In biblical times, the act of combing was associated with grooming and personal care, reflecting the cultural and social practices of the ancient Near East. While the Bible does not frequently mention the specific act of combing hair, the care and presentation of one's hair are implied in various passages, highlighting the importance of appearance and cleanliness in biblical society.

Cultural Context

Hair was considered a significant aspect of personal identity and social status in ancient Israel and surrounding cultures. Well-groomed hair was often seen as a sign of respectability and honor. The process of combing would have been an essential part of daily grooming, especially for those in positions of leadership or influence.

Biblical References

Though the Bible does not explicitly mention combing, it does refer to hair care and grooming in several contexts. For example, in 2 Samuel 14:26, we read about Absalom's hair: "When he cut the hair of his head—he shaved it at the end of every year because it became too heavy for him—he would weigh it, and its weight was two hundred shekels by the royal standard." This passage highlights the attention given to hair and its maintenance.

In the New Testament, 1 Peter 3:3-4 advises women on the importance of inner beauty over outward adornment: "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight." While this passage does not mention combing directly, it reflects the cultural practices of hair styling and the emphasis on modesty and inner character.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

Hair in the Bible often carries symbolic meaning. For instance, in Numbers 6:5, the Nazirite vow included not cutting one's hair as a sign of dedication to God: "For the entire period of his vow of separation, no razor shall pass over his head. He must be holy until the time of his consecration to the LORD is complete; he must let the hair of his head grow long."

The act of grooming, including combing, can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual preparation and purity. Just as one would comb and care for their hair to present themselves well, believers are encouraged to maintain spiritual cleanliness and readiness before God.

Practical Application

In a modern context, the principles derived from biblical teachings on grooming and appearance can guide believers in balancing personal care with humility and modesty. While maintaining a neat and presentable appearance is valued, the focus remains on cultivating inner virtues and a heart aligned with God's will.(imp. & p. p.) of Comb.8305. sariq -- carded or combed
... 8304, 8305. sariq. 8306 . carded or combed. Transliteration: sariq Phonetic
Spelling: (ser-ee-kaw') Short Definition: combed. Word ...
/hebrew/8305.htm - 6k

Diamond Became a Great Favourite with all the Men About the Mews. ...
... and then at the other. When that was done he asked for a dressing-comb,
and combed his mane thoroughly. Then he pushed himself on ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 17 diamond became a.htm

King David's Little Boy.
... Rising from the floor, where he had lain so long, he asked for water; and his slaves
washed him and brought clean, fresh clothing, and combed and oiled his hair ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/king davids little boy.htm

Living Messages of Jesus.
... In a little while she was back again, but with her face washed, her hair combed,
her dress tidied up, and a bit of colored ribbon added. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/living messages of jesus.htm

Customs of the Gelones.
... On the other hand, the men of the Gelones are adorned, combed, clothed in soft and
various-coloured garments, decked with gold, and besmeared with ointments ...
/.../unknown/recognitions of clement /chapter xxii customs of the gelones.htm

Against Embellishing the Body.
... back. She has come, she is here, she washes herself, she advances,. She is
soaped, she is combed, she goes out, is rubbed,. She washes ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter ii against embellishing the body.htm

The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple
... Her reddish-fair hair, curling at the ends, had been combed smooth, and she wore
a wreath of white wool or silk ornamented at intervals with striped feathers ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/iii the presentation of the.htm

'Fruit which is Death'
... formal agreements? Honey-combed with falsehood, it is only fit for burning.
Sin is bound by an iron link to penalty. Therefore, says ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/fruit which is death.htm

Andromeda
... Cepheus, Loving I fed thee and tended, and loving rejoiced in thy beauty, Blessing
thy limbs as I bathed them, and blessing thy locks as I combed them; Decking ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/andromeda and other poems/andromeda.htm

'As Sodom'
... Would that I had kept subject to him!' A past gone to ruin, a present honey-combed
with gnawing remorse and dread, a future threatening, problematical, but ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/as sodom.htm

The Three Facts of Sin
... and he had destroyed himself. His character was ruined, his soul was
honey-combed through and through with sin. He could not have ...
//christianbookshelf.org/drummond/the ideal life/the three facts of sin.htm

Combed (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Combed (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 19:9 Moreover those who
work in combed flax, and those who weave white cloth, will be confounded. ...
/c/combed.htm - 6k

Fine (184 Occurrences)
... of wheat"). (4) sariq, "fine combed" (Isaiah 19:9, "fine flax," the Revised
Version (British and American) "combed flax"). In other ...
/f/fine.htm - 47k

Flax (11 Occurrences)
... spark. (4) In Isaiah 19:9 mention is made of "combed flax," ie flax hackled
ready for spinning (compare Hosea 2:5, 9 Proverbs 31:13). ...
/f/flax.htm - 13k

Combine (3 Occurrences)

/c/combine.htm - 8k

Unkempt (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Not combed; disheveled; as, an urchin with
unkempt hair. 2. (a.) Fig.; Not smoothed; unpolished; rough. ...
/u/unkempt.htm - 7k

Weave (4 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 19:9 Moreover those who work in combed flax, and those who weave white cloth,
will be confounded. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/w/weave.htm - 8k

Worsted (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) Well-twisted yarn spun of long-staple wool which has been combed to lay
the fibers parallel, used for carpets, cloth, hosiery, gloves, and the like. ...
/w/worsted.htm - 7k

Combats (1 Occurrence)

/c/combats.htm - 6k

Hair (135 Occurrences)
... In Assyrian sculptures the hair always appears long, and combed closely down upon
the head. The beard also was allowed to grow to its full length. ...
/h/hair.htm - 60k

Confounded (64 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT). Isaiah 19:9 Moreover those who work in combed flax, and
those who weave white cloth, will be confounded. (WEB KJV ASV WBS). ...
/c/confounded.htm - 26k

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