Topical Bible: The Hair: Black, Particularly Esteemed

◄ The Hair: Black, Particularly Esteemed ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, hair was often regarded as a symbol of beauty, strength, and vitality. Among the various hair colors, black hair held a particular esteem in the cultural and historical context of the Scriptures. This esteem is reflected in several passages and narratives throughout the Bible, where black hair is associated with youth, vigor, and attractiveness.

Cultural Significance

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, including those of the Israelites, black hair was commonly seen as a sign of health and youthfulness. The natural color of hair for many people in the region was dark, and thus, black hair was often considered the standard of beauty. This cultural perception is evident in the poetic and romantic literature of the time, where black hair is frequently praised.

Biblical References

One of the most notable references to black hair is found in the Song of Solomon, a book that celebrates love and beauty. In Song of Solomon 5:11, the beloved is described with admiration: "His head is purest gold; his hair is wavy and black as a raven." . This description highlights the attractiveness and desirability associated with black hair, likening it to the rich and deep color of a raven's feathers.

The esteem for black hair is also subtly implied in the account of Absalom, the son of King David. Absalom was renowned for his physical appearance, and his hair was a significant aspect of his allure. Although the Bible does not explicitly state the color of Absalom's hair, the emphasis on its abundance and beauty in 2 Samuel 14:25-26 suggests that it was likely dark, aligning with the cultural ideals of the time.

Symbolism and Interpretation

In biblical symbolism, black hair can represent the prime of life and the strength of youth. The emphasis on black hair in the Song of Solomon and other texts underscores the appreciation for the vitality and beauty associated with this hair color. It serves as a metaphor for the flourishing and vibrant nature of love and life.

Furthermore, the esteem for black hair can be seen as a reflection of God's creation, where diversity in appearance is celebrated and valued. The Bible often uses physical descriptions to convey deeper spiritual truths, and the admiration for black hair can be interpreted as an acknowledgment of the beauty inherent in God's design.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not provide an exhaustive discourse on hair color, the references to black hair within its pages reveal a cultural appreciation for its beauty and symbolism. Through these descriptions, the Scriptures offer insight into the values and aesthetics of the ancient world, while also pointing to the broader themes of vitality and divine creation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Songs 5:11
His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... to their souls or bodies, the pure in heart do more particularly see God. ... swear by
thy head; because thou canst not make one hair white or black;" (Matt.5 ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 23 upon our lords.htm

The Nile and Egypt
... Should the hair be too short, a black or blue wig ... A considerable number of these
pebbles, particularly those of strange shape, or presenting a curious ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

Letter Lxxix. To Salvina.
... Jerome eulogizes the virtues of Nebridius, particularly his chastity ... For "wisdom
is the grey hair unto men ... your table, or plump turtledoves or black cock from ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxxix to salvina.htm

Church Abuses.
... which seemed to diverge one hair's breadth from ... the Pariahs of ecclesiastical society;
the black sheep which ... he does not seem to have particularly cared about ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter viii church abuses.htm

The Water of Life;
... of grace, just before he waded through the black river which ... I have spoken of this
thing more particularly upon that text ... and in that it is said the hair of his ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the water of life.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... supported life on barley, cress, salt, and black bread ... of the worshippers of Isis
and Cybele, particularly when a ... that we must not deviate a hair's breadth from ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

The Immaculate Conception
... lake; out of this eddy rose a little black cloud like a ... he cut off three little tufts
of hair from the ... of all the saints who were particularly associated with ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/ii the immaculate conception.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... Most of the remaining tribes were of black blood, and ... themselves to the raising of
cattle, particularly of oxen ... Their beards were pointed, and the hair was cut ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

The Evangelical Revival.
... Much as he esteemed Venn of Huddersfield, he could not be content to leave the parish ...
wept until the tears made white gutters down their cheeks"black as they ...
/.../chapter ix the evangelical revival.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... A jail shall look as black as hell, and the loss of a few stools and chairs, as
bad as the loss of so many bags of gold.13 Death for the Saviour of the world ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm