### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G2751 (κείρω, *keírō*) is a primary verb whose fundamental meaning is "to shear," specifically referring to the act of cutting wool from sheep. This agricultural context provides its most literal and foundational sense. By extension, it also applies to the cutting of human hair. When used in relation to humans, it often carries a nuance of cutting hair short, or even shaving, distinguishing it from mere trimming or styling. The related compound verb ἀποκείρω (apokeírō, `{{G667}}`) further emphasizes the act of "cutting off" or "shaving completely." The semantic range thus encompasses both the practical act of shearing animals and the more culturally laden act of cutting human hair, often with implications tied to a vow or specific social convention.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb κείρω appears twice in the New Testament, each instance providing significant contextual insight into its usage:
* **[[Acts 18:18]]**: "Paul, having remained many days longer, took leave of the brethren and sailed away to Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila. In Cenchrea he had his hair cut, for he was under a vow." Here, the phrase "he had his hair cut" (ἐκείρατο) refers to Paul's personal act of cutting his hair. This action is explicitly linked to the fulfillment of a vow, most likely a Nazirite vow (cf. Numbers 6). In this context, the cutting of hair symbolized the completion of a period of consecration, a ritual act of purification and thanksgiving before God. It demonstrates Paul's adherence to Jewish custom and his personal piety, even amidst his extensive ministry to Gentiles.
* **[[1 Corinthians 11:6]]**: "For if a woman does not cover her head, let her also have her hair cut off; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, let her cover her head." In this passage, κείρω (κείρασθαι) is used in parallel with ξυράω (ξυρᾶσθαι, `{{G3587}}`, "to shave") and the compound ἀποκείρω (ἀποκεῖραι, `{{G667}}`, "to cut off completely/shave"). Paul is addressing the cultural sensitivities surrounding head coverings for women in worship. To have one's hair "cut off" (short, like a man's, or shaved) was considered a sign of shame or disgrace in the Greco-Roman culture of Corinth, often associated with prostitutes or women accused of adultery. Paul uses this societal understanding to emphasize the importance of women maintaining distinctions in appearance that reflect modesty, honor, and the created order within the community.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding κείρω is enhanced by examining its relationship to other Greek words and associated concepts:
* **ἀποκείρω (apokeírō, `{{G667}}`)**: A compound form of κείρω, meaning "to cut off completely" or "to shave off." It is used alongside κείρω in [[1 Corinthians 11:6]], often translated as "shaved," emphasizing a more complete removal of hair.
* **ξυράω (xuraō, `{{G3587}}`)**: To shave. This verb is also used in [[1 Corinthians 11:6]] to denote the most extreme form of hair removal, further highlighting the disgrace associated with such an appearance for women.
* **θρίξ (thrix, `{{G2359}}`)**: The general Greek word for hair.
* **κόμη (komē, `{{G2864}}`)**: Specifically refers to long hair, often associated with a woman's hair, as discussed in [[1 Corinthians 11:15]].
* **Vows (e.g., Nazirite vow)**: The concept of a period of consecration to God, often involving specific restrictions and culminating in the cutting of hair as a sign of its completion (cf. [[Numbers 6]]).
* **Cultural Norms & Shame**: The significant role of hair and head coverings in ancient societies as indicators of honor, modesty, social status, and gender roles.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κείρω is not inherent in the word itself but is profoundly revealed through its contextual applications within the New Testament.
In **[[Acts 18:18]]**, Paul's act of having his hair cut signifies the fulfillment of a vow, likely a Nazirite vow. This occurrence illustrates the continuity of Jewish religious practice within the early Christian movement and highlights Paul's personal piety and commitment to God, even as he was the apostle to the Gentiles. It underscores the concept of personal consecration and the ritual completion of a sacred promise before the Lord, demonstrating that Christian faith did not necessarily negate all aspects of faithful Jewish custom.
In **[[1 Corinthians 11:6]]**, the word underscores the importance of order, decorum, and culturally appropriate expressions of gender distinction within Christian worship. While the specific cultural practice of head coverings may vary across times and cultures, the underlying principle remains relevant: believers are called to conduct themselves in a manner that brings honor to God and to the believing community. The act of "having one's hair cut off" or "shaved" served as a vivid, culturally understood metaphor for disgrace, prompting believers to consider how their appearance reflects their identity in Christ and their respect for God's created order and the established norms of modesty and honor.
### Summary
The Greek verb G2751 (κείρω, *keírō*) fundamentally means "to shear," as in cutting wool from sheep, and by extension, "to cut hair" from a person, often with the implication of cutting it short or shaving. Its two significant New Testament occurrences reveal its contextual importance: in [[Acts 18:18]], it marks the completion of a religious vow, demonstrating Paul's personal piety and adherence to Jewish custom. In [[1 Corinthians 11:6]], it is used in discussions of cultural modesty and gender distinctions within the church, where having one's hair cut short or shaved was considered a sign of disgrace. While not a word with inherent theological weight, its usage illuminates practical aspects of early Christian life, including the fulfillment of vows and the navigation of cultural norms to maintain honor and order within the believing community.
TRV