Baldness
Bible Usage:
- First Reference: Leviticus 21:5
- Last Reference: Micah 1:16
Dictionaries:
- Included in Eastons: Yes
- Included in Hitchcocks: No
- Included in Naves: Yes
- Included in Smiths: Yes
- Included in Websters: Yes
- Included in Strongs: Yes
- Included in Thayers: No
- Included in BDB: Yes
Strongs Concordance:
- H7144 Used 9 times
From natural causes was uncommon (2 Kings 2:23; Isaiah 3:24). It was included apparently under "scab" and "scurf," which disqualified for the priesthood (Leviticus 21:20). The Egyptians were rarely subject to it. This probably arose from their custom of constantly shaving the head, only allowing the hair to grow as a sign of mourning. With the Jews artificial baldness was a sign of mourning (Isaiah 22:12; Jeremiah 7:29; 16:6); it also marked the conclusion of a Nazarite's vow (Acts 18:18; 21:24; Numbers 6:9). It is often alluded to (Micah 1:16; Amos 8:10; Jeremiah 47:5). The Jews were forbidden to follow the customs of surrounding nations in making themselves bald (Deuteronomy 14:1).
General references
Leviticus 13:40-41
A judgment
Isaiah 3:24; Jeremiah 47:5; Jeremiah 48:37; Ezekiel 7:18
Artificial, a sign of mourning
Isaiah 22:12; Jeremiah 16:6; Ezekiel 27:31; Ezekiel 29:18; Amos 8:10; Micah 1:16
Artificial, as an idolatrous practice, forbidden
Leviticus 21:5; Deuteronomy 14:1
Instances of, Elisha
2 Kings 2:23
Natural baldness seems to have been uncommon, since it exposed people to public derision. (Leviticus 13:29; 2 Kings 2:23; Isaiah 3:24; 15:2; Jeremiah 47:5; Ezekiel 7:18) Artificial baldness marked the conclusion of a Nazarite's vow, (Numbers 6:9; Acts 18:18) and was a sign of mourning.
BALD'NESS, noun Want of hair on the top and back of the head; loss of hair; meanness or inelegance of writing; want of ornament.