What does the Bible say about cutting hair?
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The Bible does not forbid ordinary hair cutting, but it gives particular instructions about hair in worship, vows, mourning, holiness, and the distinction between men and women. Leviticus 19:27 and 21:5 prohibited Israel and its priests from adopting pagan mourning or religious practices, rather than establishing a universal rule for every hairstyle. Numbers 6:5 required Nazirite vow-takers to leave their hair uncut for the duration of the vow. Ezekiel 44:20 instructed temple priests to keep their hair properly trimmed. In 1 Corinthians 11:13-16, Paul appeals to propriety, creation, and customary signs of male and female distinction in public worship, while commending modesty and godly character above outward display (1 Timothy 2:9-10).
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Ezekiel 44:20
Neither shall they shave their heads, nor allow their locks to grow long; they shall only cut off the hair of their heads.
- 1 Corinthians 11:6
For if a woman is not covered, let her also be shorn. But if it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be covered.
- Leviticus 19:27
You shall not cut the hair on the sides of your heads, neither shall you clip off the edge of your beard.
- Leviticus 19:28
"'You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you. I am Yahweh.
- Numbers 6:5
"All the days of his vow of separation there shall no razor come on his head, until the days are fulfilled, in which he separates himself to Yahweh. He shall be holy. He shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow long.
- 1 Corinthians 11:14
Doesn't even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him?
- 1 Corinthians 11:13-16
[13] Judge for yourselves. Is it appropriate that a woman pray to God unveiled? [14] Doesn't even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him? [15] But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her, for her hair is given to her for a covering. [16] But if any man seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither do God's assemblies.
- Leviticus 21:5
"'They shall not shave their heads, neither shall they shave off the corners of their beards, nor make any cuttings in their flesh.
- 1 Timothy 2:9-10
[9] In the same way, that women also adorn themselves in decent clothing, with modesty and propriety; not just with braided hair, gold, pearls, or expensive clothing; [10] but (which becomes women professing godliness) with good works.
- 1 Corinthians 11:15
But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her, for her hair is given to her for a covering.
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