Hair has different cultural and religious significance in the Bible. Whether cutting it or letting it grow, scripture focuses on the heart and obedience to God. Today, we’ll explore what the Bible teaches about hair and its meaning.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Cutting Down Trees
What Does The Bible Say About Cutting Of The Hair
1 Corinthians 11:15
But if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her as a covering.
This verse emphasizes the significance of long hair as a symbol of a woman’s glory and honor. It suggests that a woman’s hair serves as a natural covering that reflects her femininity and beauty.
In a cultural context, this verse may encourage women to embrace and celebrate their long hair as a reflection of their identity and purpose.
Leviticus 21:5
“They shall not make bald patches on their heads, nor shave off the edges of their beards, nor make any cuts on their body.”
This verse specifically addresses the prohibition of making cuts on the body, which would include cutting the hair. It highlights the importance of maintaining physical integrity and refraining from harmful practices such as self-mutilation.
This verse may emphasize the value of honoring one’s body as a temple of the Holy Spirit and promoting self-care and respect.
1 Samuel 16:7
“But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.””
This verse reminds us that God’s judgment of an individual goes far beyond appearances. It emphasizes the importance of inner qualities, such as a person’s character, intentions, and heart, rather than external features like hair length or style.
Hence, the significance of cutting or not cutting one’s hair should not be a primary focus in our relationship with God or understanding of spiritual matters.
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 hair of his head grow long.””
This verse describes the practice of Nazirites, individuals who took special vows of consecration and separation to the Lord for a specific period. During that time, they were forbidden to cut their hair as a visible sign of their devotion and commitment.
For those under this vow, cutting the hair would symbolize the conclusion of their consecration period and the conclusion of their special commitment to the Lord.
1 Corinthians 11:6
“If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off; and if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off, she should cover her head.”
This verse discusses the cultural practice of women covering their heads as a symbol of modesty and submission. It implies that if a woman chooses not to cover her head, it would be preferable for her to cut off her hair rather than going against societal norms and causing division or scandal.
It is important to note that the significance of this practice may vary across different cultural contexts and should be considered in light of broader biblical principles of modesty and respect.
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.”
This verse provides an example of Paul cutting his hair as part of fulfilling a vow. The specific details of the vow are not mentioned, but this act of cutting hair signifies the conclusion or fulfillment of a religious commitment.
It highlights that cutting hair can have symbolic or ceremonial significance as an outward expression of one’s dedication or obedience to God.
1 Samuel 1:11
“And she made a vow, saying, “O LORD of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.””
This verse relates to the story of Hannah, who made a vow to dedicate her son to the Lord if granted the gift of a child. As part of the vow, she committed her son to a life of consecration as a Nazirite, which included not cutting his hair.
It highlights the idea that abstaining from cutting the hair can symbolize a special dedication or surrender of oneself or loved ones to God’s service.
Deuteronomy 14:1-2
“You are children of the LORD your God. Do not cut yourselves or shave the front of your heads for the dead, for you are a people holy to the LORD your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the LORD has chosen you to be his treasured possession.”
This passage provides guidance to the Israelites regarding mourning practices. It prohibits cutting oneself or shaving the front of one’s head as expressions of mourning for the dead. Instead, as God’s chosen people, they are instructed to maintain their holiness and distinct identity.
By refraining from these practices, they demonstrate their trust in God’s sovereignty over life and death and their reliance on Him for comfort and healing.
2 Kings 2:23-24
“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!” He turned around, looked at them and called down a curse on them in the name of the LORD. Then two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the boys.”
This passage narrates an incident where Elisha, a prophet, was mocked by a group of boys for being bald. In response, Elisha called a curse upon them, and two bears came out of the woods and attacked the boys.
While this narrative is not directly focused on the act of cutting hair, it highlights the importance of respecting and honoring God’s chosen servants and teaches a lesson about the consequences of disrespect.
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 specifically addresses the priests in the temple, instructing them to maintain a specific hairstyle. They are not to shave their heads completely nor allow their hair to grow excessively long, but rather keep it neatly trimmed.
It reflects the significance placed on order, cleanliness, and respect in the worship of God and the role of priests as representatives of holiness.
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.””
