Baldness is mentioned in the Bible in different contexts. Today, we’ll look at how Scripture approaches this topic with wisdom.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Balancing
What Does The Bible Say About Baldness
Leviticus 13:40
“If a man has lost the hair of his head and becomes bald, he is still clean.”
This verse from Leviticus refers to the physical condition of baldness. It highlights that even if a man loses the hair of his head and becomes bald, it does not make him unclean in the eyes of God. It reminds us that external appearances do not define a person’s worth or spiritual cleanliness.
Isaiah 15:2
“He has gone up to the temple and Dibon, to the high places to weep; Moab wails over Nebo and Medeba. Every head is shaved and every beard cut off.”
This verse in Isaiah depicts a scene of mourning, where the people of Moab express their grief by shaving their heads and cutting off their beards. It illustrates how baldness can be associated with a sorrowful and lamenting state. It reminds us that there are times in life when we experience deep grief and sadness, and it is okay to express our emotions in tangible ways.
Job 1:20-21
“Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. And he said: ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.'”
In this passage, Job responds to the tragic loss of his possessions and children by tearing his robe, shaving his head, and worshiping God. It symbolizes an act of humility and surrender before the sovereignty of God. Job acknowledges that everything he had was a gift from the Lord, and he accepts both the moments of abundance and the moments of loss, praising God in every circumstance.
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.”
This verse in Isaiah presents a vivid image of the consequences of moral decay and rebellion against God. It uses the metaphor of baldness to signify the loss of personal beauty and vanity. It serves as a reminder that true beauty lies not in outward appearances but in a heart that is obedient to God.
Deuteronomy 14:1
“You are the children of the Lord your God. Do not cut yourselves or shave the front of your heads for the dead.”
Here, in Deuteronomy, the Lord instructs His people not to engage in self-inflicted wounds or shave their heads as a sign of mourning for the dead. This verse highlights the importance of preserving our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit and refraining from practices rooted in pagan customs.
Isaiah 22:12
“The Lord, the LORD Almighty, called you on that day to weep and to wail, to tear out your hair and put on sackcloth.”
In this passage, Isaiah describes a call to repentance and mourning over the impending destruction of Jerusalem. The mention of tearing out hair signifies an intense expression of grief and humility before God. It serves as a reminder that genuine repentance involves a deep sense of remorse and a willingness to turn away from sinful ways.
Ezekiel 27:31
“They will shave their heads because of you, and will put on sackcloth; they will weep over you with anguish of soul, with bitter mourning.”
In this context, the shaving of heads and wearing of sackcloth symbolize mourning over the fall of the city of Tyre. The verse emphasizes the severity of their grief and the depth of their sorrow. It reminds us of the transient nature of worldly possessions and the importance of aligning our hearts with heavenly treasures.
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.”
Addressing the issue of head coverings, this verse presents the cultural understanding and significance of hair for women during worship. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining modesty and adhering to social customs in matters of appearance. It encapsulates the idea that our conduct and appearance should bring glory to God and honor the cultural values of the community.
Amos 8:10
“I will turn your religious festivals into mourning and all your singing into weeping. I will make all of you wear sackcloth and shave your heads. I will make that time like mourning for an only son and the end of it like a bitter day.”
These words from the prophet Amos depict a scene of judgment and mourning. The act of shaving heads is used as a symbol of intense grief and sorrow. It reminds us that there are consequences for disobedience and that God’s justice will prevail.
Jeremiah 7:29
“Cut off your hair and throw it away; take up a lament on the barren heights, for the LORD has rejected and abandoned this generation that is under his wrath.”
This verse in Jeremiah calls for a physical act of cutting off hair to signify the rejection and abandonment of a generation that has turned away from God. It vividly illustrates the consequences of disobedience and the need for repentance and humble submission to God’s will.
Numbers 6:18
“And after the Nazirite has shaved off the hair that symbolizes their dedication, the priest is to place in their hands a boiled shoulder of the ram, and one thick loaf and one thin loaf from the basket, both made without yeast.”
This verse describes the ceremonial process at the completion of a Nazirite vow. Shaving off the hair that symbolizes dedication marks the end of the vow, and various offerings are presented to the priest. It demonstrates the significance and fulfillment of a vow made to the Lord and the importance of honoring commitments made in His presence.
