ξυράω

I shave

Definition

ξυράω (xyraō) means to shave or shear, specifically referring to the act of cutting off hair. In the New Testament, it is used both literally and in a culturally symbolic sense. In Acts 21:24, it describes the ritual shaving of the head as part of a Nazirite vow purification. In 1 Corinthians 11:5-6, Paul uses the term metaphorically to argue that a woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered is as if she were shaved, linking it to shame or dishonor in that cultural context.

Biblical Usage

This verb appears three times in the New Testament, exclusively in passages dealing with hair and cultural or religious practice. In Acts 21:24, it is used literally for the completion of a Nazirite vow. In 1 Corinthians 11:5-6, it is used figuratively by Paul in his discussion of head coverings and propriety in worship, where 'shaved' is presented as a state of disgrace for a woman. All occurrences are in contexts addressing Jewish or early Christian communal norms.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek noun ξυρόν (xyrón), meaning 'razor.' The verb form ξυράω is a primary verb meaning 'to shave with a razor.' It is related to the act of cutting hair close to the skin, and its meaning remained consistent in Koine Greek, focusing on the physical or symbolic removal of hair.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it touches on themes of vow, purity, and social honor within the early church. In Acts 21:24, it connects to the fulfillment of Jewish law and Paul's accommodation of it. In 1 Corinthians 11, it is pivotal in Paul's argument about gender, authority, and propriety in worship, where 'shaving' symbolizes a breach of created order and cultural shame. Understanding this term enriches reading by highlighting the cultural weight behind Paul's instructions on head coverings.

In the ancient Mediterranean world, hair carried strong cultural and religious meanings. For men, shaving could be part of a vow (as with the Nazirites in Numbers 6). For women, long hair was often seen as a glory, and a shaved head could indicate mourning, slavery, or shame (as in the punishment for adultery). Paul's argument in 1 Corinthians 11 relies on this shared understanding—a shaved woman would be culturally dishonored, which he uses to reinforce his point about head coverings during worship.

κείρω (keirō, G2751) — a more general term for shearing or cutting hair, often used for sheep (e.g., 1 Corinthians 11:6 also uses it in parallel); ἀποκείρω (apokeirō, G607) — to cut off, used in Acts 18:18 for Paul cutting his hair for a vow.

Word Details

Scripture References