Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, diseases and ailments affecting the head were often seen as manifestations of spiritual or moral issues, as well as physical afflictions. The head, being a symbol of leadership and authority, held significant importance, and its ailments were sometimes interpreted as divine messages or judgments.Baldness and Hair Loss: Baldness is mentioned in the Bible, often in a cultural context rather than strictly medical. In 2 Kings 2:23-24, the prophet Elisha is mocked by youths for his baldness, leading to a divine retribution. Baldness could also symbolize mourning or disgrace, as seen in Isaiah 3:24, where it is listed among the punishments for the haughty daughters of Zion: "Instead of fragrance there will be a stench; instead of a belt, a rope; instead of styled hair, baldness; instead of fine clothing, sackcloth; and instead of beauty, branding." Leprosy and Skin Diseases: Leprosy, a term used in the Bible to describe various skin diseases, could affect the head. Leviticus 13 provides detailed instructions for diagnosing and dealing with leprous diseases, including those on the scalp. Leviticus 13:40-41 states, "Now if a man loses his hair and is bald, he is still clean. Or if his hairline recedes and he is bald on his forehead, he is still clean." However, if a reddish-white sore appears, it is considered a defiling disease. Head Wounds and Injuries: Injuries to the head are mentioned in several biblical narratives. In Judges 9:53, a woman drops a millstone on Abimelech's head, crushing his skull. This incident highlights the vulnerability of the head and the severity of head injuries. Similarly, in 1 Samuel 17:49, David strikes Goliath on the forehead with a stone, causing the giant to fall face down to the ground. Headaches and Pain: While specific references to headaches are not prevalent, the Bible does mention pain and suffering that could encompass such ailments. In Job 2:7, Job is afflicted with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head, indicating a comprehensive suffering that could include head pain. Symbolic and Spiritual Implications: The head often symbolizes leadership and authority in the Bible. Diseases or injuries affecting the head could be interpreted as a loss of authority or divine disfavor. For instance, in Isaiah 1:5-6, the prophet describes the sinful nation of Israel as being afflicted from head to toe: "Why do you want more beatings? Why do you keep rebelling? The whole head is injured, and the whole heart is sick. From the sole of the foot to the top of the head, there is no soundness—only wounds and welts and festering sores, not cleansed or bandaged or soothed with oil." Healing and Restoration: The Bible also speaks of healing and restoration from head ailments. In the New Testament, Jesus' healing ministry includes restoring health to those afflicted with various diseases, which would encompass head-related ailments. In Matthew 4:24, it is noted, "News about Him spread all over Syria, and people brought to Him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering acute pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed—and He healed them." In summary, diseases of the head in the Bible are depicted with both physical and spiritual dimensions, reflecting the cultural and religious context of the times. The head's significance as a symbol of authority and leadership underscores the impact of its ailments in biblical narratives. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 3:17Therefore the LORD will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will discover their secret parts. Nave's Topical Index Library Psalm 91 Part 1 Safety in Public Diseases and Dangers. Psalm 91:1. 1-7. First Part. Safety in Public Diseases and Dangers ... That God is to be Loved and Worshipped in Diseases: and Also of ... The Idol which Shed Tears. Our Instructor's Treatment of Our Sins. Appendix xvi. On the Jewish views About Demons' and the Demonised ... On the Education of Children Of True Meekness and Adversity: and of the Example of the Saints ... The Phoenix The Hebdomadarii; System of the Arithmeticians; Pressed into the ... Resources What does it mean that you are the head and not the tail in Deuteronomy 28:13? | GotQuestions.orgShould Christian women wear head coverings? | GotQuestions.org Who is the head of the church, biblically speaking? | GotQuestions.org Head: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Head in Grief: Sprinkled With Dust Head in Grief: The Hands Placed On Head of Criminals often Cut off Head of Enemies Slain in War, often Cut off Head of the Chief City of a Kingdom Head of the Leper Always Uncovered Head of Women Generally Covered in Public Head: (Anointed) of Joy and Prosperity Head: (Covered) of Defence and Protection Head: (Lifted Up) of Exaltation Head: (Lifted Up) of Joy and Confidence Head: (Made Bald) of Heavy Judgments Head: All the Other Members Necessary To Head: Bowed Down in Worshipping God Head: Bowed Down: As a Token of Respect Head: Derision Expressed by Shaking Head: Liable to Internal Disease Head: Nazarites Forbidden to Shave Head: Parts of Mentioned: The Crown Head: Parts of Mentioned: The Face Head: Parts of Mentioned: The Forehead Head: Parts of Mentioned: The Hair Head: Parts of Mentioned: The Scalp Head: Parts of Mentioned: The Skull Head: Parts of Mentioned: The Temples Head: Priests Forbidden to Shave Head: Put for the Whole Person Head: Shaven when Vows Were Taken Head: The Body Supported and Supplied By Head: The Jews Censured for Swearing By Head: The Uppermost and Chief Member of the Body Head: when Hoary With Age to be Respected Related Terms |