The term "hoary-headed" is a biblical expression that refers to the gray or white hair associated with old age, symbolizing wisdom, experience, and honor. In the cultural and historical context of the Bible, old age was often revered, and the hoary head was seen as a crown of glory.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 16:31 : "Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness." This verse highlights the honor and dignity associated with old age, suggesting that a life lived in righteousness is rewarded with the respect that comes with gray hair.

2. Leviticus 19:32 : "You are to rise in the presence of the elderly, honor the aged, and fear your God. I am the LORD." This commandment underscores the respect and reverence due to the elderly, linking the honor of the hoary head with the fear of God.

3. Job 12:12 : "Wisdom is found with the elderly, and understanding comes with long life." Here, the association of wisdom with the elderly is emphasized, suggesting that the experiences accumulated over a long life contribute to a deeper understanding and insight.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

In ancient Israelite society, the elderly were often seen as the custodians of wisdom and tradition. The hoary head was a visible sign of a life lived through various seasons, and it commanded respect and authority within the community. The biblical mandate to honor the aged reflects a broader theological principle of valuing the wisdom and guidance of those who have walked the path of life longer.

Theologically, the concept of the hoary head can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual maturity. Just as physical age brings about gray hair, spiritual growth and maturity bring about a deeper understanding of God's ways. The respect for the hoary-headed is thus not only a social obligation but also a recognition of the spiritual journey and the lessons learned along the way.

Practical Application:

In contemporary Christian practice, the principle of honoring the hoary-headed can be applied by valuing the contributions and insights of older members within the church community. It encourages intergenerational dialogue and mentorship, where the wisdom of the elderly is shared with younger generations. This practice not only strengthens the community but also upholds the biblical mandate to respect and honor those who have attained the "crown of glory" through a life of righteousness and faithfulness.

The Death of the Christian
... How many troubles has he passed through! Look upon the hoary-headed veteran!
Mark the scars that troubles have inflicted upon his forehead! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the death of the christian.htm

Joseph Attacked by the Archers
... It must have been a fine sight to see the hoary-headed Jacob sitting up in his bed
whilst he bestowed his parting benediction upon his twelve sons. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/joseph attacked by the archers.htm

The Persecutions of the Church.
... Children and delicate females, illiterate artisans and poor slaves, sometimes evinced
as much intrepidity and decision as hoary-headed pastors. ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ii the persecutions of.htm

On Family Religion
... 2. A resolution this worthy of a hoary-headed saint, who had had large experience,
from his youth up, of the goodness of the Master to whom he had devoted ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 94 on family religion.htm

For Christian Adult Schools. Bristol, 1813
... Though late and slow, to God return. Humbly they take the lowest seat; Matrons
and hoary-headed men. Are learners at the Saviour's feet,. ...
/.../montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/hymn cccxlviii for christian adult.htm

Pelagius Admits "Contrary Flesh" in the Unbaptized.
... of His by which the Word was made flesh in order to dwell among us, are required
by small and great,"by the crying infant and the hoary-headed man alike ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 60 lii pelagius admits contrary.htm

Crimes of the Manich??ans.
... thing was, that we very often saw in theatres men belonging to the elect, men of
years and, it was supposed, of character, along with a hoary-headed elder. ...
/.../chapter 19 name of the 2.htm

The God of the Aged
... readeth is the Bible of the grey head; the Bible which I carried with me to my Sunday
School, I shall sit in my bed to read, when, hoary-headed, all strength ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the god of the aged.htm

Christ's Prayer for his People
... And thou hoary-headed Christian, it may be that though "the grasshopper is a burden
to thee," and thou longest to go, thou art kept here because one of thy ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/christs prayer for his people.htm

A vision of the Latter-Day Glories
... of old, even from everlasting""yet to men who know him not Christianity seems to
be but a young upstart, audaciously contending with hoary-headed systems of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/a vision of the latter-day.htm

Hoary-headed (1 Occurrence)
Hoary-headed. Hoary, Hoary-headed. Hobab . Multi-Version Concordance
Hoary-headed (1 Occurrence). 2 Chronicles 36:17 ...
/h/hoary-headed.htm - 6k

Hoary (10 Occurrences)
... who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had
no compassion upon young man or virgin, old man or hoary-headed: he gave them ...
/h/hoary.htm - 9k

Hobab (3 Occurrences)

/h/hobab.htm - 10k

Chalde'ans (74 Occurrences)
... who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had
no compassion upon young man or maiden, old man or hoary-headed; He gave them ...
/c/chalde'ans.htm - 29k

Handed (101 Occurrences)
... who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had
no compassion upon young man or maiden, old man or hoary-headed; He gave them ...
/h/handed.htm - 36k

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