Haircuts might seem like a simple, everyday matter, but some wonder if the Bible has anything to say about them. While there isn’t much direct instruction on hairstyles, there are a few passages that touch on hair and its cultural or spiritual significance. Let’s take a closer look at what the Bible says about this everyday practice.
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What Does The Bible Say About Haircuts
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.”
This verse highlights the cultural significance of hair length for men and women. It suggests that for men, having long hair may be considered inappropriate or disgraceful, while for women, long hair is seen as a symbol of beauty and glory.
However, it is important to note that this verse should not be interpreted as a strict rule on hair length, but rather as an indication of cultural norms and values during that time.
Leviticus 19:27
“Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard.”
This verse is among the various instructions given in Leviticus for the Israelites to distinguish themselves from the surrounding pagan cultures. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining the integrity of their appearance by not cutting the hair at the sides of their heads or trimming the edges of their beards.
While this commandment was specifically for the Israelites under the Old Covenant, it serves as a reminder for believers to respect and honor their own cultural practices and traditions in matters of personal grooming.
Proverbs 16:31
“Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.”
This verse recognizes and celebrates the beauty and honor that comes with old age, symbolized by gray hair. It suggests that gray hair is a testament to a righteous and honorable life lived over the years.
As believers, we can appreciate the wisdom and experience that come with age, valuing and respecting the elderly members of our communities.
1 Samuel 14:45
“But the people said to Saul, “Shall Jonathan die, who has accomplished this great salvation 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 showcases the Israelites’ deep appreciation for Jonathan’s bravery and his role in achieving victory for Israel. The people’s refusal to let a single hair on his head be harmed is a testament to their loyalty and admiration for him.
It serves as a reminder of the value we should place on the lives of those who work alongside us in advancing God’s kingdom, honoring their contributions and ensuring their well-being.
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.”
These verses encourage believers to prioritize inner beauty and character over external adornment. They discourage excessive focus on external appearance, such as elaborate hair braiding, wearing expensive jewelry, or fashionable clothing.
Instead, the emphasis is on cultivating a gentle and quiet spirit, which is highly valued by God and has an enduring beauty that surpasses any external adornment.
Matthew 10:30
“But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.”
In this verse, Jesus reassures his disciples of God’s intimate knowledge and care for them. He uses the imagery of the hairs on their heads to demonstrate that not even the tiniest detail goes unnoticed by God.
It reminds us of God’s omniscience and his unfailing love, as he pays attention to even the smallest aspects of our lives.
Luke 12:7
“Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.”
Similarly to the previous verse, this passage highlights God’s deep knowledge and care for each individual. Jesus assures his followers that they are immensely valuable to God, far more precious than many sparrows.
This verse provides comfort and reassurance, reminding believers that they are cherished and cared for by their Heavenly Father.
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 from the Song of Solomon celebrates the beauty and allure of the beloved’s hair. It uses colorful imagery to depict the flowing and vibrant nature of her hair.
While this verse is part of a romantic dialogue between two lovers, it serves as a reminder of the beauty and uniqueness of each individual’s physical attributes.
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.”
In this touching scene, a woman displays an act of deep humility and devotion to Jesus by using her own hair to wipe his feet. This act of reverence and love is an expression of her heartfelt repentance and adoration.
It reminds us of the power of genuine worship and the willingness to surrender even our most precious possessions or attributes to honor and serve Jesus.
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 adorn themselves with modesty and self-control rather than focusing on external beauty through elaborate hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or extravagant clothing.
It encourages a balanced approach to personal appearance, promoting virtues that reflect inner character rather than relying solely on outward adornment.
2 Samuel 14:26
“And when he (Absalom) 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 describes Absalom’s annual haircut, during which his hair would become heavy and burdensome. It demonstrates the significance and value that hair can hold.
While this verse primarily describes a historical event, it reminds us that our actions and personal grooming choices can have various symbolic meanings.
2 Kings 9:30
“When Jehu came to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it. And she painted her eyes and adorned her head and looked out of the window.”
