Leviticus 19:27

You must not cut off the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard.

Study Bible

You must not
This phrase establishes a direct command from God, emphasizing the authority and seriousness of the instruction. In Hebrew, the phrase is "לֹא תַקִּיפוּ" (lo taqqifu), which is a negative imperative. This indicates a prohibition, underscoring the importance of obedience to God's laws. The use of "must not" reflects the covenant relationship between God and His people, where adherence to His commands is a sign of faithfulness and devotion.

cut off the hair at the sides of your head
The Hebrew term here is "פְּאַת רֹאשְׁכֶם" (pe'at roshkhem), which literally translates to "corners of your head." This phrase refers to the practice of shaving or cutting the hair at the temples. Historically, this was a common practice among pagan cultures surrounding Israel, often associated with mourning rituals or idolatrous customs. By prohibiting this, God was setting His people apart, calling them to be distinct and holy, not conforming to the practices of the nations around them.

or clip off the edges of your beard
The Hebrew phrase "וְלֹא תַשְׁחִית אֵת פְּאַת זְקָנֶךָ" (ve'lo tashchit et pe'at zekanekha) translates to "nor destroy the corners of your beard." The word "tashchit" implies destruction or ruin, suggesting that altering the beard in this manner was seen as a defilement. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the beard was a symbol of manhood and dignity. By instructing the Israelites not to alter their beards, God was again distinguishing His people from surrounding nations, many of whom engaged in such practices for religious or superstitious reasons.From a Conservative Christian perspective, while the specific cultural practices may not directly apply today, the underlying principle remains relevant: Christians are called to be distinct from the world, living lives that reflect God's holiness and set apartness. This verse challenges believers to consider how their actions and appearances reflect their identity as God's people, encouraging them to live in a way that honors Him in all aspects of life.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The prophet and leader of the Israelites who received the laws from God, including the instructions in Leviticus.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God to whom the laws in Leviticus were given, as they were being formed into a distinct nation.

3. Mount Sinai
The place where Moses received the Law from God, including the instructions found in Leviticus.

4. Canaan
The land promised to the Israelites, where they were to live according to God's laws and be set apart from the surrounding nations.

5. Pagan Nations
The surrounding cultures whose practices the Israelites were to avoid, including certain grooming habits that were associated with idolatry.

Teaching Points

Cultural Distinctiveness
The command in Leviticus 19:27 was part of a broader call for the Israelites to be distinct from the surrounding nations. As Christians, we are called to live in a way that reflects our identity in Christ, distinct from worldly values.

Holiness and Identity
The grooming laws were symbolic of a deeper spiritual truth about holiness and identity. Our outward actions should reflect our inner commitment to God.

Avoiding Idolatry
The prohibition against certain grooming practices was to prevent the Israelites from adopting pagan rituals. We must be vigilant in avoiding practices that could lead us away from God.

Respect for God's Creation
The command can also be seen as a call to respect the way God has made us, avoiding unnecessary alterations that reflect pagan practices.

Understanding Context
While the specific command may not apply directly today, understanding its context helps us discern how to apply biblical principles in our cultural setting.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the command in Leviticus 19:27 reflect the broader theme of holiness in the book of Leviticus?

2. In what ways can Christians today demonstrate cultural distinctiveness without falling into legalism?

3. How can understanding the historical and cultural context of Leviticus 19:27 help us apply its principles in our lives today?

4. What are some modern practices that might parallel the pagan customs the Israelites were to avoid, and how can we guard against them?

5. How do the teachings in Leviticus about being set apart relate to the New Testament call for Christians to be a "holy nation"?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 21:5
This verse also addresses grooming practices, specifically for priests, emphasizing holiness and separation from pagan customs.

Deuteronomy 14:1
Discusses prohibitions against certain mourning practices, which included cutting oneself or shaving the head, similar to the prohibitions in Leviticus 19:27.

1 Corinthians 11:14-15
Paul discusses hair length and cultural norms, which can be related to the broader biblical theme of distinguishing God's people from surrounding cultures.

1 Peter 2:9
Highlights the concept of being a "chosen people" and a "holy nation," which ties back to the call for distinctiveness in Leviticus.

Romans 12:2
Encourages believers not to conform to the patterns of this world, echoing the call for distinctiveness found in Leviticus.