apparently from the same as κομίζω; the hair of the head (locks, as ornamental, and thus differing from θρίξ; which properly denotes merely the scalp):--hair.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun κόμη (kómē), Strong's `{{G2864}}`, refers specifically to the hair of the head, with an emphasis on its length, abundance, and ornamental quality. The base definition highlights "locks, as ornamental," distinguishing it from θρίξ (thrix), `{{G2359}}`, which denotes hair in a more general sense, such as individual strands or hair on the scalp without regard to length or style. While θρίξ can refer to hair on any part of the body or even animal hair, κόμη is exclusively human head-hair, particularly when it is long and styled. Its etymological connection, "apparently from the same as κομίζω (komizō) `{{G2865}}`," meaning "to carry" or "to take care of," subtly suggests the idea of hair being "borne" or cultivated, reinforcing its ornamental aspect. Thus, κόμη carries the semantic weight of hair as a visible, cultivated feature, often associated with beauty, status, or natural distinction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κόμη appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[1 Corinthians 11:15]]. This singular occurrence is profoundly significant for understanding its meaning and theological application:
* [[1 Corinthians 11:15]]: "But if a woman has long hair (κόμη), it is a glory to her; for her hair is given her for a covering."
In this passage, the Apostle Paul discusses appropriate conduct and appearance in public worship, particularly concerning head coverings and hair length for men and women. The direct contrast is drawn between a man having long hair (κομάω, komaō, `{{G2863}}`, the related verb meaning "to have long hair" in [[1 Corinthians 11:14]]) and a woman having long hair (κόμη). For a man, long hair is presented as a dishonor, while for a woman, her long hair (κόμη) is explicitly stated to be a "glory" (δόξα, doxa, `{{G1391}}`) and a natural "covering" (περιβόλαιον, peribolaion, `{{G4018}}`). The use of κόμη here underscores the idea of a woman's naturally grown, ornamental hair as an intrinsic part of her created glory and a visual sign of her distinction and role. It is not merely hair in general (θρίξ), but specifically the long, flowing locks that serve this purpose.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding κόμη is enhanced by examining its relationship to other terms and broader concepts:
* **θρίξ (thrix) `{{G2359}}`**: This is the most crucial contrasting term. As noted, θρίξ refers to hair generally, without implying length or ornamentation. For example, θρίξ is used for the hairs of one's head that are numbered by God ([[Matthew 10:30]]), or for the hair of John the Baptist's clothing ([[Matthew 3:4]]). The distinction highlights that κόμη emphasizes the *appearance* and *cultivated nature* of hair, whereas θρίξ refers to the physical substance itself.
* **κομάω (komaō) `{{G2863}}`**: This verb, meaning "to have long hair," is directly related to κόμη. It appears in [[1 Corinthians 11:14]], where Paul states that if a man has long hair (κομάω), it is a dishonor to him. This verb reinforces the focus on the *state* of having long hair, which κόμη describes as a noun.
* **κομίζω (komizō) `{{G2865}}`**: The root verb from which κόμη is apparently derived. While κομίζω means "to carry, bear, receive," its connection to κόμη might subtly suggest the idea of hair being "borne" or "maintained" on the head, though the primary meaning of κόμη is the hair itself as an ornamental feature.
* **Head Coverings and Modesty**: The context of [[1 Corinthians 11]] places κόμη within a discussion of modesty, order in worship, and the symbolic significance of external appearance in ancient Corinthian culture. Hair length and coverings were visible markers of social status, gender roles, and adherence to cultural norms.
* **Glory (δόξα, doxa `{{G1391}}`)**: The declaration that a woman's long hair is her "glory" connects κόμη to a profound theological concept. It implies that this natural attribute reflects something of God's design and beauty in creation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κόμη is almost entirely derived from its singular use in [[1 Corinthians 11:15]]. Here, Paul elevates a natural physical attribute—a woman's long hair—to a theological statement about God's created order and the glory inherent in gender distinctions:
* **Divine Order and Headship**: Paul uses the natural difference in hair length for men and women to illustrate broader principles of headship and order within creation and the church ([[1 Corinthians 11:3]]). A woman's κόμη serves as a natural sign of her glory and her position within this divine order.
* **Natural Revelation**: The passage suggests that nature itself ([[1 Corinthians 11:14]]) teaches certain truths about appropriate appearances. A woman's κόμη is presented as a natural "covering" given by God, indicating a divinely ordained distinction. This implies that aspects of creation bear witness to God's design and will.
* **Glory and Beauty**: The assertion that κόμη is a "glory" to a woman highlights the intrinsic beauty and honor that God has bestowed upon her. It is not merely a cultural convention but a reflection of her created distinctiveness. This underscores the reverence for the human body as part of God's good creation.
* **Symbolic Meaning in Worship**: Within the context of corporate worship, κόμη becomes a visible symbol. For women, it is a sign of their glory and perhaps a natural "covering" that aligns with the decorum and order Paul seeks to establish in the assembly.
### Summary
κόμη (kómē, `{{G2864}}`) denotes the long, ornamental hair of the head, distinct from θρίξ (`{{G2359}}`), which refers to hair generally. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[1 Corinthians 11:15]] is pivotal, where it signifies a woman's "long hair" as a natural "glory" and "covering." This usage underscores the word's emphasis on the aesthetic and cultivated aspect of hair. Theologically, κόμη in this passage serves as a visible marker of God's created order, highlighting the distinct roles and inherent glory of men and women, and providing a natural illustration for Paul's teaching on decorum and headship in Christian worship.
TRV