a primitive root; properly, to be bald, i.e. (causatively) to shave; figuratively to lay waste; poll, shave (off).
Transliteration:gâlach
Pronunciation:gaw-lakh'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb H1548 (גָּלַח - *gâlach*) is a primitive root with a core semantic range revolving around the concept of removal, specifically by shaving. Its primary meaning is "to shave," often implying a complete removal of hair, leading to baldness. This can be understood in both an active sense (to shave someone or oneself) and a passive/resultative sense (to become bald). The base definition indicates that it properly means "to be bald," from which the causative "to shave" naturally derives. Beyond the literal act of hair removal, gâlach extends figuratively to "lay waste" or "poll," suggesting a stripping bare or desolation, akin to how land is denuded of its covering. This figurative usage emphasizes a profound and destructive removal, leaving something barren or exposed.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of H1548 in the Hebrew Bible reveal its diverse applications, ranging from ritual purity to expressions of mourning and divine judgment.
1. **Ritual Purity and Cleansing:** In the context of the Mosaic Law, gâlach is crucial for certain purification rites. For instance, a person healed of a skin disease (often translated "leprosy") was required to shave all their hair, including head, beard, and eyebrows, as part of their cleansing process [[Leviticus 13:33]], and again on the seventh day [[Leviticus 14:8-9]]. This act symbolized a complete removal of impurity and a fresh start, signifying a return to the community and the divine presence.
2. **Nazirite Vow:** The shaving of the head is also central to the Nazirite vow. If a Nazirite was defiled during their vow, they were required to shave their head on the day of their cleansing [[Numbers 6:9]]. Upon the completion of their vow, the Nazirite would shave their consecrated head at the entrance of the Tabernacle, burning the hair as an offering [[Numbers 6:18-19]]. Here, gâlach marks both the termination of a period of consecration and a renewed state of purity before God.
3. **Humiliation and Defilement:** The act of shaving could also signify humiliation or a state of neglect. Mephibosheth, upon David's return to Jerusalem, had not "trimmed his beard" (a derivative of gâlach indicating lack of grooming) as a sign of his mourning and loyalty to David [[2 Samuel 19:24]]. The most famous instance is Samson, whose strength was tied to his uncut hair. When Delilah had him "shaved" (gâlach) [[Judges 16:17, 16:19]], he lost his strength, signifying his defilement and vulnerability, leading to his capture and humiliation [[Judges 16:22]].
4. **Mourning and Judgment:** Shaving the head was a common sign of deep mourning or distress in the ancient Near East, often associated with a lament over destruction or divine judgment. Jeremiah speaks of every head being "shaved" (gâlach) in Moab as a sign of their impending desolation [[Jeremiah 48:37]]. Similarly, Isaiah uses the metaphor of God "shaving" the head and beard of Judah with a razor (Assyria), symbolizing utter humiliation and destruction [[Isaiah 7:20]]. This figurative usage vividly portrays the complete stripping away of dignity and prosperity.
5. **Priestly Regulations:** In contrast to these practices, priests were given specific instructions regarding their hair. Ezekiel's vision of the temple priests states they "shall not shave their heads" (gâlach) nor let their hair grow long, but are to keep their hair trimmed [[Ezekiel 44:20]]. This command highlights a distinction, setting the priests apart from both pagan mourning customs (which involved extreme shaving) and from the Nazirite vow, emphasizing their unique consecrated role.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of gâlach intersects with several other Hebrew terms and concepts:
* **Hair and Baldness:**
* `{{H7096}}` (קָרַח - *qāraḥ*): To be bald, often referring to natural baldness or baldness as a sign of mourning. While gâlach is the *act* of shaving, qāraḥ often describes the *state* of baldness.
* `{{H6545}}` (פָּרַע - *pāraʿ*): To let loose, let grow wild, often used for hair (e.g., the Nazirite's hair, or a priest's unkempt hair during mourning). This stands in direct contrast to the controlled act of gâlach.
* **Purity and Impurity:**
* `{{H2891}}` (טָהֵר - *ṭāhēr*): To be clean, pure. The shaving rituals in Leviticus are intrinsically linked to achieving this state.
