Not too long ago (2014) I had a very telling dream. The dream took place during a time in my life where I was calling out to the Spirit to tell me about Eve. In particular, I wanted to know why Eve (and women) in general have had to struggle with a lack of authority.
In my dream I was looking in the mirror admiring my hair. My hair was full and vibrant… it looked absolutely fabulous! I was filled with thankfulness over the glory of my gorgeous hair!! The verse in 1 Corinthians 11:15 never felt more true:
Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head unveiled? Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair, it is degrading to him, but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering. –1 Cor. 11:13–15
Young’s Literal Translation puts it this way:
And a woman, if she have long hair, a glory it is to her, because the hair instead of a covering hath been given to her. –1 Cor. 11:15
And the Darby Bible puts it like this:
But woman, if she have long hair, it is glory to her; for the long hair is given to her in lieu of a veil. –1 Cor. 11:15
However, as I ran my fingers through my seemingly fabulous locks, I noticed the opposite was in fact true. Underneath a thin layer of seemingly thick and glorious hair, lay my bald head completely shaved!! I became furious. I was indignant. Who had done this to me?! And Why?!
I immediately woke up. And as I lay there in bed, I was still mad as hell. How dare someone shave my glorious hair! I then remembered my prayer the night before regarding my question about the lost authority of Eve. I was now 1) confused and 2) excited.
I was confused because I now understood that hair and authority were linked in some weird way and I was simultaneously excited because I knew the Holy Spirit wanted to tell me about why they were linked. The rather confusing verse in 1 Corinthians 11:10 went through my mind:
Neither was man created for the sake of woman, but woman for the sake of man. For this reason a woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head. –1 Cor. 11:9–10
I immediately ran to my Bible intending to do a study on the significance of hair and there I stumbled upon a very interesting verse that illuminated me in regards to the symbolic purpose of hair.
Before I tell you what that verse was, fast forward a bit to the release of Wonder Woman: Rise of the Warrior (2017) and take note of the movie’s all important tag line — “THE FUTURE OF JUSTICE BEGINS WITH HER.” When this movie came out, I was thrilled. I grabbed my daughters and off we ran to the theater.
After the movie, my middle daughter (who is super intuitive) said “I really loved that movie except there was one thing I didn’t understand.” Well, the one thing that made my daughter stop to think is included in the video clip below. It’s the part where Diana makes the decision to cross “no man’s land” — the land that no “man” has been able to cross. And the part that got my daughter wondering was the moment Diana stops to loosen her hair. My daughter was wondering if that moment was important and if it was …. why? I mean, why does Diana stop to let her long hair loose — surely, all that annoying hair is just going to fly in front of her eyes, obscuring her sight, right?
Well, thanks to my friend Bill Boyle, who wrote the book The visual Mindscape of the Screenplay I knew the image of Wonder Woman loosening her hair was not just a superficial, unimportant vain moment — it was there for a reason. It was a visual metaphor. Meaning, it carried heavy emotional significance. “But of what?” my daughter inquired.
Perhaps watch the clip below before we move on to the wonder of Wonder Woman’s hair. This is the point in the movie where Diana makes the decision to step up for JUSTICE and to step out to HELP… this is the moment Wonder Woman steps into her divine PURPOSE and into her own AUTHORITY.
Notice how those loose locks are flowing and the people are following to fight! The reason this is such an emotional scene is not just because the female director planned it that way, it’s also because the moment carries with it a very important spiritual truth — a truth that is meant for women to grasp in their spirit. And that truth has to do with… you got it… hair.
When Locks Flow Loose…
Now remember that verse I was telling you about. The one that illuminated me in regards to the symbolic purpose of hair. Well, it’s found in the story of Jael.
Do you remember Jael? She’s the one who won the war for the Israelites when she drove a tent peg through Sisera’s skull. There she is to the left, busy at work in a painting by Jacopo Amigoni.
Now Jael’s story goes like this: the Judge Deborah (a woman in full authority) and her loyal general, Barak, unite and go after General Sisera and his Canaanite army. Barak completely destroys the army, but Sisera escapes. Sisera, according to Deborah (who is also a prophet), has a fate different from that of his army. Sisera’s life lies in the hands of an unassuming, rather pleasant — yet bold — woman named Jael…
Jael came out to meet Sisera, and said to him, “Turn aside, my lord, turn aside to me; have no fear.” So he turned aside to her into the tent, and she covered him with a rug. Then he said to her, “Please give me a little water to drink; for I am thirsty.” So she opened a skin of milk and gave him a drink and covered him. He said to her, “Stand at the entrance of the tent, and if anybody comes and asks you, ‘Is anyone here?’ say, ‘No.’ ”
But Jael wife of Heber took a tent peg, and took a hammer in her hand, and went softly to him and drove the peg into his temple, until it went down into the ground—he was lying fast asleep from weariness—and he died. Then, as Barak came in pursuit of Sisera, Jael went out to meet him, and said to him, “Come, and I will show you the man whom you are seeking.” So he went into her tent; and there was Sisera lying dead, with the tent peg in his temple.
