Hair length has been a topic of discussion in various cultures, and the Bible also touches on it. What does Scripture say about men having long hair? Let’s look at the cultural and spiritual significance of this topic according to the Bible.
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What Does The Bible Say About men having long hair
1 Corinthians 11:14
Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him?
This verse in 1 Corinthians addresses the cultural norms of Corinth during Paul’s time. In that context, it was considered dishonorable for men to have long hair. The emphasis here is on maintaining a sense of propriety and cultural standards. However, it is important to note that this verse refers to cultural norms specific to that time and place, and it should not be interpreted as a universal commandment or moral teaching for all believers throughout history.
Numbers 6:5
All the days of their Nazirite vow, 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 the hair of their head grow long.
In this verse from the book of Numbers, God instructed the Nazirites to let their hair grow long as a sign of their separation and consecration to the Lord. The focus here is on the symbol of devotion and dedication to God, rather than on the length of the hair itself. It is important to understand that this instruction is specific to the Nazirite vow and not a general commandment for all believers.
1 Samuel 1:11
And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.”
This verse tells the story of Hannah’s prayer to God, where she promised to dedicate her son, Samuel, to the service of the Lord. As part of this dedication, she vowed not to cut his hair. The emphasis in this verse is on Hannah’s solemn commitment to offer her son to God’s service, rather than on the length of his hair. It serves as a reminder of the importance of fulfilling vows made to the Lord.
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 describes the practice of Absalom, son of King David, who would cut his hair once a year because it became heavy for him. The focus of this verse is not on the length of Absalom’s hair but rather on the extravagant vanity he displayed by weighing the cut hair. It serves as a cautionary tale against excessive pride and self-absorption.
Acts 18:18
After staying for some time, Paul said farewell to 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.
In this verse, Paul is described as having his hair cut as part of a vow he had taken. The specific details of the vow are not provided, but it highlights the importance of fulfilling promises made to God. This verse serves as a reminder of our commitment to honoring the vows and commitments we make, even if they involve physical actions such as cutting one’s hair.
Leviticus 19:27
You shall not round off the hair on your temples or mar the edges of your beard.
This verse from Leviticus addresses the specific commandment for the Israelites not to round off the hair on their temples or mar the edges of their beards. It serves as a reminder of God’s desire for His people to maintain distinctive appearances and to separate themselves from certain practices and rituals of the surrounding cultures. While this verse does not directly speak to the length of hair, it emphasizes the importance of upholding God’s standards in personal grooming and appearance.
Ezekiel 44:20
They shall not shave their heads or let their locks grow long; they shall surely trim the hair of their heads.
In this verse, God gives specific instructions to the Levitical priests regarding their appearance. They were not to shave their heads completely nor let their locks grow long but were instructed to trim the hair of their heads. These guidelines were meant to establish a sense of order, cleanliness, and distinction among the priests as they served in their holy duties. This verse reminds us of the importance of maintaining reverence and respect when serving in sacred roles.
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 tells the touching story of a sinful woman who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. Her act of humility and devotion portrayed her deep repentance and love for Jesus. Her use of her hair to serve Jesus exemplifies the concept of sacrificial love and a willingness to surrender all for the sake of Christ.
Matthew 10:30
But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.
In this verse, Jesus assures his disciples that God’s care extends even to the smallest details of their lives. He uses the imagery of the hairs on our heads to emphasize God’s intimate knowledge and concern for each individual. This verse serves as a comforting reminder that no matter how insignificant or trivial our concerns may seem, God is aware of and cares for every aspect of our lives.
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.
Within the context of this verse, the apostle Peter encourages believers to prioritize internal qualities and spiritual growth over outward appearances. He cautions against excessive focus on external adornments such as elaborate hairstyles, jewelry, and fashionable clothing. This verse serves as a reminder to cultivate a gentle and peaceful spirit, which holds greater value in the eyes of God than mere outward beauty.
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.
In this poetic expression of love found in the Song of Solomon, the beauty of the beloved is metaphorically described. The reference to hair depicts its flowing and captivating nature, highlighting the attractiveness of the beloved to the eyes of the speaker. This verse serves as a celebration of beauty and the special connection shared between two individuals.
Psalm 133:2
It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe.
