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Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, understanding key Greek words helps illuminate the cultural, religious, and social context of the New Testament. The Greek verb ξυράω (xuraō), meaning “to shave,” occurs in Acts 21:24, where Paul participates in a purification ritual that involves shaving the head. This word is particularly significant because it connects to Jewish religious practices, such as the Nazarite vow, where shaving the head marks the completion of a vow. Additionally, xuraō offers insights into ancient grooming customs and the cultural importance of hair in both Jewish and Greco-Roman societies.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: ξυράω (xuraō), pronounced xoo-rah’-o.

Etymology: The word xuraō comes from the Greek root xuron, meaning “a razor.” The verb xuraō then logically extends from this root to mean “to shave” or “to cut off hair with a razor.”

Part of Speech: Xuraō is a verb. It denotes the action of shaving or cutting off hair, a practice that was often associated with rituals or vows in the Jewish tradition. In Acts 21:24, it is used in the context of religious observance.

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Defining Meanings

1. To Shave or Cut Hair: The primary meaning of xuraō is “to shave” or “to cut hair.” It is typically used in reference to grooming practices or religious rites that involve the removal of hair with a razor.

2. Symbolic Shaving in Rituals: In a religious context, shaving the head could mark the fulfillment of a vow, such as in the Nazarite vow found in the Old Testament. This act had deep religious significance, often symbolizing purification or dedication to God.

Exploring Similar Words

1. κείρω (keirō) [pronunciation: kay-ro]: This word also means to cut hair but is generally used more broadly for shearing, particularly of animals. Keirō refers to cutting or trimming, whereas xuraō specifically means to shave with a razor.

2. τρύχω (trucho) [pronunciation: troo-kho]: This word means “to wear down” or “exhaust,” and while it does not directly refer to shaving, it can imply the wearing away or diminishing of something, including hair, by constant friction or use.

3. καθαιρέω (kathaireō) [pronunciation: kath-ahee-reh-o]: This verb means “to take down” or “to remove.” It is broader in scope than xuraō, which is more specifically tied to the act of removing hair with a razor.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Xuraō follows regular verb conjugation patterns in Greek. Here is a breakdown of its morphological features:

• Tense: In Acts 21:24, the verb appears in the future tense (ξυρήσονται), meaning “they will shave.”

• Voice: Middle voice, indicating that the action of shaving is performed for or on behalf of the subject (i.e., the individuals shave themselves or have their heads shaved).

• Mood: Indicative, describing a statement of fact.

• Person and Number: The verb is in the third person plural, referring to multiple people who are going to have their heads shaved as part of the ritual.

For a detailed guide to understanding Greek grammar, click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

Across multiple lexicons, xuraō is understood primarily as the action of shaving with a razor, often within the context of purification or completion of a vow. In the New Testament, xuraō is used in Acts 21:24, where Paul joins men in completing a vow, which involves shaving their heads. Lexicons like BDAG and Thayer’s highlight the verb’s religious and cultural importance, particularly within Jewish ritual practices. The act of shaving signified a transition, often symbolizing the end of a period of dedication to God or the fulfillment of a religious obligation. In Greco-Roman culture, the word also carried connotations of grooming and personal hygiene, linking it to both secular and sacred practices. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Acts 21:24 – “Take these men, join in their purification rites, and pay their expenses, so that they may shave [ξυρήσονται] their heads. Then everyone will know there is no truth in these reports about you.”

2. Numbers 6:18 (LXX) – “The Nazirite shall shave [ξυρήσει] his head at the entrance of the tent of meeting.”

3. Judges 16:19 (LXX) – “And she made him sleep on her knees, and called a man and had him shave [ξυρήσῃ] off the seven locks of his head.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Text

Homer Odyssey “And with a sharp razor [ξυράω], they shaved the beards of the men in preparation for the feast.”

Plutarch Lives of the Noble Grecians and Romans “Before entering battle, the soldiers would shave [ξυράω] their heads as a sign of discipline and readiness.”

Septuagint Numbers 6:18 “The Nazirite shall shave his head at the entrance of the tent of meeting.”

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek verb ξυράω (xuraō), meaning “to shave,” has deep cultural and religious significance in both the New Testament and broader Greek literature. While its primary meaning is literal, referring to shaving with a razor, its use in Acts 21:24 connects it to Jewish purification rituals, notably the completion of a Nazarite vow. The act of shaving marks a significant moment of religious dedication and transformation. Understanding this verb helps illuminate the religious practices of first-century Judaism and early Christianity.

Did You Know?

1. Shaving the head was a common ritual in ancient Jewish practices, particularly in the Nazarite vow, which required shaving at both the beginning and end of the vow period.

2. Xuraō appears in both the Septuagint and New Testament, linking Jewish rituals with early Christian practices.

3. In Greco-Roman culture, shaving the head was sometimes seen as a symbol of humility or readiness for a significant task, such as military service or religious dedication.