In the Bible, hair is sometimes portrayed as having spiritual significance or power. References to holy or magic hair in the Bible are sparse, but a few passages mention hair in a supernatural context.
Samson’s Hair
One of the most well-known examples involves the Old Testament character Samson. Samson was an Israelite judge granted superhuman strength by God. However, the source of his strength was his uncut hair. We read in Judges 16:17 that “if my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become weak and be like any other man.” Delilah, a Philistine woman who had seduced Samson, eventually cut his hair while he slept, rendering him powerless. This allowed the Philistines to capture, blind, and imprison Samson until his hair grew back and God restored his strength. When Samson died, he prayed for strength one final time to bring down the temple of Dagon and kill the Philistines inside. So in this case, Samson’s uncut hair carried a certain holy magic granted by God.
The Nazirite Vow
Samson was under a Nazirite vow, described in Numbers 6. This involved abstaining from wine, not cutting one’s hair, and avoiding corpses. So his uncut hair was a sign of his spiritual devotion. The passage says “During the entire period of their Nazirite vow, no razor may be used on their head. They must be holy until the period of their dedication to the Lord is over; they must let their hair grow long.” (Numbers 6:5). So in this context, holy magic hair refers to hair grown under a Nazirite vow and sanctified as a sign of devotion to God.
Holy Anointing Oils
Special anointing oils used for consecration and ordination of priests and kings were described as being poured over the head and running down the hair and beard (see Exodus 29:7, Psalm 133:2). So the hair was literally covered in holy ointments as part of ritual practice. This could loosely be seen as imparting a temporary holy magic quality to the hair.
Jesus’s Feet Anointed with Oil
In a similar ritual context, Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive ointment and wiped them with her hair (John 12:3). While not quite the same concept of holy hair, it does connect hair with an act of spiritual devotion. The loose hair contact absorbed and transmitted the holiness of the ointment.
God’s Awareness of Hair Details
A few verses illustrate God’s intimate knowledge and awareness of human hair details. Matthew 10:30 says “And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” Luke 12:7 states a similar concept: “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” The idea is that because God is all-knowing, even the fine details of each hair are within His awareness. This implies hair has a certain spiritual value rather than being mundane.
Holy Garments Instruct Hair Coverings
In 1 Corinthians 11:15, Paul writes regarding appropriate hair lengths, coverings, and presentation for men and women. He states that long hair is given to women as a covering, and presents hair maintenance as a matter of biblical principle for believers rather than just cultural custom. So in this sense, caring for hair is a minor dimension of living a holy life.
Avoidance of Elaborate Hairstyles
Paul again references hair presentation in 1 Timothy 2:9, directing women to avoid elaborate hairstyles and ornamentation. The passage encourages modesty and simplicity rather than ostentatious displays of luxury. So hair played a small role in exhibiting either virtue or vanity.
White as Wool, White as Snow
Descriptions of God, the Ancient of Days, and even the glorified Jesus mention white or bright hair, such as in Daniel 7 and Revelation 1. The color white implies purity and holiness. So in poetic imagery, righteous hair glows with supernatural radiance.
Seven Locks of Youthful Black Hair
The Song of Solomon describes the Beloved’s hair: “His head is purest gold; his hair is wavy and black as a raven.” (Song 5:11) The black color likely represents youthfulness and virility. The metaphors connect physical traits to desirability and intimate spiritual love.
Anointed Head of the High Priest
Exodus 29 outlines the ordination process for Aaron and his sons as high priests. Verse 7 notes: “Take the anointing oil and anoint him by pouring it on his head.” The holy oil consecrated Aaron’s head and by extension his hair.
Hair Carrying Spiritual Information
In a strange passage, Ezekiel cuts the hair from his head and beard. God instructs him to divide the hair and use part to represent those slain in battle and part to be burned, forecasting destruction (Ezekiel 5). Here, hair temporarily carries prophetic details from God.
Nazarite Vow of Separation
Numbers 6 describes the Nazarite vow of separation to God. This involved abstaining from wine & strong drink, avoiding unclean things, and leaving the hair uncut. So holy hair marked spiritual devotion.
Holy Hair in the Ancient Near East
In the ancient Near East, hair length and treatment carried spiritual meaning. Egyptian priests shaved body hair for purity. Pagan rituals included cutting, casting, or shaving hair as an offering. So the Bible regulates holy hair partly based on contemporary customs.
God Determines the Number of Hairs
Matthew 10:30 states that God has numbered the hairs on our head. This suggests He closely oversees even fine details like hair. So our hair is not beyond God’s providence and awareness.
Hair and Personal Identity
Hairstyles and hair treatments contribute to personal identity and communication of social information. The Bible’s interest in hair partly reflects its role in projecting an image. So hair carries meaning about who we are.
Nazirite Vow Sets Apart Holy People
The Nazirite vow in Numbers 6 set apart people as holy for a period of time. This involved abstaining from wine and spirits and leaving the hair uncut. So holy hair marked temporary consecration.
Wilful Spiritual Neglect Seen in Hair
In Ezekiel 16, God accuses Jerusalem of spiritual prostitution and adultery. Part of the evidence was hairstyles, jewelry, and ornamentation implying vanity and cultural assimilation. So hair reflected deeper heart conditions.
Holy Anointing Oil Applied to Hair
As part of priestly ordination in Exodus 29, holy anointing oil was poured over Aaron’s head. This consecrated the priest’s entire body including his hair. So hair became a temporary vessel of holiness.
Hairstyle Instructions Reflect Holiness
1 Corinthians 11 provides instructions about hair length, head coverings, and presentation. This suggests outward hairstyle reflects inner devotion and respect for God’s principles.
