### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G3587 (xyráō) derives from a root related to ξύλον (xylon), which can refer to wood or timber, but in the context of xyráō, it points to a derivative meaning "a razor" or a sharp instrument used for cutting. The core meaning of xyráō is "to shave" or "to shear the hair completely." Unlike simply cutting or trimming, xyráō implies a thorough removal, often to the scalp, indicating a drastic and intentional action. Its semantic range is narrow, specifically focusing on the act of shaving hair from the body, particularly the head.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
G3587 appears in the New Testament primarily in two distinct contexts:
* **Acts 18:18**: "And Paul, having remained many days longer, took leave of the brethren and sailed away to Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila. In Cenchreae he had his head **shaved**, for he was under a vow." [[Acts 18:18]] Here, Paul's action of shaving his head is understood as the fulfillment or termination of a vow, likely a Nazarite vow (cf. Numbers 6), which required the hair to be grown long during the period of the vow and then shaved at its completion. This act signifies a ritual purification and dedication.
* **Acts 21:24**: "take these men and purify yourself along with them, and pay their expenses so that they may **shave** their heads; and all will know that there is nothing to the things which they have been told about you, but that you yourself also walk orderly, keeping the Law." [[Acts 21:24]] In this instance, Paul is advised to participate in a purification rite with four men who have a vow, which includes the act of shaving their heads. This was a strategic move to demonstrate Paul's adherence to Jewish customs and to counter false rumors, showcasing his willingness to adapt culturally for the sake of the gospel.
* **1 Corinthians 11:5-6**: "But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for it is one and the same as if she were **shaved**. 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 **shaved**, let her cover her head." [[1 Corinthians 11:5-6]] In this passage, xyráō is used in a figurative and illustrative sense. Paul argues that for a woman to pray or prophesy with her head uncovered is as shameful as having her head completely shaved. The act of shaving a woman's head was a mark of disgrace, often associated with public punishment for adultery or prostitution in ancient cultures. It stands in stark contrast to long hair, which was considered a woman's "glory" (1 Cor 11:15). Here, xyráō is juxtaposed with `{{G2751}}` (keírō, to cut or shear), with xyráō representing the more extreme and shameful act.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{G2751}}` (keírō):** This verb means "to shear" or "to cut the hair," often implying a less drastic cut than xyráō. In 1 Corinthians 11:6, keírō and xyráō are presented as a continuum of hair removal, with xyráō representing the most extreme and shameful form for a woman.
* **Nazarite Vow (Numbers 6):** The concept of the Nazarite vow, which involved specific regulations regarding hair growth and its subsequent shaving at the vow's completion, provides crucial background for understanding Paul's actions in Acts. It was a period of special dedication to God.
* **Honor and Shame:** Particularly in 1 Corinthians 11, xyráō is deeply intertwined with the cultural concepts of honor and shame. For a woman, having her head shaved was a profound public disgrace, signifying a loss of honor and a transgression against established social norms regarding gender distinction and appearance.
* **Ritual Purity:** In the context of vows (Acts), shaving the head was part of a purification ritual, signifying the completion of a period of consecration and a return to normal life or a new state of purity before God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G3587 (xyráō) is multifaceted:
* **Dedication and Fulfillment of Vows:** In Acts, the act of shaving the head represents the completion of a sacred vow made to God. It underscores the concept of personal dedication and commitment, where a physical act symbolizes a spiritual reality of having fulfilled a period of separation or consecration. It speaks to the importance of keeping one's word before the Lord.
* **Cultural Accommodation for the Gospel:** Paul's willingness to shave his head or participate in such rituals (Acts 18:18, 21:24) demonstrates his strategic approach to ministry. He adapted to Jewish cultural customs, not compromising Christian truth, but rather to remove stumbling blocks and build bridges for the sake of evangelism and unity within the early church. This highlights the principle of becoming "all things to all people" (1 Cor 9:22) to win some.
* **Gender Roles and Social Order:** In 1 Corinthians 11, xyráō serves as a powerful symbol of societal norms concerning gender distinction and order within the church. The shame associated with a woman having her head shaved emphasizes the cultural understanding of a woman's "glory" (her long hair) and the importance of maintaining distinctions that reflect God's created order. While the specific cultural practice may differ today, the underlying theological principle of respecting gender distinctions and maintaining appropriate order in worship remains.
### Summary
G3587 (xyráō) means "to shave the hair completely." Its usage in the New Testament, though limited, is highly significant. In the book of Acts, it describes the ritual shaving of the head associated with the fulfillment of vows, signifying dedication, purification, and Paul's strategic cultural accommodation for the sake of the gospel. In 1 Corinthians, xyráō functions as a potent symbol of shame and disgrace for a woman, contrasting with the honor associated with her natural long hair and underscoring the cultural importance of gender distinctions and appropriate conduct in worship. The word thus encapsulates both ritualistic aspects of devotion and profound social implications concerning honor, shame, and order within the early Christian community.
TRV