Baldness
Summary
The loss of hair, which in Scripture refers primarily to artificial baldness produced by shaving as a sign of mourning, rather than natural hair loss.
☩As a Sign of Mourning
Shaving the head to produce baldness was a common mourning practice among pagan nations. Israel was forbidden to practice this as a sign of mourning for the dead, for they were 'a holy people unto the Lord.' Nevertheless, prophets often mention it as occurring during national calamity and judgment.
☩Natural Baldness
Natural baldness appears to have been uncommon and was an object of derision, as illustrated by the youths who mocked Elisha crying 'Go up, thou bald head!' The Law distinguished natural baldness from leprosy in its diagnostic instructions.
☩Ritual Significance
Artificial baldness marked the completion of a Nazarite's vow, when the consecrated person shaved his head and burned the hair in the fire of the peace offering.
Related Verses14 mentions
References
- 1.James Orr (ed.), "Baldness," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 2.George Morrish, "Baldness," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Baldness," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).