Hairs Numbered By God as an Act of Love
Matthew 10:30 and Luke 12:7 state that God numbers the hairs on our heads. This conveys God’s intimate love, care, and attention towards us. Our hairs are not too small or insignificant for His notice.
Samson’s Hair Source of Supernatural Strength
Samson’s uncut hair was key to his superhuman strength by God’s spirit. But when it was cut, he lost his power. So his hair carried holy magic bestowed for a time to serve God’s purposes (Judges 16).
Hair Coverings in Worship Symbolize Angels
1 Corinthians 11 discusses head coverings during worship. Paul argues a woman’s long hair is given as a covering, representing the presence of angels in sacred times. So hair holds symbolic spiritual meaning.
Shaving Heads Could Represent Holy Mourning
In some cases, shaving heads demonstrated mourning, repentance or humiliation (Isaiah 3:24, Jeremiah 48:37). So hair condition reflected spiritual states in symbolic ways at times.
Holy Spirit Descended as a Dove
When Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him like a dove (Matthew 3:16). Doves have soft, gentle feathers. This symbolized the Spirit’s breath-like comforting presence upon Christ.
Hair Length Showed Consecration to God
In the Nazirite vow, hair remained uncut to represent devotion to God for a period of time. So holy hair signified setting oneself apart for the Lord’s purposes (Numbers 6).
Hair Carries Anointing Oil of Consecration
Exodus 29 shows Aaron’s hair was anointed with holy oil as part of priestly ordination. Oil poured on the head spread through the hair, temporally consecrating it as sacred space.
Head Coverings Reflect Divine Order
1 Corinthians 11 discusses head coverings, hair length, and presentation in worship. This reflects respect for God’screated distinctions between genders and holy living.
Holy Garments Included Head Coverings
The holy garments worn by the high priest included ceremonial head coverings (Exodus 28). These symbols of honor and devotion incorporated hair in the realm of the sacred.
Hair in Poetry Metaphorically Suggests Thoughts
Psalm 40:12 says God numbers the hairs on our head. This conveys how intimately God knows our inner thoughts, feelings, and character.
Nazarite Vow of Separation to God
The Nazarite vow in Numbers 6 called for Israelites to consecrate themselves temporarily through abstaining from wine, not cutting hair, and avoiding corpses. So uncut hair reflected holiness.
Hair Presentation as an Act of Worship
1 Corinthians 11 and 1 Timothy 2 provide hair instructions for men and women in corporate worship. Outward presentation reflected inner reverence for God.
Holy Garments Included Turban Head Coverings
As described in Exodus 28, the priestly garments incorporated turbans. These headdresses covering the hair were part of the holy vestments.
Samson’s Long Hair Indicated Supernatural Empowerment
Samson possessed extraordinary strength from God so long as his hair remained uncut. His long locks carried holy magic but when shaved, he lost this special anointing (Judges 16).
Head Coverings Symbol of Spiritual Order
1 Corinthians 11 explains how head coverings during worship symbolize divine order and spiritual truths. So hair practices carried symbolic meaning.
Holy Garments Designed by God
The holy garments worn by priests were crafted under God’s specific instructions (Exodus 28). Details like turbans covering the head incorporated hair into the sacred uniforms.
Shaving Heads Could Represent Cleansing
At times, shaving heads or beards carried symbolism of purification from sin or contamination (Leviticus 14:8-9). So hair condition reflected spiritual cleansing.
Hairs Numbered as an Act of Divine Comfort
Matthew 10:30 and Luke 12:7 reveal God’s intimate knowledge of each hair on our heads. This conveys God’s tender comfort, care and attention to detail towards us.
Holiness Requires Separation from Worldliness
A Nazarite vow of separation required leaving hair uncut to signify temporary consecration to God (Numbers 6). So holy hair reflected devotion.
Head Coverings in Worship Symbolized Divine Authority
1 Corinthians 11 discusses hair and head coverings in public worship. This reflects respect for God’s authority and order in creation.
Heads Anointed with Holy Oil in Coronation
Kings were anointed with holy oil poured on the head during coronations (1 Samuel 10:1, 16:13). This consecrated their entire body including hair.
Hair Instructions Prevent Distraction in Worship
Paul’s hair instructions aimed to prevent distraction and maintain focus on God during worship (1 Corinthians 11, 1 Timothy 2). Outward simplicity reflected inner reverence.
Head Coverings Maintain Spiritual Order
1 Corinthians 11 presents head coverings as reflecting divinely-established order between genders. So hairstyles carried symbolic spiritual meaning.
Hair Became Holy When Consecrated as a Nazarite
The Nazarite vow involved leaving one’s hair uncut for a period of temporary consecration to God (Numbers 6). So holy hair reflected spiritual devotion.
Hair Represents Thoughts and Character
God numbering the hairs on our heads (Matthew 10:30) conveys His deep knowledge of our innermost thoughts and character.
Head Coverings Show Regard for Angels
1 Corinthians 11 suggests a woman’s long hair functions as a head covering, reflecting the presence of angels during worship.
Holy Garments Included Elaborate Headdresses
As described in Exodus 28, the priestly vestments incorporated detailed headdresses and turbans. These holy uniforms integrated hair.
Hairstyle Instructions Prevent Disgraceful Worship
Paul’s instructions prevented ostentatious hairstyles that could dishonor God during worship (1 Corinthians 11, 1 Timothy 2). Outward simplicity enabled focus.
Head Anointed with Oil to Symbolize Holiness
Kings and priests had holy anointing oil poured on their heads during ordination rites (Exodus 29, 1 Samuel 16). This consecrated the whole body including hair.
Holy Garments Designed According to Divine Plans
God gave specific instructions for constructing the priestly vestments (Exodus 28). Details like turbans integrated hair into these sacred uniforms.
