### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **zâqân**, represented by `{{H2206}}`, is the term for **beard**. It appears 19 times across 18 unique verses and is closely associated with age and a man's status. While its primary meaning is literal, the treatment of the beard in scripture carries significant symbolic weight, representing honor, grief, and even divine judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H2206}}` is used in various contexts that highlight its importance. It is a symbol of dignity and sacredness, as illustrated by the precious ointment running down Aaron's **beard** [[Psalms 133:2]]. Conversely, to shave another's beard was a sign of extreme disrespect and humiliation, as when Hanun shaved half the **beards** of David's servants, causing them great shame [[2 Samuel 10:4]]. The removal of one's own beard was an act of profound mourning or distress ([[Jeremiah 41:5]], [[Ezra 9:3]]). The beard also features in Levitical laws concerning priestly conduct and ritual purity, such as in cases of a plague on the **beard** [[Leviticus 13:29]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the cultural and religious significance of the beard:
* `{{H1548}}` **gâlach** (to shave): This action is frequently performed on the beard to signify humiliation or mourning. Men coming to the house of the LORD had their beards **shaven** as a sign of grief [[Jeremiah 41:5]].
* `{{H7218}}` **rôʼsh** (the head): Actions concerning the beard are often paired with actions concerning the **head**. Prophecies of judgment often include baldness on every **head** and the cutting off of every beard ([[Isaiah 15:2]], [[Jeremiah 48:37]]).
* `{{H6285}}` **pêʼâh** (corner): The Law of Moses includes specific commands regarding the beard, forbidding priests to shave off the **corner** of their beard [[Leviticus 21:5]] and a general prohibition against marring the **corners** of the beard [[Leviticus 19:27]].
### Theological Significance
The symbolic weight of `{{H2206}}` is evident in its various applications.
* **Symbol of Honor and Dignity:** A full beard was a mark of a man's honor. The anointing of Aaron's beard consecrates it [[Psalms 133:2]], while its forcible removal is a source of intense shame [[1 Chronicles 19:5]]. Grasping another's beard could be a sign of feigned affection before an attack [[2 Samuel 20:9]].
* **Sign of Grief and Humiliation:** Shaving, clipping, or plucking the beard was a public expression of deep sorrow or disaster. It was a key element in mourning rituals [[Jeremiah 48:37]] and a physical manifestation of personal anguish [[Ezra 9:3]].
* **Object of Prophetic Symbolism:** The beard was used in prophetic acts to illustrate God's message. Ezekiel is commanded to shave his **beard** with a razor and divide the hair to signify the fate of Jerusalem [[Ezekiel 5:1]]. Isaiah also uses the imagery of the Lord shaving the **beard** to describe a coming judgment [[Isaiah 7:20]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2206}}` represents far more than just facial hair in the biblical text. It is a powerful symbol of male identity, honor, and emotional state. From the sacred anointing of a high priest to the humiliating shaving of an envoy, the condition of the beard communicates a person's standing, their sorrow, or their role in a divine prophecy. The treatment of the **zâqân** provides a window into the cultural values and symbolic language of ancient Israel.
TRV