The act of cutting hair may seem like a simple part of grooming, but it holds significant cultural and spiritual meaning in the Bible. Whether it’s Samson’s famous locks or Paul’s instructions about hair in the New Testament, the Bible does have some things to say about hair. Understanding these references can help us see hair as more than just a personal style choice.
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What Does The Bible Say About Cutting Your Hair
1 Corinthians 11:15
“But if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering.”
This verse emphasizes the significance of hair as a symbol of a woman’s femininity and a covering. It implies that long hair is a source of pride and beauty for a woman.
Leviticus 19:27
“You shall not round off the hair on your temples or mar the edges of your beard.”
Leviticus provides instructions on the physical appearance of God’s people. This verse specifically prohibits the trimming of hair on the temples or the edges of the beard.
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.”
This verse discusses the cultural practice of women covering their heads as a sign of modesty. It suggests that if a woman refuses to cover her head, it would be akin to cutting off her hair, which is considered disgraceful.
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 the context of the Nazirite vow, individuals were forbidden from cutting their hair as a sign of their dedication to the Lord. This verse outlines the requirement to let the hair grow long during the duration of the vow.
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.'”
Hannah’s vow to dedicate her son, Samuel, to the Lord includes a promise not to use a razor on his head. This shows hair cutting as a way of consecrating a person to God’s service.
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 speaks against cutting oneself or shaving the front of the head as a mourning practice for the dead. It discourages self-inflicted harm in times of grief.
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.”
Isaiah prophesies about the judgment that would come upon Israel, symbolized by the humbling act of shaving their heads and cutting off their beards. It illustrates the consequences of disobedience to the Lord.
Jeremiah 41:5
“Eighty men who had shaved off their beards, torn their clothes, and cut themselves came from Shechem, Shiloh, and Samaria, carrying grain offerings and incense to present at the house of the Lord.”
This verse depicts a pagan mourning practice where men shave off their beards and cut themselves. It reveals a ritualistic action in contrast to the practice commanded by God.
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.”
Jeremiah calls for an act of mourning by cutting off one’s hair as a response to God’s rejection and wrath against the sinful generation. It signifies a visual representation of sorrow and lamentation.
Isaiah 3:24
“Instead of fragrance, 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.”
Isaiah paints a picture of judgment and humiliation, where instead of well-dressed hair, baldness will be a symbol of disgrace and loss. It serves as a metaphor for the consequences of rebellion against God.
Jeremiah 48:37
“Every head is shaved and every beard cut off; every hand is slashed and every waist is covered with sackcloth.”
Jeremiah’s prophecy about the judgment upon Moab describes the destruction and despair that will leave them shaving their heads, cutting off their beards, and wearing sackcloth. It signifies mourning and defeat.
Job 1:20
“At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship.”
Job’s act of shaving his head was part of his response to immense grief and loss. It symbolized his mourning and humility before God, as he remained faithful and worshiped in the midst of his suffering.
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.”
Paul’s decision to cut his hair was connected to a vow he had taken. Though the details of the vow are not provided, it signifies a personal commitment Paul made that involved undergoing a ritual or observance.
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.”
Ezekiel’s prophetic action of shaving his head and beard with a sword served as a visual representation of the judgment, division, and scattering of Israel. It conveys the impending destruction and calamity.
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 response to impending judgment, the people were called to lament and mourn by tearing out their hair and wearing sackcloth. It symbolizes repentance and sorrow for their sins.
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.”
Amos speaks of God’s judgment upon Israel, describing it as a time of mourning and sorrow. Shaving heads and wearing sackcloth symbolize the severity and grief associated with divine punishment.
Micah 1:16
“Shave your head in mourning for the children in whom you delight; make yourselves as bald as the vulture, for they will go from you into exile.”
The prophet Micah calls for the people to shave their heads as a sign of mourning for the impending exile of their children. It signifies lamentation and sorrow over the loss and separation.
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.”
The destruction of Moab is described, and the people are depicted as shaving their heads and cutting off their beards as signs of mourning and devastation. It illustrates the depth of their anguish and loss.
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 provides specific instructions for the priests in regard to their appearance, stating that they should neither shave their heads nor let their hair grow long. It highlights the requirement for priests to maintain a certain level of grooming and cleanliness.
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.”
As part of a demonstration of Paul’s adherence to the law, he participates in the purification rites along with other men, which includes shaving their heads. The act serves as a means to dispel false accusations and affirm Paul’s commitment to obeying the law.
Acts 18:18b
“Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchreae because of a vow he had taken.”
This verse mentions that Paul had his hair cut off as he fulfilled a personal vow before embarking on his journey. Although the purpose of Paul’s vow is not revealed, his action speaks to the significance of fulfilling one’s commitments and promises.
Ezekiel 29:18
“Son of man, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon drove his army in a hard campaign against Tyre; every head was rubbed bare and every shoulder made raw. Yet he and his army got no reward from the campaign he led against Tyre.”
Ezekiel describes King Nebuchadnezzar’s unsuccessful campaign against Tyre, resulting in the rubbing bare of heads and causing raw shoulders. The depilation serves as a visual representation of the fruitless efforts of the Babylonian army because they did not receive the expected reward from their endeavors.