Many ponder the question of whether dreadlocks are mentioned in the Bible and, if so, what the scriptures suggest about this particular hairstyle.
What Does the Bible Say About Dreadlocks?
The Bible does not directly mention the style of dreadlocks, but it does contain references to the practice of nazirites not cutting their hair. In the Old Testament Book of Numbers, the Bible talks about the Nazirite vow, part of which included an injunction against cutting one’s hair. It’s possible that the uncut hair of a Nazirite might have resembled what we today call dreadlocks, but the Bible doesn’t explicitly make this connection. Instead, it emphasizes the spiritual commitment the nazirite makes to God, represented by the vow not to cut their hair.
Why Do People Associate Dreadlocks with the Bible?
One of the main reasons why dreadlocks often become associated with the Bible is the example of Samson, the hero of the Book of Judges. The Bible says that Samson had seven braids of hair which were the source of his supernatural strength. While the Bible doesn’t use the term ‘dreadlocks’, many interpret the description of Samson’s hair as bearing similarity to dreadlocks.
Where Else Do Discussions About Dreadlocks and the Bible Arise?
Discussion about dreadlocks and the Bible also arises in relation to The Book of Leviticus, which contains many laws related to personal conduct and appearance. With the customary interpretation, shaving or cutting one’s hair was a sign of cleanliness and purity, which could lead some to assume that dreadlocks, which require not cutting one’s hair, might be seen as unclean or impure. However, the intention behind these biblical passages is better understood within their cultural context, rather than being taken as blanket statements on hairstyles.
Who Else in the Bible May Have Had Dreadlocks?
Aside from Samson, there are other biblical figures who might have had dreadlocks, based on descriptions of their vows and lifestyles. The prophet Elijah, according to the Book of Kings, is described as a hairy man, possibly implying a rugged, unkempt appearance. The depiction of John the Baptist in the New Testament also depicts him living in the wilderness, suggesting a lifestyle which may not have included regular grooming or hair cutting. While none of these descriptions explicitly mention dreadlocks, they could be interpreted as such due to the practices and lifestyle described.
What is the Interpretation of Dreadlocks Today?
Interpretation of dreadlocks in relation to the Bible varies greatly today, strongly influenced by cultural, societal, and personal beliefs. While Rastafari believers, for example, see dreadlocks as an important sign of their religious commitment, others may simply like the look. Bottom line, the Bible does not provide explicit views on dreadlocks but does teach about the importance of maintaining a clean and respectful appearance that honors God. This suggests that what matters most is not the specific hairstyle one chooses, but the heart and motivations behind it.
Below is our full list of bible verses on dreadlocks (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Dreadlocks
Numbers 6:5
“5 All the days of the vow of his separation there shall no rasor come upon his head: until the days be fulfilled, in the which he separateth himself unto the LORD, he shall be holy, and shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow.”
Related Themes: Hair
Judges 16:13
“13 And Delilah said unto Samson, Hitherto thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: tell me wherewith thou mightest be bound. And he said unto her, If thou weavest the seven locks of my head with the web.”
Ezekiel 44:20
“20 Neither shall they shave their heads, nor suffer their locks to grow long; they shall only poll their heads.”
Related Themes: Hair
Judges 16:19
“19 And she made him sleep upon her knees; and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him.”
Related Themes: Hair
Leviticus 21:5
“5 They shall not make baldness upon their head, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard, nor make any cuttings in their flesh.”
Related Themes: Hair
Ezekiel 8:3
“3 And he put forth the form of an hand, and took me by a lock of mine head; and the spirit lifted me up between the earth and the heaven, and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to the door of the inner gate that looketh toward the north; where was the seat of the image of jealousy, which provoketh to jealousy.”
1 Samuel 1:11
“11 And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no rasor come upon his head.”
Related Themes: Hair Dedication
2 Samuel 14:26
“26 And when he polled his head, (for it was at every year’s end that he polled it: because the hair was heavy on him, therefore he polled it:) he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels after the king’s weight.”
Related Themes: Hair
1 Corinthians 11:14
“14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?”
Related Themes: Hair
1 Corinthians 11:14-15
“14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.”
Related Themes: Hair
Leviticus 19:27
“27 Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard.”
Related Themes: Hair
Song of Solomon 5:11
“11 His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven.”
Related Themes: Hair
Numbers 6:1-6
“1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall separate themselves to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate themselves unto the LORD:3 He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat moist grapes, or dried.4 All the days of his separation shall he eat nothing that is made of the vine tree, from the kernels even to the husk.5 All the days of the vow of his separation there shall no rasor come upon his head: until the days be fulfilled, in the which he separateth himself unto the LORD, he shall be holy, and shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow.6 All the days that he separateth himself unto the LORD he shall come at no dead body.”
Deuteronomy 32:42
“42 I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh; and that with the blood of the slain and of the captives, from the beginning of revenges upon the enemy.”
Proverbs 10:24
“24 The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.”
Related Themes: Desire
