Uncut Hair

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by rdp

*First, UBS clearly stated that the verb "literally" means simply "to cut her hair." There was no "probably" in the actual meaning of the verb (only in their application).

That is interesting. When they "applied" the definition, they take the view as a "probably".

Regardless, one would have the burden of proving why this "literal" meaning would be deemed "improbable" exegetically.

*Second, as the article linked points out:

The Greek verb translated as “shorn” (κείρασθαι) appears in the middle voice indicating that the action is performed upon—or with reference to—the subject. Here’s what some of the most authoritative lexicographers in existence state about this specific term:

“Mid. [voice] cut one’s hair or have one’s hair cut…Abs(olute sense)…I Cor. 11:6a, b” (BDAG).

“To have one’s hair cut” (Dr. F.W. Gingrich’s, Shorter Lexicon of the Greek New Testament, p. 114).

*Analytical Greek NT Lexicon: “middle cut one’s hair, have one’s hair cut off (1 C 11.6).”

*Louw & Nida’s Greek-English Lexicon Based upon Semantic Domain: 19.23 “κείρω to cut the hair of a person or animal – to cut hair, to shear. εἰ γὰρ οὐ κατακαλύπτεται γυνήκαὶ κειράσθω if the woman does not cover her head, she might as well cut her hair 1CO. 11.6″

*For these grammatical reasons, many linguists have translated this verb as “cut off,” or simply “to cut” (e.g., RSV, NEB, Holy Bible from Ancient Eastern Manuscripts, NAB, NIV, Amplified Bible, James Moffatt).

Thank you for this. I don't believe anyone has disagreed that shorn or shaven means to cut or cut off. It's a no-brainer. Shaven = xurao; shorn = keiro and long, which doesn't mean any of those two things is - komao.

However, I can see how there are factions who believe that we still should wear veils. Never did see that as strongly before, not that I take that position.

Mainly, because it doesn't make sense to say, "If a woman has cut hair, she might has well be shorn or shaven." If her hair is already cut, that wouldn't make sense, so it must mean a veil.