Dictionaries :: Shaving

International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia

Shaving:

shav'-ing (in Job 1:20, gazaz, usually galach; in Ac 21:24, xurao): 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 Ge 41:14). With the Israelites, shaving the head was a sign of mourning (De 21:12; Job 1:20); ordinarily the hair was allowed to grow long, and was only cut at intervals (compare Absalom, 2Sa 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 (Nu 6:5,9,18; compare Ac 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" (Le 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 (2Sa 10:4; 1Ch 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 (Isa 7:20).

Written by James Orr

Nave's Topical Bible

Shaving: Forbidden

To Nazarites,

Num 6:5; Jdg 13:5;

to priests,

Eze 44:20.

Shaving: Reference Concerning

See BEARD