Hair growth might seem like a trivial topic, but did you know that the Bible actually has something to say about it? Join us as we uncover the verses that touch on the subject of hair growth, offering insights and reflections on the symbolism and significance of this natural phenomenon in the context of scripture and spiritual life.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Journey
Bible Verses About Hair Growth
1 Samuel 14:45
“But the people said to Saul, ‘Shall Jonathan die, who has accomplished this great deliverance in Israel? Far from it! As the LORD lives, not one hair of his head shall fall to the ground, for he has worked with God this day.’ So the people rescued Jonathan, and he did not die.”
This verse reminds us of God’s protection and care for His people. Even down to the very hairs on our heads, God is mindful of our well-being. He is capable of preserving and keeping us in the face of danger and adversity. We can trust in His faithfulness and be confident that He will watch over us.
Genesis 42:38
“And he said, ‘My son shall not go down with you, for his brother is dead, and he is the only one left. If harm should happen to him on the journey that you are to make, you would bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to Sheol.'”
In this verse, Jacob expresses his deep love and concern for his son Benjamin. His gray hairs symbolize his old age and the experiences he has gone through. Jacob fears that any harm that might come to Benjamin would cause him immense sorrow and even bring him down to the grave. It is a reminder of the powerful emotions and attachment we can have for our loved ones.
Leviticus 21:10
“The priest who is chief among his brothers, on whose head the anointing oil is poured and who has been consecrated to wear the garments, shall not let the hair of his head hang loose nor tear his clothes.”
This verse speaks specifically to the responsibilities and guidelines for priests in the Old Testament. It highlights the importance of maintaining an appearance of dignity and holiness. The priests were to have their hair neat and restrained as a sign of their consecration and devotion to God. It serves as a reminder of the honor and reverence we should have for our calling as servants of God.
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.”
This verse is part of the Nazirite vow, where an individual would separate themselves to the Lord for a specific period of time. During this time, they were not to cut their hair as a visible sign of their dedication and commitment to God. It serves as a reminder of the value of consecration and setting ourselves apart for God’s purposes.
1 Corinthians 11:14-15
“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.”
In this passage, Paul addresses the cultural norms and expectations surrounding hair length. He emphasizes that nature itself teaches us that there is a distinction between male and female in terms of hair length. Paul’s intention is not to enforce rigid rules but to convey the importance of gender distinctions. It highlights the significance of honoring and embracing God’s design for gender roles and identity.
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.”
Paul’s decision to cut his hair in this verse is associated with a vow he took. The specifics of the vow are not mentioned, but it symbolized his dedication to God and his commitment to fulfill whatever promise he had made. It serves as a reminder of the significance of keeping our promises and honoring our commitments before God.
1 Corinthians 11:6
“For if a wife will not cover her head, then she should cut her hair short. But since it is disgraceful for a wife to cut off her hair or shave her head, let her cover her head.”
In this verse, Paul addresses the practice of head-covering in the context of worship and marriage. He acknowledges the cultural norms of the time and encourages women to cover their heads as a sign of submission and respect. The length of hair is connected to the covering, highlighting the importance of honoring God’s established order and roles within relationships.
Ezekiel 44:20
“They shall not shave their heads or let their locks grow long; they shall surely trim the hair of their heads.”
This verse refers to the regulations for the Levitical priests. They were to maintain a specific hairstyle, not shaving their heads completely nor letting their hair grow too long. The trimming of their hair symbolized their role and responsibility as servants in the temple. It serves as a reminder of the importance of order and discipline in fulfilling our calling and serving in God’s house.
Matthew 10:30
“But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.”
Jesus, in His teachings, reminds His disciples of God’s intimate knowledge and care for them. He reassures them that even the smallest details, such as the number of hairs on their heads, are known to God. It highlights the personal and loving nature of God’s relationship with His people. We can take comfort in knowing that nothing escapes His attention and that He is intimately involved in every aspect of our lives.
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 describes a powerful encounter between Jesus and a sinful woman who demonstrates her remorse and love for Him. She humbly uses her hair to wipe Jesus’ feet, an act of extreme humility and devotion. It serves as a profound example of surrender and repentance before the Lord. This woman’s actions remind us of the transformative power of encountering Jesus and the depths of His grace and forgiveness.
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 addresses the importance of modesty and appropriate attire for women. While not specifically condemning braided hair, Paul calls for a focus on inward qualities rather than outward appearance. The emphasis is placed on character, self-control, and respect for God. It encourages individuals to prioritize the condition of their hearts rather than external adornments.
