Did the Lord Jesus Have Long Hair?

by esther phinias | 28 August 2023 08:46 pm08

Many artistic portrayals show Jesus with long hair, but what does Scripture and historical context say? Did Jesus actually have long hair, or was His hair shorter?

Cultural Context and Biblical Teaching

Jewish culture in Jesus’ time had clear expectations regarding men’s appearance. For a Jewish man to have long hair—like a woman—was considered dishonorable and a sign of disrespect toward God’s created order. The Apostle Paul addresses this in his letter to the Corinthians:

Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him, but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering. (1 Corinthians 11:14–15, ESV)

Paul’s teaching reflects the created order given by God, where masculinity and femininity have distinct markers, including outward appearances like hair length (cf. Genesis 1:27).

The Nazirite Vow and Hair Length

The only Jewish men who typically wore long hair were Nazirites—those who took a special vow to consecrate themselves to God (Numbers 6:1-21). This vow involved abstaining from wine and grape products, avoiding contact with the dead, and not cutting their hair for the duration of their vow. Their uncut hair symbolized their holy separation and dedication to God.

Examples of lifelong Nazirites include Samson (Judges 13–16), Samuel (1 Samuel 1:11), and John the Baptist (Luke 1:15). Temporary Nazirites would end their vow by cutting their hair, as Paul apparently did (Acts 18:18).

Was Jesus a Nazirite?

Jesus was not under the Nazirite vow. Evidence shows He drank wine, which Nazirites were forbidden to consume:

But I tell you, I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom. (Matthew 26:29, ESV)

This implies Jesus regularly drank wine before this statement.

Moreover, Jesus touched the dead (Mark 5:41), an action prohibited to Nazirites to maintain ceremonial purity. His mission was not to be bound by ritual laws but to fulfill the law perfectly (Matthew 5:17).

Theological Significance of Jesus’ Hair and Appearance

Jesus’ appearance, including His hair length, reflects His incarnate humility and identification with humanity (Philippians 2:5-8). He embraced the fullness of human experience without elevating Himself above cultural norms. His life demonstrated perfect obedience to God’s will while engaging with society authentically.

Some modern depictions of Jesus with long flowing hair are artistic interpretations influenced by cultural imaginations rather than historical or biblical accuracy. It’s important to focus on the spiritual truths of His life and ministry rather than physical details that Scripture does not emphasize.

Summary

Jewish men typically did not have long hair; it was culturally shameful (1 Corinthians 11:14).

Nazirites had long hair as a symbol of their vow, but Jesus was not a Nazirite.

Jesus drank wine and touched the dead, actions Nazirites could not do, showing He was not bound by that vow.

His physical appearance likely aligned with Jewish norms, symbolizing His full identification with humanity and humility.

May this understanding deepen your appreciation of Jesus’ life and ministry.

God bless you richly.

 

 

 

 

 

Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2023/08/28/did-the-lord-jesus-have-long-hair/

---