Hairstyles may seem like a trivial matter, but does the Bible have anything to say about them? From cultural norms to religious symbolism, exploring biblical perspectives on appearance can offer insights into issues of identity, conformity, and personal expression. Join me as we examine what the scriptures have to say about hairstyles, including the infamous Mohawk, and consider the timeless principles that guide our choices in matters of fashion and grooming.
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What Does The Bible Say About Having A Mohawk
Leviticus 19:27
“You shall not round off the hair on your temples or mar the edges of your beard.”
This verse, from the book of Leviticus, is part of the Old Testament Law given by God to Moses. It instructs the Israelites not to round off the hair on their temples or mar the edges of their beards. While this verse may not directly address having a specific hairstyle like a Mohawk, it does highlight the importance of obedience to God’s commands regarding personal grooming.
1 Corinthians 11:14
“Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him?”
In this letter to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul discusses various cultural practices and their significance. He mentions that it is considered disgraceful for a man to have long hair. While the concept of a Mohawk is different from simply having long hair, this verse emphasizes the cultural expectations of modesty and appropriateness in appearance that Christians should consider.
1 Samuel 16:7
“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’”
In this verse, when Samuel is choosing a new king for Israel, he is reminded by God to look beyond physical appearance and focus on the heart. While the verse doesn’t specifically address hairstyles like a Mohawk, it teaches us that God values the inner qualities of a person over their outward appearance. This verse encourages Christians to prioritize cultivating a heart that is aligned with God’s will rather than being overly concerned with external appearances.
1 Peter 3:3-4
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”
In this passage, the apostle Peter addresses the importance of inner beauty rather than placing primary importance on outward adornment. While the specific mention of hairstyles like a Mohawk is not stated, it emphasizes the importance of focusing on the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit rather than solely on external appearances.
Deuteronomy 14:1
“You are the children of the Lord your God. You shall not cut yourselves or make any baldness on your foreheads for the dead.”
In this verse from the book of Deuteronomy, the Israelites are given instructions not to cut themselves or make baldness on their foreheads as a mourning practice for the dead. Although the verse doesn’t specifically address hairstyles like a Mohawk, it highlights the importance of not engaging in harmful or self-destructive practices for the sake of mourning.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
This verse encourages Christians not to conform to worldly standards and ideals but to be transformed by renewing their minds and aligning their thoughts and actions with God’s will. While the verse doesn’t mention specific hairstyles like a Mohawk, it calls believers to pursue a transformed life that reflects God’s values rather than conforming to societal norms that may not align with God’s principles.
Jeremiah 9:23-24
“This is what the Lord says: ‘Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,’ declares the Lord.”
These verses in the book of Jeremiah remind believers not to boast in their own wisdom, strength, or wealth but to boast in their understanding of the Lord and His character. While the verses do not directly address hairstyles like a Mohawk, they teach Christians to focus on knowing and understanding God’s attributes rather than finding pride or value in external appearances or attributes.
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
As part of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches his disciples to let their light shine before others so that their good deeds may bring glory to God. Although not specifically addressing hairstyles like a Mohawk, this verse reminds Christians to consider their outward actions and appearances as a representation of their faith. Believers should strive to reflect the character of Christ and allow their actions and appearance to point others to God’s glory.
1 Timothy 4:12
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.”
In this letter to Timothy, the apostle Paul encourages him not to let others dismiss or disregard him because of his young age. Although not explicitly addressing hairstyles like a Mohawk, this verse calls Christians, regardless of age, to set an example in various aspects of their lives, including speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. Believers should consider how their choices, including appearance, reflect their commitment to Christ and their influence on others.
Proverbs 31:30
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
In this verse from the book of Proverbs, it is emphasized that charm and physical beauty are temporary and fading. Instead, a woman who fears (reverences) the Lord is worthy of praise. While this verse doesn’t specifically mention hairstyles like a Mohawk, it encourages women to prioritize cultivating a heart that honors and fears God rather than seeking attention or worth solely based on outward appearances.
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
This verse in the book of Colossians encourages believers to do everything with excellence and wholeheartedness, as if working for the Lord rather than for people. Although not explicitly discussing hairstyles like a Mohawk, this verse reminds Christians to consider how their choices, including their appearance, can bring glory to God and reflect their dedication to Him.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.”
In this passage, the apostle Paul describes the fruits of the Spirit, the qualities that manifest in the lives of believers empowered by the Holy Spirit. Though not addressing specific hairstyles like a Mohawk, these verses encourage Christians to focus on cultivating and expressing the fruits of the Spirit in their words, actions, and appearance. These fruits should characterize the way believers present themselves to the world.
Luke 16:15
“He said to them, ‘You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight.’”
