The Jews took great pride in their beards, considering them the insigne of manhood and dignity. It has been suggested that a “marred” beard marked its wearer the devotee of a heathen god. That part of the beard thus cut off may have been offered to the gods. God forbade His people to follow this heathen custom. In its context (vs. 26-28) this restriction could have meaning only as a safeguard against heathen religious customs. Its application to the modern custom of shaving off the beard is entirely unwarranted.