Ezekiel 44:20

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

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}.

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

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

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

Ezekiel 44:20 provides specific instructions for the priests serving in the visionary temple described by Ezekiel. This verse dictates a precise standard for their appearance, particularly regarding their hair, emphasizing order, distinction, and dedication in their service to God.

Context

This verse is part of a detailed section (Ezekiel chapters 40-48) where the prophet Ezekiel receives a grand vision of a new temple, its layout, rituals, and the regulations for its priesthood. These chapters outline God's ideal for a restored Israel and pure worship. The regulations for the priests, specifically the "sons of Zadok" (Ezekiel 44:15), are meticulous, covering everything from their clothing to their conduct and even their personal grooming. This particular instruction on hair distinguishes them from both pagan priests and from practices associated with mourning or extreme vows.

Key Themes

  • Holiness and Distinction: The priests were to be set apart, not only in their actions but also in their appearance. Their moderate hairstyle symbolized their unique role and separation for God's service.
  • Moderation and Balance: The command avoids two extremes:
    • Not shaving their heads: This practice was common among pagan priests (e.g., Egyptian priests) and was also associated with mourning or defilement (as seen in Leviticus 21:5 for priests).
    • Not letting their locks grow long: This would be considered unkempt, potentially associated with wildness or the Nazirite vow when *not* under a specific vow (see Numbers 6:5 for Nazirite instructions). Long, unkempt hair could also be seen as a sign of neglect or mourning.
  • Order and Purity: A neat, trimmed appearance reflected the orderliness and purity required for those who ministered in God's presence. It underscored their disciplined and consecrated lifestyle.

Linguistic Insight

The KJV phrase "poll their heads" translates the Hebrew word kasam (כָּסַם), which means "to cut," "to trim," or "to clip." This is distinct from galach (גָּלַח), "to shave," and para' (פָּרַע), "to let grow long" or "to let go loose/uncovered." The precise language emphasizes a deliberate, moderate haircut, maintaining a tidy and reverent appearance suitable for holy service.

Spiritual Application

While modern believers are not bound by the literal hair regulations of the Old Testament priesthood, the underlying principles remain highly relevant. As part of a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), Christians are called to live lives of holiness and distinction. This verse encourages:

  • Moderation in All Things: Avoiding extremes and seeking balance in our conduct, appearance, and lifestyle, reflecting a disciplined commitment to Christ.
  • Distinction from the World: While not necessarily in outward appearance in the same way, believers are called to live in a manner that sets them apart from worldly values and practices, reflecting God's character.
  • Reverence and Order: Our lives should reflect the order and purity of God, demonstrating respect for His holiness in all we do, including how we present ourselves. It speaks to an inner discipline that manifests outwardly.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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?
← Back