ξυράω

Pronunciation Guide: KSOO-rah-oh

Quick Answer: ξυράω (xuraō) means “to shave” or “to cut hair,” often in the context of religious vows, purification rituals, or consecration to God in biblical times.

What Does ξυράω Mean?

Strong’s G3587: ξυράω (xuraō) is a Greek verb meaning “to shave” or “to cut off hair.” This word encompasses the physical act of removing hair, typically from the head, but in biblical contexts it carries deeper spiritual significance related to religious vows, purification ceremonies, and acts of consecration to יהוה (Yahweh). The term appears in contexts where shaving represents a visible, external sign of internal spiritual commitment or cleansing.

Key Insight: Shaving in biblical times was never merely cosmetic but carried profound religious and cultural meaning about dedication to God.

Where Does ξυράω Come From?

• Part of speech: Verb (active voice, aorist tense in Acts 21:24)
• Root word: From the Greek root ξυρ- relating to cutting or shaving
• Language origin: Classical Greek, adopted into Koine Greek
• Primary usage: Predominantly in religious and ceremonial contexts within Scripture

ξυράω Morphology:

This section helps you recognize different forms of this word when reading the ancient Greek texts, enabling deeper engagement with the original language.

Morphology:

• ξυράω (present active indicative, 1st person singular) – I shave
• ξυρῶ (future active indicative, 1st person singular) – I will shave
• ξυράομαι (present middle/passive) – I shave myself / I am shaved
• ξυρήσω (future active indicative, 1st person singular) – I will shave
• ξυρήσωνται (aorist active subjunctive, 3rd person plural) – they might shave

What Is the History of ξυράω?

The word ξυράω has its roots in classical Greek literature, where it appears in works by authors such as Homer and Herodotus, typically describing the physical act of cutting hair or beard. In Homer’s Iliad, the term appears in contexts of mourning rituals where hair was cut as a sign of grief. Herodotus uses it when describing various cultural practices among different peoples.

In the Septuagint (LXX), ξυράω takes on heightened religious significance, particularly in Levitical passages concerning Nazarite vows and priestly purification ceremonies. The word appears in contexts where shaving represents spiritual transformation or consecration to God. Early church fathers like John Chrysostom and Jerome recognized this deeper theological meaning, often interpreting the physical act of shaving as symbolic of spiritual renewal and dedication.

The transition from classical to biblical usage demonstrates how everyday actions became invested with profound spiritual meaning in Hebrew and early Christian thought, reflecting the biblical worldview that physical actions often mirror spiritual realities.

Historical Summary: ξυράω evolved from describing ordinary grooming in classical Greek to representing sacred acts of consecration and purification in biblical literature.

How Should ξυράω Be Translated?

Primary meanings of ξυράω:

• To shave (hair from head or body)
• To cut off (hair in ceremonial contexts)
• To make smooth or bare
• To remove completely (in metaphorical usage)

Translation Tip: Context determines whether the focus is on the physical act of shaving or its spiritual significance in religious ceremonies.

ξυράω Translation Options:

• “Shave” – Most direct translation emphasizing the physical action
• “Cut off” – Emphasizes the removal aspect, particularly in ritual contexts
• “Shear” – Highlights the complete removal of hair
• “Make bare” – Focuses on the resulting state rather than the action
• “Purify through shaving” – Captures the ceremonial significance when morphological and contextual clues indicate religious purpose

How Is ξυράω Used in the Bible?

The word ξυράω appears strategically in Scripture, primarily in contexts involving religious vows and purification rituals. In the New Testament, it appears most notably in Acts 21:24, where Paul participates in a purification ceremony involving the shaving of heads, demonstrating his respect for Jewish customs while ministering to both Jewish and Gentile believers.

In the Septuagint, ξυράω appears in Levitical passages concerning the Nazarite vow, where the shaving of the head marked either the completion of a sacred commitment or purification from ritual uncleanness. The word also appears in contexts of priestly purification, where physical cleansing represented spiritual preparation for service in the Temple. These usages reveal how external actions carried profound internal significance in Hebrew religious practice.

The biblical usage pattern consistently connects ξυράω with themes of consecration, purification, and renewed commitment to God, distinguishing it from mere cosmetic grooming found in secular Greek literature.

Usage Summary: Biblical usage of ξυράω consistently relates to religious ceremonies of purification, vow completion, and sacred dedication rather than ordinary grooming.

Cross-reference verses using ξυράω:

• “Take them and purify yourself along with them, and pay their expenses so that they may shave [ξυρήσωνται] their heads; and all will know that there is nothing to the things which they have been told about you, but that you yourself also walk orderly, keeping the Law.” Acts 21:24

What Cultural Context Surrounds ξυράω?

In ancient Jewish culture, hair held deep symbolic significance as a sign of strength, glory, and divine blessing. The act of shaving, therefore, represented far more than personal grooming—it was a profound spiritual statement. When someone undertook a Nazarite vow, they allowed their hair to grow uncut as a visible sign of their separation unto God. The completion of this vow required the complete shaving of the head, with the hair being burned as an offering, symbolizing the complete surrender of one’s glory to יהוה (Yahweh).

