The Bible does not prescribe a universal command regarding facial hair, but it does include references and rules pertaining to it. In the Old Testament, certain laws under the Mosaic covenant instructed against shaving the edges of the beard, possibly as a way to distinguish the Israelites from neighboring peoples. In the New Testament, there are no specific commands about facial hair, indicating a shift from ceremonial law to spiritual matters.
Interested in what the Bible says about facial hair? Dive into the ancient context and cultural significance of facial hair as mentioned in scripture.
What Does the Bible Say About Facial Hair?
Facial hair in the Bible is mentioned in various contexts, reflecting cultural norms and religious practices of the time.
In the Old Testament, Levitical law included specific regulations about facial hair. For example, Leviticus 19:27 advised the Israelites not to shave the edges of their beards. This command was likely part of the broader laws that sought to set the Israelites apart from neighboring nations, both in their practices and appearance.
These instructions, however, should be understood within the context of the Israelites’ covenant with God and their cultural setting. They are not necessarily prescriptive for Christians today. In the New Testament, the focus shifts away from such ceremonial laws to emphasize internal spiritual matters. Jesus and the Apostles did not teach about facial hair, which suggests that such external appearances were no longer of religious significance in the new covenant established by Christ.
Moreover, the Bible features characters who had facial hair, indicating its commonality in biblical times. For instance, Absalom’s hair (including his beard) is mentioned in 2 Samuel. Also, in the book of Ezra, the shame and mourning of the Israelites were expressed by pulling hair from their heads and beards.
In the New Testament, Paul, in 1 Corinthians 11, discusses cultural norms about hair and appearances in the context of Corinthian society. While not directly about facial hair, this passage reflects the principle that Christians should be sensitive to cultural practices and norms.
In essence, while the Bible includes references to facial hair, these mentions are more reflective of the cultural and covenantal contexts of the times rather than directives for Christian practice today. The overall biblical message regarding appearance, including facial hair, emphasizes the heart’s condition over external looks.
Bible Verses About Facial Hair
- Leviticus 19:27: “Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard.” This law was part of the Levitical code for the Israelites.
- 2 Samuel 10:4-5: When King David’s servants were humiliated by having their beards shaved, it was considered a great disgrace, showing the cultural importance of the beard.
- Ezra 9:3: “When I heard this, I tore my tunic and cloak, pulled hair from my head and beard and sat down appalled.” Ezra’s act of mourning included pulling out hair from his beard.
- 1 Corinthians 11:14: “Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him?” While this verse is about hair length rather than beards, it reflects cultural perceptions of appearance.
- Psalm 133:2: “It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe.” This psalm uses the imagery of oil on Aaron’s beard to symbolize harmony and blessing.
- Isaiah 50:6: “I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting.” This prophecy, seen as referring to Christ, includes a mention of the beard in the context of suffering.
- 2 Samuel 19:24: “And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king. He had not taken care of his feet or trimmed his beard or washed his clothes, from the day the king left until the day he returned safely.” Mephibosheth’s unkempt beard symbolized his mourning for David’s absence.
- Ezekiel 5:1: “Now, son of man, take a sharp sword and use it as a barber’s razor to shave your head and your beard. Then take a set of scales and divide up the hair.” Ezekiel’s shaving of his beard was a prophetic sign to Israel.
- Jeremiah 41:5: “eighty men who had shaved off their beards, torn their clothes and cut themselves came from Shechem, Shiloh and Samaria, bringing grain offerings and incense with them to the house of the Lord.” This verse shows men shaving their beards as a sign of mourning.
- Leviticus 21:5: “Priests must not shave their heads or shave off the edges of their beards or cut their bodies.” This command was specific to the Levitical priests in their ceremonial purity laws.
These verses demonstrate that while the Bible does not give direct commandments regarding facial hair in the context of modern Christian practice, it contains numerous references that reflect the cultural, ceremonial, and symbolic importance of facial hair in biblical times. The primary focus in the New Testament shifts away from physical appearances to internal spiritual matters, emphasizing the heart and character over external looks.