Nazarite
“Separated one or consecrated one, from the root 'nazar' meaning to separate”
Summary
A Nazarite was an Israelite, male or female, who consecrated themselves to the Lord by a special vow involving abstinence from wine, letting the hair grow uncut, and avoiding contact with the dead.
☩The Nazarite Vow
The regulations for the Nazarite vow are given in Numbers 6. Three things were especially enjoined: abstinence from wine, strong drink, and all products of the vine; allowing the hair to grow uncut; and avoiding any contact with a dead body, even of nearest relatives. The Hebrew term 'Nazir' comes from a root meaning 'to separate' or 'to consecrate,' and the uncut hair served as a visible crown of dedication. The vow could be taken for a defined period or for life.
☩Symbolic Meaning
Each requirement carried deep spiritual significance. Abstaining from wine represented turning away from sources of earthly energy and joy. Not cutting the hair suggested renunciation of self and natural rights. Avoiding the dead represented separation from moral defilement and the sphere of death brought about through sin. The Nazarite was thus marked by special energy of God's Spirit while maintaining rigid separation from the excitements and corruptions of ordinary life.
☩Completion of the Vow
When the period of separation was fulfilled, the Nazarite brought offerings including a burnt offering, sin offering, peace offering, meat offering, and drink offering. The hair was shaved at the door of the tabernacle and burned in the fire under the peace offering, symbolizing the dedication of physical strength to God. If accidentally defiled by contact with the dead, the Nazarite had to shave the head, undergo purification, and begin the period of consecration anew.
☩Notable Nazarites
Three Nazarites for life are mentioned in Scripture: Samson, Samuel, and John the Baptist. Samson was ordained a Nazarite from the womb, and his mission was to deliver Israel from the Philistines. His downfall came through Delilah's discovery of the secret of his strength in his uncut hair. Samuel was given to the Lord by Hannah before his birth, with no razor coming upon his head. John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother's womb and abstained from wine and strong drink.
Related Verses16 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Nazarite," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VI (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.George Morrish, "Nazarite," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).