Ezekiel 44:20
Ezekiel 44:20 in Multiple Translations
They must not shave their heads or let their hair grow long, but must carefully trim their hair.
Neither shall they shave their heads, nor suffer their locks to grow long; they shall only poll their heads.
Neither shall they shave their heads, nor suffer their locks to grow long; they shall only cut off the hair of their heads.
They are not to have all the hair cut off their heads, and they are not to let their hair get long, but they are to have the ends of their hair cut.
They are not permitted to shave their heads or let their hair grow long; they must have a proper haircut.
They shall not also shaue their heades, nor suffer their lockes to growe long, but rounde their heades.
And their head they do not shave, and the lock they do not send forth; they certainly poll their heads.
“‘“They shall not shave their heads, or allow their locks to grow long. They shall only cut off the hair of their heads.
Neither shall they shave their heads, nor suffer their locks to grow long; they shall only poll their heads.
Neither shall they shave their heads, nor wear long heir: but they shall only poll their heads.
The priests must not shave their heads or allow their hair to become long; but they must regularly trim the edges of their hair.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 44:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 44:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/רֹאשָׁ/ם֙
לֹ֣א
יְגַלֵּ֔חוּ
וּ/פֶ֖רַע
לֹ֣א
יְשַׁלֵּ֑חוּ
כָּס֥וֹם
יִכְסְמ֖וּ
אֶת
רָאשֵׁי/הֶֽם
וְ/רֹאשָׁ/ם֙
rôʼsh
H7218
head
Conj | N-ms | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יְגַלֵּ֔חוּ
gâlach
H1548
to shave
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
וּ/פֶ֖רַע
peraʻ
H6545
lock
Conj | N-ms
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יְשַׁלֵּ֑חוּ
shâlach
H7971
to send
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
כָּס֥וֹם
kâçam
H3697
to shear
V-Qal-Ptc
יִכְסְמ֖וּ
kâçam
H3697
to shear
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
רָאשֵׁי/הֶֽם
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 44:20
וְ/רֹאשָׁ/ם֙
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יְגַלֵּ֔חוּ
gâlach
H1548
"to shave"
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to shave or be bald, and can also mean to lay waste or destroy something. It is used in Leviticus to describe the shaving of priests and in Isaiah to describe the devastation of a city.
Definition: 1) to poll, shave, shave off, be bald 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to shave 1a2) to shave off 1a3) (fig. of devastation) 1b)(Pual) to be shaven 1c) (Hithpael) to shave oneself
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: poll, shave (off). See also: Genesis 41:14; Judges 16:17; Isaiah 7:20.
וּ/פֶ֖רַע
peraʻ
H6545
"lock"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to hair that is disheveled or unkempt, and is also used to describe a leader. It is used in various contexts, including Judges 5:2 and 2 Samuel 14:26. The word has a range of meanings related to hair and leadership.
Definition: 1) hair, long hair (of head), locks 2) leader
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: locks. See also: Numbers 6:5; Ezekiel 44:20.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יְשַׁלֵּ֑חוּ
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
כָּס֥וֹם
kâçam
H3697
"to shear"
V-Qal-Ptc
To shear means to cut or trim something, like sheep's wool. In the Bible, it appears in Exodus 7:12 and Isaiah 51:9. This Hebrew word is used for cutting or clipping.
Definition: (Qal) to cut, clip, trim, shear
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] only, poll. Compare H3765 (כִּרְסֵם). See also: Ezekiel 44:20.
יִכְסְמ֖וּ
kâçam
H3697
"to shear"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To shear means to cut or trim something, like sheep's wool. In the Bible, it appears in Exodus 7:12 and Isaiah 51:9. This Hebrew word is used for cutting or clipping.
Definition: (Qal) to cut, clip, trim, shear
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] only, poll. Compare H3765 (כִּרְסֵם). See also: Ezekiel 44:20.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
רָאשֵׁי/הֶֽם
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 44:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 44:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 44:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 44:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 44:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 44:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 44:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 44:20
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 44:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 44:20
- Sermons on Ezekiel 44:20
Context — The Duties of the Priests
18They are to wear linen turbans on their heads and linen undergarments around their waists. They must not wear anything that makes them perspire.
19When they go out to the outer court, to the people, they are to take off the garments in which they have ministered, leave them in the holy chambers, and dress in other clothes so that they do not transmit holiness to the people with their garments.