So on that day God subdued King Jabin of Canaan before the Israelites. Then the hand of the Israelites bore harder and harder on King Jabin of Canaan, until they destroyed King Jabin of Canaan.
Then Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam sang on that day, saying:
“When locks are long in Israel,
when the people offer themselves willingly—
bless the LORD! –Jdg 4:18–5:2, bold added
The New Jerusalem Bible puts the verse this way…
That the warriors in Israel unbound their hair, that the people came forward with a will, bless Yahweh! –Jdg. 5:2
The New King James Version puts it this way…
“When leaders lead in Israel,
When the people willingly offer themselves,
Bless the LORD! –Jdg. 5:2
The Message says it this way…
When they let down their hair in Israel,
they let it blow wild in the wind.
The people volunteered with abandon,
bless GOD! –Jdg. 5:2
However, what each of these versions miss is that the word translated as “leaders” and “warriors” happens to be in the FEMININE (parʿâh). Ultimately, Deborah and Barak’s song is about women with flowing hair, or women in leadership:
When [the women] let down their hair in Israel,
they let it blow wild in the wind.
The people volunteered with abandon,
bless GOD! –Jdg 5:2
“When [female] leaders lead in Israel,
When the people willingly offer themselves,
Bless the LORD! –Jdg. 5:2
“When [female] locks are long in Israel,
when the people offer themselves willingly—
bless the LORD! –Jdg 4:21–5:2
That the [female] warriors in Israel unbound their hair, that the people came forward with a will, bless Yahweh! –Jdg. 5:2
So there, within the story of Jael, we have the story of Wonder Woman (who, by the way, was played by Gal Gadot who just happens to be Israeli). Pretty cool, right? You probably won’t ever look at flowing hair the same way now — at least, I hope you won’t.
A Woman’s “Covering” is an Anointing
A “mantle” is a biblical covering (like a coat), usually made from hair. The covering represents authority, power, responsibility, as well as the office of a “prophet.” In other words, a person occupies the position of “prophet” because of a particular anointing. If a woman prophecies without her “covering” (say she has her head completely shaved) then she would be disgraced because the authority of that prophet has been taken from her. And why would a prophet speak unless it is with authority given to her by God?
A mantle or covering symbolically represents the Holy Spirit setting a person (or persons) apart for a particular work. John the Baptist wore a mantle made out of camel’s hair. Esau had so much red hair covering his body that he was said to have a “hairy mantel” (Gen. 25:25). Elijah, the prophet, had a powerful mantle and Joseph was envied and hated because of his beautiful long mantle:
Then Elijah took his mantle and rolled it up, and struck the water; the water was parted to the one side and to the other, until the two of them crossed on dry ground. –2 Kings 2:8
Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his children, because he was the son of his old age; and he had made him a long robe with sleeves. But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably to him. –Gen. 37:3–4
Women have a god-given “mantle” or “covering” — the hair symbolizes this anointing that all women carry. This does not mean that women can’t cut or shave their hair. It just means that hair represents a spiritual truth. It’s as Paul explained…
We speak of these things in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual things to those who are spiritual. –1 Cor. 2:13
Women are anointed by God as the “helper.” Eve was created for the sake of Adam because Adam needed help from someone who, like him, also represented God on earth. Because of woman’s anointing as helper, she carries a symbol of authority — hair. If a woman was to lose her God-given authority, it is the same thing as being “shaved.”
Women are the ones who will come to the “rescue.” Women represent Eliezer (el-ezer) the “God of Help.” We are the Wonder Women of the world. We are the Deborahs. We are the Jaels — perhaps we lie hidden and unassuming, but we are prepared and willing to fight (or preach, teach, prophecy, and lead) when called upon by God.
Women in the church today are much like how I saw myself in that dream — our hair/authority only appears to be intact right now, but the truth is an enemy has shaved our hair and we are not operating at full authority/strength. But don’t worry because just as Samson once lost his hair (and his anointing) by letting his long locks become cut, woman’s power and authority is coming back.
This is why the story of Sampson ends on such an ominous note: “But the hair of his head began to grow again after it had been shaved” (Jdg. 16:22). Ultimately, Sampson’s last display of power ended up being his mightiest. And it will be the same for women.
