25 Bible Verses about Hats (With Commentary)

Hats, seemingly ordinary pieces of clothing, have cultural and symbolic significance throughout history. Even in the Bible, hats are mentioned in various contexts, carrying meaning and lessons for us to uncover.

Join me as we journey through these verses, exploring the depths of their symbolism and finding inspiration in the unexpected places where hats make an appearance in Scripture.

Bible Verses about Hats

Exodus 28:40

“For Aaron’s sons you shall make tunics and you shall make sashes for them, and you shall make caps for them, for glory and beauty.”

In this verse, God instructed the Israelites to make special garments for Aaron’s sons, including caps or hats. These hats were part of the priestly attire and served as a symbol of their consecration to God’s service.

1 Corinthians 11:4

“Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head.”

This verse addresses the cultural practice of men covering their heads during prayer or prophesying. It emphasizes the importance of respectful worship and proper order in the assembly.

Isaiah 61:3

“To grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit.”

This verse speaks metaphorically of God’s restoration and comfort. The “beautiful headdress” mentioned here represents a symbol of joy and honor that God provides to replace sorrow and despair.

Luke 15:22

“But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.’”

In the parable of the prodigal son, the father celebrates the return of his lost son by adorning him with fine garments. Although not explicitly mentioning hats, this verse emphasizes the importance of receiving and celebrating those who have repented and returned.

Ecclesiastes 9:8

“Let your garments be always white. Let not oil be lacking on your head.”

This verse encourages the enjoyment of life and the maintenance of personal appearance. The phrase “let not oil be lacking on your head” symbolizes taking care of oneself, which may include wearing a hat or head covering in certain cultural contexts.

1 Samuel 17:38-39

“Then Saul clothed David with his armor. He put a helmet of bronze on his head and clothed him with a coat of mail, and David strapped his sword over his armor.”

When preparing for battle against Goliath, Saul dressed David in his armor, including a bronze helmet. While this verse refers specifically to a helmet rather than a hat, it demonstrates the importance of protective headgear in warfare.

Job 29:14

“I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; my justice was like a robe and a turban.”

In this poetic verse, Job uses figurative language to describe the qualities of righteousness and justice. The mention of a turban implies a form of head covering, emphasizing the dignity and authority associated with those virtues.

Psalm 23:5

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”

This well-known Psalm describes the Lord’s provision and care for His people. The anointing of the head with oil signifies divine favor, blessing, and honor.

2 Samuel 15:30

“But David went up the ascent of the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went, barefoot and with his head covered. And all the people who were with him covered their heads, and they went up, weeping as they went.”

This verse portrays a scene of mourning and lamentation as David flees from his rebellious son Absalom. The act of covering the head was a customary expression of grief and humility in ancient times.

Zechariah 3:5

“And I said, ‘Let them put a clean turban on his head.’ So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the LORD was standing by.”

In this vision, the prophet Zechariah sees Joshua the high priest being cleansed and restored before God. The act of placing a clean turban on Joshua’s head symbolizes his reinstatement and the removal of guilt and shame.

Genesis 49:26

“The blessings of your father are mighty beyond the blessings of my parents, up to the bounties of the everlasting hills. May they be on the head of Joseph, and on the brow of him who was set apart from his brothers.”

In Jacob’s blessings to his sons, he pronounces a special blessing upon Joseph. The reference to blessings being “on the head of Joseph” symbolizes honor, favor, and prosperity bestowed upon him.

Song of Solomon 5:11

“His head is the finest gold; his locks are wavy, black as a raven.”

This verse from the Song of Solomon describes the physical beauty of the beloved’s head, using poetic imagery to express admiration and attraction.

Jeremiah 14:3

“Her nobles send their servants for water; they come to the cisterns; they find no water; they return with their vessels empty; they are ashamed and confounded and cover their heads.”

In times of drought and distress, people in ancient times would cover their heads as a sign of shame, mourning, and distress. This verse depicts the consequences of a severe water shortage and the resulting humiliation.

Acts 18:6

“And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, ‘Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.’”

This verse recounts the apostle Paul’s response to opposition and rejection. The act of shaking out his garments symbolizes his disassociation from those who rejected his message, placing the responsibility for their own fate on their heads.

