Topical Encyclopedia
In the Bible, gray hair is often associated with wisdom, honor, and the natural progression of life. It is seen as a symbol of experience and the accumulation of knowledge over time. The Scriptures frequently reference gray hair in a positive light, emphasizing respect for the elderly and the wisdom they possess.
Wisdom and HonorGray hair is frequently linked to wisdom and understanding.
Proverbs 16:31 states, "Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness." This verse suggests that living a righteous life leads to the honor of growing old, with gray hair serving as a visible sign of a life well-lived. The imagery of a "crown of glory" elevates the status of the elderly, highlighting the respect and reverence due to them.
Similarly,
Proverbs 20:29 contrasts the vigor of youth with the honor of old age: "The glory of young men is their strength, and gray hair is the splendor of the old." This verse acknowledges the different strengths of youth and old age, valuing the wisdom and dignity that come with years.
Respect for the ElderlyThe Bible commands respect for the elderly, and gray hair is often a marker of this demographic.
Leviticus 19:32 instructs, "You are to rise in the presence of the elderly, honor the aged, and fear your God. I am the LORD." This commandment underscores the importance of showing deference and respect to those who have reached an advanced age, recognizing their life experiences and the wisdom they have gained.
Natural Progression of LifeGray hair is also a reminder of the natural progression of life and the inevitability of aging.
Ecclesiastes 12:1-7 poetically describes the aging process, using metaphors to illustrate the decline of physical abilities and the approach of old age. While the passage does not explicitly mention gray hair, it captures the essence of life's journey toward its final stages.
Examples in ScriptureSeveral biblical figures are noted for their old age and, by implication, their gray hair. For instance, Abraham is described as "old and advanced in years" (
Genesis 24:1), and his life is marked by faith and obedience to God. Similarly, Job, after enduring immense suffering, is restored to a prosperous old age, living to see multiple generations (
Job 42:16-17).
ConclusionIn summary, gray hair in the Bible is a multifaceted symbol representing wisdom, honor, and the respect due to the elderly. It serves as a reminder of the natural aging process and the value of a life lived in righteousness. The biblical perspective encourages honoring those with gray hair, recognizing their contributions and the wisdom they offer to the community.
Strong's Hebrew
7872. sebah -- hoary head, old age... Word Origin from sib Definition hoary head, old age NASB Word Usage gray (1), gray
hair (7), gray hairs (1), gray head (1),
gray-
haired (1), grayheaded (1
...7867. sib -- to be hoary
... Definition: gray. Word Origin a prim. root Definition to be hoary NASB Word
Usage gray (1),gray-haired (1). be grayheaded. A primitive...
3486. yashesh -- aged, decrepit
... stoop for age. From an unused root meaning to blanch;gray-haired, ie An aged man --
stoop for age. 3485, 3486. yashesh. 3487 . Strong's Numbers.
Library
Home Influence.
...Gray-haired and demon guilt will make his dismal cell the sacred urn of tears wept
over the memories of home; and these will soften and melt into penitence...
A Great victory
... These ruins were once happy homes, or were temples filled with worshipers. Here
little children played andgray-haired patriarchs worshiped their gods....
The Tomb of the Pharaoh
... He was met presently in the chamber of guests by an old man,gray-haired and
bent. This was the keeper of the tomb of Rameses the Great....
God is Now Here
... now here.'". And she was right. She was wiser than hergray-haired grandfather.
For God is now here. He is everywhere. And whenever...
In Rome
... As they make their way through the crowds that throng the great thoroughfare, the
gray-haired old man, chained with a group of hardened-looking criminals...
"The Light of Life"
...Gray-haired men, the priests of the temple and the rulers of the people, united
in the festive dances to the sound of instrumental music and the chants of the...
Judas Exposed.
... After long years of work and trial had passed and he was agray-haired man, it filled
his soul with transports to think that Jesus loved him and that he had...
One Hank Over for the Candle.
... It was up north of Scotland, in one of the Orkney Islands. Near the window
sat a frail,gray-haired woman with cheery, thoughtful face....
She Died for Him
... He is now agray haired old man, with one sorrow over his one act of disobedience,
one wrong word embittering all his life"with those words ever ringing in...
The Story of a Mother
... asked. "He has not arrived here yet," said an oldgray-haired Woman, who
was going about and watching the hothouse of Death. "How...
Thesaurus
Gray-haired (4 Occurrences)Gray-
haired. Gray,
Gray-
haired. Grayheaded . Multi-Version
Concordance
Gray-
haired (4 Occurrences). Deuteronomy 32:25
...Gray (16 Occurrences)
... a dove. 2. (superl.)Gray-haired; gray-headed; of a gray color; hoary.
3. (superl.) Old; mature; as, gray experience. Ames. 4. (n...
Nursling (3 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 32:25 Outside the sword shall bereave, and in the chambers, terror;
on both young man and virgin, The suckling with thegray-haired man. (See NAS)....
Grayheaded (4 Occurrences)
Homes (43 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 32:25 Outside the sword shall bereave, and in the chambers, terror;
on both young man and virgin, The suckling with thegray-haired man. (See NIV)....
Bereave (10 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 32:25 Outside the sword shall bereave, and in the chambers, terror;
on both young man and virgin, The suckling with thegray-haired man....
Chambers (68 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 32:25 Outside the sword shall bereave, and in the chambers, terror;
on both young man and virgin, The suckling with thegray-haired man....
Childless (25 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Deuteronomy 32:25 Outside the sword shall bereave, and in the chambers,
terror; on both young man and virgin, The suckling with thegray-haired man....
Suckling (19 Occurrences)
... (DBY YLT). Deuteronomy 32:25 Outside the sword shall bereave, and in the chambers,
terror; on both young man and virgin, The suckling with thegray-haired man....
Destroying (64 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Deuteronomy 32:25 Outside the sword shall bereave, and in the chambers,
terror; on both young man and virgin, The suckling with thegray-haired man....
Resources
What does the Bible say about gray hair? | GotQuestions.orgThe Shack by William P. Young - a review | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about dyeing hair? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
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