A beard is the epitome of masculinity for some people, while for others, it’s a sign of an untidy and poorly groomed man.
And, of course, as is with any other debate, people like to support their ideas with religious books.
So, what does the Bible say about beards?
Table Of Contents
What Does It Symbolize in the Bible
The Bible approves of men wearing beards from the get-go, and some verses support that.
In Leviticus 19: 27, God commanded people not to trim the edge of their beards. In 1st Samuel, when the Philistines mocked the Israelites about their beards, the Israelites took great offense because they felt that their masculinity was under attack.
As such, it’s right to imagine that beards in the Bible symbolized masculinity and holiness. Most of the prophets and religious people in the Bible wore long beards. In this regard, it’s possible to deduce that beards signify godliness.
However, the Bible doesn’t clearly define the symbolism of beards. Theologians deduce that from the great attachment men in the Bible had with their beards; a beard was God’s gift for men to showcase their masculinity.
Men with Sikh hair can wear a long goatee or beard beads. Of course, to grow a big beard, you need to use beard oil for beard growth. The Bible is, however, keen on stating how clean and well-groomed a beard should be.
As such, Christians are expected to maintain high hygiene standards on their facial hair. The only instances in which men in the Bible were seen with untidy beards were in mourning or fasting.
Bible Verses
2 Samuel 10:4
4 Wherefore Hanun took David’s servants, shaved off one-half of their beards, cut off their garments in the middle, even to their buttocks, and sent them away.
Psalm 133:2
2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;
Isaiah 7:20
20 In the same day shall the Lord shave with a razor that is hired, namely, by them beyond the river, by the king of Assyria, the head, and the hair of the feet: and it shall also consume the beard.
1 Corinthians 11:7
7 For a man ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.
Isaiah 15:2
2 He is gone up to Bajith, and to Dibon, the high places, to weep: Moab shall howl over Nebo, and Medeba: on all their heads shall be baldness, and every beard cut off.
Types of Beards in the Old Testament (KJV)
Here are some of the most common beards in the Old Testament:
- Shaved beard
- Full beard
- Trimmed beard
- Round
- Amish beard
- Pointed
- Full round
- Cut as a sign of Grief
- Beards customarily equal with Wisdom
- Beard mutilation is a sign of Great Distress
- Egyptian beards
- Assyrian beards
- Babylonian beards
- Western Semites
Men Who Had Beards In the Bible
Here are a few men who had beards in the Bible:
- Aaron
- Amasa
- Lepers
- Goliath
- King David
- Davids Servants
- Mephibosheth
FAQ
Why do Christians wear beards?
Christians wear beards as a sign of godliness and a grooming style and to copy scholars such as Karl Marx.
What is the purpose of a beard?
A beard helps to accentuate a man’s masculinity.
Is it a sin to have a beard?
It’s not a sin to have a beard as long as it’s well-groomed and doesn’t affect the quality of life. Men can wear beard styles without sideburns for a more religious look.
What religion required you to have a beard?
Men in the Islam and Sikhism religions are required to keep a long beard.
What does the Bible say about shaving?
The Bible gives freedom to Christians on how they should wear their facial hair, leaving it at the discretion of individuals.
Conclusion
The Bible has different examples of men who grew their beards and others who kept them shaved. As such, it’s up to an individual Christian to decide how they wear their beard.
Michele Meesh Antunes is the lady of the Beardoholic writers team and a genius when it comes to hair and beard styles that suit any face shape. She’s been a barber for years now and, no matter your personal style, she knows exactly what beard, hairstyle and length suit you. She brings the women’s perspective on beards, beard care, haircuts and hairstyles and male grooming.