Topical Bible: Women: Wore Hair Long

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the length and style of a woman's hair held cultural and religious significance. The Bible provides insights into the customs and expectations regarding women's hair, reflecting broader societal norms and spiritual symbolism.

Cultural Context

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, long hair on women was often associated with femininity, beauty, and modesty. It was customary for women to grow their hair long, as it was considered a natural adornment and a sign of womanhood. The length of a woman's hair could also signify her marital status and social standing.

Biblical References

The Apostle Paul addresses the topic of women's hair in his first letter to the Corinthians. In 1 Corinthians 11:14-15 , Paul writes, "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 distinction between men and women, suggesting that long hair is a woman's glory and serves as a covering, symbolizing her honor and dignity.

Paul's discussion in 1 Corinthians 11 is set within the context of worship and propriety. He argues that women should cover their heads while praying or prophesying, and long hair serves as a natural covering. This passage reflects the cultural norms of the time, where head coverings were a sign of respect and submission to divine order.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

Long hair on women is often seen as a symbol of submission to God's created order. In the biblical narrative, the distinction between male and female roles is emphasized, and the physical appearance, including hair length, is seen as an outward expression of these roles. The long hair of women is thus viewed as a sign of their acceptance of their God-given identity and role within the family and the church.

The account of Samson and Delilah in Judges 16 also highlights the significance of hair in a spiritual context. Although this narrative focuses on a man, it underscores the belief that hair can hold spiritual power and significance. Samson's strength was linked to his uncut hair, a symbol of his Nazirite vow and dedication to God.

Historical and Theological Perspectives

Throughout church history, the interpretation of women's hair length has varied. Some early church fathers and theologians emphasized the importance of maintaining traditional gender distinctions, including hair length, as a reflection of divine order. Others have focused on the underlying principles of modesty and propriety rather than specific cultural practices.

In contemporary conservative Christian circles, the discussion of women's hair length often centers on the principles of modesty, femininity, and adherence to biblical teachings. While cultural practices have evolved, the biblical emphasis on the distinction between male and female roles remains a guiding principle for many believers.

Conclusion

The biblical perspective on women wearing their hair long is deeply rooted in cultural, spiritual, and theological contexts. It reflects the broader biblical themes of gender distinction, modesty, and submission to divine order. While interpretations and applications may vary, the underlying principles continue to influence Christian thought and practice.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Corinthians 11:5-15
But every woman that prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Right to Regulate My Private Affairs as I Wish
... In that area the older women all wore thigh-length loose ... It was warm, and one of
the two women had just ... your dresses must be, and how you must wear your hair. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/williamson/have we no rights/chapter 4 the right to.htm

Letter cvii. To Laeta.
... The first as a Nazarite wore his hair long, drank neither ... The second shunned cities,
wore a leathern girdle, and had ... away by the silly coaxing of women to form ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cvii to laeta.htm

The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple
... been partly cut out by the priests, had now been finished by the women. ... was dressed
in a flowing praying-mantle like the one he wore when he ... He had red hair. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/iii the presentation of the.htm

Changed Conditions
... more up-to-date than the rest, wore the so ... and forbade the wearing of silver ornaments
to women. ... military uniform necessitated the removal of long hair, it was ...
/.../the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xx changed conditions.htm

Marriage of the Blessed virgin to Joseph
... The Blessed Virgin had very abundant hair, reddish-gold in ... She wore her wedding-dress
again in the Temple ... the manner in which Jewish women muffled themselves ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/vii marriage of the blessed.htm

The Dark Shadow
... painful, than the many inventions which men and women seek out ... and ignorance, he
provided himself with a hair shirt and iron chain, which he wore till the ...
/.../bevan/three friends of god/chapter li the dark shadow.htm

David the Shepherd Youth.
... hills and cool streams, the red-cheeked women at the well ... his ruddy cheeks, and his
long fair hair falling upon ... a giant named Goliath of Gath, who wore a helmet ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/david the shepherd youth.htm

That Evening Vergilius Went to Feast with the Young Herodian ...
... "May fairest women be for ... and wrestled for the pleasing of that merry company, and
the hours wore away. ... "You should have a doll and long hair," said Antipater ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 4 that evening vergilius.htm

Arria Met them in the Atrium. ...
... She wore a tunic of the color of violets, with ... and of a sweet, immortal love between
men and women. ... she repeated, her voice trembling as he touched her hair. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 10 arria met them.htm

"Good-For-Nothing"
... but clean, and very neatly mended, and he wore heavy wooden ... lame on one leg, and
with her hair brushed into ... Slowly the two women made their way up the little ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/good-for-nothing.htm