2 Kings 2:23

“He went up from there to Bethel, and while he was going up on the way, some small boys came out of the city and jeered at him, saying, ‘Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!’”

This passage narrates an incident where the prophet Elisha was mocked by a group of young boys for his baldness. While not directly about hats, it highlights the cultural significance of head appearance and the consequences of disrespect.

Isaiah 3:23

“The mirrors, the linen garments, the turbans, and the veils.”

This verse lists various accessories and garments, including turbans, which were commonly worn on the head. It gives insight into the fashion and customs of that time.

2 Samuel 2:14

“And Abner said to Joab, ‘Let the young men arise and compete before us.’ And Joab said, ‘Let them arise.’”

In this context, the act of arising or standing up often signified readiness for battle or competition. While not directly mentioning hats, this verse implies the participants may have worn headgear appropriate for such activities.

Also read: 27 Bible Verses about Sportsmanship (With Commentary)

Esther 6:8

“Let royal robes be brought, which the king has worn, and the horse that the king has ridden, and on whose head a royal crown is set.”

This verse describes an occasion when King Ahasuerus sought to honor Mordecai. The royal crown on the horse’s head symbolizes regal authority and recognition.

Ezekiel 24:17

“Sigh, but not aloud; make no mourning for the dead. Bind on your turban, and put your shoes on your feet; do not cover your lips, nor eat the bread of men.”

In a vision, the prophet Ezekiel receives instructions regarding the death of his wife. The command to bind on a turban suggests the need for composure and restraint in mourning practices.

Matthew 27:29

“And twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’”

This verse depicts the mocking and humiliation inflicted upon Jesus before His crucifixion. The crown of thorns placed on His head symbolizes the mockery of His claim to kingship.

Revelation 4:10

“The twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying,”

In this heavenly scene, the elders cast their crowns before God’s throne as an act of reverence and acknowledgment of His supreme authority. While not specifically mentioning hats, this verse highlights the symbolism of headwear as a sign of honor and authority.

2 Corinthians 3:13

“not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end.”

Referring to the Old Testament account, this verse recalls how Moses would wear a veil over his face after being in the presence of God. The veil served as a physical reminder of the glory of God and the limited understanding of the Israelites.

Matthew 10:30

“But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.”

In this verse, Jesus reassures His disciples of God’s intimate care and attention to detail. The mention of hairs on the head symbolizes God’s comprehensive knowledge and concern for every aspect of our lives.

Job 29:14

“I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; my justice was like a robe and a turban.”

This verse from the book of Job speaks metaphorically of the virtues of righteousness and justice. The turban mentioned here signifies a symbol of dignity and authority associated with those virtues.

Zechariah 3:5

“And I said, ‘Let them put a clean turban on his head.’ So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the LORD was standing by.”

This verse describes a vision where Joshua the high priest is being cleansed and restored before God. The act of placing a clean turban on his head symbolizes his reinstatement and the removal of guilt and shame.

Matthew 10:30

“But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.”

In this verse, Jesus reassures His disciples of God’s intimate knowledge and care for each individual. The reference to the hairs of their heads being numbered emphasizes God’s attention to even the smallest details of their lives.

What does the Bible say about Hats?

The Bible does not explicitly mention hats or head coverings in a general sense. However, there are specific instances where head coverings are referenced in cultural and historical contexts. In these instances, head coverings were often used as a sign of respect, submission, or a symbol of authority.

One of the well-known passages that references head coverings is found in the New Testament, specifically in 1 Corinthians 11:4-7. Here, the apostle Paul discusses the practice of wearing head coverings during prayer or prophesying. He states that men should not cover their heads, as they are the image and glory of God, while women should cover their heads as a sign of submission and respect to their husbands and to maintain a distinction in authority.

It’s important to understand that biblical practices and customs related to clothing, including head coverings, were often influenced by cultural norms and societal traditions of the time. These practices were not intended to be universal commands but were specific to the cultural context in which they were written.

In summary, while the Bible does mention head coverings in certain contexts, it does not contain a comprehensive teaching on hats or headwear in general. The emphasis on head coverings in the Bible revolves around cultural and societal norms of the time, and these practices may not necessarily be directly applicable in modern contexts.