Topical Encyclopedia In the context of biblical teachings, the issue of men wearing long hair is addressed primarily in the New Testament, specifically in the writings of the Apostle Paul. The cultural and religious implications of hair length for men have been a topic of discussion among theologians and biblical scholars, reflecting the broader principles of order, propriety, and distinction between genders as outlined in Scripture.1 Corinthians 11:14-15 : "Does not nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering." In this passage, Paul appeals to the natural order and cultural norms of his time to make a point about propriety and gender distinction. The phrase "nature itself" suggests an appeal to a universal understanding or common sense regarding the roles and appearances of men and women. The disgrace associated with men having long hair is contrasted with the glory attributed to women for the same, emphasizing a divinely ordained difference in appearance that reflects broader theological truths about gender roles. Cultural Context: During the time of Paul's writing, Greco-Roman culture had specific expectations regarding the appearance of men and women. Men typically wore their hair short, while long hair was often associated with femininity or certain religious practices that were not aligned with Christian teachings. In this cultural context, long hair on men could be seen as a rejection of traditional gender roles or an association with pagan rituals. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, the instruction against men wearing long hair can be seen as part of a broader biblical theme of maintaining clear distinctions between male and female roles, as established in the creation narrative. Genesis 1:27 states, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." This distinction is not merely cultural but is rooted in the divine order of creation. Symbolism and Authority: In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul discusses head coverings and hair length in the context of authority and submission within the church. The passage suggests that outward appearances, such as hair length, symbolize deeper spiritual truths about authority and the relationship between men and women. The headship of man over woman, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 11:3 , "But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God," is reflected in the physical appearance and conduct of believers. Contemporary Application: While the specific cultural practices regarding hair length may vary across different societies and historical periods, the underlying principle of maintaining gender distinctions and honoring God's created order remains relevant. Conservative Christian interpretations often emphasize the importance of adhering to biblical teachings on gender roles and appearances as a testimony to the world and a reflection of the believer's commitment to living according to God's design. In summary, the biblical condemnation of men wearing long hair, as articulated by Paul, is rooted in the principles of natural order, cultural propriety, and theological symbolism. These teachings continue to inform discussions on gender roles and appearances within the Christian community. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 11:14Does not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame to him? Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Society of Friends, or Quakers. Among the People, and with the Pharisees Doctrinal and Moral Treatises. Index of Subjects. A Compendious view of the Christian Life. 1 Cor. xi. 28 The Mosaic Law the Fountain of all Ethics, and the Source from ... The Next Morning Dawned with all the Strange Half Mystical Glow of ... Lovely to a Poet or an Artist's Eye is the Unevenly-Built and ... Philippians i. 18-20 On the Clause, and Shall Come in Glory to Judge the Quick and the ... Resources What does the Bible say about hair length? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about gray hair? | GotQuestions.org Who had red hair in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Hair: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Hair of Nazarites: Not to be Cut or Shorn During Their Vow The Hair of Nazarites: Shorn After Completion of Vow The Hair of the Healed Leper to be Shorn The Hair of Women: Neglected in Grief The Hair of Women: Plaited and Broidered The Hair of Women: Well Set and Ornamented The Hair of Women: Worn Long for a Covering The Hair: Black, Particularly Esteemed The Hair: Colour of, Changed by Leprosy The Hair: Cut off in Affliction The Hair: Judgments Expressed by Sending Baldness For The Hair: Judgments Expressed by Shaving The Hair: Man Cannot Even Change the Colour Or The Hair: Men Condemned for Wearing Long The Hair: Often Expensively Anointed The Hair: Plucked out in Extreme Grief The Hair: Plucking out of, a Reproach The Hair: Sometimes Worn Long by Men The Hair: The Natural Covering of the Head The Hair: White or Gray with Righteousness, a Crown of Glory The Hair: White or Gray: A Token of Age The Hair: White or Gray: A Token of Weakness and Decay The Hair: White or Gray: An Emblem of Wisdom The Hair: White or Gray: To be Reverenced Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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