Isaiah 3:24
“Instead of perfume, there will be rottenness; and instead of a belt, a rope; and instead of well-set hair, baldness; and instead of a rich robe, a skirt of sackcloth; and branding instead of beauty.”
Isaiah speaks of the devastating consequences that will come upon the proud and wicked people. The loss of “well-set hair” is mentioned as a symbol of the destruction and judgment that will befall them. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of living in rebellion against God and the importance of humility and righteousness in His sight.
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 encourages believers not to focus solely on external appearances but to prioritize inner qualities. While it does not condemn braiding or adorning the hair in itself, it emphasizes the true source of beauty— a gentle and quiet spirit before God. It challenges individuals to cultivate a Christlike character and values that are pleasing to God.
Daniel 7:9
“As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire.”
In this vision, Daniel describes the awe-inspiring appearance of God. The description of His hair as being like pure wool symbolizes His wisdom, authority, and eternal nature. It offers a glimpse into the majestic and glorious nature of our Creator. It reminds us that God is beyond our comprehension and worthy of our reverence and worship.
Proverbs 16:31
“Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.”
This proverb speaks to the honor and respect that comes with old age, represented by gray hair. It emphasizes the value of a righteous life, as the “crown of glory” is gained through a life lived in alignment with God’s commandments and principles. It is a reminder of the wisdom and experience that comes with age and encourages the pursuit of godliness throughout our lives.
1 Samuel 1:11
“And she vowed a vow and said, ‘O LORD of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.'”
In this verse, Hannah makes a vow to dedicate her son, Samuel, to the Lord. As part of this vow, she commits that no razor will touch his head, symbolizing his consecration and separation to God. It serves as an example of making sacrifices and dedicating our lives and loved ones to the service of the Lord.
Psalms 50:14
“Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High.”
This verse encourages believers to offer sacrifices of thanksgiving to God and fulfill the vows they have made to Him. While not specifically mentioned, the idea of hair-related vows can be connected to this verse. It reminds us of the importance of honoring our commitments and expressing gratitude to God for His faithfulness.
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 is ridiculed by a group of young boys who mock his baldness. While the focus is not specifically on hair growth, it sheds light on the challenges and mocking that individuals may face based on physical appearances. It reminds us to find our identity and worth in God rather than the opinions and criticisms of others.
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 depiction of love and desire, the beauty of the lover is described, including her hair. The imagery emphasizes the attractiveness and allure of her flowing hair. While it celebrates physical beauty, it also symbolizes the vitality and energy associated with youth. It serves as a reminder of the gift of beauty and the importance of embracing and appreciating God’s creation.
1 Corinthians 15:52
“in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.”
This verse speaks about the future resurrection of believers in Christ. It does not directly mention hair growth, but it alludes to the transformation of our physical bodies. It reminds us of the hope we have in eternal life and the promise of a new glorified body that will be imperishable. It affirms our belief in the resurrection and the ultimate victory over death through Christ.
Matthew 5:36
“And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black.”
In His teachings on oaths, Jesus reminds His disciples not to make frivolous or unnecessary vows based on physical attributes such as hair color. It highlights the limited power and control we have over our physical appearance and serves as a reminder to be genuine and truthful in our commitments and promises.
What Does the Bible Say About Hair Growth?
The Bible does not specifically mention hair growth in the sense of promoting or accelerating it. However, the Bible does talk about hair as a symbol of beauty and a covering for the head. In 1 Corinthians 11:15, it says that long hair for a woman is her glory, and it is given to her as a covering. This verse illustrates the significance of hair as a natural adornment and a symbol of femininity. In the Old Testament, there are references to hair as a sign of strength or weakness, such as the story of Samson who lost his strength when his hair was cut (Judges 16:17).
When it comes to taking care of our bodies, including our hair, the Bible encourages us to honor God with our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:20). This means that we should take care of our physical selves, including our hair, as a way of honoring the temple of the Holy Spirit. While the Bible doesn’t provide specific instructions on how to make hair grow faster or longer, it does emphasize the importance of stewarding our bodies well.
Ultimately, the focus of the Bible is not on external appearances but on the condition of our hearts and our relationship with God. As we seek to care for our bodies, including our hair, it’s important to do so with a focus on modesty, humility, and a heart that honors God in all things.