Men with long hair often spark debates about appearance and tradition, but what does the Bible say about it? The scriptures provide examples and guidance on cultural norms, personal vows, and the significance of hair length. Let’s explore what the Bible reveals about men with long hair and its meaning in different contexts.
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What Does The Bible Say About men with 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 highlights the cultural norms of the time, where men were expected to have short hair. It suggests that having long hair as a man was considered dishonorable or shameful.
While this verse reflects a cultural perspective, it is important to note that the Bible does not provide a universal command on men’s hair length. Cultural norms and standards of modesty vary across different societies and time periods.
Numbers 6:5
“All the days of the vow of his separation no razor shall touch his head. Until the time is completed for which he separates himself to the Lord, he shall be holy. He shall let the locks of hair on his head grow long.”
This verse refers to the Nazirite vow, which was taken by individuals who wanted to dedicate themselves to the Lord for a specific period of time. During this vow, they were required to refrain from cutting their hair.
In this context, men growing long hair was a sign of dedication and consecration to God. However, it is important to note that this practice was specific to those under the Nazirite vow and not a general command for all men.
1 Samuel 1:11
“And she made a vow, saying, “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.”
In this verse, Hannah, the mother of the prophet Samuel, made a vow to dedicate her child to the Lord. As part of this dedication, she promised that no razor would touch his head, indicating that he would have long hair as a symbol of his consecration to God.
Similar to the Nazirite vow, this verse emphasizes the special dedication of an individual to the Lord, rather than providing a general command for all men regarding hair length.
Leviticus 19:27
“You shall not round off the hair on your temples or mar the edges of your beard.”
This verse is part of the various commandments given to the children of Israel, known as the Mosaic Law. It instructs them not to round off the hair on their temples or trim the edges of their beards.
While this verse does not specifically address men with long hair, it highlights the importance of maintaining the natural appearance of one’s hair and beard. It underscores the value of not altering or mutilating one’s physical features in extreme ways.
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 story of Absalom, a son of King David, who had long, thick hair. Absalom’s annual practice was to cut his hair because its weight became burdensome for him.
The mentioning of Absalom’s long hair in this verse is incidental to the story and does not imply any specific moral or ethical significance regarding men with long hair.
Luke 7:36-38
“One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 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 passage recounts an incident where a woman, known as a sinner, approached Jesus while He was dining at a Pharisee’s house. She washed Jesus’ feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair as an act of humility and repentance.
Although this verse does not specifically address men with long hair, it illustrates the significance of hair as a personal attribute used for an expressive and humble act of devotion.
Judges 14:5-6
“Then Samson went down with his father and mother to Timnah, and they came to the vineyards of Timnah. And behold, a young lion came toward him roaring. Then the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon him, and although he had nothing in his hand, he tore the lion in pieces as one tears a young goat. But he did not tell his father or his mother what he had done.”
This verse depicts a part of the narrative of Samson, a judge in Israel who had supernatural strength. It mentions that the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon him, enabling Samson to have the physical prowess needed to defeat a lion.
While Samson is known for his long hair, which played a role in his strength according to the account, this verse does not address the topic of men with long hair directly.
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.’”
This verse refers to the anointing of David, who became the King of Israel. It describes him as having attractive physical features, such as being handsome and having beautiful eyes.
While it does not directly discuss men with long hair, it shows that physical appearance, including hair, can be considered as part of one’s overall attractiveness or beauty.
John 11:2
“It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill.”
This verse recounts the story of Mary, the sister of Lazarus, anointing Jesus with ointment and wiping His feet with her hair as an act of devotion and love.
Although this verse does not specifically discuss men with long hair, it showcases the use of hair as a symbol of humility, submission, and expressive devotion towards Jesus.
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 focuses on the regulations given to the Levitical priests, who served in the tabernacle and later the temple. It states that the priests should neither shave their heads nor let their hair grow long but should regularly trim their hair.
While this verse does not address the general population’s hair practices, it provides specific instructions for the priests’ grooming as part of their consecrated service.