That is the message to women today. Our authority is being restored, along with that so is woman’s purpose and power. Women have a very large role to play in regards to defeating the enemy and representing God here on earth. And despite the setback of once having our hair shaved by the enemy… our hair is growing back!
I love this. Another scene comes to mind in “Lord of the Rings” when Eowyn’s character is fighting the evil Lord of the Nazgûl. The Lord of the Nazgul, unaware that Eowyn is female, tells her “no man can kill me”. Eowyn takes of her helmet to show her long blonde hair, and says, “I am no man!” before she drives her sword into the Lord of Nazgul’s face clearly reminiscent of Jael. You can see it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNL9oljAFqM . Anyway, I have read this translation in Katharine Bushnell’s book, but I really never connected it to Deborah until now. Thanks for this post.
I love that scene too! I remember watching it in the theater and getting all stirred up for women everywhere. Thank you for posting the video!
Brilliant observation. You have educated me. Thank you.
I sit here with my hair down to my waist….it has never been this long. I adore it. It is Silver and virgin…no heat touches it…nor will it. I noticed….something had changed within me about two months ago…..It is difficult to put to words but, I believe the Native Americans to help to explain it better than I can. I feel: Stronger, Wiser, more feminine surely. I may never truly know why the change is, but your article has come very close to opening up a glorious mystery for me….thankyou* I have a fb site: Long Hair Silver Sisters. You are most welcomed to come visit anytime. Blessings……………I love your writing style too!
Powerful write up. I can’t stop smiling whenever I read this particular write up. I had a question in my heart and I decided to search for all I can find about the significance of a woman’s hair. Bless you Woman of God. I’m a young lady who’s being groomed for the work of God. Bless you Woman of God. I love you.
Hi! I love this post and the way you wrote about it. I believe there’s a greater purpose for women that God is calling us to! I have a question though. I’m still a bit confused, does it mean when Paul was referring to hair, he meant something spiritual? Because I want to cut my hair short and while I was contemplating if it may be wrong to, I came here to search for answers but I’m still unsure.
Hello Damilola! Thank you for taking the time to read my post and thank you for your lovely comment regarding women’s hair. Feel free to cut your hair. Hair is a symbol—meaning it represents an idea or truth. In our case hair represents authority—which is why a woman’s hair carries such strong feelings of freedom and beauty. But the truth is in the symbolic meaning not the actual length of your hair.
Have a wonderful day😊
Deidre
In line with my dreams of mother and daughter adorned with matching smart jackets and glorious long thick locks . Praying upon it I had the memory of a traumatic experience in childhood of having my haircut against my will. It was a symbol of a principality at work. In my ancestral line of women
Wow a prophetic word. I truly believe that I was divinely led to your page. For I have had a spirit of fear upon me since I was a little girl. I had always know what God said but I always felt like I didn’t have the authority and power like God’s other followers did. Everyone would say “Read the scripture” God gives you dominion and power. I felt like when I would make prophetic declarations my words would be powerless, and the enemy would mock and attack me.
While reading the your passage I realized that the lack of authority I felt, that was strong and so depleting, had NOTHING to do with my actions, but those of Eve’s. I must pray off that spirit for it is evil from hell. Thank you for making it all make sense.
I regularly have dreams about the condition of my hair. Just like you I am looking in a mirror at it and depending on the season depends the state of my hair. In my latest dream about my hair I said out loud, “I am thinking about growing it back out but it’s still thin” your article has offered clarity about dreams and questions I’ve have for literally years since I’ve been saved. Around 6 years now I’ve been dreaming about my hair. Thank you so much for doing pulling all of this knowledge together.
I enjoy this wonderful article very much. Originally though history teaches that most women never cut their hair until the 1920’s when Holly Wood started doing it. Asian nations did not do it until America shared it with them in WW2 saying it looked better. I know of various testimonies in God where miracles have been done with a woman knowing its her glory. Tumors have disappeared and a mothers son came back to life. Even witches use long hair to place curses when they shake it in the air at night. The evil world as well understands there is a significance to it just as you showed on Wonder Woman. Paul also mentions, “Does not even nature itself teach you it is a shame for a man to have long hair?” (unless Nazarite Covenant). So men with long hair in the world symbolize a spirit of rebellion like the hippy days. Ladies, you look beautiful with that long hair that is your glory and when in Christ there is another level of authority given then already given unto all who are in Christ with the Holy Spirit.😊
Good article. One thing though is that history shows women did not start cutting their hair short until the 1920s when Hollywood began to introduce it. It is part of a womans natural beauty but also when one is in Christ with the Holy Spirit there is an additional place of authority the woman can operate in on top of what all are given with the Holy Spirit. I know of tumors disappearing and a ladies son being brought back to life.