This verse from Psalm 133 uses the imagery of precious oil flowing from the head of Aaron, the high priest, down onto his beard and robe. It symbolizes the unity and blessing that comes from the harmony and agreement among God’s people. The reference to hair emphasizes the visual and sensory experience of this anointing, pointing to the significance of unity within the community of believers.
1 Samuel 16:12
So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.”
In this verse, the Lord instructs the prophet Samuel to anoint David as the future king of Israel. The description of David’s appearance includes the detail of him being “ruddy” and having “beautiful eyes.” While not directly mentioning his hair, this verse highlights the overall attractiveness God saw in David. It serves as a reminder that outward appearance is not the sole measure of worth or suitability in the eyes of God.
Proverbs 16:31
Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.
This proverb acknowledges the honor and respect bestowed upon the elderly due to their gray hair. It emphasizes the idea that growing old with righteousness and wisdom brings a crown of glory. The focus here is not on the length of hair but on the virtue and character that comes with age and experience. This verse reminds us to value and learn from the wisdom of those who have spent a lifetime walking faithfully with God.
Luke 12:7
Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.
In this verse, Jesus reassures his disciples of their great worth and value in the eyes of God. He highlights the meticulous attention that God gives to even the smallest details of our lives, including the number of hairs on our heads. This verse serves as a comforting reminder that we are deeply loved and cared for by our Heavenly Father, and that our value is far greater than we can comprehend.
Acts 27:34
“Therefore I urge you to take some food. For it will give you strength, for not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you.”
Here, the apostle Paul encourages those on board the ship during a storm to eat and maintain their strength. He reassures them that none of them will lose even a single hair from their heads, indicating God’s protection and care over them. This verse serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness in preserving and safeguarding His people in times of difficulty and danger.
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.
In this verse, the apostle Paul admonishes women to focus on inner qualities rather than excessive outward adornment. He specifically mentions avoiding elaborate hairstyles such as braided hair. The emphasis here is on modesty, self-control, and prioritizing inner character over external appearances. This verse serves as a reminder to cultivate virtues that bring honor to God, rather than placing excessive importance on physical beauty.
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 famous psalm describes the Lord as a caring Shepherd who provides and protects His people. The reference to anointing the head with oil symbolizes God’s blessing and favor. While not directly referring to the length of hair, this verse highlights the imagery of anointing, which is commonly associated with a significant event or a special consecration to a sacred purpose.
Song of Solomon 7:5
Your head crowns you like Carmel, and your flowing locks are like purple; a king is held captive in the tresses.
In this poetic language of love found in the Song of Solomon, the beloved’s beauty is described once again. The reference to her flowing locks depicts the captivating nature of her hair and its effect on the speaker. This verse serves as an expression of admiration and desire, reflecting the powerful emotional impact that physical beauty can have on individuals.
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 in 1 Corinthians acknowledges the significance of a woman’s long hair, describing it as her glory. It highlights the notion that long hair can serve as a natural covering for a woman, representing a symbol of her femininity. While not directly speaking to men’s hair, this verse underscores the cultural and symbolic aspects associated with hair and the importance of recognizing and honoring inherent gender distinctions.
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.
In this prophetic vision described in the book of Daniel, the Ancient of Days is depicted with white hair, resembling pure wool. The symbolism of white hair represents wisdom, authority, and purity. This verse portrays a majestic and awe-inspiring image of God’s sovereignty and power. It serves as a reminder of His eternal nature and the reverence and respect we owe to Him as our Creator and Lord.
Revelation 1:14
The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire.
This verse describes the appearance of Jesus Christ in a vision received by the apostle John. The reference to white hair signifies His wisdom, holiness, and eternal nature. It exudes a sense of majesty and purity. This verse serves as a depiction of Jesus’ divine nature and the awe-inspiring manifestation of His glory. It invites us to acknowledge and worship Him as the sovereign King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Psalm 133:3
It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.
This verse from Psalm 133 continues the imagery used to describe the blessing of unity among God’s people. Comparing it to the dew of Hermon falling on the mountains of Zion, it is a beautiful depiction of divine favor and abundance. The mention of hair is absent, but the verse carries a sense of refreshing, nourishing, and life-giving influence. It reminds us of the profound blessings that come from dwelling in unity with fellow believers.