📖 Biblical Definition
The fine filaments growing from the skin; in Scripture, charged with covenant meaning. Samson's strength was bound to his uncut hair; the Nazirite's vow was visible in unshorn locks; gray hair is the crown of an aged life lived in righteousness; Paul taught that long hair is given to a woman as a covering for her glory. Even the hairs of every saint's head are numbered (Matt 10:30).
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
HAIR, n.
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1. A small filament issuing from the skin of an animal, and from a bulbous root. 2. The hair of the head — in scripture, often a sign of dedication, mourning, or covenant.
📖 Key Scripture
Matthew 10:30 — "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered."
Numbers 6:5 — "All the days of the vow of his separation there shall no razor come upon his head."
Proverbs 16:31 — "The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness."
1 Corinthians 11:15 — "If a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern culture prizes youth and dyes the gray; Scripture calls the hoary head a crown.
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Proverbs 16:31 is one of the most counter-cultural verses in the Bible: the hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. Gray hair earned in righteousness is a public crown — visible glory marking a life of obedient endurance. Modern culture flips the verdict: gray hair is a flaw to be dyed away; youth is the only currency; old men and women are storaged out of the way.
The church should refuse the inversion. Honor the gray heads; seek their counsel; sit at their feet. The ancient hair-numbering of Matthew 10:30 is the comfort behind it: the Father knows every filament, marks every change, treasures every season. Dye if you wish; it changes nothing of His ledger. Wear the hoary head as the crown He intended.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew seʿar (H8181); Greek thrix (G2359).
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H8181 — sear — hair
G2359 — thrix — hair
G2864 — kome — long hair
Usage
"The hoary head is a crown of glory, if found in the way of righteousness."
"Modern culture dyes the gray and storages the elders; the church should refuse the inversion."
"The very hairs of your head are numbered — the Father's ledger is more detailed than your mirror's."