The Bible addresses a woman’s hair in various contexts, symbolizing respect and cultural values. In some passages, hair is associated with modesty and dignity, while other verses focus on inner character. Scripture ultimately teaches that true beauty comes from the heart, not just appearance.
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What Does The Bible Say About a woman’s 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 highlights the significance of a woman’s hair as a symbol of her beauty and glory. Long hair is considered a divine gift and serves as a natural covering for a woman.
1 Peter 3:3
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.”
Instead of focusing on external adornment, this verse encourages women to cultivate inner beauty and a gentle and quiet spirit.
1 Corinthians 11:6
“For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of head covering as a sign of modesty and submission for a woman, contrasting it with the act of cutting off all her hair, which is seen as a disgrace.
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.”
This poetic passage uses imagery to describe the beauty of a woman’s hair, comparing it to the elegance and grace of a flock of goats.
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.”
Instead of relying on outward adornment, this verse encourages women to focus on modesty and self-control and prioritize their inner character.
1 Samuel 16:7
“But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
This verse reminds us that while outward appearance, including hair, may be important to humans, God values the condition of the heart above all else.
Proverbs 31:30
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”
This verse serves as a reminder that true beauty comes from fearing the Lord and cultivating godly character rather than focusing solely on physical appearance, including hair.
Isaiah 3:24
“Instead of fragrance, there will be a stench; instead of a sash, a rope; instead of well-dressed hair, baldness; instead of fine clothing, sackcloth; instead of beauty, branding.”
This verse captures a prophecy of judgment, illustrating how the absence of well-dressed hair, or even baldness, can symbolize harsh consequences and loss of beauty.
Psalm 139:14
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
Regardless of hairstyle, this verse reminds us that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made by God, celebrating the unique beauty and individuality of every person.
Song of Solomon 4:7
“You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you.”
In this romantic verse, the beloved is described as flawless, highlighting the perception of beauty beyond physical attributes such as hair.
Matthew 5:36
“And don’t swear ‘by your head,’ for you cannot make a single hair white or black.”
This verse advises against making frivolous oaths, emphasizing that even the color of a single hair is beyond our control, reminding us of our dependence on God’s providence.
Ezekiel 16:12
“I put a ring on your nose, earrings on your ears and a beautiful crown on your head.”
This verse uses imagery to convey the adornment and beauty bestowed upon Israel, likening it to precious jewelry, including the placement of a crown on their head.
1 Timothy 2:10
“But with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.”
This verse encourages women to focus on displaying good deeds and acts of faith rather than relying solely on outward appearance, including hairstyles.
Proverbs 31:25
“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”
This verse characterizes a virtuous woman, highlighting her inner qualities of strength and dignity, which go beyond physical appearance or hairstyle.
Leviticus 19:27
“You shall not round off the hair on your temples or mar the edges of your beard.”
This verse provides guidance on hairstyles for men, instructing them not to round off the hair on their temples or mar the edges of their beard.
Matthew 6:17
“But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face.”
In the context of fasting, this verse suggests maintaining personal grooming habits, including caring for one’s hair, albeit without seeking attention or drawing unnecessary focus to it.
Proverbs 16:31
“Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.”
This verse honors the beauty and wisdom that comes with age, comparing gray hair to a crown of glory earned through a righteous and virtuous life.
1 Peter 5:5
“Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'”
This verse encourages humility among the younger generation, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and submission to elders, rather than focusing solely on external appearances.
Song of Solomon 4:12
“A garden enclosed is my sister, my spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed.”
In this poetic description, the beloved is likened to an enclosed garden, symbolizing her purity and virtue, which transcends outward appearances, such as hairstyles.
James 2:1-4
“My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, ‘Here’s a good seat for you,’ but say to the poor man, ‘You stand there’ or ‘Sit on the floor by my feet,’ have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?”
This passage admonishes against superficial judgment and bias based on outward appearances, including hairstyles, promoting equality and impartiality among believers.
1 Chronicles 16:29
“Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.”
This verse calls for the recognition and worship of God’s glory, shifting the focus from external appearances, including hairstyles, to the splendor of God’s holiness.
Genesis 1:27
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
This verse affirms the intrinsic value and worth of all individuals, irrespective of external features, including hairstyles, highlighting that we are all created in the image of God.
1 Samuel 16:13
“So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah.”
When Samuel anointed David as king, it signified God’s selection and favor, highlighting that a person’s hair or outward appearance was not the determining factor.
1 Samuel 14:45
“But 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.”
This verse showcases the significance attributed to a person’s hair, emphasizing that not even a single hair will fall from Jonathan’s head due to the miraculous victory he achieved with God’s help.
Luke 7:38
“As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.”
This powerful scene describes the anointing of Jesus’ feet by a woman using her hair, displays deep devotion, and demonstrates that hair can be used to express love and reverence.
Throughout the Bible, hair is often portrayed symbolically, emphasizing deeper spiritual truths rather than solely focusing on external appearances. These verses remind us that true beauty and worth are found in inner character, humility, and reverence for God. While external adornment and hairstyles can be an expression of creativity and personal style, the scriptures encourage individuals to prioritize the condition of their hearts, acts of righteousness, and godly character above all else. In the sight of God, it is the inward qualities that truly matter, and our identity and worth are found in being fearfully and wonderfully made in His image.