Zechariah 13:4
“On that day every prophet will be ashamed of their prophetic vision. They will not put on a prophet’s garment of hair in order to deceive.”
Here, Zechariah prophesies about a time when false prophets will be ashamed of their deceitful practices. The mention of a garment of hair represents an imitation of the genuine prophetic calling. It serves as a warning about the dangers of false teachings and the importance of discernment in recognizing truth from falsehood.
Jeremiah 48:37
“Every head is shaved and every beard cut off; every hand is slashed and every waist is covered with sackcloth.”
This verse in Jeremiah describes the physical manifestations of grief and mourning in the context of the destruction of Moab. It paints a picture of a devastated nation, with shaved heads, cut-off beards, and the wearing of sackcloth. It reminds us of the consequences of rebellion against God and the need for genuine repentance.
Acts 21:24
“Take these men, join in their purification rites and pay their expenses, so that they can have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law.”
In this verse, the apostle Paul takes part in a purification ritual, including the shaving of heads. The act serves as a demonstration of adherence to Jewish customs and dispels false accusations against Paul. It showcases the importance of maintaining good character and addressing misunderstandings for the sake of the Gospel.
Deuteronomy 21:10-11
“When you go to war against your enemies and the LORD your God delivers them into your hands and you take captives, if you notice among the captives a beautiful woman and are attracted to her, you may take her as your wife.”
This passage in Deuteronomy discusses the regulations concerning women taken as captives during times of war. In the context of this discussion, the shaving of her head is mentioned as part of the process of mourning for her family. It acknowledges the emotional impact and trauma associated with war and captivity and provides provisions for their well-being and integration into the community.
Jeremiah 9:26
“Egypt, Judah, Edom, Ammon, Moab, and all who live in the wilderness in distant places. For all these nations are really uncircumcised, and even the whole house of Israel is uncircumcised in heart.”
In this verse, Jeremiah speaks of the uncircumcised hearts of various nations, including Israel. He uses the metaphor of physical circumcision to highlight the need for spiritual transformation and obedience to God. It serves as a reminder that true devotion to God requires a genuine change of heart.
Isaiah 50:6
“I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting.”
This verse in Isaiah portrays the suffering and humiliation endured by the servant of the Lord. The mention of beard-pulling represents a severe act of disrespect, emphasizing the level of mistreatment and abuse. It points to the sacrificial love and endurance of Jesus, even in the face of extreme adversity.
Jeremiah 48:38
“On all the roofs in Moab and in the public squares, there is nothing but mourning, for I have broken Moab like a jar that no one wants,” declares the LORD.”
This verse in Jeremiah describes a scene of widespread mourning in Moab. It depicts a broken nation with no joy or prosperity, likening it to a worthless jar. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of rebellion against God and the importance of placing our trust and obedience in Him.
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.'”
This verse tells the story of Hannah’s desperate plea for a son and her subsequent vow to dedicate him to the Lord as a Nazirite. The commitment to refrain from cutting his hair symbolizes the special consecration of the child to God’s service. It serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping our promises and fulfilling our commitments to the Lord.
Jeremiah 16:6
“Both the great and the small will die in this land. They will not be buried or mourned, and no one will cut themselves or shave their heads for the dead.”
In this verse, Jeremiah prophesies the devastating judgment that will come upon the people of Judah. The absence of mourning rituals, including the cutting of oneself or shaving of heads, signifies the severity of the calamity and the desolation that will overcome the land. It emphasizes the need for repentance and genuine grief over sin.
Acts 18:18
“Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sisters and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchreae because of a vow he had taken.”
This verse describes Paul’s observance of a personal vow which involved cutting his hair. The act demonstrates the importance of honoring personal commitments made before God and highlights Paul’s dedication to fulfilling his obligations. It serves as an example of following through on our promises and living a life of integrity.
Jeremiah 48:16
“The calamity of Moab is near at hand, and his affliction hastens swiftly. Mourn for him, all you who are around him, and all who know his name; say, ‘How the strong staff is broken, the beautiful rod!'”
In this verse, Jeremiah calls for mourning over the impending judgment upon Moab. The metaphor of a broken staff and a beautiful rod symbolizes the loss of power and splendor. It serves as a reminder of the transitory nature of human strength and beauty and the need to place our trust in the unchanging and eternal God.