20They must not shave their heads or let their hair grow long, but must carefully trim their hair.
21No priest may drink wine before he enters the inner court. 22And they shall not marry a widow or a divorced woman, but must marry a virgin of the descendants of the house of Israel, or a widow of a priest.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Corinthians 11:14 | Doesn’t nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, |
| 2 | Numbers 6:5 | 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 separation to the LORD is complete; he must let the hair of his head grow long. |
| 3 | Leviticus 21:5–24 | Priests must not make bald spots on their heads, shave off the edges of their beards, or make cuts in their bodies. They must be holy to their God and not profane the name of their God. Because they present to the LORD the offerings made by fire, the food of their God, they must be holy. A priest must not marry a woman defiled by prostitution or divorced by her husband, for the priest is holy to his God. You are to regard him as holy, since he presents the food of your God. He shall be holy to you, because I the LORD am holy—I who set you apart. If a priest’s daughter defiles herself by prostituting herself, she profanes her father; she must be burned in the fire. The priest who is highest among his brothers, who has had the anointing oil poured on his head and has been ordained to wear the priestly garments, must not let his hair hang loose or tear his garments. He must not go near any dead body; he must not defile himself, even for his father or mother. He must not leave or desecrate the sanctuary of his God, for the consecration of the anointing oil of his God is on him. I am the LORD. The woman he marries must be a virgin. He is not to marry a widow, a divorced woman, or one defiled by prostitution. He is to marry a virgin from his own people, so that he does not defile his offspring among his people, for I am the LORD who sanctifies him.” Then the LORD said to Moses, “Say to Aaron, ‘For the generations to come, none of your descendants who has a physical defect may approach to offer the food of his God. No man who has any defect may approach—no man who is blind, lame, disfigured, or deformed; no man who has a broken foot or hand, or who is a hunchback or dwarf, or who has an eye defect, a festering rash, scabs, or a crushed testicle. No descendant of Aaron the priest who has a defect shall approach to present the offerings made by fire to the LORD. Since he has a defect, he is not to come near to offer the food of his God. He may eat the most holy food of his God as well as the holy food, but because he has a defect, he must not go near the veil or approach the altar, so as not to desecrate My sanctuaries. For I am the LORD who sanctifies them.’” Moses told this to Aaron and his sons and to all the Israelites. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 14:1 | You are sons of the LORD your God; do not cut yourselves or shave your foreheads on behalf of the dead, |
Ezekiel 44:20 Summary
This verse is saying that the priests should take care of their hair in a way that is moderate and respectful, not shaving their heads or letting their hair grow too long. This is part of a larger theme in the Bible of being mindful of our appearance and behavior, and presenting ourselves to God in a way that is humble and modest, as seen in 1 Peter 3:3-4. By doing so, we can show our love and devotion to God, and be a good example to those around us, as taught in Matthew 5:16. This verse reminds us that our outward appearance can reflect our inner heart and commitment to God.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the priests instructed not to shave their heads or let their hair grow long in Ezekiel 44:20?
This instruction is likely given to maintain a sense of humility and dignity among the priests, as shaving one's head was often a sign of mourning or grief, while having long hair could be seen as a sign of pride or vanity, as seen in 1 Corinthians 11:14-15.
How does this verse relate to the overall priestly code in Ezekiel?
This verse is part of a larger section outlining the rules and regulations for the priests in Ezekiel 40-46, emphasizing their role as intermediaries between God and the people, and highlighting the importance of purity and holiness in their lives, as also seen in Leviticus 21:1-6.
Is this verse still relevant for Christians today?
While the specific regulations in Ezekiel 44:20 may not directly apply to Christians, the underlying principles of humility, modesty, and devotion to God are still essential for believers, as taught in Romans 12:1-2 and 1 Peter 3:3-4.
How does this verse relate to the concept of 'inner and outer' in Ezekiel?
The distinction between the inner and outer court in Ezekiel, as seen in Ezekiel 44:17-19, highlights the importance of separating the sacred from the profane, and this verse contributes to that theme by emphasizing the priests' responsibility to maintain their own purity and distinctiveness, as also seen in Ezekiel 42:20.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can cultivate humility and modesty in my own life, as reflected in this verse?
- How can I balance the need for personal expression with the importance of maintaining a sense of dignity and respect in my appearance, as taught in 1 Timothy 2:9-10?
