Dreadlocks have cultural and spiritual significance in many communities, but does the Bible have anything to say about them? While dreadlocks aren’t specifically mentioned, the Bible does discuss hair in various contexts, including expressions of religious devotion. Understanding these references can provide insight into how different hairstyles fit within a biblical framework.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About A Man Disrespecting A Woman
What Does The Bible Say About Dreadlocks
Leviticus 19:27
“You shall not round off the hair on your temples or mar the edges of your beard.”
This verse prohibits rounding off the hair on one’s temples or marring the edges of the beard. It speaks to the importance of maintaining the natural state of one’s hair and avoiding alterations.
This verse does not specifically mention dreadlocks, but it emphasizes the idea of respecting and preserving the natural state of our hair.
Numbers 6:5
“All the days of his vow of separation, no razor shall touch his head. Until the time is completed for which he separates himself to the Lord, he shall be holy. He shall let the locks of hair of his head grow long.”
In this verse, it is stated that during the period of a vow of separation, one should not cut their hair. This indicates that growing long locks of hair is associated with consecration and devotion to the Lord.
Although this verse does not explicitly mention dreadlocks, it implies that allowing the hair to grow long is a sign of dedication to God.
1 Corinthians 11:14
“Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him?”
Paul, in this verse, is instructing the Corinthians about modesty and appropriate gender-related appearances. He argues that it is considered disgraceful for a man to wear long hair.
While this verse can be interpreted as discouraging the practice of growing long hair or having dreadlocks, it is important to note that cultural norms and understandings of gender have evolved since this passage was written. Therefore, it is important to approach this verse with contextual understanding.
1 Samuel 16:7
“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.””
In this verse, the Lord instructs Samuel not to judge or make decisions based solely on someone’s physical appearance. God sees beyond the external and focuses on the condition of the heart.
While this verse does not directly address the issue of dreadlocks, it reminds us that true significance lies in our inner character and relationship with God, rather than our outward appearance or hairstyle.
Matthew 10:30
“But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.”
In this verse, Jesus reassures His disciples that God’s care and attention extend even to the smallest details of their lives, including the number of hairs on their heads.
While this verse does not specifically mention dreadlocks, it highlights the personal nature of God’s knowledge and His concern for every individual’s well-being, including the style or appearance of their hair.
Luke 12:7
“Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.”
Similarly to the previous verse, Jesus here emphasizes God’s intimate knowledge of His people, stating that even the number of hairs on their heads are accounted for.
Though dreadlocks are not specifically mentioned, this verse reminds us of our intrinsic value and worth in God’s eyes, surpassing the importance of external appearances.
1 Peter 3:3-4
“Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.”
In this passage, Peter advises believers not to focus solely on their outward appearance or external adornments but to place greater value on cultivating an inner beauty characterized by a gentle and quiet spirit.
While this verse does not explicitly mention dreadlocks, it reminds us that our true beauty should be reflected in our character and attitudes, rather than in external grooming or hairstyles.
Psalm 139:13-14
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
This Psalm of David emphasizes the incredible craftsmanship of God in forming each individual in the womb, highlighting the marvel and uniqueness of every person’s creation.
While this verse does not specifically mention dreadlocks, it affirms the worth and value of our physical bodies, including our hair, as part of God’s intentional and intricate design.
Song of Solomon 4:1
“Behold, you are beautiful, my love, behold, you are beautiful! Your eyes are doves behind your veil. Your hair is like a flock of goats leaping down the slopes of Gilead.”
In this passage, the bridegroom praises the beauty of his beloved, likening her hair to a vibrant flock of goats descending the slopes of Gilead, a poetic compliment to her appearance.
While this verse does not specifically mention dreadlocks, it acknowledges the attractiveness of well-maintained and vibrant hair, reflecting the cultural appreciation for hair as an element of beauty.
1 Timothy 2:9
“Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire.”
In this verse, Paul advises women to focus on modesty and self-control in their apparel rather than extravagant adornments such as braided hair, gold, pearls, or costly attire.
Although this verse does not explicitly mention dreadlocks, it encourages women to prioritize inner qualities over external embellishments, suggesting that extravagant hairstyles may not be in line with modesty.
Judges 16:13
“Then Delilah said to Samson, ‘Until now you have mocked me and told me lies. Tell me how you might be bound.’ And he said to her, ‘If you weave the seven locks of my head with the web and fasten it tight with the pin, then I shall become weak and be like any other man.'”
Delilah, in this narrative, discovers Samson’s secret strength lies within his hair. She learns that if she weaves his seven locks with a web and fastens it with a pin, Samson’s strength will be compromised.
While this verse relates to Samson’s hair being woven and not specifically referring to dreadlocks, it highlights the significance of hair as a symbol of strength and power.
1 Samuel 14:45
“Then the people said to Saul, ‘Shall Jonathan die, who has worked this great salvation in Israel? Far from it! As the Lord lives, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground, for he has worked with God this day.’ So the people ransomed Jonathan, so that he did not die.”
In this passage, the people demonstrate their appreciation for Jonathan’s bravery and courage in battle, vowing to protect him by ensuring not a single hair on his head would fall to the ground as a sign of their loyalty.
