What Jesus Said About Beards and Personal Hygiene in the Bible

While there is no direct mention of Jesus discussing beards in the Bible, we can infer a lot about personal grooming norms and practices from his teachings and the cultural context of the time.

1. No Record of Jesus Speaking Directly About Beards

There is no recorded speech or command from Jesus about beards in the Gospels or the New Testament. It’s possible that Jesus did have an opinion on beards, but it wasn’t deemed essential to include in the Christian scriptures. In John 21:25, we read, “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written.”

2. Understanding Biblical Commandments Concerning Beards

While there are no explicit commands from Jesus about beards, the Old Testament, specifically the book of Leviticus, does include directives that were relevant to such topics. In Leviticus 19:27, we find the commandment: ‘You shall not round off the side-growth of your heads or mar the edges of your beard.’ The purpose of this commandment was to differentiate the Israelites from the surrounding nations, who often practiced shaving or removing facial hair.

3. Christians and the Mosaic Law

Christians are not bound by the Mosaic Law. As noted in 1 Timothy 2:9, Christians are encouraged to dress modestly and avoid offending others. Therefore, while there is no specific biblical text that says what Jesus’ view on beards was, individual Christians can decide for themselves whether to wear a beard or not. The emphasis, however, is on being mindful of cultural and personal choices that do not bring offense.

4. Historical Context and Artistic Interpretations

Medieval and Renaissance artists often painted Jesus with a trimmed beard, reflecting a blend of time-honored traditions and artistic choices. Given the strict commandment in Leviticus 21:5 that priests could not shave their beards, it is also interesting to think about what Jesus would look like had artists had a more literal interpretation of biblical texts. Had they been permitted to read the Bible first, Jesus might have been depicted with short hair and a non-trimmed beard, adhering to the commandment for all men as stated in 1 Samuel 13:5. However, modern interpretations and contemporary cultural norms can suggest a variety of facial hair styles.

5. Personal Hygiene and Biblical Accounts

The Bible also touches on personal hygiene practices. For example, in Matthew 6:16, Jesus does comment on the significance of prayer and fasting, but there are no explicit instructions about cleanliness or personal grooming. One intriguing passage might be related to Jesus’s teachings on purity and sanctification. The verse in focus is Luke 11:38, where Jesus refers to being clean, and one could infer that personal hygiene is important for holiness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the Bible does not directly address Jesus’s views on beards, it does provide context through the Old Testament and biblical commandments. For Christians, the most significant guidance comes from the teachings of Jesus and the broader counsel in the New Testament to live in ways that promote modesty, humility, and respect for others. In matters of personal grooming, each individual should seek a balance that aligns with personal convictions and cultural norms.