- In what ways can I, like the priests in Ezekiel, be a 'bridge' between God and the people around me, and what are the implications of this role for my daily life?
- What are some potential 'extremes' in my own life that I need to avoid, whether in terms of appearance, behavior, or attitude, and how can I find a healthy balance, as seen in Philippians 4:5?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 44:20
Neither shall they shave their heads,.... As the priests and worshippers of Isis and Serapis did, as Jerom on the text observes; and as the Romish priests now do, from whom the Lord's faithful
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 44:20
Neither shall they shave their heads, nor suffer their locks to grow long; they shall only poll their heads.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 44:20
To shave their heads was forbidden, 21:5. Hair is given for an ornament, and the priests should not disfigure themselves, nor imitate idolatrous heathens. Nor suffer their locks to grow long; priding themselves in it, as Absalom, giving ill example by such excess. Shall only poll their heads; when the hair is grown somewhat, they shall trim, cut the ends of their hair, and keep it in moderate size; beside, long hair was a token of a Nazarite’ s vow, and God would have all holy things and persons kept unmixed and distinguished from other common things.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 44:20
Ezekiel 44:20 Neither shall they shave their heads, nor suffer their locks to grow long; they shall only poll their heads.Ver. 20. Neither shall they shave their heads.] What can the Popish shavelings say to this, qui ne pilum ullum viri bona habere videntur, as Cicero saith of Fannins Chaereas? noting it to be a sign of crafty malice to be shaven. And indeed is so bald and heathenish a ceremony that some priests in France are ashamed of the mark, and few of them have it that can handsomely avoid it. Nor suffer their locks to grow long.] As women’ s: some heathen priests nourished their hair to a great length. A shag-haired minister is an ugly sight: bushes of vanity become not such, of any men. They shall only poll their heads.] Or, Round them. Certainly, saith one, the devil had forgotten this text when he raised up that reproach of Roundheads. To have hairy scalps is the garb of God’ s enemies. In Orat. pro Rosc. Comaedo.
Spec. Eur. Mr Burroughs.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 44:20
(20) Their locks to grow long.—The law forbade the shaving of the head (Leviticus 21:5), but only condemned letting the hair grow long by implication, providing for it in the exceptional case of the vow of the Nazarite. The prohibition of Eze 44:21 is given in Leviticus 10:9.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 44:20
Verse 20. Neither shall they shave their heads] The priests of Isis shaved their heads close to the skin; the priests of Budhoo do so still, their ordinances oblige them to shave their heads every tenth day. To let the hair grow long would have been improper; therefore the Lord commands them to poll-cut the hair short, but not to shave.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 44:20
20. The priests shall poll or cut the hair of their heads, and neither shave their heads bald nor let the hair flow loose. Shaving the head bald was a sign of mourning (Leviticus 21:5; Leviticus 21:10, cf. Ezekiel 24:17), and forbidden both to priests and people as a practice of the heathen (Deuteronomy 14:1); though the prophets frequently refer to it as a token of disaster and mourning; Isaiah 3:24; Isaiah 22:12; Jeremiah 16:6; Amos 8:10; Micah 1:16. Leviticus 10:6 indicates that letting the hair flow loose and dishevelled was also a sign of grief. The phrase appears used both of this practice and of the Nazirite custom of allowing the hair to remain uncut (Numbers 6:5, cf. Numbers 5:18).
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 44:20
20. The hair was regarded as the seat of life by every ancient nation (note Ezekiel 5:14), and very probably when the hair was shaved off it was offered to the deity (compare Numbers 6:18),
Sermons on Ezekiel 44:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(The Spiritual Man) the Law of the Spirit by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of living by the law of the Spirit in order to hear God's voice. He emphasizes the need for daily quiet time and being sensitiv |
|
Married Life and Raising Children by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of family life in the church ministry under the New Covenant, contrasting it with the Old Covenant. It highlights the need for good testimonie |
|
Words of Spirit and Life by A.W. Tozer | The preacher delves into the concept of 'phusis' or 'nature' as described in the Bible, highlighting how it refers to the inherent character, essential constitution, and origin of |
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Holiness: It's Conditions by G. Campbell Morgan | The preacher discusses the concept of false circumcision, highlighting how some individuals distort the true meaning of circumcision by focusing on outward rituals rather than the |