This verse encourages women to prioritize inner qualities such as modesty, self-control, and spiritual adornment rather than being overly concerned with external appearance, including elaborate hairstyles.
While it does not specifically address cutting of the hair, it emphasizes the importance of focusing on character and godliness rather than excessive attention to outward beauty.
Isaiah 3:24
“Instead of perfume, 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 is part of a prophecy describing the judgment and downfall of proud and wicked people. It portrays baldness as a symbol of humiliation and the stripping away of beauty and privilege.
While not promoting or condemning cutting of hair, this verse serves as a reminder that external appearance is transient and that true beauty and worth are found in righteousness and godly character.
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.”
In this context, cutting off hair symbolizes an act of mourning and lamentation in response to the spiritual rebellion and judgment of the people. It signifies an acknowledgment of their waywardness and the consequent separation from God.
This verse serves as a call to repentance, urging the people to recognize their sinfulness and turn back to God in humility and contrition.
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 describes the suffering of the Servant of the Lord, a prophetic portrayal of Jesus Christ. It mentions the pulling out of the beard, indicating a severe form of humiliation and abuse.
While not explicitly referring to the act of cutting hair, it serves as a reminder of Jesus’ willingness to endure mistreatment and persecution for the sake of our salvation.
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.””
This verse recounts Samson’s response to Delilah’s attempts to discover the secret of his extraordinary strength. Samson reveals that he has been a Nazirite from birth, consecrated to God, and that the uncut hair is linked to his physical strength.
However, it is important to note that Samson’s strength was not inherently in his hair but rather a result of his obedience to the specific terms of the Nazirite vow, only one of which was not cutting his hair.
1 Peter 3:3-4
“Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.””
This verse encourages women to prioritize inner beauty and virtues such as gentleness, quietness, and a godly character over obsessing about external appearance, including elaborate hairstyles or excessive adornment.
It reinforces that true beauty is found in the qualities of the heart and is highly valued by God.
2 Samuel 14:26
“And when he cut the hair of his head (for at the end of every year he used to cut it; when it was heavy on him, he cut it), he weighed the hair of his head, two hundred shekels by the king’s weight.””
This verse provides a description of Absalom, who had thick and heavy hair, which he would cut annually. The weight of the cut hair was significant, demonstrating the extravagant and extravagant nature of Absalom’s appearance.
While this verse primarily serves as a historical account of Absalom’s personal grooming habits, it may also serve as a reminder of the potential dangers of excessive vanity and pride in one’s physical appearance.
1 Corinthians 3:16
“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?”
This verse highlights the concept that believers are God’s dwelling place. It underscores the importance of honor and respect for our bodies as holy temples where the Holy Spirit resides.
While not directly addressing cutting hair, it emphasizes the need to approach our physical bodies with reverence, taking care to honor God in how we present ourselves.
Isaiah 40:8
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.””
This verse affirms the eternal nature and enduring power of God’s Word. It contrasts the fleeting nature of temporary things, such as physical beauty or hairstyles, with the unchanging truth of God’s Word.
It reminds us to prioritize the study and application of Scripture, which provides lasting guidance and guidance beyond the transient trends or fads related to physical appearance.
Mark 9:30-32
“They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he did not want anyone to know, for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.” But they did not understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him.””
In this passage, Jesus foretells His impending death and resurrection, but His disciples fail to grasp the meaning behind His words. They are unable to comprehend the deep spiritual truths Jesus is revealing to them.
Although this passage does not directly address hair cutting, it serves as a reminder of the importance of spiritual understanding and discernment when engaging with God’s teachings.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted.””
This well-known passage acknowledges the existence of seasons and cycles in life. It acknowledges that there are appropriate times for different activities, including birth, death, planting, and harvest.
While it does not specifically mention hair cutting, it reminds us of the importance of discerning the right time and context for actions, including grooming practices, based on wisdom and proper understanding of God’s will.
Psalm 139:13-14
“For you formed my inward parts; you covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.””
This psalm of David praises God for His intricate creative work in forming and shaping humanity. It acknowledges the unique and marvelous nature of every individual, emphasizing the value and worth God has bestowed upon each person.
In the context of hair cutting, this verse reminds us of our inherent value and beauty as creations of God, encouraging us to approach our physical appearance with gratitude and self-acceptance.