In biblical times, physical appearance often held significant cultural and religious implications. The term "forehead-bald" refers to a specific condition mentioned in the context of Levitical laws concerning cleanliness and ceremonial purity. This condition is addressed in the book of Leviticus, which provides detailed instructions for the Israelites on how to maintain holiness and purity in their community.

Biblical Reference:

The primary reference to forehead-baldness is found in Leviticus 13:40-41. According to the Berean Standard Bible , the passage states:

"Now if a man loses the hair of his head, he is bald, but he is clean. And if he loses the hair on the front of his head and develops baldness of the forehead, he is clean." (Leviticus 13:40-41)

This passage is part of a larger section in Leviticus that deals with skin diseases and conditions that could render a person ceremonially unclean. The distinction made here is important: while certain skin conditions could lead to a person being declared unclean, simple baldness, whether on the top of the head or the forehead, does not carry the same implication.

Cultural and Religious Context:

In ancient Israel, the laws given in Leviticus were not merely about physical health but were deeply intertwined with spiritual and communal life. Being declared unclean had significant social and religious consequences, as it often required isolation from the community and barred participation in religious activities until the person was declared clean again.

The distinction made in Leviticus 13:40-41 underscores the importance of understanding the difference between natural physical conditions and those that were considered signs of impurity or disease. Forehead-baldness, as described, is a natural condition and does not carry the stigma of uncleanness. This reflects a broader principle within the Levitical laws: not all physical imperfections or conditions were seen as spiritually defiling.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the laws concerning cleanliness and uncleanliness in Leviticus highlight the holiness of God and the call for His people to be set apart. The distinction between clean and unclean served as a constant reminder of the need for purity and the separation from sin. However, the acknowledgment that natural conditions like forehead-baldness do not render a person unclean also points to the understanding that God's concern is not merely with outward appearances but with the heart and spiritual condition of His people.

Practical Application:

For contemporary readers, the passage about forehead-baldness can serve as a reminder of the importance of distinguishing between cultural or societal perceptions of physical appearance and the true spiritual state of an individual. It encourages believers to look beyond the surface and to value individuals based on their character and faith rather than external attributes.

In summary, the mention of forehead-baldness in Leviticus serves as a specific example within the broader context of Levitical laws, emphasizing the importance of understanding God's standards for purity and the distinction between natural conditions and those that signify impurity.1371. gibbeach -- having a bald forehead
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition having a bald forehead NASB Word
Usage bald on the forehead (1). forehead bald. From an ...
/hebrew/1371.htm - 6kForehead-bald (1 Occurrence)
Forehead-bald. Forehead, Forehead-bald. Foreheads . Multi-Version
Concordance Forehead-bald (1 Occurrence). Leviticus ...
/f/forehead-bald.htm - 6k

Forehead (23 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Leviticus 13:41 If his hair has fallen
off from the front part of his head, he is foreheadbald. He is clean. ...
/f/forehead.htm - 19k

Foreheads (14 Occurrences)

/f/foreheads.htm - 10k

Temples (17 Occurrences)
... (WEB WEY ASV YLT NAS RSV NIV). Leviticus 13:41 If his hair has fallen off from the
front part of his head, he is foreheadbald. He is clean. (See RSV). ...
/t/temples.htm - 13k

Bald (12 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Leviticus 13:41 If his hair has fallen
off from the front part of his head, he is foreheadbald. He is clean. ...
/b/bald.htm - 11k

Baldness (11 Occurrences)
... Baldness (11 Occurrences). Leviticus 13:41 And if his hair be fallen off from the
front part of his head, he is forehead-bald; yet is he clean. (See RSV). ...
/b/baldness.htm - 13k

Scalp (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Scalp (3 Occurrences). Leviticus 13:41 If his hair has
fallen off from the front part of his head, he is foreheadbald. He is clean. ...
/s/scalp.htm - 7k

Lost (85 Occurrences)
... NIV). Leviticus 13:41 If his hair has fallen off from the front part of his
head, he is foreheadbald. He is clean. (See NIV). Numbers ...
/l/lost.htm - 32k

Sides (170 Occurrences)
... NIV). Leviticus 13:41 If his hair has fallen off from the front part of his
head, he is foreheadbald. He is clean. (See NAS). Leviticus ...
/s/sides.htm - 38k

Becomes (138 Occurrences)
... BBE). Leviticus 13:41 If his hair has fallen off from the front part of his
head, he is foreheadbald. He is clean. (See NAS). Leviticus ...
/b/becomes.htm - 34k

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