κομάω (komaō)
komaō
be long-haired
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb komaō describes the act of letting one’s hair grow long or wearing it in an extended style. In the New Testament, this term appears only twice, both within Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian church. Here, it serves as a concrete marker of social and gender distinctions that were culturally significant in the ancient Mediterranean world.
Paul uses this physical description to argue for appropriate conduct during worship, suggesting that long hair was commonly associated with women, while short hair was typical for men (1 Corinthians 11:14-15). The word itself is straightforward, referring simply to the state of having uncut hair. It does not carry inherent moral weight but functions as a cultural signpost that Paul leverages to teach about order and creation.
Understanding komaō helps modern readers grasp the specific imagery Paul employs. He is not issuing a universal command for all believers at all times to maintain a particular hairstyle, but rather using a visible cultural norm to illustrate deeper principles of honor and distinction. The focus remains on the symbolic meaning attached to the appearance in that specific context.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word komaō simply describes having long hair. In first-century Corinth, this was not a fashion choice but a clear cultural signal of gender identity. Paul uses this common understanding to help his readers see how outward appearance can reflect inner order and respect within the community.
For us today, the focus shifts from the length of our hair to the spirit behind it. The text invites us to consider how we honor God and one another through our conduct. It reminds us that our bodies are meant to display harmony and dignity, pointing to the created order rather than drawing attention to ourselves.
This passage encourages a heart of modesty and mutual respect. When we seek to reflect God’s design in our lives, we create an environment where others can feel valued and respected. It is a gentle call to let our external lives align with the internal peace that comes from following Christ’s example of humility.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- she shall have long hair,1×
- he shall have long hair,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κομᾷ,2×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 11:14
Doesn’t even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him?
Paul uses this occurrence to argue that long hair on a man was considered contrary to natural social norms, highlighting the cultural expectation of distinct gender roles in worship.
-
I Corinthians 11:15
But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her, for her hair is given to her for a covering.
Here the word underscores that long hair serves as a natural covering for women, symbolizing glory and honor within the specific cultural context of the Corinthian church.