The Bible mentions hair length in cultural and symbolic contexts, especially in the stories of Samson and Paul’s letters. Today, we’ll explore what Scripture says about boys with long hair and how these teachings reflect cultural norms and spiritual truths.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Boyfriends And Girlfriends
What Does The Bible Say About Boys With Long Hair
1 Corinthians 11:14
“Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him?”
This verse speaks to the cultural context of the time, where it was considered inappropriate for men to have long hair. It highlights the belief that a man’s appearance should align with societal norms and expectations.
While this verse does not hold the same weight in contemporary society, it encourages us to consider how our appearance may affect our witness and influence on others.
Numbers 6:5
“During the entire period of their Nazirite vow, no razor may be used on their head. They must be holy until the period of their dedication to the Lord is over; they must let their hair grow long.”
In this verse, the context is specific to individuals taking a vow of dedication to the Lord as a Nazirite. As part of their commitment, they were instructed to let their hair grow long as a sign of their consecration.
While this specific commandment does not apply to everyone in all circumstances, it serves as a reminder that our appearance and choices can reflect our dedication to God and our commitment to living a holy life.
1 Samuel 16:12
“So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, ‘Rise and anoint him; this is the one.’
This verse describes the moment when Samuel anoints David as the future king. It mentions David’s handsome features, which may imply that he had long hair, as it was commonly associated with beauty in that culture.
While the length of David’s hair is not the focus of this verse, it reminds us that God looks beyond outward appearances and values the qualities of the heart.
Leviticus 10:6
“Do not let your hair become unkempt and do not tear your clothes so that you will not die and that he will not become angry with the whole community. But your relatives, all the Israelites, may mourn for those the Lord has destroyed by fire.”
This verse instructs the priests to maintain their appearance by not letting their hair become unkempt. The importance of keeping their appearance presentable stemmed from their role as representatives of God to the people.
While this commandment was specific to the priests, it emphasizes the significance of presenting ourselves in a respectful and honorable way, both in our physical appearance and our character.
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 verse describes the act of a woman washing Jesus’ feet with her tears and drying them with her hair as an act of deep reverence and humility.
While this verse does not directly address the length of hair, it showcases the power of selfless acts of devotion and surrender to God. It reminds us that our appearance should not hinder our willingness to surrender ourselves completely to God.
1 Samuel 17:42
“He looked David over and saw that he was little more than a boy, glowing with health and handsome, and he despised him.”
In this verse, Goliath looks down on David, insulting him because of his young age and appearance.
This verse highlights the importance of not judging or underestimating others based on their physical appearance. It serves as a reminder that God values individuals for their hearts and inner qualities rather than external attributes like hair length.
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 decision to have his hair cut off as a fulfillment of a vow he made. The specific details and reasons behind Paul’s vow are not mentioned, but it showcases his commitment to keeping his promises to God.
While the length or appearance of hair is not the focus here, it reminds us of the importance of honoring our commitments and staying true to our word in our relationship with God.
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 dedicate her son, Samuel, to the Lord, and part of her vow includes not using a razor on his head.
This verse highlights the concept of consecration and illustrates the idea that certain individuals may be set apart for special purposes in service to God, as symbolized by their hair.
1 Corinthians 11:15
“But that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering.”
This verse addresses the cultural understanding of long hair as a symbol of femininity and beauty for women. It suggests that a woman’s long hair can serve as a natural covering.
While the focus of this verse is on women, it helps us recognize beauty in various expressions and affirms the importance of embracing the natural characteristics and features that God has given us.
Ezekiel 44:20
“They must not shave their heads or let their hair grow long, but they are to keep the hair of their heads trimmed.”
This verse specifies instructions for the Levitical priests, stating that they should neither shave their heads nor let their hair grow long, but rather keep it suitably trimmed.
While this commandment is specific to the priestly class, it underscores the significance of maintaining an appearance that reflects reverence and respect in our roles and responsibilities before God.
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, Paul undergoes a purification ritual that includes shaving his head, which is done to dispel false accusations and to demonstrate his commitment to the religious traditions and laws of the time.
While this specific practice may not apply to us today, it highlights the importance of maintaining a character and appearance that aligns with our values and faith, ultimately reflecting our obedience to God’s teachings.
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.”
