"to cut off the hair, shear, shave, Acts 21:24; 1 Cor. 11:5, 6*"
Definition and meaning
to cut off the hair, shear, shave, Acts 21:24; 1 Cor. 11:5, 6*
In the original Greek the word is written: χυράω
Historical context
The Roman Empire provided infrastructure no previous civilization had built — roads, sea routes, a common language in Greek, and relative peace across the Mediterranean. Jewish synagogues existed in every major city, giving Paul a starting point everywhere he traveled. The early church had no buildings, no political power, no social standing — and spread faster than any movement in ancient history.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of xyrao (G3587) across the King James Bible.
Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.
But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.
For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.
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Common questions
Strong's G3587 (xyrao) is a Greek word that means: to cut off the hair, shear, shave, Acts 21:24; 1 Cor. 11:5, 6* It appears 3 times in the King James Bible.
The word xyrao (G3587) appears 3 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G3587 is xyrao, a Greek word defined as: to cut off the hair, shear, shave, Acts 21:24; 1 Cor. 11:5, 6*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
xyrao is a Greek word found in the New Testament.