* `{{H2930}}` (טָמֵא - *ṭāmē*): To be unclean, defiled. Shaving can be a response to or a symbol of overcoming this state.
* **Mourning and Lamentation:**
* `{{H5594}}` (סָפַד - *sāphad*): To lament, mourn. Shaving was a physical expression accompanying such emotional states.
* `{{H1058}}` (בָּכָה - *bākhah*): To weep.
* **Consecration and Desecration:**
* `{{H5144}}` (נָזִיר - *nāzîr*): Nazirite, one who is separated or consecrated. The shaving of the head is the culminating act of their separation.
* `{{H2490}}` (חָלַל - *ḥālal*): To defile, profane. The loss of hair for Samson represented a profanation of his Nazirite state.
* **Judgment and Desolation:**
* `{{H2717}}` (חָרַב - *ḥārav*): To be waste, desolate. The figurative use of gâlach to "lay waste" aligns with this concept of utter destruction.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of gâlach is multifaceted, reflecting fundamental aspects of Israelite religious life and divine interaction.
1. **Symbol of Transformation and Renewal:** In rituals for cleansing from skin diseases, gâlach signifies a radical break from a state of impurity and a return to wholeness and communal participation. It represents a visible, complete removal of the old, defiled self in preparation for new life and renewed covenant relationship. This echoes themes of repentance and spiritual cleansing.
2. **Ritual Marker of Vows and Consecration:** For the Nazirite, gâlach marks the completion of a sacred vow, a period of heightened separation and dedication to God. The burning of the shaved hair as an offering underscores the idea that even that which was consecrated (the hair) is ultimately yielded back to God, signifying the complete surrender of the individual. It is a physical manifestation of a spiritual commitment.
3. **Expression of Grief and Humiliation:** The act of shaving the head or beard as a sign of mourning (as seen in prophetic laments) or humiliation (Samson, Judah in Isaiah) speaks to the deep connection between outward appearance and inner state or societal standing. Hair often symbolized strength, virility, or honor. Its removal, whether self-imposed or inflicted, therefore signifies profound loss, weakness, or disgrace. The divine "shaving" of a nation represents a stripping away of its glory and protection, leaving it vulnerable to judgment.
4. **Distinction and Holiness:** The specific regulations for priests concerning their hair (Ezekiel 44:20) highlight the importance of distinction and holiness. By forbidding both extreme shaving (associated with pagan mourning rites and excessive self-abasement) and long, unkempt hair (which could signify a Nazirite vow or a lack of self-control), the priests were visually set apart. Their appearance was to reflect their balanced, consecrated service, avoiding extremes that might align them with either pagan practices or temporary vows, emphasizing their perpetual, unique calling.
5. **God's Sovereignty:** Ultimately, the various uses of gâlach demonstrate God's sovereignty over human life and custom. He institutes rituals where shaving is necessary for purity, accepts it as a sign of completed consecration, uses it as a metaphor for His judgment, and even regulates it for His consecrated servants. The act of gâlach, whether for cleansing, consecration, or judgment, always points back to God's authority and His purposes for His people.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb H1548 (גָּלַח - *gâlach*) primarily denotes "to shave," with a core meaning of complete hair removal, leading to baldness. This literal action extends figuratively to "lay waste" or "poll," signifying a thorough stripping bare or desolation. Biblically, gâlach functions as a pivotal act in various contexts: it is mandated for ritual purification from skin diseases, marking a transition from impurity to cleanness; it signifies the completion or necessary cleansing during a Nazirite vow, symbolizing the end of a consecrated period; it serves as a powerful visual expression of profound mourning, grief, or national humiliation in the face of divine judgment; and it distinguishes the consecrated appearance of priests from both pagan practices and certain Israelite vows. Theologically, gâlach underscores themes of transformation, renewal, consecration, and the profound impact of divine judgment. Whether signifying a return to purity, the fulfillment of a sacred promise, or the stripping away of dignity, the act of gâlach consistently points to a significant, often divinely ordained, change of state or circumstance.
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