Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in biblical studies is essential for grasping the nuances of the New Testament texts. The Greek word κομάω (komáō) holds particular significance in discussions about cultural norms, gender roles, and appearance in early Christian communities. Appearing first in 1 Corinthians 11:14, this word addresses the practice of wearing long hair and its associated connotations in the Greco-Roman world. Exploring the meaning and usage of komáō helps modern readers better understand the social dynamics and theological points that Paul and other New Testament authors were addressing.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: κομάω, transliterated as komáō [ko-MAH-oh].

Etymology: The word κομάω (komáō) is derived from the Greek noun κόμη (kómē), meaning “hair,” particularly “long hair” or “locks.” The verb form komáō refers to the action of letting one’s hair grow long.

Part of Speech: Verb. As a verb, komáō involves the action of growing or wearing long hair. It follows the standard conjugation patterns of Greek verbs, appearing in various tenses, voices, and moods depending on its usage in the text.

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Defining Meanings

1. To Let the Hair Grow Long: The primary meaning of κομάω is “to let the hair grow long” or “to wear long hair.” This action was culturally significant in ancient Greece and Rome, often associated with masculinity or femininity, depending on the length and style of the hair.
2. To Have Long Hair as a Sign of Honor or Shame: In specific cultural contexts, such as 1 Corinthians 11:14, the length of hair could symbolize honor or shame. For men, wearing long hair was sometimes seen as effeminate or dishonorable, while for women, it represented beauty, modesty, or submission.

Exploring Similar Words

1. Κόμη (kómē) [KO-mee]: Refers to “hair” or “locks,” especially when describing hair that is long. Unlike komáō, which is a verb denoting the action of growing hair long, kómē is a noun that describes the hair itself.
2. Κεφαλή (kephalē) [ke-pha-LEE]: Means “head.” While not directly related to hair length, it often appears in the same passages discussing head coverings and the propriety of hair length in a spiritual context.
3. Θρίξ (thrix) [thriks]: Refers to a single “hair” or “strand of hair.” It is a more general term, contrasting with komáō, which focuses on the length of hair.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood: Komáō can appear in various tenses (present, aorist, perfect), voices (active, middle), and moods (indicative, imperative, subjunctive). The most common usage is in the present active indicative, as seen in 1 Corinthians 11:14.

Person and Number: Komáō is conjugated differently depending on the person (1st, 2nd, 3rd) and number (singular, plural). For example:

Aspect: In Greek, the aspect of a verb focuses on the type of action. The imperfective aspect (present) of komáō implies a continuous or habitual action—such as continuously growing hair long—while the perfective aspect (aorist) indicates a completed action.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

The word κομάω is associated with discussions on cultural and theological identity in the New Testament. In 1 Corinthians 11:14, Paul uses the word to question whether it is appropriate for men to have long hair, implying a cultural norm within the Corinthian church. In ancient Greek society, the length of a man’s hair could signify different social statuses or philosophical affiliations. In classical literature, growing long hair could be associated with nobility or rebellion against societal norms. This word’s theological implication is centered on the order of worship, decorum, and differentiation of genders in public and private religious settings. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. 1 Corinthians 11:14: “Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair [komáō], it is a dishonor to him?”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek verb κομάω (komáō) provides a valuable window into cultural practices and theological debates within the early Christian church. It captures both cultural norms of hair length and deeper implications regarding honor, shame, and religious propriety. Understanding this term enriches the comprehension of social dynamics and gender roles in the early Christian context, particularly in discussions about what is considered appropriate in worship settings.

Did You Know?

1. In ancient Sparta, long hair (κομάω) was a symbol of warrior status and honor, contrasting with the Roman and later Greek perceptions of masculinity.
2. Philosophers like the Cynics would often let their hair grow long (κομάω) as a sign of rejecting societal norms and embracing a life of asceticism.
3. In the Jewish context, the Nazarite vow included letting the hair grow long (κομάω), symbolizing consecration to God, as seen in the story of Samson.