Men must not shave their beards with a razor

This mitzvah prohibits removing the beard with a razor or razor-like tool. The Talmud (Makkot 21a) identifies five “corners” of the beard that must not be destroyed. Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 12:7) rules that the prohibition applies only with a razor that cuts at skin level, but not with scissors. Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 252) explains that this commandment distances Israel from idolatrous priests who removed facial hair in ritual service. Rashi comments that the Torah forbids complete destruction, not trimming. Ramban adds that preserving the beard reinforces Jewish dignity and separation from pagan aesthetics. The mitzvah thus links personal grooming with spiritual identity.

Commentary & Classical Explanation

• Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 12:7): Prohibits shaving with a razor; scissors are excluded.
• Talmud (Makkot 21a): Lists the five corners of the beard and defines the violation.
• Rashi (Lev. 19:27): Explains “destroy” as full removal with a razor.
• Ramban (Lev. 19:27): Views the mitzvah as preserving dignity and holiness against pagan grooming.
• Sefer HaChinuch (252): Links the mitzvah to separating from idolatrous priestly practices.

Contrast with Mitzvah 68 (Not to shave peyot)

• Mitzvah 68 addresses the head’s corners; Mitzvah 69 addresses the beard.
• Rambam distinguishes between “rounding” (peyot) and “destroying” (beard).
• Both derive from the same pasuk but highlight different visible markers of identity.

Parallel to Nazir prohibitions (Mitzvot 217–218)

• Nazir must not cut his hair, paralleling how Jews preserve peyot and beards as visible signs of holiness.
• Ramban emphasizes the Torah’s theme of external distinctions that elevate internal holiness.