Table of Content:
- Introduction
- Hair in the Bible
- Meaning of Hair in the Bible
- Story of Samson
- Jesus and Hair
- Hair Care in the Bible
Introduction
Hair has been an important part of human culture since ancient times. In the Bible, hair is mentioned numerous times and is often used as a symbol or metaphor for different things. This article will explore what hair means in the Bible and its significance in biblical stories and teachings.
Hair in the Bible
Hair is mentioned throughout the Bible, from the Old Testament to the New Testament. In the Old Testament, hair was often seen as a sign of strength and vitality. In the New Testament, hair was often associated with beauty and modesty.
Some biblical figures are known for their hair, such as Samson, who had long hair that gave him strength, and Absalom, who had beautiful, flowing hair that was his downfall.
Meaning of Hair in the Bible
Hair is used as a symbol or metaphor for different things in the Bible. Here are some examples:
- Hair can symbolize strength and vitality, as seen with Samson.
- Hair can represent beauty and modesty, as seen in 1 Corinthians 11:15 - "But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering."
- Hair can symbolize mourning, as seen in Micah 1:16 - "Make thee bald, and poll thee for thy delicate children; enlarge thy baldness as the eagle; for they are gone into captivity from thee."
- Hair can represent a person's identity, as seen in 2 Samuel 14:26 - "And when he polled his head, (for it was at every year's end that he polled it: because the hair was heavy on him, therefore he polled it:) he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels after the king's weight."
Story of Samson
Samson is perhaps the most well-known figure in the Bible associated with hair. Samson was a Nazirite, which meant he was dedicated to God from birth and was not allowed to cut his hair. Samson's hair was his source of strength, and when Delilah cut his hair, he lost his strength and was captured by the Philistines.
The story of Samson is a powerful reminder of the importance of staying true to one's vows and commitments to God, even when it may be tempting to give in to worldly pleasures.
Jesus and Hair
Jesus is often depicted in art with long hair, but the Bible does not give any description of his physical appearance. However, in 1 Corinthians 11:14, it is written "Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?" This verse has been interpreted in different ways, but some Christians believe that it means men should have short hair.
Hair Care in the Bible
The Bible also provides guidance on hair care. In Numbers 6:5, it is written "All the days of the vow of his separation there shall no razor come upon his head: until the days be fulfilled, in the which he separateth himself unto the Lord, he shall be holy, and shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow." This verse refers to the Nazirite vow, which required a person to let their hair grow and not cut it during the period of their vow.
Overall, hair is an important symbol in the Bible that represents different things, such as strength, beauty, and identity. The story of Samson is a powerful reminder of the importance of staying true to one's commitments to God, even when it may be challenging.
