Topical Encyclopedia
In the Bible, hair is often mentioned in various contexts, symbolizing strength, beauty, consecration, and even divine knowledge. The treatment and significance of hair can be seen throughout both the Old and New Testaments, reflecting cultural, religious, and spiritual dimensions.
Old Testament References1.
Strength and Vows: One of the most notable references to hair in the Old Testament is the account of Samson. In
Judges 16:17, Samson reveals to Delilah that his strength lies in his uncut hair, a symbol of his Nazirite vow: "No razor has ever come upon my head, because I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb. If I am shaved, my strength will leave me, and I will become as weak as any other man." This highlights the connection between hair and divine empowerment.
2.
Consecration and Purity: The Nazirite vow, as outlined in
Numbers 6:5, includes the stipulation that no razor shall touch the head of the one who takes the vow: "For the entire period of his vow of separation, no razor shall pass over his head. He must be holy until the time of his consecration to the LORD is complete; he must let the hair of his head grow long." This practice signifies dedication and separation unto God.
3.
Beauty and Honor: Hair is also associated with beauty and honor, particularly in the context of women. In
Song of Solomon 4:1, the beauty of the beloved is described: "How beautiful you are, my darling—how very beautiful! Your eyes are like doves behind your veil. Your hair is like a flock of goats streaming down Mount Gilead."
New Testament References1.
Divine Knowledge and Care: In the New Testament, hair is used to illustrate God's intimate knowledge and care for His creation. In
Matthew 10:30, Jesus reassures His disciples of God's attention to detail: "And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered." This metaphor emphasizes God's omniscience and the value He places on each individual.
2.
Cultural Practices and Teachings: The Apostle Paul addresses the cultural significance of hair in
1 Corinthians 11:14-15, discussing the customs of head coverings and hair length: "Does not nature itself 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 passage reflects the cultural norms of the time and the symbolic meanings attributed to hair.
3.
Humility and Devotion: In
Luke 7:38, a woman demonstrates her humility and devotion to Jesus by using her hair to wipe His feet: "As she stood behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears and wipe them with her hair. Then she kissed His feet and anointed them with the perfume." This act of worship and repentance underscores the use of hair as an expression of deep reverence and love.
Symbolism and InterpretationThroughout the Bible, hair serves as a multifaceted symbol. It represents strength and divine calling, as seen in the account of Samson. It signifies consecration and holiness in the context of the Nazirite vow. Hair also embodies beauty and honor, particularly in poetic and romantic expressions. In the New Testament, hair illustrates God's intimate care and knowledge, cultural practices, and acts of humility and devotion.
The biblical treatment of hair reflects broader themes of identity, spirituality, and the relationship between the divine and the human. Whether as a symbol of strength, a mark of consecration, or an expression of beauty and devotion, hair holds a significant place in the biblical narrative.
Greek
2359. thrix -- hair... Word Origin a prim. word Definition hair NASB Word Usage hair (13),
hairs (2). hair.
Genitive case trichos, etc.; of uncertain derivation; hair -- hair.
...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
...8185. saarah -- hair
... Word Origin from the same as sear Definition hair NASB Word Usage hair (4),hairs
(3). hair. Feminine of se'ar; hairiness -- hair. see HEBREW se'ar....
8181. sear -- hair
... Definition: hair. Word Origin from an unused word Definition hair NASB Word
Usage hair (23),hairs (1), hairy (4). hairy, rough. Or...
Library
Does any Man at all Possessed of Judgment, Believe thatHairs and...
... Book III. 15 Does any man at all possessed of judgment, believe that
hairs and down grow on? Does any man at all possessed of...
Against Men who Embellish Themselves.
... For their service the towns are full of those who take out hair by pitch-plasters,
shave, and pluck outhairs from these womanish creatures....
Argument. Perpetua, when Besieged by Her Father, Comforts Him when...
... worn out with anxiety. He came up to me, that he might cast me down, saying,
Have pity my daughter, on my greyhairs. Have pity on...
"Knowledge Puffeth Up, but Love Edifieth. "
... 2. For how would it be, if any one, gradually elated by attempts of the kind referred
to, should, because the Lord said that "even thehairs of your head are...
The Answer Concerning the Trampling Down of Shame, and the Danger...
... For the true riches of old men are not to be measured by greyhairs but by their
diligence in youth and the rewards of their past labours....
The Providence of God
... Providence feeds the young raven, when the dam forsakes it, and will give it no
food. Psalm 147:7. Providence reaches to the veryhairs of our head....
Introduction.
... And so, also, in the Gospel our Lord, pointing out that somehairs are seen and
known, says: "But even thehairs of your head are all numbered," [1025] implying...
From the First Chapter.
... 14. "And His head and Hishairs were white as it were white wool, and as it were
snow."] On the head the whiteness is shown; "but the head of Christ is God...
On the Interior Man
... The same in a bad part: the crown ofhairs having walked about in their own delights,
that is, in the height of iniquity. [Prov.4:9; Ps.67(68):22(21)]....
The Meteor Shower (Preached at the Chapel Royal, St. James's, Nov....
... Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the
ground without your Father. But the veryhairs of your head are all numbered....
Thesaurus
Hairs (21 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Hairs (21 Occurrences). Matthew 10:30 but the very
hairs of your head are all numbered. (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV).
...Gray (16 Occurrences)
... If harm happens to him along the way in which you go, then you will bring down my
grayhairs with sorrow to Sheol." (WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS NAS RSV NIV)....
Beard (23 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) The longhairs about the face in animals, as in the goat.... 7. (n.) In insects,
thehairs of the labial palpi of moths and butterflies....
Hoary (10 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) White or whitish. 2. (a.) White or gray with age; hoar; as, hoaryhairs....
6. (a.) Covered with short, dense, grayish whitehairs; canescent. Int....
Sheol (64 Occurrences)
... If harm happens to him along the way in which you go, then you will bring down
my grayhairs with sorrow to Sheol." (WEB ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV)....
Grave (128 Occurrences)
... you; for his brother is dead, and he is left alone: if mischief befall him by the
way in the which ye go, then shall ye bring down my grayhairs with sorrow to...
Numbered (209 Occurrences)
... Numbered (209 Occurrences). Matthew 10:30 but the veryhairs of your head are all
numbered.... (BBE). Luke 12:7 But the veryhairs of your head are all numbered....
Nettle (2 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) To fret or sting; also a plant of the genus Urtica, covered with minute
sharphairs; to irritate or vex; to cause to experience sensations of...
Grey (11 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 19:32 At the presence of greyhairs thou dost rise up, and thou hast honoured
the presence of an old man, and hast been afraid of thy God; I 'am...
Mischief (64 Occurrences)
... you; for his brother is dead, and he is left alone: if mischief befall him by the
way in the which ye go, then shall ye bring down my grayhairs with sorrow to...
Resources
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