Leviticus 19:27 Meaning and Explanation
“Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Do not shave the corners of your head or beard.
The Context of Leviticus 19:27
Regulations on body practices and appearance.
What Does Leviticus 19:27 Mean?
These practices may have been associated with pagan mourning rituals or divination practices. By forbidding them, Israel distinguishes itself from surrounding nations. The command trains the body and appearance to reflect covenant identity.
Though the specific reason is unclear, the pattern is consistent: Israel's physical practices—how they dress, groom, and present themselves—should reflect their status as God's holy people, set apart from other nations and their customs.
Leviticus 19:27 in the Original Language
payot (פֵּאָה), 'corners of the head' — the hair at the temples or the payot (side curls); left uncut in some Jewish traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 19:27
What does Leviticus 19:27 mean?
Do not shave the corners of your head or beard.
What is the context of Leviticus 19:27?
Regulations on body practices and appearance.