Topical Bible: Razor: Nazarite Forbidden to Use

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In the context of biblical traditions and laws, the razor holds significant importance, particularly concerning the Nazarite vow. The Nazarite vow is a special commitment made by individuals who choose to dedicate themselves to God for a specific period. This vow is characterized by several distinct prohibitions and practices, one of which is the abstention from cutting one's hair with a razor.

The primary biblical reference to the Nazarite vow is found in the Book of Numbers. Numbers 6:5 states, "For the entire period 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." This passage underscores the significance of uncut hair as a symbol of the Nazarite's holy dedication and separation unto the Lord.

The prohibition against using a razor is not merely a personal grooming choice but a profound expression of the Nazarite's commitment to God. The unshorn hair serves as a visible sign of the vow, representing the individual's consecration and the divine calling to live a life set apart from worldly practices. The long hair becomes a testament to the Nazarite's obedience and devotion.

The most famous biblical figure associated with the Nazarite vow is Samson. His account, found in the Book of Judges, illustrates the critical role of the razor in the Nazarite vow. Judges 13:5 records the angel's instruction to Samson's mother: "For behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son. No razor shall come over his head, because the boy will be a Nazarite to God from the womb, and he will begin the deliverance of Israel from the hand of the Philistines." Samson's strength was directly linked to his uncut hair, and his downfall came when Delilah had his hair shaved, breaking his vow and leading to his capture by the Philistines (Judges 16:17-19).

The Nazarite vow, including the prohibition of the razor, is a profound example of the biblical theme of holiness and separation. It reflects the call for God's people to live distinctively, demonstrating their commitment to His commandments and purposes. The razor, therefore, is not merely a tool for cutting hair but a symbol of the boundary between the sacred and the secular in the life of a Nazarite.

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Numbers 6:5
All the days of the vow of his separation there shall no razor come on his head: until the days be fulfilled, in the which he separates himself to the LORD, he shall be holy, and shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow.
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Separation to God.
... He was not forbidden to eat poison berries, nor was ... of his separation there shall
no razor come upon ... Further, this command again reminded the Nazarite that he ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part i separation to god.htm

Paul in Jerusalem.
... by these considerations, is, that he was not forbidden by the ... his separation, and
not to suffer a razor to come ... entered into the vow of the Nazarite, and shorn ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxv paul in jerusalem.htm