Question: What does shaving a mohawk mean, and is it a sin? (Leviticus 19:27)

Answer:

Let’s begin by examining what the Bible says:

Leviticus 19:27
“Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard.”

This command may seem outdated today, but it had deep spiritual significance in the context of ancient Israel. The phrase “cutting the hair at the sides” refers to certain hairstyles that were practiced by pagan nations, often as part of idol worship or occult rituals.

In today’s terms, one of those styles would be similar to what we call the mohawk — where the hair is left long or thick in the center and shaved or cut around the sides. This hairstyle was not originally a fashion statement; it was a mark of spiritual allegiance, often connected to the worship of foreign gods or spiritual protection rituals.

God gave Israel commands like this not because hairstyles are inherently sinful, but because He was setting His people apart from the surrounding nations. Israel was to be holy — which means “set apart” — in every area of life, including their physical appearance.

Leviticus 19:2
“Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.”

The way someone appeared in ancient cultures often symbolized their religious beliefs. A hairstyle wasn’t just fashion — it was often a spiritual marker. That’s why Leviticus 19:28 follows immediately after with another warning:

Leviticus 19:28
“Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord.”

The command here again refers to practices tied to idol worship and mourning rituals among pagans. God did not want His people to imitate the customs of those who worshiped false gods.

So, when someone today chooses a style like a mohawk or even dreadlocks (which also have spiritual origins in some cultures), it’s important to ask: Where did this practice come from, and what does it represent spiritually? Even if the modern culture has normalized it, its spiritual roots may still carry weight.

Deuteronomy 12:30-31
“Be careful not to be ensnared by inquiring about their gods… You must not worship the Lord your God in their way.”

Spiritual Identity and Appearance

Some might argue: “It’s just hair; it doesn’t matter to God.” But Scripture says otherwise:

Matthew 10:30
“Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”

Luke 21:18
“But not a hair of your head will perish.”

These verses show that God pays close attention to even the smallest details of our lives, including our hair. That means our appearance can and does reflect something spiritual. If God notices each hair, we should also be mindful of how we treat our hair — not out of vanity, but out of reverence.

In biblical theology, the body — including our hair — is considered a temple of the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you… You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”

If our bodies are temples, then how we present ourselves should honor God. This includes avoiding styles or symbols that have a history of being used for unholy purposes — even if they are now fashionable.

Cultural Acceptance ≠ Godly Approval

The fact that many people — including Christians — now wear such hairstyles does not make them automatically acceptable to God.

Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

The Christian life is not about blending in but standing out for God. Even if society praises something as “beautiful,” “bold,” or “trendy,” we must ask: Is this pleasing to God?

Some may ask, “But we’re under the New Covenant. Aren’t Old Testament laws no longer binding?” It’s true we are no longer under ceremonial or civil laws of Israel. However, the moral and spiritual principles — like avoiding idol worship, rejecting pagan influence, and living holy lives — remain fully relevant under the New Covenant.

1 Peter 1:15-16
“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”

The goal is not legalism — it’s spiritual discernment. We must not treat everything as neutral. Some styles and trends carry spiritual messages, whether we are aware of them or not. That’s why intentional living is part of Christian discipleship.

Ephesians 5:15-17
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise… Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”

Don’t let the popularity of a style fool you into thinking it’s spiritually safe. Just because the world, or even some Christians, have embraced something doesn’t mean it’s right. Measure everything — even fashion — by God’s Word, not public opinion.

God is calling us to live set apart lives — not just in our hearts, but in every visible and invisible way. If a hairstyle has pagan roots or still carries a rebellious spirit, avoid it. Let your appearance reflect the holiness and humility of Christ.