Fear can hold us back, but the Bible reminds us that God is bigger than our dreads. Today, we’ll discover what Scripture says about overcoming fear and trusting Him.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Draw Me Close To You
What Does The Bible Say About Dreads
Leviticus 19:27
“Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard.”
This verse highlights the commandment given by God to the Israelites to not cut their hair at the sides of their heads or trim their beards. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining one’s natural appearance as a sign of obedience to God’s laws.
Numbers 6:5
“All the days of their vow of separation no razor shall come upon their head. Until the time is completed for which they separate themselves to the Lord, they shall be holy. They shall let the locks of hair of their head grow long.”
In this verse, individuals who take a vow of separation to dedicate themselves to the Lord are instructed not to cut their hair. Growing their hair long symbolizes their commitment to God and signifies their devotion to Him during the duration of their vow.
1 Samuel 14:45
“But the people said to Saul, ‘Shall Jonathan die, who has accomplished this great deliverance in Israel? Certainly not! 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.”
In this context, hair is used as a symbol of protection and favor from God. The people recognize Jonathan’s significant achievement and believe that God will ensure his safety by preserving every hair on his head.
2 Samuel 14:25
“Now in all Israel there was no one who was praised as much as Absalom for his good looks. From the sole of his foot to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.”
This verse describes Absalom’s physical appearance, emphasizing his flawless beauty from head to toe. It highlights the significance that hair played in defining one’s attractiveness and image, particularly during that time period.
Isaiah 3:24
“And it shall come to pass, instead of a sweet smell, there will be a stench; instead of a sash, a rope; instead of well-set hair, baldness; instead of a rich robe, a girding of sackcloth; and branding instead of beauty.”
In this verse, the prophet Isaiah speaks of the judgment that will come upon the sinful people of Jerusalem. The reference to baldness signifies a loss of beauty and a sign of mourning, symbolizing the consequences of their disobedience and the removal of God’s blessings.
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 depicts the touching interaction between Jesus and a sinful woman who came to Him seeking forgiveness and expressing her love. She humbly used her hair to wash Jesus’ feet, demonstrating her deep reverence, repentance, and willingness to serve Him with utmost devotion.
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.”
In this verse, the apostle Paul, under a vow, cuts his hair as a sign to signify the completion of the vow. This act demonstrates his sincerity and commitment to fulfilling his religious obligations and remaining obedient to the customs of his faith.
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.”
This passage addresses the cultural norms of the time, highlighting that men typically had shorter hair while women maintained longer hair. It emphasizes that hair length can reflect gender roles and societal expectations, reminding believers to align themselves with these customs.
Revelation 1:14
“The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire.”
This verse describes the appearance of Jesus in a vision seen by the apostle John. The reference to Jesus’ white hair symbolizes wisdom, purity, and authority, signifying His divine nature and the eternal nature of His being.
Proverbs 16:31
“Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.”
This proverb acknowledges the honor and respect that should be given to the elderly, particularly those who have lived righteous lives. Gray hair is seen as a symbol of wisdom and experience, deserving admiration and reverence.
Psalm 139:14
“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
This verse emphasizes the beauty and uniqueness of God’s creation. It reminds believers to appreciate the diverse physical attributes, including hair, as a reflection of God’s creativity and purposeful design for each individual.
Matthew 5:36
“And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black.”
Jesus cautions against taking impulsive oaths, as humans are powerless to change even the smallest detail of their appearance, such as the color of their hair. This verse serves as a reminder of our limited control over our own lives and the importance of surrendering to God’s will.
1 Peter 3:3
“Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—”
This verse encourages believers not to focus solely on external appearances or material possessions. While hairstyling, jewelry, and clothing can be expressions of personal style, true beauty and worth reside in the inner character and virtues that reflect a heart dedicated 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.”
This verse portrays a vision of God’s majestic appearance as the Ancient of Days. The depiction of His hair as white as wool conveys His authority, wisdom, and purity. It reinforces the imagery of His divine nature and his sovereignty over all creation.
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.”
This poetic verse uses imagery to describe the physical beauty of a beloved. The comparison of her hair to a flock of goats illustrates its flowing and vibrant nature, adding to her overall attractiveness as seen through the eyes of her lover.
Judges 16:17
“And he told her all his heart, and said to her, ‘A razor has never come upon my head, for I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb. If my head is shaved, then my strength will leave me, and I shall become weak and be like any other man.'”
This verse reveals the story of Samson, who took a Nazirite vow from birth, which included not cutting his hair. His hair was a symbol of God’s dedicated strength. However, when his hair was cut, he lost his supernatural power, revealing the importance of his hair in his divine calling.
Genesis 25:25
“The first came out red, all his body like a hairy cloak, so they called his name Esau.”
This verse describes Esau’s birth and emphasizes his unique physical appearance. The reference to his being born with a full head of hair demonstrates the distinctiveness and individuality of each person’s physical attributes, even from birth.
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 outlines specific instructions given to the Levitical priests regarding their appearance. It emphasizes the requirement for priests to maintain a proper grooming by neither shaving their heads nor allowing their hair to become excessively long, symbolizing their holy and consecrated status.
Ruth 3:3
“Wash, therefore, and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor. But do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking.”
In this verse, Ruth is advised on how to present herself before Boaz. Though not directly about hair, the mention of washing and anointing implies a preparation of her appearance, underlining the importance of personal grooming and presentation.
Jeremiah 7:29
“Cut off your hair and cast it away; raise a lamentation on the bare heights, for the Lord has rejected and forsaken the generation of his wrath.”
This verse conveys an instruction given by God through the prophet Jeremiah to show lamentation and mourning for the sins committed by the people. Cutting off their hair represents an outward sign of sorrow and repentance, a visible act of mourning over the rejection and judgment of the Lord.
Job 4:14
“Fear came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones shake. A spirit glided past my face; the hair of my flesh stood up.”
Job describes a fearful and supernatural encounter, explaining the physical response of his hair standing up on his flesh. This verse emphasizes the physiological reaction to an overwhelming and spiritual presence, highlighting the deep impact it had on Job’s physical being.
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 advises women to focus on inner qualities rather than excessive outward adornment. While it does not condemn braided hair specifically, it encourages prioritizing modesty, self-control, and a godly character over extravagant external appearances.
Amos 8:10
“I will turn your feasts into mourning and all your songs into lamentation; I will bring sackcloth on every waist and baldness on every head; I will make it like the mourning for an only son and the end of it like a bitter day.”
This verse describes the judgment that will befall the rebellious people. The mention of baldness as a consequence signifies a state of mourning and deep sorrow. It reflects the severity of the punishment and serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God’s commands.