Bible Dictionary
Razor
A razor was used for shaving hair. Nazarites were forbidden to use one during their vow, while Levites were shaved with a razor at their consecration.
Definition
A razor is a knife or instrument used for shaving hair. In biblical practice, shaving could accompany vows, purification, consecration, or judgment. The instruments of the barber probably included a razor, basin, mirror, and possibly scissors.
Biblical Usage
Nazarites were forbidden to use a razor during their vow. Levites were shaved with a razor at their consecration. Other passages associate shaving with purification, completion of a vow, and symbolic judgment.
Historical Background
The practice of shaving created a need for barbers. The supplied material also notes that Egyptian priests shaved their whole bodies.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The Nazarites were forbidden to make use of the razor (Num. 6:5; Judg. 13:5). At their consecration the Levites were shaved all over with a razor (Num. 8:7; comp. Ps. 52:2; Ezek. 5:1).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Besides other usages, the practice of shaving the head after the completion of a vow must have created among the Jews a necessity for the special trade of a barber. (Leviticus 14:8; Numbers 6:9,18; 8:7; Judges 13:5; Isaiah 7:20; Ezekiel 5:1; Acts 18:18) The instruments of his work were probably, as in modern times, the razor, the basin, the mirror, and perhaps also the scissors. See (2 Samuel 14:26) Like the Levites, the Egyptian priests were accustomed to shave their whole bodies.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ra'-zer (ta`ar, "knife" (Nu 6:5; Ps 52:2; Isa 7:20; Eze 5:1), morah, "razor" (Jud 13:5; 16:17; 1Sa 1:11)).</p><p>See BARBER; HAIR.</p>