Beards are mentioned several times in the Bible, often in connection with customs and cultural practices. Today, we will look at what the Bible says about beards, how they were viewed in biblical times, and what that might mean for us today.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Be Strong
What Does The Bible Say About Beard
Leviticus 19:27
“You shall not round off the hair on your temples or mar the edges of your beard.”
This verse in Leviticus is part of the Old Testament law given by God to the Israelites. It emphasizes the importance of not altering one’s beard and hair, illustrating the value of maintaining the natural appearance that God has given us.
While this commandment may not have the same relevance or application in today’s context, it highlights the significance that God places on embracing and appreciating our unique physical characteristics.
Psalm 133:2
“It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe.”
This verse from the book of Psalms vividly describes the anointing of Aaron, the high priest, with precious oil. The oil is likened to a blessing and honor that flows down from the head, onto the beard, and onto the robe.
The symbolism of the beard in this context represents the dignity, authority, and sacredness associated with the priestly role. It serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and respecting the positions of leadership and spiritual authority within the community of believers.
Proverbs 20:29
“The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.”
This proverb draws attention to the unique qualities and attributes of different stages of life. It acknowledges that the strength of young men is something to be celebrated, while also highlighting the splendor and wisdom that come with old age, symbolized by the presence of gray hair.
The mention of gray hair, which often appears on the beard, serves as a reminder of the honor and respect that should be given to the elderly, as they possess valuable life experiences and wisdom.
1 Samuel 21:13
“So he pretended to be insane in their presence; and while he was in their hands, he acted like a madman, making marks on the doors of the gate and letting saliva run down his beard.”
Here, we find David, the future king of Israel, pretending to be insane in order to escape the danger he faced. As part of his act, he let saliva run down his beard, which added to the appearance of madness.
Although this verse does not explicitly focus on the significance of the beard, it offers an intriguing glimpse into the lengths David was willing to go to protect himself and fulfill God’s purposes. It displays his willingness to sacrifice his dignity and appearance for the sake of survival and carrying out God’s plans.
2 Samuel 10:4-5
“So Hanun seized David’s envoys, shaved off half of each man’s beard, cut off their garments at the buttocks, and sent them away.”
In this account, we witness the dishonorable act of Hanun, the Ammonite king, who mistreated David’s envoys. As a sign of disrespect and humiliation, Hanun shaved off half of each man’s beard before sending them away.
The shaving of the beards and cutting of the garments aimed to degrade and diminish the dignity and honor of David’s messengers. This verse highlights the social and cultural importance placed on the beard as a symbol of respect and honor within ancient societies.
Isaiah 15:2
“Dibon goes up to its temple, to its high places to weep; Moab wails over Nebo and Medeba. Every head is shaved and every beard cut off.”
In this mournful passage, the prophet Isaiah describes the devastation and sorrow experienced by the Moabites. The shaving of heads and cutting off of beards serves as an outward expression of grief and mourning for their losses.
The removal of the beard in this context symbolizes the stripping away of dignity and honor, emphasizing the deep pain and anguish felt by the people. It illustrates how significant the beard was as a visible representation of identity and social status in ancient cultures.
Ezekiel 5:1
“Now, son of man, take a sharp sword and use it as a barber’s razor to shave your head and your beard. Then take a set of scales and divide up the hair.”
In this prophetic vision, the Lord instructs Ezekiel, the prophet, to shave his head and beard as a symbol of judgment and punishment against the people of Israel.
The act of shaving the beard represents the humiliation and shame that the Israelites would experience as a consequence of their disobedience and rebellion against God. It serves as a powerful metaphor for the severity of the judgment that would befall them.
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 prophecies about a time when false prophets would be exposed and their dishonesty revealed. These false prophets would no longer wear the traditional garments of hair, commonly associated with their role.
The mention of the prophet’s garment of hair, which likely included a beard, symbolizes the deceptive practices and false teachings of these individuals. It underscores the importance of discernment and the need to carefully evaluate those claiming to speak on behalf of God.
Matthew 5:36-37
“And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives instructions regarding oaths and swearing. He advises against swearing by one’s head, emphasizing the inability to alter the color or condition of even a single hair.
This verse encourages simplicity and honesty in our speech, advising us to let our words reflect the truth without the need for elaborate oaths or vows. It serves as a reminder that our integrity and character should be evident in our everyday communication.
Luke 12:7
“Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
In this passage, Jesus reassures his followers of God’s care and love for them. He highlights the meticulous attention that God gives to even the smallest details of their lives, such as the numbering of the hairs on their heads.
By referencing the hairs on their heads, Jesus emphasizes the intimate knowledge and value that God places on each individual. This verse serves as a source of comfort, reminding us of our worth in God’s eyes and encouraging us not to fear or be anxious.
1 Corinthians 11:14-15
“Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering.”
In this letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul addresses the issue of appropriate gender roles and appearances within the church. He asserts that it is culturally inappropriate for men to have long hair while expressing that long hair is a source of glory for women.
Although this verse does not explicitly mention beards, it raises questions about the cultural norms and expectations surrounding hair and personal appearance during biblical times. It underscores the importance of understanding the historical and cultural context when interpreting Scripture.
1 Peter 3:3-4
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”
In this letter, the Apostle Peter encourages believers to focus on cultivating inner qualities and a godly character rather than placing excessive importance on external appearances.