In this verse, Jesus challenges the Pharisees who were more concerned with justifying themselves in the sight of others rather than seeking to please God. Although not specifically discussing hairstyles like a Mohawk, this verse encourages Christians to evaluate what they value and prioritize, recognizing that societal standards and trends may differ from what God values. Rather than seeking approval or validation from people, believers should seek to please God with their hearts and actions.
Romans 14:1-4
“Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.”
In this section from the book of Romans, Paul addresses the need for believers to accept one another and not quarrel over disputable matters. Although not specifically discussing hairstyles like a Mohawk, this passage teaches Christians not to judge or condemn others based on personal preferences that differ from their own. It reminds believers to focus on what truly matters, such as faith in Christ, rather than getting caught up in external matters that might vary from person to person.
Ecclesiastes 3:11
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”
In this verse from the book of Ecclesiastes, it is acknowledged that God has made everything beautiful in its appointed time. Although the verse does not specifically address hairstyles like a Mohawk, it emphasizes that beauty is subjective and defined by God. Christians should trust in God’s design and timing for individual lives and not be too preoccupied with external appearances, recognizing that God’s perspective is far greater than our own.
Psalm 139:14
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
In this verse from the Psalms, the psalmist acknowledges the wonder and excellence of God’s creation, including human beings. Though the verse doesn’t specifically mention hairstyles like a Mohawk, it reminds Christians to appreciate and honor the intricate and intentional design of each individual, knowing that they are fearfully and wonderfully made by God.
Matthew 23:27
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.”
In this stern rebuke by Jesus against the teachers of the law and Pharisees, he condemns their hypocrisy. Though not addressing specific hairstyles like a Mohawk, this verse serves as a cautionary reminder for Christians not to focus solely on external appearances while neglecting their inner condition. Believers should strive for sincerity and authenticity in their faith, ensuring that their external presentation aligns with their internal commitment.
1 Samuel 16:12-13
“So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, ‘Rise and anoint him; this is the one.’ So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David.”
In this passage, the prophet Samuel is directed by God to anoint David as the future king of Israel. Although not discussing hairstyles specifically like a Mohawk, this verse highlights that outward appearance can be appealing or impressive, but it is the anointing and empowering of the Holy Spirit that truly makes someone significant in the eyes of God. Christians should remember that their worth and calling come from God and not from external appearances or characteristics.
John 7:24
“Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.”
In this verse, Jesus exhorts his listeners not to judge based solely on external appearances but to exercise righteous judgment. Although not specifically addressing hairstyles like a Mohawk, this verse encourages believers to avoid forming hasty judgments or conclusions based solely on outward appearances. Christians should strive to seek discernment and understanding beyond what can be seen on the surface.
Proverbs 20:29
“The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.”
In this proverb, it is observed that the strength of young men and the gray hair of the old carry their own respective glories and splendors. Though not addressing hairstyles like a Mohawk directly, this verse recognizes the different stages of life and the corresponding attributes that can be admired. It serves as a reminder to respect and value individuals regardless of their age or outward appearance.
Matthew 6:16-18
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
In this passage, Jesus teaches about the practice of fasting and encourages believers not to draw attention to their fasting by disfiguring their faces. Though not specifically discussing hairstyles like a Mohawk, Jesus advises maintaining normal grooming to avoid being showy or seeking the approval of others. Christians should focus on cultivating a sincere and genuine relationship with God rather than seeking recognition or praise from others.
Psalm 119:37
“Turn my eyes from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.”
In this verse, the psalmist prays for God’s guidance to turn their eyes away from worthless things. Though not specifically mentioning hairstyles like a Mohawk, this verse encourages Christians to guard their hearts and minds from being consumed by vain and frivolous pursuits. Believers should prioritize focusing on God’s Word and aligning their lives with His principles rather than being preoccupied with trivial matters, including external appearances.
1 Samuel 16:7
“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’”
This verse, mentioned earlier, is worth reiterating. It reminds believers that external appearances are not the primary factor considered by God. While it doesn’t address hairstyles like a Mohawk specifically, it emphasizes the importance of having a heart that aligns with God’s will. Christians should not judge or form opinions solely based on outward appearances but instead focus on cultivating a heart that reflects God’s character.
These Bible verses provide wisdom, guidance, and perspective for Christians as they consider the topic of having a Mohawk or any hairstyle. While the verses do not directly address Mohawks in particular, they offer broader principles that guide believers in making thoughtful choices about personal appearance. As Christians, it is essential to prioritize inner transformation, humility, and following God’s values rather than being consumed by external appearances or seeking validation from others. Ultimately, the heart and character of a person are what truly matter to God, and our choices in hairstyles or any other external matter should reflect a genuine desire to honor and glorify Him.