Naziriteship refers to a special vow of consecration to God, as outlined in the Hebrew Scriptures. The term "Nazirite" comes from the Hebrew word "nazir," meaning "consecrated" or "separated." This vow is detailed in Numbers 6:1-21 and involves a period during which an individual dedicates themselves to the Lord through specific acts of abstinence and devotion.

Biblical Foundation

The Nazirite vow is introduced in Numbers 6:1-21. The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, "Speak to the Israelites and tell them that if a man or woman makes a special vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to the LORD..." (Numbers 6:2). This passage outlines the requirements and regulations for those who choose to take this vow.

Requirements of the Nazirite Vow

1. Abstinence from Wine and Strong Drink: Nazirites are to abstain from wine, fermented drink, vinegar made from wine, and any other grape products. "He must abstain from wine and strong drink. He must not drink vinegar made from wine or strong drink. And he must not drink any grape juice or eat grapes or raisins" (Numbers 6:3).

2. Avoidance of Hair Cutting: During the period of the vow, a Nazirite must not cut their hair. "Throughout the days of his vow of separation, no razor shall pass over his head. He must be holy until the time of his separation to the LORD is complete; he must let the hair of his head grow long" (Numbers 6:5).

3. Avoidance of Contact with the Dead: Nazirites must avoid contact with dead bodies, even those of close family members, to maintain ceremonial purity. "Throughout the days of his separation to the LORD, he must not go near a dead body" (Numbers 6:6).

Duration and Completion

The duration of the Nazirite vow could vary, as it was often determined by the individual taking the vow. Upon completion, specific rituals were required, including offerings and the shaving of the head at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. "And the Nazirite shall shave his consecrated head at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, take the hair from his head, and put it on the fire under the peace offering" (Numbers 6:18).

Notable Nazirites

Several biblical figures are traditionally considered to have been Nazirites, either for life or for a specific period:

· Samson: Perhaps the most famous Nazirite, Samson's life is chronicled in the Book of Judges. His Nazirite vow was lifelong, as declared by the angel to his mother before his birth (Judges 13:5). His strength was linked to his uncut hair, a symbol of his vow.

· Samuel: Although not explicitly called a Nazirite in the text, Samuel's mother, Hannah, dedicated him to the Lord, and he lived a life of service from a young age (1 Samuel 1:11).

· John the Baptist: While the New Testament does not explicitly label John as a Nazirite, his lifestyle and the angel's announcement to his father, Zechariah, suggest similarities (Luke 1:15).

Spiritual Significance

Naziriteship represents a profound commitment to God, symbolizing purity, dedication, and separation from worldly influences. It serves as a reminder of the call to holiness and the importance of setting oneself apart for divine purposes. The vow underscores the principle of living a life consecrated to God, marked by self-discipline and devotion.5145. nezer -- consecration, crown, Naziriteship
... 5144b, 5145. nezer or nezer. 5146 . consecration, crown, Naziriteship.
Transliteration: nezer or nezer Phonetic Spelling: (neh'-zer) Short Definition: ...
/hebrew/5145.htm - 6kNaziriteship (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Naziriteship (5 Occurrences). Numbers 6:4 All the
days of his separation shall he eat nothing that is made ...
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Accordance (118 Occurrences)
... Numbers 6:21 This is the law of the Nazirite who voweth, and of his offering unto
the LORD for his Naziriteship, beside that for which his means suffice ...
/a/accordance.htm - 37k

Year-old (6 Occurrences)
... Numbers 6:12 And he shall consecrate unto the LORD the days of his Naziriteship,
and shall bring a he-lamb of the first year for a guilt-offering; but the ...
/y/year-old.htm - 8k

Neah (1 Occurrence)

/n/neah.htm - 7k

Nazirites (2 Occurrences)

/n/nazirites.htm - 7k

Completed (109 Occurrences)
... Numbers 6:5 All the days of his vow of Naziriteship there shall no razor come upon
his head; until the days be fulfilled, in which he consecrateth himself unto ...
/c/completed.htm - 36k

Nazirite (10 Occurrences)
... Numbers 6:12 And he shall consecrate unto the LORD the days of his Naziriteship,
and shall bring a he-lamb of the first year for a guilt-offering; but the ...
/n/nazirite.htm - 21k

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