In this verse, Jezebel engages in elaborate personal grooming and makeup to present herself in an imposing and captivating manner.
While this verse portrays Jezebel’s manipulation and deceptive intentions, it also serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of excessive focus on external appearance and the negative consequences that can arise from using it as a means of manipulation.
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 passage, Paul cuts his hair in accordance with a vow he had made. This demonstrates the significance of hair as a symbol and the importance of fulfilling one’s commitments.
While this particular situation is unique to Paul’s personal circumstances, it reminds us of the importance of honoring our commitments and carrying out our vows faithfully.
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 sets specific guidelines for the appearance of the Levitical priests, concerning the length and grooming of their hair.
While this instruction is specifically directed towards the priests of the Old Testament, it reinforces the importance of maintaining a well-groomed appearance and honoring the role and responsibilities entrusted to individuals.
Ecclesiastes 12:5
“…and they are afraid also of what is high, and terrors are in the way; the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags itself along, and desire fails, because man is going to his eternal home, and the mourners go about the streets…”
This verse is symbolic in nature and portrays the challenges and changes that come with aging. It describes aspects such as physical frailty, reduced desire, and the progression towards one’s eternal home.
While this verse does not specifically mention haircuts, it serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of aging, which may bring about changes in physical appearance and grooming practices.
Numbers 8:7
“Thus you shall do to them to cleanse them: sprinkle the water of purification upon them, and let them go with a razor over all their body, and wash their clothes and cleanse themselves.”
In this verse, individuals are instructed to undergo a specific purification ritual involving shaving their entire bodies with a razor and washing their clothes.
While this ritual is specific to the Old Testament ceremonial practices, it highlights the symbolic cleansing power associated with personal grooming and the importance of spiritual purity.
Exodus 34:29
“When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, with the two tablets of the testimony in his hand as he came down from the mountain, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God.”
After spending time in the presence of God on Mount Sinai, Moses’ face radiated with a glow, showcasing the lingering effects of his encounter with the divine.
Although this verse does not directly reference haircuts, it emphasizes the transformative power that comes from communing with God and aligning oneself with His will.
Judges 16:17
“And he (Samson) 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 speaks of Samson’s uncut hair, which was an external symbol of his Nazirite vow and the source of his extraordinary strength as granted by God, as long as he remained faithful to his vow.
While this verse highlights the significance of Samson’s hair to his physical strength, it also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of breaking one’s commitments and the potential consequences that may follow.
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, Naomi provides instructions to Ruth on preparing herself before approaching Boaz on the threshing floor.
While the verse does not explicitly mention haircuts, it emphasizes the importance of personal grooming and presentation when seeking favor or establishing connections.
Psalm 23:5
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”
This verse from the well-known Psalm of David depicts God’s abundant provision and care for the psalmist.
Although it does not directly address haircuts, it highlights the tradition of anointing the head with oil as a symbolic act of blessing and consecration.
Job 1:20
“Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped.”
After receiving news of the calamities that befell him, Job responds by tearing his robe, shaving his head, and worshiping God.
While the act of shaving his head in this context may symbolize grief and mourning, it also serves as an expression of Job’s surrender to God and his recognition of God’s sovereignty.
Judges 13:5
“For behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. No razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb, and he shall begin to save Israel from the hand of the Philistines.”
This verse prophesies the birth of Samson, who would grow up to be a mighty deliverer of Israel from the Philistines. It highlights that, from birth, Samson’s hair was to remain uncut, as a visible symbol of his consecration to God and the source of his strength.
While this verse primarily focuses on Samson’s destiny and purpose, it reminds us of the significance of dedicating our lives to God and the power that can come from staying true to that commitment.
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.”
This verse addresses the cultural practice of women covering their heads as a sign of modesty and submission.
Although it discusses the consequences of not adhering to this practice, the verse serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural sensitivity and respect, understanding that cultural practices may vary and change over time.