Topical Bible: The Hair of Women: Well Set and Ornamented

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the hair of women held significant cultural and spiritual symbolism. It was often seen as a reflection of a woman's beauty, dignity, and status. The Bible provides various references to the adornment and styling of women's hair, highlighting its importance in both personal and communal contexts.

Cultural Significance

In ancient Israelite society, a woman's hair was considered her "glory" and was often associated with her femininity and honor. The Apostle Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians, emphasizes this cultural understanding: "But if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering" (1 Corinthians 11:15). This passage underscores the belief that a woman's hair was a natural covering, symbolizing modesty and propriety.

Adornment and Styling

The Bible also provides insight into the practices of adorning and styling women's hair. In Isaiah 3:16-24, the prophet Isaiah describes the daughters of Zion as having "well-set hair" and wearing "headbands" and "ornaments." This passage illustrates the use of hair as a canvas for beauty and decoration, often enhanced with accessories and intricate styles.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Peter advises women on the appropriate use of adornment: "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, but from the inner disposition of your heart" (1 Peter 3:3-4). While Peter does not condemn the practice of styling hair, he emphasizes the importance of inner beauty and character over external appearances.

Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons

The adornment of hair in biblical texts often serves as a metaphor for spiritual truths. For instance, in the Song of Solomon, the bride's hair is likened to a flock of goats descending from Mount Gilead (Song of Solomon 4:1), symbolizing beauty and grace. This poetic imagery reflects the deep appreciation for the aesthetic and symbolic value of a woman's hair.

Moreover, the Bible warns against excessive vanity and pride associated with outward appearances. In 1 Timothy 2:9-10, Paul instructs women to dress modestly and with decency, "not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God" . This teaching encourages a focus on spiritual virtues rather than mere physical adornment.

Conclusion

The biblical perspective on the hair of women, well set and ornamented, reveals a balance between cultural practices and spiritual principles. While acknowledging the beauty and significance of hair as an adornment, the Scriptures consistently point to the greater importance of inner character and godliness. Through these teachings, the Bible offers timeless wisdom on the relationship between external beauty and spiritual integrity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

At the Well
... They were chiefly Bedouins, their women perched behind them with the ... The attendant
was hastening toward the well. ... and a single tress of golden hair had escaped ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxvii at the well.htm

Marriage of the Blessed virgin to Joseph
... was attached to the sole and was always worn by well-dressed women. It was the Temple
maidens who plaited Mary's beautiful hair arrangement; I saw it ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/vii marriage of the blessed.htm

Examples of the Various Styles, Drawn from the Teachers of the ...
... of her conscience; injuring no one, wishing well to all ... wouldst fain change the color
of thy hair: I would ... arise these incentives to vice, that women, in their ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 21 examples of the various.htm

Revelation of Paul.
... flesh and blood, [2549] are cast into this well: and as ... and gnashing of teeth, many
men and women there tormented. ... my coat was not dirtied, and the hair of my ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/revelation of paul/revelation of paul.htm

Matt. xiv. 13
... of art; but when it perverts men to the gestures of women, and causes ... And I know
well, that to many I seem over-minute in busying ... Not with braided hair, or gold ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xlix matt xiv 13.htm

The Nile and Egypt
... The hair was inclined to be wavy, and even to curl ... The institution of the women of
Amon is a legacy from a ... mistresses of the house, nibit piru, as well as wives ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

Hebrews xi. 37, 38
... blessed Paul saying, and solemnly charging women "to adorn themselves, not with
plaitings [of the hair], or gold ... for in truth one may well laugh, considering ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxviii hebrews xi 37.htm

The Nuns of the Primitive Church
... of humility; and personal property in a hair blanket is ... training school for bishops
and priests, as well as a haven of religious recreation for women of the ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/vi the nuns of the.htm

Letter cvii. To Laeta.
... The first as a Nazarite wore his hair long, drank neither ... In this way while her tongue
will be well-trained, her ... led away by the silly coaxing of women to form ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cvii to laeta.htm

Low Beetling Brows, -- a Sensual, Cruel Mouth with a Loosely ...
... But apart from all personalities, I am a great believer in women. ... Well, what can
you expect? ... He smiled and stroked her soft hair, then taking her arm he leaned ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/corelli/the master-christian/ix low beetling brows .htm