While this verse does not explicitly mention dreadlocks, it highlights the symbolic significance of hair as a representation of honor, protection, and valor.
Deuteronomy 14:1-2
“You are the sons of the Lord your God. You shall not cut yourselves or make any baldness on your foreheads for the dead. For you are a people holy to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.”
In this passage, the Israelites are instructed not to engage in acts of self-mutilation or baldness as mourning rituals for the dead. They are reminded that as God’s chosen people, they are to be set apart and holy.
While this passage does not specifically address dreadlocks, it emphasizes the uniqueness and sanctity of God’s people, serving as a reminder to express ourselves in ways that honor Him.
Ezekiel 8:3
“He put out the form of a hand and took me by a lock of my hair, and the Spirit lifted me up between earth and heaven and brought me in visions of God to Jerusalem, to the entrance of the gateway of the inner court that faces north, where was the seat of the image of jealousy, which provokes to jealousy.”
In this vision, Ezekiel is taken by a lock of his hair by the Spirit of God, transported to Jerusalem to witness the idolatrous practices that provoked the Lord’s jealousy.
Though this verse does not specifically pertain to dreadlocks, it underscores the symbolic connection between hair and spiritual experiences, representing God’s guidance and revelation to His chosen vessels.
Revelation 1:14
“The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire.”
In this vivid description of Jesus in the book of Revelation, His hair is depicted as white like wool, creating an image of purity and wisdom.
While this verse does not mention dreadlocks, it portrays hair as conveying a visual representation of divine attributes, stressing the significance of hair as part of a person’s appearance.
Acts 18:18
“After this, Paul stayed many days longer and then took leave of the brothers and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had cut his hair, for he was under a vow.”
Here, Paul, as part of a vow, cuts his hair at Cenchreae after spending extended time with Priscilla and Aquila before departing for Syria.
Although this verse does not directly mention dreadlocks, it provides a glimpse into the cultural and personal significance of hair and vows in the context of the early Christian community.
2 Kings 2:23
“He went up from there to Bethel, and while he was going up on the way, some small boys came out of the city and jeered at him, saying, ‘Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!'”
In this passage, Elisha, a prophet, was mocked by a group of young boys who taunted him, calling him a “baldhead.”
While this verse does not specifically mention dreadlocks, it reveals the cultural significance and perceptions associated with hair, underscoring the importance of maintaining reverence and respect for others.
2 Samuel 14:26
“And when he cut the hair of his head (for at the end of every year he used to cut it; when it was heavy on him, he cut it), he weighed the hair of his head, two hundred shekels by the king’s weight.”
This verse refers to Absalom, who annually cut his hair due to its weight and then weighed it, reflecting his pride and vanity in his long, luxurious locks.
While this verse does not directly discuss dreadlocks, it highlights the significance of hair’s appearance and the role it can play in one’s perception of personal identity and pride.
Ruth 3:3
“Wash therefore and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor, but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking.”
In this verse, Naomi instructs Ruth on how to prepare herself before approaching Boaz on the threshing floor, emphasizing cleanliness and anointing.
Although this verse does not directly concern dreadlocks, it underscores the importance of personal grooming and maintaining cleanliness, aspects that would also apply to haircare.
1 Corinthians 11:14-16
“Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him, but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering. If anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor do the churches of God.”
In this passage, Paul addresses the matter of appropriate gender-related appearances and argues that long hair on a man is disgraceful but that it is a woman’s glory.
While this verse can be interpreted as discouraging the practice of growing long hair or having dreadlocks, it is important to note that cultural norms and understandings of gender have evolved since this passage was written. Therefore, it is essential to approach this verse with contextual understanding.
Psalm 23:5
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”
In this famous psalm, the psalmist praises God’s provision and protection, describing how God anoints their head with oil as a symbol of blessing and abundance.
Although this verse does not directly discuss dreadlocks, it underscores the significance of anointing and spiritual blessings, which may extend to one’s physical appearance, including hair.
Deuteronomy 22:5
“A woman shall not wear a man’s garment, nor shall a man put on a woman’s cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord your God.”
In this verse, the Israelites are instructed not to engage in cross-dressing, as it is considered detestable in the sight of God.
Although this verse does not directly address dreadlocks, it highlights the importance of maintaining gender distinctions and appropriateness in appearance and attire.
2 Samuel 19:24
“And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king. He had neither taken care of his feet nor trimmed his beard nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came back in safety.”
In this passage, Mephibosheth, due to mourning Israel’s state following David’s temporary exile, had neglected his personal grooming, including his beard and clothing maintenance.
While this verse does not pertain to dreadlocks specifically, it underscores the cultural significance of proper grooming practices and the potential impact of external appearances.
1 Peter 3:1-6
“Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives—when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.”
In this passage, Peter instructs wives on the importance of inner character and conduct, urging them not to focus solely on external ornamentation but to cultivate a gentle and quiet spirit.
While this verse does not directly mention dreadlocks, it emphasizes that true beauty is found in godly character rather than external appearances.