Ezekiel 44:20

KJV

Neither shall they shave their heads, nor suffer their locks to grow long; they shall only poll their heads.

KJV (with Strong's)

Neither shall they shave {H1548} their heads {H7218}, nor suffer their locks {H6545} to grow long {H7971}; they shall only {H3697} poll {H3697} their heads {H7218}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They are not to shave their heads or let their hair grow long, but must keep their hair carefully trimmed.

Berean Standard Bible

They must not shave their heads or let their hair grow long, but must carefully trim their hair.

American Standard Version

Neither shall they shave their heads, nor suffer their locks to grow long; they shall only cut off the hair of their heads.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 44:20 outlines specific regulations for the priests serving in the visionary temple, dictating a precise standard for their hair: neither fully shaved nor excessively long. This instruction underscores the divine expectation for order, distinction, and moderation in the appearance of those consecrated for holy service, symbolizing their unique role and separation unto God within the meticulously designed worship environment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a lengthy and highly detailed section of Ezekiel (chapters 40-48) that describes a visionary temple, its layout, and the comprehensive regulations for its worship and priesthood. Following the detailed architectural plans, Ezekiel 44 focuses specifically on the priests, particularly the "sons of Zadok" who are deemed faithful and permitted to draw near to God ([Ezekiel 44:15](/ezekiel/44-15 "Ezekiel 44:15 - The Sons of Zadok")). The instructions here are part of a broader set of rules governing their conduct, attire, and personal purity, all designed to maintain the sanctity of the temple and the integrity of their service before a holy God. The meticulous nature of these laws emphasizes the absolute importance of purity and distinction in the restored worship of Israel.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The hair regulations for the priests in Ezekiel 44:20 are deeply rooted in the broader Israelite legal tradition and stand in stark contrast to surrounding pagan practices. Shaving the head or making oneself bald was often associated with pagan mourning rituals (e.g., [Deuteronomy 14:1](/deuteronomy/14-1 "Deuteronomy 14:1 - Prohibitions Against Self-Mutilation for the Dead")) or cultic practices of foreign deities (e.g., Egyptian priests often shaved their entire bodies). Conversely, allowing hair to grow long and unkempt could be a sign of neglect, extreme mourning, or, in the case of the Nazirite vow, a specific temporary dedication to God ([Numbers 6:5](/numbers/6-5 "Numbers 6:5 - Regulations for the Nazirite Vow")). However, for the regular priesthood, such extremes were forbidden. The command for a moderately trimmed hairstyle distinguished the Israelite priests from both pagan cults and from practices within Israel that signified defilement or a temporary vow, thereby emphasizing their permanent, consecrated, and orderly service.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous hair regulation in Ezekiel 44:20 contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Ezekiel and the broader Old Testament. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness and Distinction**. The priests were to be visibly set apart, their appearance reflecting their sacred office and their separation for God's exclusive service. This external distinction mirrored an internal call to purity. Another key theme is **Moderation and Balance**, as the command explicitly prohibits both extremes of shaving and excessively long hair. This avoidance of extremes underscores a disciplined and temperate lifestyle, reflecting the order and control inherent in God's character and His demands for those who serve Him. Finally, the verse speaks to **Order and Purity** in worship, emphasizing that every aspect of priestly life, down to personal grooming, must reflect the sanctity of God's presence and the disciplined devotion required for ministering in His holy temple.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **shave (Hebrew, _gâlach'_):** From H1548, a primitive root meaning "to be bald" or "to shave." This term refers to the act of completely removing hair, often associated with mourning, defilement, or pagan rituals. Its prohibition for the priests emphasizes their separation from such practices and their dedication to a distinct, holy appearance.
* **locks (Hebrew, _peraʻ'_):** From H6545, referring to "the hair (as dishevelled)." This word denotes hair that is loose, unkempt, or allowed to grow freely. The prohibition against allowing their "locks to grow long" indicates a rejection of wildness or a disheveled appearance, which could be associated with mourning or a lack of discipline.
* **poll (Hebrew, _kâçam'_):** From H3697, a primitive root meaning "to shear" or "to clip." This term specifically refers to trimming or cutting the hair to a moderate length, distinct from completely shaving or letting it grow wild. It signifies a deliberate, controlled, and neat appearance, reflecting the order and discipline required for priestly service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Neither shall they shave their heads":** This clause issues a clear prohibition against the priests adopting a completely bald appearance. Such a practice was often associated with pagan cults, particularly in Egypt, or with rituals of extreme mourning and defilement in Israelite culture (e.g., [Leviticus 21:5](/leviticus/21-5 "Leviticus 21:5 - Priestly Prohibitions Against Shaving")). By forbidding this, God emphasized the distinctiveness and holiness of His priests, setting them apart from the surrounding nations and from practices that signified impurity or extreme sorrow.
* **"nor suffer their locks to grow long":** This second prohibition forbids the priests from allowing their hair to become unkempt, wild, or excessively long. While long hair was a sign of the Nazirite vow (e.g., [Numbers 6:5](/numbers/6-5 "Numbers 6:5 - Nazirite Vow Regulations")), for regular priestly service, it could be seen as a lack of discipline, an unkempt appearance, or a sign of mourning. This command promotes an appearance of orderliness and self-control, crucial for those who minister in the sacred space.
* **"they shall only poll their heads":** This is the positive command, specifying the required action. To "poll" their heads means to trim or cut their hair to a moderate, neat length. This instruction mandates a balanced, disciplined, and reverent appearance, symbolizing the priests' consecrated status and their commitment to order and purity in their service before God. It represents a middle ground between two forbidden extremes, embodying the principle of moderation.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 44:20 employs several literary devices to convey its precise instructions. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, where two opposing extremes ("shave their heads" and "suffer their locks to grow long") are explicitly forbidden, immediately followed by the precise, moderate command ("they shall only poll their heads"). This stark contrast highlights the required balance and the avoidance of all extremes. The hair itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing the priest's consecrated status, their distinction from the world, and their commitment to order and purity. The physical appearance becomes an outward manifestation of an inward spiritual state and a visible sign of their unique role. Furthermore, the entire verse is an example of **Prescriptive Language**, issuing direct, unyielding commands that leave no room for ambiguity, underscoring the divine authority behind these regulations for the temple and its ministers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The specific instructions regarding priestly hair in Ezekiel 44:20 extend beyond mere aesthetics; they are deeply theological, reflecting God's nature and His demands for those who serve Him. The emphasis on moderation, order, and distinction underscores the principle that those who draw near to a holy God must themselves embody holiness, not just in their actions but also in their presentation. This outward discipline was a tangible sign of their inward consecration and a visible reminder to the people of the sacredness of divine service. The regulations served to set the priests apart from both pagan practices and common Israelite customs, ensuring that their appearance consistently communicated their unique role as mediators and representatives of God.