This verse challenges our society’s obsession with outward beauty, highlighting the significance of character traits such as gentleness and a quiet spirit as being of greater value in God’s sight. It reminds us that genuine beauty is rooted in the heart and reflects a person’s relationship with God.
Genesis 41:14
“So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. When he had shaved and changed his clothes, he came before Pharaoh.”
In the story of Joseph, we see Pharaoh summoning him to interpret his dreams. Before appearing before Pharaoh, Joseph shaved and changed his clothes.
Although the verse does not provide specific details about the shaving, it indicates a cultural practice of presenting oneself in a clean and groomed manner when approaching a person of high authority.
Amos 6:6
“You drink wine by the bowlful and use the finest lotions, but you do not grieve over the ruin of Joseph.”
In this passage, the prophet Amos condemns the self-indulgence and indifference of the people of Israel, who prioritize their own pleasures and comforts over mourning the destruction and suffering of the nation.
The reference to using the finest lotions, which may include grooming the beard, underscores the superficiality and lack of concern for the spiritual and moral crisis that was befalling them. It serves as a reminder of the importance of genuine repentance and care for those in need.
Jeremiah 48:37
“Every head is shaved bald, and every beard cut off; every hand is slashed and every waist is covered with sackcloth.”
In this prophecy against Moab, Jeremiah describes the devastating judgment that would come upon the nation. The people would respond to their calamity by shaving their heads, cutting off their beards, and wearing sackcloth as a sign of mourning and repentance.
The shaving of heads and beards, along with the donning of sackcloth, symbolize the humility and contrition that the Moabites would express in the face of God’s judgment. It speaks to the importance of genuine sorrow and repentance in times of crisis.
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.”
In this Messianic prophecy, Isaiah speaks of the suffering servant who would be unjustly persecuted and oppressed. The mention of having his beard pulled out is a vivid image that portrays the physical abuse and humiliation that the Messiah would endure.
The pulling out of the beard serves as an act of degradation and disrespect. It foreshadows the intense suffering that Jesus, the ultimate suffering servant, would endure for the sake of humanity’s redemption.
Exodus 34:35
“Whenever Moses went in before the LORD to speak with him, he removed the veil until he came out. And when he came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded.”
After experiencing a glorious encounter with God’s presence, Moses would remove the veil that covered his face when speaking with the Israelites.
While this verse does not specifically mention the beard, it highlights the significance of the unveiled face as a symbol of transparency and open communication between Moses, the leader, and the people. It indicates that Moses wanted the people to witness and trust in the authenticity of God’s communication through him.
Isaiah 50:9
“It is the Sovereign LORD who helps me. Who will condemn me? They will all wear out like a garment; the moths will eat them up.”
In this verse, Isaiah speaks on behalf of the suffering servant, expressing confidence in God’s deliverance and protection. He portrays the fleeting nature of human judgments and condemnations in light of God’s eternal faithfulness.
While this verse does not directly address the topic of beards, it reminds us of the impermanence of worldly judgments and opinions. It encourages us to place our trust in God’s ultimate authority and to find our identity and worth in Him rather than in the standards set by humanity.
Isaiah 7:20
“In that day the Lord will use a razor hired from beyond the Euphrates River — the king of Assyria — to shave your heads and private parts, and to cut off your beards also.”
In this prophecy, Isaiah warns the wicked king Ahaz of Judah about the dire consequences of his unfaithfulness and idolatry. The shaving of heads, beards, and other body parts serves as a metaphorical representation of the humiliation and defeat that would befall the people.
The act of shaving the beards underscores the dishonor and shame associated with the impending judgment. It highlights the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God’s commandments for believers today.
Psalm 133:1
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
This psalm highlights the beauty and blessing that comes from unity among God’s people. It emphasizes the joy and harmony that result from believers living in mutual love and fellowship.
While this verse does not specifically mention beards, it emphasizes the importance of cultivating healthy relationships within the Christian community. It encourages us to recognize and celebrate the diversity of individuals while maintaining a spirit of unity and love.
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 passage, the prophet Jeremiah addresses the issue of spiritual circumcision and the condition of the heart. He identifies various nations, including the house of Israel, as being “uncircumcised in heart,” meaning they lack a true and sincere devotion to God.
Although this verse does not directly address the topic of beards, it emphasizes the importance of inward transformation and genuine devotion to God rather than placing emphasis on external rituals or appearances. It serves as a reminder that true spirituality stems from a transformed heart.
Proverbs 19:11
“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”
This verse in Proverbs highlights the value of wisdom, which leads to patience and the ability to overlook and forgive offenses.
While this verse does not directly refer to beards, it reminds us of the importance of cultivating wisdom in dealing with conflicts and offenses, rather than allowing ourselves to be easily provoked or seeking revenge. It encourages us to display Christ-like character and extend grace to others.
Matthew 6:17
“But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face.”
In his teaching on fasting, Jesus emphasizes the importance of maintaining a normal appearance and avoiding any outward display of discomfort or religious righteousness.
Although this verse does not specifically deal with beards, it encourages believers to approach fasting with a sincere and humble heart rather than seeking attention or approval through external signs of piety. It reminds us that our spiritual practices should be motivated by a genuine desire to connect with God rather than seeking recognition from others.