Definition and Cultural Context:
Long hair, in biblical times, often held significant cultural and religious connotations. It was seen as a symbol of beauty, strength, and sometimes, religious devotion. The length and style of hair could denote one's social status, gender roles, and adherence to religious vows.

Old Testament References:
In the Old Testament, long hair is notably associated with the Nazirite vow, a special commitment to God. Numbers 6:5 states, "For the entire period of his vow of separation, no razor shall pass over his head. He must be holy until the time of his consecration to the LORD is complete; he must let the hair of his head grow long." This vow, which could be taken by both men and women, included abstaining from wine and not cutting one's hair, symbolizing a life set apart for God.

The account of Samson, a Nazirite from birth, highlights the significance of long hair as a source of strength and divine empowerment. Judges 16:17 reveals, "He told her all his heart and said, 'No razor has ever come upon my head, because I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb. If I am shaved, my strength will leave me, and I will become weak and be like any other man.'"

New Testament References:
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul addresses the topic of long hair in 1 Corinthians 11:14-15, where he discusses the cultural norms of hair length for men and women: "Does not nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering." Here, Paul emphasizes the natural order and distinctions between men and women, suggesting that long hair on women is a sign of honor and femininity, while for men, it is considered dishonorable.

Symbolism and Interpretation:
Long hair in biblical texts often symbolizes strength, dedication, and divine favor. For women, it is portrayed as a natural covering and a sign of beauty and modesty. For men, particularly in the context of the Nazirite vow, it represents a special consecration to God. The cultural and religious implications of hair length reflect broader themes of identity, obedience, and the acknowledgment of divine order.

Theological Implications:
The discussion of long hair in Scripture underscores the importance of adhering to God's design and the roles He has established. It serves as a reminder of the distinctiveness between genders and the call to live in a manner that honors God's creation. The biblical perspective on long hair encourages believers to consider how outward appearances can reflect inner spiritual commitments and the values of the faith community.1 Corinthians 11:14
Does not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame to him?
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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.
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Ezekiel 44:20
Neither shall they shave their heads, nor suffer their locks to grow long; they shall only poll their heads.
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Leviticus 19:27
You shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shall you mar the corners of your beard.
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2863. komao -- to wear long hair
... to wear long hair. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: komao Phonetic Spelling:
(kom-ah'-o) Short Definition: I wear the hair long Definition: I wear the hair ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2863.htm - 6k

2864. kome -- hair
... hair. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: kome Phonetic Spelling:
(kom'-ay) Short Definition: hair, long hair Definition: hair, long hair. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2864.htm - 6k

6545. pera -- long hair, locks
... 6544b, 6545. pera. 6546 . long hair, locks. Transliteration: pera Phonetic
Spelling: (peh'-rah) Short Definition: locks. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/6545.htm - 6k

These Things, My Brother Aurelius, Most Dear unto Me...
... unto. For whereunto, I pray thee, pertaineth this also, that people so
openly against the Apostle's precepts wear long hair? Is ...
/.../augustine/of the work of monks /section 38 these things my.htm

1 Cor. xi. 2
... both to pray and prophesy unveiled and with their head bare, (for then women also
used to prophesy;) but the men went so far as to wear long hair as having ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxvi 1 cor xi.htm

The Story of Samson, the Strong Man
... "You notice that my long hair is in seven locks. Weave it together in the
loom, just as if it were the threads in a piece of cloth.". ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of samson the.htm

Here, it May be Said, My Book Ends Just Where it Ought to Begin. . ...
... Because a girl should have long hair, she should have clean hair; because she should
have clean hair, she should not have an unclean home: because she should ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 46 here it may.htm

Strength Profaned and Lost
... So the story which connects the loss of his long hair with the loss of his superhuman
power has a worthy meaning, and puts in a picturesque form an eternal ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/strength profaned and lost.htm

Elijah and the Widow's Son.
... Ahab, the wicked King of Israel, was sitting in his house at Samaria, when suddenly
there appeared before him a wild-looking man, with long hair and a cape of ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/elijah and the widows son.htm

When Diamond Got Round the Corner of the Hay...
... To have a lady like that for a friend"-with such long hair, too! Why,
it was longer than twenty Diamonds' tails! She was gone. ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 2 when diamond got.htm

Mary of Magdala.
... perfume that she was anointing His feet. As her tears fell she wiped His
feet with her long hair, and kissed them again and again. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xix mary of magdala.htm

Pipin and Charles the Great (Ad 741-814)
... and displayed to the people, while he was anointed and crowned, the last of the
poor old race of "do-nothing" kings was forced to let his long hair be shorn ...
/.../chapter iv pipin and charles.htm

The Scaffolding Left in the Body
... want of something else, it would often seize its own feet, and after a time it would
constantly cross its arms and grasp with each hand the long hair that grew ...
/.../the lowell lectures on the ascent of man/chapter ii the scaffolding left.htm

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