* [Leviticus 10:10](/leviticus/10-10 "Leviticus 10:10 - Distinguishing Between Holy and Common")
* [1 Timothy 2:9](/1_timothy/2-9 "1 Timothy 2:9 - Modesty and Adornment in the Church")
* [Titus 2:7](/titus/2-7 "Titus 2:7 - Setting a Good Example")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While modern believers are not bound by the literal hair regulations of the Old Testament priesthood, the underlying principles of Ezekiel 44:20 remain profoundly relevant for the Christian life. As a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), we are called to live lives of holiness, distinction, and moderation, not primarily as an outward show, but as an overflow of an inward devotion to Christ. This verse prompts us to consider how our presentation, conduct, and lifestyle reflect our identity as God's consecrated people. It encourages us to avoid extremes—whether of worldly conformity or of self-righteous legalism—and instead to cultivate a balanced, disciplined life that honors God in all things. Our lives should bear witness to the order, purity, and reverence that characterize God's presence, demonstrating a disciplined commitment to Christ that manifests both inwardly and outwardly.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does my outward presentation reflect my inward commitment to Christ and my identity as part of His "royal priesthood"?**
* **Am I prone to extremes in any area of my life, and how might I cultivate greater moderation and balance as an expression of my faith?**
* **How can I ensure that my lifestyle, including my appearance, distinguishes me as a follower of Christ without becoming a source of pride or legalism?**
* **What does "order and purity" look like in my daily life, beyond just physical appearance, as I seek to honor God?**

### FAQ

**Why was hair so important for the priests in Ezekiel's vision?**

Answer: Hair was important for the priests because it served as a visible symbol of their distinct identity, holiness, and dedication to God. The specific regulations in [Ezekiel 44:20](/ezekiel/44-20 "Ezekiel 44:20 - Priestly Hair Regulations") ensured that the priests' appearance set them apart from pagan priests (who often shaved their heads) and from common Israelite practices associated with mourning or defilement. It also distinguished them from Nazirites, who took a temporary vow involving long hair. The moderate, trimmed style symbolized order, discipline, and purity, reflecting the sanctity required for ministering in God's presence.

**How do these ancient hair regulations apply to Christians today?**

Answer: While Christians are not bound by the literal hair regulations of the Old Testament priesthood, the underlying principles are highly applicable. As believers, we are called a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), set apart for God's purposes. The verse encourages us to live lives of holiness, moderation, and distinction from worldly values, not necessarily through specific outward rules, but through a disciplined and reverent lifestyle. Our appearance and conduct should reflect our commitment to Christ, demonstrating order, purity, and a desire to honor God in all things, as highlighted in passages like [1 Timothy 2:9](/1_timothy/2-9 "1 Timothy 2:9 - Modesty in Adornment") regarding modest attire.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous regulations for the Old Testament priesthood, including the specific commands regarding their hair in Ezekiel 44:20, find their ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ, our perfect High Priest. The Old Covenant priests, with their prescribed appearance and rituals, foreshadowed the need for a mediator who was utterly holy, distinct, and perfectly consecrated. Jesus, unlike those priests, did not need external markers of purity or specific grooming regulations, for His holiness was inherent and absolute. He is the Lamb of God without blemish or spot ([1 Peter 1:19](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Redemption through Christ's Blood")), whose perfect life and atoning sacrifice fully satisfied all requirements for purity and access to God. Through His once-for-all sacrifice ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")), Christ inaugurated a new covenant where believers, united with Him, become part of a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")). We are now called to live out the spirit of these Old Testament laws—holiness, distinction, and moderation—not through external rituals, but through the indwelling Holy Spirit, reflecting Christ's character and presenting our entire lives as a spiritual sacrifice ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")). The outward signs of the Old Covenant priesthood are superseded by the inward transformation and spiritual reality found in Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 6:5

All the days of the vow of his separation there shall no razor 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.

Deuteronomy 14:1

¶ Ye [are] the children of the LORD your God: ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead.

Leviticus 21:5

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.

Leviticus 21:24

And Moses told [it] unto Aaron, and to his sons, and unto all the children of Israel.

1 Corinthians 11:14

Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?