The term "unkempt" generally refers to a state of being disheveled, untidy, or neglected in appearance. In a biblical context, the concept of being unkempt can be associated with various spiritual and moral lessons, often symbolizing a lack of discipline, order, or spiritual neglect.

Biblical References and Symbolism

While the specific term "unkempt" does not appear in the Bible, the concept is illustrated through various passages that emphasize the importance of cleanliness, order, and spiritual discipline. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were given specific instructions regarding cleanliness and personal grooming as part of the Mosaic Law. For example, in Leviticus 19:27, the Israelites were instructed not to cut the hair at the sides of their heads or clip off the edges of their beards, which was a call to maintain a distinct appearance that set them apart from surrounding nations.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of order and discipline in the Christian life. In 1 Corinthians 14:40, he writes, "But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner." While this verse primarily addresses the conduct of church services, it reflects a broader principle that can be applied to personal life, including appearance and behavior.

Spiritual Implications

The state of being unkempt can serve as a metaphor for spiritual neglect or disorder. Just as a disheveled appearance may indicate a lack of care or attention, spiritual unkemptness can suggest a neglect of one's relationship with God. In Matthew 23:25-26, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside may become clean as well." This passage highlights the importance of inner spiritual cleanliness over mere outward appearance.

Cultural and Historical Context

In biblical times, personal grooming and cleanliness were not only matters of hygiene but also of cultural and religious significance. The Nazarite vow, as described in Numbers 6:1-21, included specific instructions about not cutting one's hair, symbolizing a special dedication to God. This vow was a voluntary act of consecration and was marked by an outward, unkempt appearance that signified an inward spiritual commitment.

Practical Application

For Christians today, the concept of being unkempt can serve as a reminder to maintain both physical and spiritual discipline. While outward appearance is not the ultimate measure of one's faith, it can reflect the order and care that characterize a life devoted to God. Believers are encouraged to cultivate a disciplined lifestyle that honors God in all aspects, including personal appearance, as a testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel.

In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly address the term "unkempt," the principles of order, cleanliness, and spiritual discipline are woven throughout Scripture, offering valuable insights for believers seeking to live a life that reflects their faith in Christ.1. (a.) Not combed; disheveled; as, an urchin with unkempt hair.

2. (a.) Fig.; Not smoothed; unpolished; rough.

Gambling, Card-Playing
... of "dice. See him with his long, slender fingers; with his shaggy, unkempt
hair; with keen eyes, and a sordid countenance. He is ...
/.../questionable amusements and worthy substitutes/iii gambling card-playing.htm

Final Considerations to Induce to Exomologesis.
... his repentance, working out his exomologesis by a seven years' squalor, with his
nails wildly growing after the eagle's fashion, and his unkempt hair wearing ...
/.../tertullian/on repentance/chapter xii final considerations to induce.htm

Hymn after Fasting
... rule. Thou would'st not have us scorn the grace Of cleanliness and vesture
fair: Thou lovest not a soiled face And unkempt hair. Let ...
/.../prudentius/the hymns of prudentius/viii hymn after fasting.htm

The Thunderbolt Averted
... fallen to pieces. Over their shoulders streamed their unkempt locks. Many
of them had not washed far years. Their features were ...
/.../chapter viii the thunderbolt averted.htm

The Contemptuous Rejection.
... The noise of cattle and sheep being driven here and there, the pavement like an
unkempt barnyard, loud, discordant voices of men handling the beasts and ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks about jesus/the contemptuous rejection.htm

Living Messages of Jesus.
... of Chicago. She began her work by gathering a number of dirty, unkempt children
of the street into the neat mission room. Then, instead ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/living messages of jesus.htm

Of the Monk's Girdle.
... saw that it was the man of God, and said: "It is Elijah the Tishbite:" [638] ie,
by the evidence of the girdle and the look of the hairy and unkempt body he ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter i of the monks.htm

Treatise on the Priesthood. Book vi.
... For even a neglected appearance, unkempt hair, squalid dress, and an unpainted face,
simple behavior, and homely language, unstudied gait, and unaffected voice ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/treatise on the priesthood book 6.htm

Righteous Hatred
... Beggars' children may run about the street with unkempt hair and shoeless
feet; but should princes of the blood revel in uncleanness? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/righteous hatred.htm

Yorkshire and the Settlement System.
... sun. But then the slope was wild and unkempt, covered over with briars
and brambles. Along the crown were a few small cottages. ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter x yorkshire and the.htm

Unkempt (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Not combed; disheveled; as, an urchin with
unkempt hair. ... Multi-Version Concordance Unkempt (3 Occurrences). ...
/u/unkempt.htm - 7k

Unkind (7 Occurrences)

/u/unkind.htm - 8k

Unjustly (11 Occurrences)

/u/unjustly.htm - 9k

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