### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb κομάω (G2863), transliterated as *komáō*, is derived from the noun κόμη (G2864), meaning "hair of the head," particularly "long hair" or "tresses." Thus, the core meaning of κομάω is "to wear tresses of hair" or "to have long hair." It describes the state of possessing hair of a considerable length, rather than the act of growing it. The semantic range is quite narrow, focused specifically on the length of hair on the human head, often with an implicit cultural or aesthetic judgment attached depending on the context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb κομάω appears exclusively in the New Testament, found only twice within a single passage in Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians:
* [[1 Corinthians 11:14]]: "Does not nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair (ἐὰν κομᾷ), it is a disgrace to him?"
* [[1 Corinthians 11:15]]: "But if a woman has long hair (ἐὰν κομᾷ), it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering."
In this passage, Paul is addressing issues of order and propriety in public worship, particularly concerning head coverings and the symbolic significance of hair length for men and women in the Corinthian cultural context. For Paul, κομάω describes a length of hair that was considered culturally inappropriate for men (ἀτιμία, disgrace) but appropriate and even glorious (δόξα) for women. The appeal to "nature" (φύσις) suggests that these cultural norms were perceived by Paul as reflecting a created order or an intuitive understanding of gender distinction. The word highlights the visual distinction between men and women, which Paul uses to reinforce theological principles of headship and glory within the church community.
### Related Words & Concepts
* κόμη (G2864): The noun form, directly related, meaning "hair of the head," especially "long hair." This is the root from which κομάω is derived.
* θρίξ (G2359): A more general term for hair, whether human or animal, often referring to a single strand of hair. κόμη and κομάω specifically emphasize the *mass* or *length* of hair on the head.
* κεφαλή (G2776): "Head," the anatomical location to which κομάω refers, as the discussion in [[1 Corinthians 11]] centers on the head and its coverings.
* Old Testament concepts of hair: While κομάω is a New Testament Greek term, the Old Testament provides cultural background regarding hair length, such as the Nazirite vow (e.g., [[Numbers 6:5]], where hair was allowed to grow long as a sign of dedication to God), which could be seen as an exception to typical male norms. The story of Samson also highlights the symbolic power of long hair.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κομάω is almost entirely concentrated in its singular appearance in [[1 Corinthians 11:14-15]]. Here, it becomes a key term in Paul's argument concerning gender roles, the created order, and the expression of these truths within the Christian community.
1. **Gender Distinction:** Paul uses κομάω to underscore the divinely intended distinctions between male and female. For him, the length of hair served as a visible sign of these distinctions, reflecting the order of creation (God as head of Christ, Christ as head of man, man as head of woman).
2. **Cultural Expression of Order:** The passage, including the use of κομάω, suggests that certain cultural practices (like hair length norms) can carry theological weight, serving as visible affirmations or denials of God's order. While the specific cultural norm of hair length may vary across times and places, the underlying principle of order and distinction remains relevant.
3. **Honor and Disgrace:** For Paul, a man having κομάω (long hair) was a ἀτιμία (disgrace), while for a woman, it was δόξα (glory). This highlights the importance of living in a manner that brings honor to oneself and to God, in accordance with one's created identity and role within the community.
4. **Symbolism of Covering:** The passage links a woman's long hair (κόμη) to a natural covering (περιβολαίου), suggesting an inherent modesty and glory given by God.
### Summary
The Greek verb κομάω (G2863) means "to have long hair" or "to wear tresses of hair." Its sole appearance in the New Testament in [[1 Corinthians 11:14-15]] is profoundly significant. In this passage, κομάω is central to Paul's argument concerning gender distinctions, the created order, and the cultural expression of these truths within the Corinthian church. It highlights how visible aspects of appearance, such as hair length, could serve as powerful symbols of honor, disgrace, and adherence to perceived natural or divine order within a specific cultural context. While the direct application of hair length norms is debated, the underlying theological principles of order, distinction, and appropriate conduct remain vital for understanding Paul's teaching.
TRV