Ezekiel 44:20 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 44:20 mean?

Ezekiel 44:20 instructs that the priests must not shave their heads completely bald or let their hair grow long, but instead must keep their hair trimmed. This rule is part of a set of guidelines for how priests should present themselves while serving in the temple.

God is speaking to Ezekiel, telling him the standards for the priests who serve in the restored temple. The verse focuses on the priests’ appearance, specifically their hair, as a visible sign of order and devotion. The instruction aims to set the priests apart from other groups and to avoid extremes in appearance that were common in some pagan practices.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 44:20

• שָׁרַט (shave, גָּלַח / galaḥ): This word means to shave or make bald. The instruction is that priests should not completely shave their heads, which was sometimes done in mourning or pagan rituals.
• פֶּרַע (locks, פֶּרַע / pera‘): This refers to untrimmed or long hair. The priests are told not to let their hair grow wild or unkempt, which could be seen as a sign of neglect or rebellion.
• יְשַׁלְּחוּ (long, שָׁלַח / shalaḥ): This word means to let something go or grow out. Here, it emphasizes that priests should not let their hair grow out unchecked.
• כָּסֵם (only, poll, כָּסֵם / kasem): This word means to trim or cut short. The priests are to keep their hair neatly trimmed, showing moderation and self-control.

Why Ezekiel 44:20 matters

• This verse clarifies that priests were to avoid both extremes—neither shaving their heads bald nor letting their hair grow long—setting a standard of moderation and dignity.
• The instruction connects to the wider passage, which details the special rules for priests, highlighting their unique role and the importance of visible holiness in their service.
• Understanding the specific words used helps clear up confusion about whether priests could have long hair or needed to be bald; the answer is that they were to keep their hair neatly trimmed, avoiding both extremes.