The cultural practice surrounding ξυράω also connected to concepts of mourning and repentance. In times of grief or spiritual crisis, people would shave their heads as an outward expression of inner anguish and humility before God. This practice distinguished the Hebrews from surrounding pagan cultures, where hair styling often related to idol worship or social status. For the people of God, shaving became an act of worship and consecration.

The apostle Paul’s participation in the shaving ceremony in Acts demonstrates the cultural sensitivity required in cross-cultural ministry, showing how understanding these practices helps bridge different communities while maintaining the gospel’s integrity.

Cultural Context: Shaving in Hebrew culture represented profound spiritual commitment, distinguishing sacred dedication from mere personal grooming or pagan practices.

What Does ξυράω Teach Us About God?

The concept of ξυράω reveals God’s desire for His people to make visible, tangible expressions of their internal spiritual commitments. When individuals shaved their heads in completion of vows or purification ceremonies, they demonstrated that true worship involves both heart and body, internal devotion and external demonstration. This teaches us that God values authentic commitment that manifests in concrete actions.

Furthermore, ξυράω illustrates God’s gracious provision for spiritual renewal and fresh starts. The shaving associated with purification ceremonies provided a pathway for restoration after ritual uncleanness or the completion of sacred commitments. This reveals God’s character as One who desires His people to experience spiritual cleansing and new beginnings, making provision for both ceremonial and heart-level purification.

The practice also demonstrates God’s attention to detail in religious observance while pointing toward deeper spiritual realities. The physical act of shaving served as a teaching tool, helping people understand the spiritual truth that consecration to God requires the complete surrender of one’s glory and strength, trusting in His provision and grace.

Theological Core: ξυράω reveals God’s desire for visible expressions of spiritual commitment and His gracious provision for purification and renewal.

How Can I Apply ξυράω to My Life?

While modern believers are not bound by ancient ceremonial laws, the principle behind ξυράω remains powerfully relevant. The concept challenges us to consider what visible expressions of our spiritual commitments we make in daily life. Just as ancient believers shaved their heads as outward signs of inward dedication, we can ask ourselves how our external choices reflect our internal devotion to the Messiah.

The practice of ξυράω also encourages us to embrace seasons of spiritual renewal and fresh commitment. Sometimes God calls us to symbolic acts that represent our willingness to surrender pride, self-reliance, or worldly glory in favor of humble dependence on Him. These might include fasting, simplifying our lifestyle, or making public commitments that demonstrate our faith journey to others who are watching.

Self-Examination Questions: What external expressions of my faith demonstrate my internal commitment to God? Am I willing to surrender my “glory” and strength to Him in visible, tangible ways? How can I embrace opportunities for spiritual renewal and fresh dedication?

What Words Are Similar to ξυράω?

• κείρω (keirō) – “to shear, cut short” – Used for cutting hair or wool, often in contexts of mourning or sacrifice, differs from ξυράω in typically referring to cutting rather than complete removal – See G2751
• ἀποκείρω (apokeirō) – “to shear off, cut off completely” – Emphasizes the complete removal aspect more than ξυράω, often used metaphorically – See G609
• καθαίρω (kathairō) – “to cleanse, purify” – Shares the purification theme with ξυράω but focuses on spiritual rather than physical cleansing – See G2508
• ἁγιάζω (hagiazō) – “to sanctify, make holy” – Connects to the consecration aspect of ξυράω but emphasizes the setting apart for sacred purposes – See G37
• εὐχή (euchē) – “vow, prayer” – Related to the vow-making context where ξυράω often appears, focusing on the commitment aspect – See G2171

Did You Know?

• What does ξυράω mean in modern Greek? Modern Greek still uses ξυράω (or its derivative ξυρίζω) to mean “shave,” but it has lost the sacred, ceremonial connotations that made it so significant in biblical times.
• How did classical authors use ξυράω? Homer used ξυράω in the Iliad to describe warriors cutting their hair in mourning for fallen comrades, while Herodotus employed it when describing Egyptian priests who shaved their entire bodies every other day for purification.
• What’s the difference between ξυράω and κείρω? While both involve cutting hair, ξυράω specifically means to shave completely (often to the skin), whereas κείρω means to shear or cut short, like trimming sheep’s wool.
• Why does the Bible use ξυράω primarily in ceremonial contexts? The biblical authors chose ξυράω over other hair-cutting terms because it emphasized the complete removal aspect, symbolizing total surrender and purification rather than mere grooming or styling.
• How does ξυράω relate to the Nazarite vow? The Nazarite vow required allowing hair to grow uncut as a sign of separation to God, making the final shaving with ξυράω a climactic moment of offering one’s dedicated life back to יהוה (Yahweh).
• What archaeological evidence supports ancient shaving practices? Archaeological discoveries in Israel have uncovered bronze and iron razors from biblical periods, confirming that the technology for the practices described by ξυράω existed and was commonly used in religious ceremonies.

Remember This

ξυράω reminds us that true spiritual commitment often requires visible surrender of our earthly glory, replacing self-reliance with humble dependence on God’s strength and grace.