Topical Encyclopedia
The term "scalp" refers to the skin covering the top of the human head, often associated with hair. In biblical times, the scalp held cultural and symbolic significance, particularly in the context of warfare and ritual practices. While the Bible does not frequently mention the scalp explicitly, related themes and practices can be discerned through various passages.
Biblical References and Context1.
Symbol of Victory and Defeat: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, including those surrounding the Israelites, the taking of scalps or heads was sometimes practiced as a symbol of victory over enemies. Although the Bible does not explicitly describe the act of scalping, the severing of heads as a trophy of war is noted. For instance, in
1 Samuel 17:51, David beheads Goliath after defeating him, which serves as a demonstration of triumph over the Philistines.
2.
Hair and the Nazarite Vow: The scalp is indirectly referenced in the context of the Nazarite vow, where the hair on the head plays a significant role.
Numbers 6:5 states, "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 vow to the LORD is complete; he must let the hair of his head grow long." The uncut hair on the scalp symbolizes dedication and consecration to God.
3.
Cultural Practices and Symbolism: The Bible occasionally alludes to cultural practices involving the head and hair, which may imply the scalp. In
Ezekiel 44:20, the priests are instructed, "They must not shave their heads or let their hair grow long, but must carefully trim the hair of their heads." This regulation underscores the importance of maintaining a distinct appearance as a sign of holiness and separation from pagan practices.
4.
Metaphorical Use: The scalp, as part of the head, is sometimes used metaphorically in Scripture to convey ideas of protection or vulnerability. In
Psalm 68:21, it is written, "Surely God will crush the heads of His enemies, the hairy crowns of those who persist in their guilty ways." Here, the "hairy crowns" may imply the scalp, symbolizing the total defeat and humiliation of God's adversaries.
5.
Leprosy and Skin Conditions:
Leviticus 13 provides detailed laws concerning skin diseases, including conditions affecting the scalp. Verses 40-44 describe the examination of baldness and the presence of disease on the head, highlighting the concern for purity and health within the community.
Cultural and Theological SignificanceThe scalp, while not a primary focus in biblical texts, is intertwined with broader themes of consecration, victory, and purity. The treatment and symbolism of the head and hair reflect the cultural and religious values of ancient Israel. The scalp, as part of the human body, is subject to the laws and rituals that govern the Israelites' relationship with God, emphasizing holiness and separation from surrounding nations.
In summary, the concept of the scalp in the Bible, though not extensively detailed, is embedded within the larger narrative of God's covenant people and their practices. It serves as a subtle yet meaningful element in understanding the biblical worldview on human dignity, consecration, and divine justice.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A bed of oysters or mussels.
2. (n.) That part of the integument of the head which is usually covered with hair.
3. (n.) A part of the skin of the head, with the hair attached, cut or torn off from an enemy by the Indian warriors of North America, as a token of victory.
4. (n.) Fig.: The top; the summit.
5. (v. t.) To deprive of the scalp; to cut or tear the scalp from the head of.
6. (v. t.) To remove the skin of.
7. (v. t.) To brush the hairs or fuzz from, as wheat grains, in the process of high milling.
8. (v. i.) To make a small, quick profit by slight fluctuations of the market; -- said of brokers who operate in this way on their own account.
Greek
2864. kome -- hair... Apparently from the same as komizo; the hair of the head (locks, as ornamental,
and thus differing from thrix; which properly denotes merely the
scalp) -- hair
...Strong's Hebrew
6936. qodqod -- head, crown of the head... Definition head, crown of the head NASB Word Usage crown (1), crown of his head
(2), crown of the head (3), crown of your head (2), pate (1),
scalp (1), scalps
...7144. qorchah -- baldness, bald spot
... Word Origin from qarach Definition baldness, bald spot NASB Word Usage bald (2),
bald* (1), baldness (4), baldness* (1), plucked-outscalp (1), shave* (1...
Library
Note a the Following Extract of a Letter I Received from the Rev....
... It seems the Indians were somehow interrupted, and in their hasty flight
left thescalp and knife, which were found near the body....
The Scaffolding Left in the Body
... suggests another obsolete, or obsolescent power"the power, or rather the set of
powers, for twitching the skin, especially the skin of thescalp and forehead...
Psalm 68
... the issues do belong. ^21But surely God shall wound the head. of those that are
his foes; The hairyscalp of him that still. on in his trespass goes....
That if Men had Remained Innocent and Obedient in Paradise, the...
... There are some who, without moving the head, can bring the hair down upon the forehead,
and move the wholescalp backwards and forwards at pleasure....
Degrees of Sin
... God has thundered out threatenings against such sins. God shall would the hairy
scalp of such an one as goes on still in his trespasses.' Psalm 68:21....
1879-1880. Experiences among Indians --Picnic in the Bush...
... Then his head-gear was most striking. Long thin black hair hung over his
shoulders,"not his own, but from thescalp of some poor Indian slain in warfare!...
The Truth of God
... God has threatened to wound the hairyscalp of every one that goes on still in his
trespasses.' Psalm 68:21. He has threatened to judge adulterers....
David's Dying Prayer
... We cast our eye to other regions, where thescalp is still at the Indian's girdle,
where still they wash their hands in blood and delight themselves in murder...
The American Experiments, 1734-1762.
... But a government agent arrived on the scene, and Zinzendorf'sscalp was
saved. And now the Brethren began the campaign in earnest....
Pagan Shrines and Temples.
... hair. Thescalp is covered with thick hair in front and on the top, while
the sides are bald, or showing only an incipient growth....
Thesaurus
Scalp (3 Occurrences)... 4. (n.) Fig.: The top; the summit. 5. (vt) To deprive of the
scalp; to cut or tear
the
scalp from the head of.
... Multi-Version Concordance
Scalp (3 Occurrences).
...Scall (9 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A scurf or scabby disease, especially of thescalp.
2. (a.) Scabby; scurfy. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SCALL....
Crown (94 Occurrences)
... (1) Qodhqodh means "the crown of the head," and is also rendered in the King James
Version "top of the head," "scalp," "pate." It comes from qadhadh, meaning...
Writing (194 Occurrences)
... Then they discovered that ascalp was just as characteristic and more portable,
and thescalp belt of the American Indian is the result....
Guiltiness (7 Occurrences)
... (WEB JPS ASV). Psalms 68:21 But God will strike through the head of his enemies,
the hairyscalp of such a one as still continues in his guiltiness....
Trespasses (19 Occurrences)
... (KJV DBY WBS). Psalms 68:21 But God shall wound the head of his enemies, and the
hairyscalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses. (KJV DBY WBS)....
Pate (1 Occurrence)
... of the head" (Genesis 49:26 Deuteronomy 28:35; Deuteronomy 33:16, 20 2 Samuel
14:25 Job 2:7 Isaiah 3:17 Jeremiah 2:16; Jeremiah 48:45) and "scalp" (Psalm 68:21...
Attire (11 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Dress; clothes; headdress; anything which dresses or adorns; esp., ornamental
clothing. 3. (n.) The antlers, or antlers andscalp, of a stag or buck....
Scalps (2 Occurrences)
Shatter (26 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Psalms 68:21 But God will strike through the head of his enemies, the
hairyscalp of such a one as still continues in his guiltiness. (See NAS RSV)....
Resources
Is it wrong for a Christian to view or listen to Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) triggers? | GotQuestions.orgScalp: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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