King James Version
What Does Ezekiel 44:20 Mean?
“Neither shall they shave their heads, nor suffer their locks to grow long; they shall only poll their heads.”
Context
18
They shall have linen bonnets upon their heads, and shall have linen breeches upon their loins; they shall not gird themselves with any thing that causeth sweat. with: or, in sweating places: Heb. in, or, with sweat
19
And when they go forth into the utter court, even into the utter court to the people, they shall put off their garments wherein they ministered, and lay them in the holy chambers, and they shall put on other garments; and they shall not sanctify the people with their garments.
20
Neither shall they shave their heads, nor suffer their locks to grow long; they shall only poll their heads.
21
Neither shall any priest drink wine, when they enter into the inner court.
22
Neither shall they take for their wives a widow, nor her that is put away: but they shall take maidens of the seed of the house of Israel, or a widow that had a priest before. put: Heb. thrust forth that had: Heb. from a priest
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(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 Ezekiel 44:21 is given in Leviticus 10:9.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Ezekiel 44:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Ezekiel 44:20
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge