The term "Nazarite" refers to an individual who has taken a vow of consecration to God, as outlined in the Old Testament. The Hebrew word "nazir" means "consecrated" or "separated." The Nazarite vow is detailed in Numbers 6:1-21 and involves a period of special dedication to the Lord, during which the individual abstains from certain activities and substances.

Biblical Requirements and Practices

The Nazarite vow is voluntary and can be taken by any man or woman. The primary requirements of the vow include:

1. Abstinence from Wine and Strong Drink: The Nazarite must refrain from consuming any form of grape product, including wine, vinegar, grapes, raisins, and any fermented drink. Numbers 6:3-4 states, "He must abstain from wine and strong drink. He may drink no vinegar made from wine or strong drink. He may not drink any grape juice or eat grapes or raisins."

2. Avoidance of Haircuts: During the period of the vow, the Nazarite must not cut his or her hair. This uncut hair serves as a visible sign of the individual's consecration to God. Numbers 6:5 declares, "All the days of his vow of separation, no razor shall pass over his head. He must be holy until the time of his consecration to the LORD is complete; he must let the hair of his head grow long."

3. Avoidance of Contact with the Dead: The Nazarite must avoid any contact with dead bodies, even those of close family members, to maintain ceremonial purity. Numbers 6:6-7 instructs, "Throughout the days of his separation to the LORD, he must not go near a dead body. Even if his father or mother or brother or sister should die, he is not to defile himself, because the crown of consecration to his God is upon his head."

Completion of the Vow

Upon completion of the vow, the Nazarite is required to present offerings at the Tabernacle or Temple. These offerings include a burnt offering, a sin offering, and a peace offering, along with a basket of unleavened bread, cakes, and wafers. The Nazarite must then shave his or her head at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, and the hair is placed on the fire under the peace offering (Numbers 6:13-18).

Notable Nazarites in Scripture

Several individuals in the Bible are associated with the Nazarite vow, either explicitly or implicitly:

· Samson: Perhaps the most famous Nazarite, Samson was dedicated to God as a Nazarite from birth, as instructed by an angel to his mother (Judges 13:5). His uncut hair was a source of his supernatural strength, and his life account is a testament to both the power and the pitfalls of the Nazarite vow.

· Samuel: Although not explicitly called a Nazarite in the text, Samuel's mother, Hannah, made a vow that no razor would touch his head, suggesting a Nazarite-like dedication (1 Samuel 1:11).

· John the Baptist: While the New Testament does not label John the Baptist as a Nazarite, his lifestyle of abstinence and dedication to God reflects Nazarite principles (Luke 1:15).

Theological Significance

The Nazarite vow symbolizes a deep commitment to holiness and separation unto God. It serves as a reminder of the call to live a life set apart for divine purposes. The vow's requirements emphasize purity, self-discipline, and devotion, reflecting the broader biblical theme of consecration and dedication to the Lord.Nazarite

one chosen or set apart

Nazarite

more properly Nazirite (one separated), one of either sex who was bound by a vow of a peculiar kind to be set apart from others for the service of God. The obligation was either for life or for a defined time. There is no notice in the Pentateuch of Nazarites for life; but the regulations for the vow of a Nazarite of days are given. (Numbers 6:1-21) The Nazarite, during-the term of has consecration, was bound to abstain from wine grapes, with every production of the vine and from every kind of intoxicating drink. He was forbidden to cut the hair of his head, or to approach any dead body, even that of his nearest relation. When the period of his vow was fulfilled he was brought to the door of the tabernacle, and was required to offer a he lamb for a burnt offering, a ewe lamb for a sin offering, and a ram for a peace offering, with the usual accompaniments of peace offerings, (Leviticus 7:12,13) and of the offering made at the consecration of priests. (Exodus 29:2; Numbers 6:15) He brought also a meat offering and a drink offering, which appear to have been presented by themselves as a distinct act of service. ver. (Numbers 6:17) He was to cut off the hair of "the head of his separation "(that is, the hair which had grown during the period of his consecration) at the door of the tabernacle, and to put it into the fire under the sacrifice on the altar. Of the Nazarites for life three are mentioned in the Scriptures --Samson, Samuel and St. John the Baptist. The only one of these actually called a Nazarite is Samson. We do not know whether the vow for life was ever voluntarily taken by the individual. In all the cases mentioned in the sacred history, it was made by the parents before the birth of the Nazarite himself. The consecration of the Nazarite bore a striking resemblance to that of the nigh priest. (Leviticus 21:10-12) The meaning of the Nazarite vow has been regarded in different lights. It may be regarded as an act of self-sacrifice, That it was essentially a sacrifice of the person to the Lord is obviously in accordance with the terms of the law. (Numbers 6:2) As the Nazarite was a witness for the straitness of the law, as distinguished from the freedom of the gospel, his sacrifice of himself was a submission to the letter of the rule. Its outward manifestations were restraints and eccentricities. The man was separated from his brethren that he might be peculiarly devoted to the Lord. This was consistent with the purpose of divine wisdom for the time for which it was ordained.

Nazarite

Under the ancient Hebrew law, a man or woman engaged by a vow to abstain from wine and all intoxicating liquors, and from the fruit of the vine in any form; to let the hair grow; not to enter any house polluted by having a dead body in it, nor to be present at any funeral. If by accident any one died in their presence, they recommenced the whole of their consecration and Nazariteship. This vow generally lasted eight days, sometimes only a month, and sometimes during their whole lives. When the time of Nazariteship expired, the person brought a umber of sacrifices and offerings to the temple; the priest then cut off his hair and burnt it; after which he was free from his vow, Numbers 6:1-27 Am 2:11,12.

Perpetual Nazarites were consecrated as such by their parents from their birth, as was proposed by the mother of Samuel, 1 Samuel 1:11, and continued all their lives in this state, neither drinking wine, nor cutting their hair. Such were Samson and John the Baptist, Jud 13:4,5 Luke 1:15 7:33.

As the cost of the offerings required at the expiration of the term of Nazariteship was very considerable for the poor, they were often relieved by persons not Nazarites, who assumed these charges for them for the sake of performing an act of piety and charity. Paul availed himself of this custom to disarm the jealousy of those who represented him as hostile to the faith of their fathers. He took four Christian Jews whose vow of Nazariteship was accomplished, assumed the expense of their offerings, and with them went through the customary services and purification's at the temple, Acts 21:20-26. There is also in Acts 18:18 an unexplained allusion to some similar vow made by Paul himself, or perhaps by Aquila, probably in view of some danger escaped or some blessing received.

(Hebrews form Nazirite), the name of such Israelites as took on them the vow prescribed in Numbers 6:2-21. The word denotes generally one who is separated from others and consecrated to God. Although there is no mention of any Nazarite before Samson, yet it is evident that they existed before the time of Moses. The vow of a Nazarite involved these three things, (1) abstinence from wine and strong drink, (2) refraining from cutting the hair off the head during the whole period of the continuance of the vow, and (3) the avoidance of contact with the dead.

When the period of the continuance of the vow came to an end, the Nazarite had to present himself at the door of the sanctuary with (1) a he lamb of the first year for a burnt-offering, (2) a ewe lamb of the first year for a sin-offering, and (3) a ram for a peace-offering. After these sacrifices were offered by the priest, the Nazarite cut off his hair at the door and threw it into the fire under the peace-offering.

For some reason, probably in the midst of his work at Corinth, Paul took on himself the Nazarite vow. This could only be terminated by his going up to Jerusalem to offer up the hair which till then was to be left uncut. But it seems to have been allowable for persons at a distance to cut the hair, which was to be brought up to Jerusalem, where the ceremony was completed. This Paul did at Cenchrea just before setting out on his voyage into Syria (Acts 18:18).

On another occasion (Acts 21:23-26), at the feast of Pentecost, Paul took on himself again the Nazarite vow. "The ceremonies involved took a longer time than Paul had at his disposal, but the law permitted a man to share the vow if he could find companions who had gone through the prescribed ceremonies, and who permitted him to join their company. This permission was commonly granted if the new comer paid all the fees required from the whole company (fee to the Levite for cutting the hair and fees for sacrifices), and finished the vow along with the others. Four Jewish Christians were performing the vow, and would admit Paul to their company, provided he paid their expenses. Paul consented, paid the charges, and when the last seven days of the vow began he went with them to live in the temple, giving the usual notice to the priests that he had joined in regular fashion, was a sharer with the four men, and that his vow would end with theirs. Nazarites retired to the temple during the last period of seven days, because they could be secure there against any accidental defilement" (Lindsay's Acts).

As to the duration of a Nazarite's vow, every one was left at liberty to fix his own time. There is mention made in Scripture of only three who were Nazarites for life, Samson, Samuel, and John the Baptist (Judges 13:4, 5; 1 Samuel 1:11; Luke 1:15). In its ordinary form, however, the Nazarite's vow lasted only thirty, and at most one hundred, days. (see RECHABITES.)

This institution was a symbol of a life devoted to God and separated from all sin, a holy life.

(n.) A Jew bound by a vow to lave the hair uncut, to abstain from wine and strong drink, and to practice extraordinary purity of life and devotion, the obligation being for life, or for a certain time. The word is also used adjectively.5139. nazir -- one consecrated, devoted
... one distinguished (2), untrimmed vines (2). Nazarite, separated. Or nazir
{naw-zeer'}; from nazar; separate, ie Consecrated (as prince ...
/hebrew/5139.htm - 6k

Samson Conquered
... Before his birth he was dedicated to God, and set apart as a Nazarite.
Now, a Nazarite was a person who was entirely consecrated ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/samson conquered.htm

Separation to God.
... Nor is this a hardship, but the highest privilege. Let us now look into the law
of the Nazarite. ... Not less true is this of the Christian Nazarite. ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part i separation to god.htm

His Schools and Schoolmasters.
... THERE WAS THE SCHOOL OF HIS NAZARITE-VOW."The angel, who announced his birth, foretold
that he should drink neither wine nor strong drink from his birth, but ...
/.../meyer/john the baptist/iii his schools and schoolmasters.htm

The Story of Samson, the Strong Man
... lives. And his hair must be allowed to grow long and must never be cut,
for he shall be a Nazarite under a vow to the Lord.". When ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of samson the.htm

Righteous Hatred
... Why, man, thou art a Nazarite, dedicated to God. ... So is it with thee; thou art the
Lord's Nazarite, set apart for himself. Avoid, then, every false way. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/righteous hatred.htm

The Blessing of God.
... seen the grace of GOD making provision that His people, who had lost the privilege
of priestly service, might draw near to Him by Nazarite separation and ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part ii the blessing of.htm

Exhortations to those who are Called
... The Nazarite that had a vow on him, separated himself to God, and promised abstinence;
though others did drink wine, it was not fit for the Nazarite to do it. ...
/.../watson/a divine cordial/exhortations to those who are.htm

Samson's Admonitory Fall.
... Chapter IX."Samson's Admonitory Fall. Hast thou not heard concerning Samson the
Nazarite, "with whom was the Spirit of God," [474] the man of great strength? ...
/.../two epistles concerning virginity/chapter ix samsons admonitory fall.htm

Tenth Day. Holiness and Separation.
... Separation is essential to holiness. The institution of the Nazarite will confirm
this, and will also bring out very clearly what separation means. ...
/.../murray/holy in christ/tenth day holiness and separation.htm

Impossible that Marcion's Christ Should Reprove the Faithless ...
... where there is any dead person; [4409] and for his father he shall not be defiled"
[4410] ; as well as that in Numbers, which relates to the (Nazarite) vow of ...
/.../chapter xxiii impossible that marcions christ.htm

Nazarite (8 Occurrences)
... Although there is no mention of any Nazarite before Samson, yet it is evident
that they existed before the time of Moses. The vow ...
/n/nazarite.htm - 13k

Consecration (22 Occurrences)
... Numbers 6:13 And this is the law of the Nazarite on the day when the days of his
consecration are fulfilled: he shall be brought to the entrance of the tent of ...
/c/consecration.htm - 18k

Vowed (34 Occurrences)
... Numbers 6:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If a man or a
woman have vowed the special vow of a Nazarite, to consecrate themselves to ...
/v/vowed.htm - 17k

Nazirite (10 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) A Nazarite. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
NAZIRITE. naz'-i-rit (nazir, connected with nadhar, "to ...
/n/nazirite.htm - 21k

Shaven (7 Occurrences)
... sodden shoulder of the ram, and one unleavened cake out of the basket, and one
unleavened wafer, and shall put them upon the hands of the Nazarite, after the ...
/s/shaven.htm - 8k

Samson (37 Occurrences)
... 16. He was a "Nazarite unto God" from his birth, the first Nazarite mentioned
in Scripture (Judges 13:3-5; Comp. Numbers 6:1-21). ...
/s/samson.htm - 37k

Nazareth (29 Occurrences)
... in the New Testament with Netzer, 'a branch' (Isaiah 4:2; Jeremiah 23:5; Zechariah
3:8; 6:12; Matthew 2:23), Nazarene being quite a different word from Nazarite...
/n/nazareth.htm - 24k

Youth (169 Occurrences)
... Judges 13:5 for, lo, thou art conceiving and bearing a son, and a razor doth not
go up on his head, for a Nazarite to God is the youth from the womb, and he ...
/y/youth.htm - 37k

Entrance (190 Occurrences)
... Numbers 6:13 And this is the law of the Nazarite on the day when the days of his
consecration are fulfilled: he shall be brought to the entrance of the tent of ...
/e/entrance.htm - 37k

Vowing (4 Occurrences)
... Numbers 6:2 Speak unto the sons of Israel, and thou hast said unto them, When a
man or woman doeth singularly, by vowing a vow of a Nazarite, to be separate to ...
/v/vowing.htm - 7k

What is the Nazirite/Nazarite vow? | GotQuestions.org

Was Jesus a Nazirite? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Samson in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Nazarite: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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