גָּלַח (ga.lach)
ga.lach
to shave
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 17 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb galach describes the physical act of shaving, whether removing hair from the head or beard, or cutting it short. In the Old Testament, this action appears in seventeen verses, with significant occurrences in Leviticus and Numbers where ritual purity laws are detailed. The term covers both the active process of shaving and the resulting state of being bald or shaven.
Its usage often carries symbolic weight beyond mere grooming. For instance, priests underwent specific shaving rituals during consecration ceremonies to mark their set-apart status, as seen in Leviticus 8:33-35. Conversely, shaving can signal mourning or devastation, reflecting a loss of dignity or social standing. The word’s flexibility allows it to denote both ceremonial cleansing and the stark exposure that comes with judgment or grief.
Translators typically render galach as "shave" or "bald," depending on context. The physical act serves as a visible marker of internal spiritual states, whether purity, mourning, or divine intervention. This concrete imagery helps readers grasp how bodily practices in ancient Israel reflected deeper theological realities and communal identities.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The act of shaving in Scripture is never merely about grooming; it is a visible language of the heart. When Joseph shaved before meeting Pharaoh, he prepared himself for a new season of service and authority. This simple act marked a transition from the dungeon to the palace, showing how our outward appearance can reflect an inward readiness to serve God in whatever place He has placed us.
Conversely, shaving could signal deep mourning or judgment. The prophets used this imagery to describe times when dignity was stripped away, reminding us that our worth does not rest in our physical state or social standing. Whether it is the Nazirite’s vow of separation or the sorrow of exile, these actions teach us that God sees the intentions behind our gestures.
For your daily life, this word invites you to consider what your outward changes might signify. Are you making a fresh start? Are you processing grief? Or are you simply preparing for a new task? Whatever the case, remember that your true identity is secure in Christ, beyond any temporary change in appearance or circumstance.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 17 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he will shave4×
- and/ he will shave3×
- and/ he shaved2×
- they will shave1×
- shaven of1×
- it had been shaved1×
- he will shave/ it1×
- he shaved1×
- he has shaved/ himself1×
- and/ when/ shaved/ he1×
- and/ she will shave1×
- and/ she shaved off1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יְגַלַּ֣ח2×
- יְגַלֵּ֑חַ2×
- וַ/יְגַלַּח֙2×
- וְ/גִלַּ֣ח2×
- מְגֻלְּחֵ֥י1×
- יְגַלֵּ֔חַ1×
- יְגַלֵּ֑חוּ1×
- יְגַלְּחֶֽ/נּוּ\׃1×
- וּֽ/בְ/גַלְּח/וֹ֮1×
- וַֽ/יְגַלְּחֵ֔/ם1×
- וַ/תְּגַלַּ֕ח1×
- וְ/הִ֨תְגַּלָּ֔ח1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 41:14
Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon. He shaved himself, changed his clothing, and came in to Pharaoh.
This verse shows shaving as a practical step in preparing for a new role of responsibility and authority before Pharaoh.
-
Numbers 6:9
“‘If any man dies very suddenly beside him, and he defiles the head of his separation, then he shall shave his head in the day of his cleansing. On the seventh day he shall shave it.
Here, shaving is required to ritually cleanse the Nazirite after accidental defilement, highlighting the seriousness of maintaining consecration.
-
Judges 16:19
She made him sleep on her knees; and she called for a man and shaved off the seven locks of his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him.
The shaving of Samson’s hair marks the tragic loss of his divine strength and the failure of his vow.
-
Isaiah 7:20
In that day the Lord will shave with a razor that is hired in the parts beyond the River, even with the king of Assyria, the head and the hair of the feet; and it shall also consume the beard.
God uses the image of a hired razor to symbolize the coming judgment from Assyria, stripping away pride and security.