Even the evil world in witchcraft they place curses at night shaking their long hair.
Paul in addition says, “Does not even nature itself tell you it is a shame for a man to have long hair?” (Unless a Nazarite Covenant). For it is a spirit of rebellion like the Hippie days. Some men said they even felt the spirit of homosexuality come upon them when they made a Hippi covenant.
Ladies, beauty in Christ does not come from vanity, but rather Christ in you. But there is an additional beauty and authority that comes with possessing that long hair.
Interesting how Delilah’s name means “head of hair”.
Wow this was hmm hmmm good. I kept seeing hair and I did not know why God was showing me this. Praise God for you and allowing you to be used. This all makes sense now.
Great Piece Deidre, Thank you. In dream interpretation hair usually represents self expression and you finding ‘someone else had shaved your hair’ would suggest someone is taking your self expression from you. The biblical interpretation here is far more powerful though I think and I appreciate the work you have put into this piece. I stopped cutting my hair 18 years ago because I was confused by the bible saying ‘the glory of God is man , the glory of man is woman and the glory of a woman is her long hair. I thought I would grow my hair until I understood it. My hair is almost to my knees now and I’m not sure I have really had a full revelation of it yet but I googled it for the first time today and I love the insight you have given here. Thank you ❤️
Adam and Eve lost the glory. They became naked. They were clothed with animal skins. The hair from animals. Most likely sheep skin (a picture of our Lord Jesus Christ). We are clothed with HIS glory via Redemption.
Samson’s hair was his glory. It is a type of Jesus. Jesus had glory and anointing.
Absalom is a type of Lucifer before his fall. His hair was very heavy and they weighed it. But it was his very glory that killed him. Absalom’s hair got caught in the tree and he was killed. The tree is a type of the cross. It is the same story as Haman. Absalom tried to usurp David’s throne. David is a type of Jesus. Instead of Haman being exalted, Mordecai (type of Jesus) is exalted. Haman got hanged.
The lion’s mane is his glory. It is also another type and shadow. The hair is like light shining outwards. 🌞🦁. Jesus is the Lion of Judah.
It’s not to be taken literal. It is a type and shadow pointing to the truth that the Church (the Bride) is supposed to shine for Jesus. We are to be anointed and be glorious for Him. Just like a woman is beautiful with her long locks of hair, we the Church ought to be glorious to reflect Him, The Husband.
Came across your site in a search on ‘Glory’. Specifically of God’s Glory, but directly associated with women’s hair as being her glory. And I was enthralled with your comments and insights.
Wow! I often questioned that portion of Judges and Jael’s part. But have a greater appreciation for it’s and hers inclusion now.
In light of your comments of woman’s hair, and brief explanation on Eve being “for the sake of man”, my understanding of both her (woman’s) glory and their inclusion into the Glory, (for the Church, John 17:22) takes on a deeper appreciation.
Thanks, I will look forward to your insights in future studies.
Thank you for this informed and informative article. Blessings,
The Lord’s perfect timing!! I dreamed of my hair being a mess on my wedding day and made art yesterday of a little girl with long locks near a tent (turns out it’s symbolic of Jael!!). My authority is growing, indeed my glory is restored in Christ!! Praise Him for his holy sacrifice.
Scott wrote:
“For it is a spirit of rebellion like the Hippie days. Some men said they even felt the spirit of homosexuality come upon them when they made a Hippi covenant.”
What specious nonsense that is!
I lived through the Hippie era from 1967 while it was still austensibly a love and peace movement. I had long hair like the Beatles did even before the Hippie thing began and my mom used to threaten to cut off my allowance until I cut my hair. The long hair had nothing to do with rebellion and as far as the Hippie movement went it was more of a membership kind of thing where you knew at a glance who was probably of like mind; i.e., trying to rise above their egos that were so predominant before those times.
It was the awareness that came with searching that led to my moving to a remote island in 1970 and shortly thereafter resulted in my awakening to the feminine presence of the holy Spirit in a divine experience and my subsequent devotion to the bible — especially the 1966 version of the Jerusalem Bible, through which that femininity is easily proven by the book, “The Wisdom of Solomon”.
To connect long hair to homosexuality is so simplistically wrong as to be laughable. Next you’ll be telling us that Samson was a closet homo. 🙂
T
Wow. Your revelations are so eye opening and wise. I’m glad I found this page.