This verse instructs the Israelites not to engage in certain mourning practices, such as cutting themselves or shaving the front of their heads, which were common customs during that time.
While the specific practices mentioned may not be relevant today, this verse reminds us to avoid harmful or superstitious rituals and to focus on grieving and honoring the deceased in ways that align with our faith and values.
2 Samuel 14:26
“Whenever he cut the hair of his head—he used to cut his hair once a year because it became too heavy for him—he would weigh it, and its weight was two hundred shekels by the royal standard.”
This verse describes Absalom’s annual hair-cutting ritual, in which he would cut his hair because its weight became too burdensome.
While this practice may not directly relate to us today, it serves as a reminder that excessive focus on external appearance or possessions can distract us from the weightier matters of the heart and faithfulness to God.
2 Kings 2:23
“From there, Elisha went up to Bethel. As he was walking along the road, some boys came out of the town and jeered at him. ‘Get out of here, baldy!’ they said. ‘Get out of here, baldy!’
This verse recounts an incident where a group of boys mockingly taunted the prophet Elisha, referring to his baldness.
While the focus is not on the length of hair, it serves as a reminder to treat others with respect and kindness, avoiding the temptation to ridicule or belittle others based on physical appearance or any other characteristic.
Judges 16:17
“So he told her everything. ‘No razor has ever been used on my head,’ he said, ‘because I have been a Nazirite dedicated to God from my mother’s womb. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as any other man.’
In this verse, Samson reveals to Delilah the source of his strength, stating that his unshaven hair was a sign of his Nazirite vow.
This verse emphasizes the significance of keeping our commitments and the consequences of compromising our dedication to God. It also serves as a cautionary tale against trusting in our own physical attributes rather than relying on God’s strength.
Isaiah 3:24
“In that day the Lord will snatch away their finery: the bangles and headbands and crescent necklaces.”
This verse describes a future judgment upon the people, in which God will take away their extravagant accessories and physical adornments.
While the focus is not specifically on hair, it serves as a reminder that our value and worth come from our relationship with God and the inward qualities of our character, rather than external appearances or material possessions.
2 Kings 9:30
“Then Jehu went to Jezreel. When Jezebel heard about it, she put on eye makeup, arranged her hair, and looked out of a window.”
This verse depicts Jezebel, a wicked queen, preparing herself for confrontation by putting on makeup and arranging her hair.
While the focus is not on the length of her hair, it serves as a reminder that outward appearances can often be deceiving, and true character is revealed by one’s actions and the condition of the heart.
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.”
In this verse, Paul addresses the cultural custom of women covering their heads, emphasizing the importance of modesty and appropriate behavior.
While the specific practice may vary across cultures and time periods, the underlying principle encourages us to be mindful of our attire and appearance, reflecting a heart of reverence and honoring God.
Song of Solomon 7:5
“Your head crowns you like Mount Carmel. Your hair is like royal tapestry; the king is held captive by its tresses.”
This verse from Song of Solomon compares the beauty of a woman’s hair to the splendor of Mount Carmel and describes the captivating effect it has on the king.
While this verse celebrates the beauty and allure of hair, it also reminds us that physical attractiveness should not be our sole focus but rather an expression of the inner beauty of character and virtue.
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.”
This verse describes a judgment upon Israel, where the Lord uses the king of Assyria as an instrument to shave the heads and cut off the beards of the people.
While this specific action is not applicable to our context, it serves as a reminder that disobedience and rebellion have consequences, and it is essential to prioritize obedience to God’s commandments in our lives.
Exodus 34:25
“Do not offer the blood of a sacrifice to me along with anything containing yeast, and do not let any of the sacrifice from the Passover Festival remain until morning.”
This verse instructs the Israelites in specific regulations regarding sacrifices during the Passover Festival and the requirement to consume the entire sacrifice before morning.
While the focus of this verse is not on hair, it reminds us of the importance of following God’s instructions and being faithful to the rituals and practices established in our faith.
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.”
These verses emphasize the cultural significance of hair length for men and women. They highlight the idea that long hair is considered a glory for women, while it is seen as a disgrace for men.
While the cultural norms surrounding hair length may differ today, these verses remind us to be aware of the cultural contexts in which we live and seek to honor God while also respecting the customs and expectations of the societies in which we find ourselves.