BALDNESS: bald'-ness qorchah: The reference in the Bible to baldness is not to the natural loss of hair, but to baldness produced by shaving the head. This was practiced as a mark of mourning for the dead (Le 21:5; Isa 15:2; 22:12); as the result of any disaster (Am 8:10; Mic 1:16). The custom arose from the fact that the hair was regarded as a special ornament. It was the custom of the people of the land, and the Israelites were strictly forbidden to practice it (Le 21:5; Deut 14:1). These are striking passages with reference to the knowledge the Israelites had concerning the future life. This is saying to them what Paul said to the Thessalonians (1Th 4:13). To call one a "bald head" was an epithet of contempt, and was sometimes applied to persons who were not naturally bald. It was the epithet applied by certain infidel young men to Elisha (2Ki 2:23,24). In a figurative sense it is used to express the barrenness of the country (Jer 47:5). See HAIR; SHAVING. Jacob W. Kapp

BALDNESS (NATURAL OR ARTIFICIAL): It was customary among eastern nations to cut off the hair of the head, or to shave the head, as a token of mourning, on the death of a relative, Job 1:20 Jer 16:6. This was forbidden to the Israelites, in consequence of its being a heathen custom, De 14:1. Natural baldness was treated with contempt, because it exposed a man to the suspicion of leprosy. The children at Bethel cried after Elisha, "Go up, thou bald head," 2Ki 2:23. While they indicated by this epithet great contempt for him as a prophet of the Lord, they probably scoffed at the same time at the miracle of Elijah’s ascension.

BALDNESS: from natural causes was uncommon (2 Kings 2:23; Isa. 3:24). It was included apparently under "scab" and "scurf," which disqualified for the priesthood (Lev. 21:20). The Egyptians were rarely subject to it. This probably arose from their custom of constantly shaving the head, only allowing the hair to grow as a sign of mourning. With the Jews artificial baldness was a sign of mourning (Isa. 22:12; Jer. 7:29; 16:6); it also marked the conclusion of a Nazarite's vow (Acts 18:18; 21:24; Num. 6:9). It is often alluded to (Micah 1:16; Amos 8:10; Jer. 47:5). The Jews were forbidden to follow the customs of surrounding nations in making themselves bald (Deut. 14:1).

BALDNESS: -General scriptures concerning #Le 13:40,41| -A judgment #Isa 3:24; Jer 47:5; 48:37; Eze 7:18| -Artificial, a sign of mourning #Isa 22:12; Jer 16:6; Eze 27:31; 29:18; Am 8:10; Mic 1:16| -Artificial, as an idolatrous practice, forbidden #Le 21:5; De 14:1| -INSTANCES OF .Elisha #2Ki 2:23

BALDNESS: Natural baldness seems to have been uncommon, since it exposed people to public derision. (le 13:29; 2ki 2:23; isa 3:24; isa 15:2; jer 47:5; eze 7:18) Artificial baldness marked the conclusion of a Nazarite’s vow, (nu 6:9; ac 18:18) and was a sign of mourning.

BALDNESS: of the head Le 13:40; De 14:1; 2Ki 2:23; Isa 3:24; 15:2; Eze 27:31