Lectionary Calendar
Wednesday, May 1st, 2024
the Fifth Week after Easter
Bible Encyclopedias
Shaving
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Search for…
or
shāv´ing (in Job 1:20 , גּזז , gāzaz , usually גּלח , gālaḥ ; in Acts 21:24 , ξυράω , xuráō ): Customs as to shaving differ in different countries, and in ancient and modern times. Among the Egyptians it was customary to shave the whole body (compare Genesis 41:14 ). With the Israelites, shaving the head was a sign of mourning (Deuteronomy 21:12; Job 1:20 ); ordinarily the hair was allowed to grow long, and was only cut at intervals (compare Absalom, 2 Samuel 14:26 ). Nazirites were forbidden to use a razor, but when their vow was expired, or if they were defiled, they were to shave the whole head (Numbers 6:5 , Numbers 6:9 , Numbers 6:18 ff; compare Acts 21:24 ). The shaving of the beard was not permitted to the Israelites; they were prohibited from shaving off even "the corner of their beard" (Leviticus 21:5 ). It was an unpardonable insult when Hanun, king of the Ammonites, cut off the half of the beards of the Israelites whom David had sent to him (2 Samuel 10:4; 1 Chronicles 19:4 ).
Shaving "with a razor that is hired" is Isaiah's graphic figure to denote the complete devastation of Judah by the Assyrian army (Isaiah 7:20 ).
Copyright Statement
These files are public domain and were generously provided by the folks at WordSearch Software.
Bibliography Information
Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. Entry for 'Shaving'. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/isb/s/shaving.html. 1915.