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 focuses on the significance of long hair for women. It suggests that long hair is considered a source of glory and is described as a natural covering for women.
While this verse does not directly discuss men with long hair, it highlights the cultural and symbolic value attributed to hair length concerning gender distinctions and adornment.
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.”
This verse mentions the apostle Paul cutting his hair while being in the city of Cenchreae. It indicates that he was making a personal vow during that period.
The verse does not specifically address men with long hair, but it signifies a personal act of dedication associated with hair that Paul engaged in during this particular time.
1 Kings 1:52
“And Solomon said, ‘If he will show himself a worthy man, not one of his hairs shall fall to the earth, but if wickedness is found in him, he shall die.'”
This verse recounts a statement made by Solomon, affirming that if a certain individual demonstrates his worthiness, not even a single hair on his head will be harmed. However, if he is found to be wicked, he will face consequences.
Although the verse does not specifically discuss men with long hair, it alludes to the symbolic and protective value associated with an individual’s hair.
Psalm 133:2
“It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes!”
This verse uses poetic imagery to describe the anointing oil poured on the head of Aaron, the high priest of Israel. It emphasizes the unity and blessing that comes from the anointing.
While the verse does not directly address men with long hair, it indirectly alludes to the significance of hair, such as the beard, in the context of anointing and consecration.
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 verse is part of a love poem in the Song of Solomon, where one lover describes the beauty of the other. The comparison of hair to a flock of goats depicts its luxurious and flowing nature.
The verse does not directly discuss men with long hair, but it highlights the cultural appreciation for beautiful and well-kept hair as a symbol of attractiveness.
Daniel 3:27
“And the satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the king’s counselors gathered together and saw that the fire had not had any power over the bodies of those men. The hair of their heads was not singed, their cloaks were not harmed, and no smell of fire had come upon them.”
This verse describes a miraculous event where three young Israelites – Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego – were thrown into a fiery furnace but remained unharmed. It mentions that not even a hair on their heads was singed by the flames.
While the verse does not specifically address men with long hair, it emphasizes the divine protection and preservation associated with hair even in extreme circumstances.
Proverbs 16:31
“Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.”
This verse emphasizes the value and honor attributed to gray hair, indicating wisdom and righteous living that come with age.
While it does not focus specifically on men with long hair, it underscores the positive perception of hair as it changes and matures over time.
Mark 12:38-39
“And in his teaching he said, ‘Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts.”
This verse features a warning from Jesus regarding the scribes, who were religious leaders known for their authoritative roles. Jesus cautions against their hypocritical and prideful behavior.
Although not specifically addressing men with long hair, this verse signifies the importance of humility and genuine character over external appearances and public recognition.
Isaiah 50:6
“I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting.”
This verse is a part of a prophetic passage in Isaiah, referring to the servant of the Lord, who is believed to represent Christ. It describes the servant’s willingness to endure physical humiliation and suffering.
The verse does not directly address men with long hair, but it highlights the cultural significance and vulnerability associated with the beard as an aspect of male appearance and identity.
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 reflects a vision of Christ described by the apostle John in the book of Revelation. It portrays Jesus with white hair, symbolizing His wisdom, purity, and divinity.
While the verse does not focus on men with long hair, it symbolically represents the glorified appearance of Jesus, incorporating the color and texture of His hair.
Deuteronomy 21:12
“you shall bring her home to your house. She shall shave her head and pare her nails.”
This verse refers to a provision in the Mosaic Law concerning a woman taken as a captive during times of war. It stipulates that she should cut her hair and trim her nails as part of her transition into the Israelite society.
While this verse focuses on women’s hair practices, it does not directly address men with long hair.
Ecclesiastes 12:5
“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 presents a poetic description of the signs and experiences associated with old age, reflecting the challenges and frailties that come with advancing years.
While it does not discuss men with long hair, it acknowledges the realities of the aging process, which may involve changes in hair appearance and other physical aspects.