and
then, taking the sacred ... by Pilate's wife, and which she had worn round her ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter li the embalming of.htm

The Boy Hugh
... some venerable chronicler, or some thought-worn modern historian ... world, in solitary
congregation, with hair shirt, hard ... Nature who had been so long forked forth ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter i the boy hugh.htm

The Scattering of the People
... by year, they make new copies directly the old are worn out, and this they have
done for long ages ... scribe of those old, old days, with his dark hair and big ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter v the scattering of.htm

The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ...
... own court, but not in the street, with false hair.". ... usually consists of nothing
but a long blue garment ... of the crescent-shaped female head-dress worn by some ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/i the women of the.htm

Letter xxii. To Eustochium.
... more: "In God we boast all the day long; my soul ... Do not deliberately lower your voice
as though worn out with ... They cut off their hair and are not ashamed to ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xxii to eustochium.htm

On Clothes.
... which they call larva, from which a long filament is ... sheep as savouring of luxury,
chose "camel's hair," and was ... For how possibly could he have worn a purple ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter xi name clothes.htm

Three Afternoons Off the Track
... The jewels worn by a girl of this class run into ... flowers in her hands and white flowers
in her hair.]. ... convert-girls come with me.) And before long, Jewel of ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter ii three afternoons off.htm