The Bible mentions a woman’s hair in relation to cultural customs and spiritual symbolism, particularly in 1 Corinthians. While some passages suggest long hair as a symbol of femininity and submission, the Bible’s core message is about modesty and inner beauty. We’ll explore the context of these verses and what they mean for women today.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Fake Christians
What Does The Bible Say About A Woman Cutting Her Hair
1 Corinthians 11:15
But if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering.
This verse emphasizes the significance of a woman’s long hair as her glory and a natural covering. It suggests that a woman should not cut her hair short as it reflects her God-given feminine beauty and is designed to serve as a symbol of her submission to God’s order.
1 Samuel 1:11
And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”
In this verse, Hannah makes a vow to God not to cut her son’s hair if He grants her a child. By committing to keep her son’s hair untouched by a razor, Hannah sets him apart as dedicated to the service of the Lord, emphasizing the importance of consecration and commitment to God.
Numbers 6:5
All the days of their vow of separation, no razor shall touch their head. Until the time is completed for which they separate themselves to the Lord, they shall be holy. They shall let the locks of hair on their head grow long.
This verse refers to the Nazirite vow, which involved a period of consecration to God. During this time, individuals undertaking the vow were instructed not to cut their hair, emphasizing their dedication and set-apartness for the Lord’s purposes.
Acts 18:18
Paul, having stayed after this many more days, took his 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.
This verse highlights the instance where Paul, as a part of a vow, cut his hair. Though not explicitly mentioning Priscilla, it is believed that both Priscilla and Aquila were also involved in this vow. Here, hair-cutting is a symbol of completing a vow and is an expression of commitment and fulfillment.
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 mentions Absalom, who annually cut his long hair due to its weight. While this verse does not focus explicitly on women’s hair, it serves as a reminder that hair-cutting can be a practical decision based on personal preferences or circumstances, rather than a spiritual or religious matter.
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 poetic verse, hair is compared to a beautiful flock of goats, illustrating the admiration and allure of a woman’s hair. It highlights the aesthetic qualities associated with hair and emphasizes its significance as a captivating and attractive feature.
Luke 7:38
and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment.
This verse depicts a story in which a woman washes Jesus’ feet with her tears and wipes them with her hair. Her act of using her hair to serve Jesus showcases humility, surrender, and an expression of great love and honor towards Him.
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.
This verse encourages women to prioritize modesty, self-control, and a respectful appearance in their attire. It discourages excessive focus on outward adornment, such as braided hair, expensive jewelry, or extravagant clothing, emphasizing the value of inner beauty and character.
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.
This verse echoes the sentiment expressed in 1 Timothy 2:9, emphasizing the importance of focusing on inner qualities rather than external adornment. It suggests that true beauty comes from cultivating a gentle and quiet spirit, which is highly valued in the sight of God.
Isaiah 3:24
Instead of perfume, there will be a stench; instead of a belt, a rope; instead of styled hair, baldness; instead of fine clothing, sackcloth; instead of beauty, branding.
Describing a time of judgment and calamity, this verse illustrates how God’s judgment can result in the loss of perceived beauty and prosperity. The mention of “styled hair” in association with baldness signifies a reversal of beauty and highlights the transient nature of earthly adornments.
Ezekiel 16:7
I made you flourish like a plant of the field. And you grew up and became tall and arrived at full adornment. Your breasts were formed, and your hair had grown; yet you were naked and bare.
In this metaphorical verse, hair growth is associated with reaching full adornment and maturity. However, the mention of nakedness and being bare suggests that true beauty and fulfillment are not solely dependent on external appearance but require inner character and righteousness.
Judges 16:19
She made him sleep on her knees. And she called a man and had him shave off the seven locks of his head. Then she began to torment him, and his strength left him.
This verse narrates the well-known story of Samson and Delilah. Delilah cuts off Samson’s hair, which was the source of his strength, symbolizing the loss of his power and his vulnerability. It serves as a cautionary reminder of the potential consequences of compromising one’s integrity and deviating from God’s plan.
1 Samuel 14:45
But the men 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, Jonathan is spared from being killed, and the phrase “not one hair of his head fall to the ground” symbolizes divine protection and preservation. It demonstrates God’s faithfulness in shielding His chosen ones from harm and ensuring their safety.
Luke 12:7
Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Jesus reassures His followers that God cares for them deeply by stating that even the number of hairs on their heads is known to Him. This verse conveys the idea that God’s love and concern for His people is intimate and personal, reinforcing their inherent worth and significance.
Matthew 10:30
But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.
Similar to Luke 12:7, this verse emphasizes God’s meticulous knowledge of every single hair on a person’s head. It signifies the remarkable attention and care that God bestows upon His creation, reinforcing His omniscience and His ability to provide personalized care and guidance.
Luke 21:18
But not a hair of your head will perish.
This verse occurs in the context of Jesus’ discussion about the signs of the end times. Here, Jesus encourages His disciples by assuring them that despite the trials and tribulations they may face, God’s protection will extend to every aspect of their being, reinforcing His faithfulness and promise of preservation.
Matthew 5:36
And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black.
In this verse, Jesus advises against making oaths by one’s own head, highlighting human limitations and lack of control over even the smallest details of life. It conveys the need to rely on God’s sovereignty and submit to His will, recognizing His authority over all aspects of our lives.
Proverbs 16:31
Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.
This verse celebrates the beauty and honor associated with gray hair, symbolizing wisdom, maturity, and a righteous life. It suggests that as individuals age and accumulate gray hair, their experiences and virtuous living become a testament to God’s faithfulness and their spiritual growth.
Leviticus 13:40
If a man’s hair falls out from his head, he is bald; he is clean.
This verse is part of the biblical regulations concerning leprosy. If someone’s hair falls out due to leprosy, they were considered clean. While this verse does not specifically address women’s hair, it provides a historical perspective on the significance of hair and its association with cleanliness and hygiene.
Isaiah 50:6
I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting.
In this prophetic verse about the suffering of the Messiah, the mention of pulling out the beard implies a violent act against a man’s facial hair. While not directly related to women’s hair, it illustrates the cultural significance of hair in biblical times and the symbolism associated with its mistreatment.
Isaiah 3:17
therefore the Lord will strike with a scab the heads of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will lay bare their secret parts.
In this verse, the term “heads” metaphorically refers to the daughters of Zion, suggesting that God will bring judgment on the pride and arrogance of the women. While not explicitly mentioning hair, it signifies their vulnerability and the loss of their perceived beauty and dignity.
Ecclesiastes 12:5
they are afraid also of what is high, and terrors are in the way; the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags itself along, and desire fails, because man is going to his eternal home, and the mourners go about the streets—
While this verse does not directly mention hair, it conveys the general idea of aging and the physical decline associated with old age. The imagery of the almond tree blossoming juxtaposed with the grasshopper’s slow movement symbolizes the transition from youth to old age, encompassing the natural graying and thinning of hair.
2 Kings 2:23
And 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 verse, a group of boys taunts the prophet Elisha by calling him a baldhead. Although not directly related to women’s hair, it reflects the cultural significance of hair and the potential for ridicule or disrespect based on one’s appearance, highlighting the importance of treating others with kindness and respect.