The term "Nazarite" refers to an individual who has taken a vow of consecration to God, as outlined in the Hebrew Scriptures. The Nazarite vow is a special commitment to holiness and separation, characterized by specific lifestyle restrictions and practices. The primary biblical source for understanding the Nazarite vow is found in Numbers 6:1-21.

Biblical Foundation

The Nazarite vow is introduced in Numbers 6:2-5 : "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: If a man or woman wants to make a special vow, a vow of dedication to the LORD as a Nazarite, they must abstain from wine and other fermented drink and must not drink vinegar made from wine or other fermented drink. They must not drink grape juice or eat grapes or raisins. As long as they are Nazarites, they must not eat anything that comes from the grapevine, not even the seeds or skins."

The vow is open to both men and women, emphasizing a personal and voluntary commitment to God. The Nazarite is required to abstain from wine and all products derived from grapes, symbolizing a rejection of worldly pleasures and a focus on spiritual devotion.

Requirements and Restrictions

1. Abstinence from Wine and Grapes: As stated in Numbers 6:3-4, the Nazarite must avoid all forms of grape products. This abstinence serves as a physical manifestation of the individual's dedication to God, setting them apart from common social practices.

2. No Razor Shall Touch the Head: Numbers 6:5 states, "Throughout the period of their dedication to the LORD, the Nazarite must not go near a dead body." The uncut hair is a visible sign of the vow, symbolizing strength and divine empowerment, as seen in the life of Samson (Judges 13-16).

3. Avoidance of Dead Bodies: The Nazarite must not come into contact with a corpse, even that of a close family member, to avoid ritual impurity (Numbers 6:6-7). This requirement underscores the call to holiness and separation from death, which is considered the ultimate impurity.

Duration and Completion of the Vow

The duration of the Nazarite vow could vary, ranging from a specific period to a lifelong commitment, as seen in the cases of Samson and Samuel. Upon completion of the vow, the Nazarite was required to present offerings at the Tabernacle, including a burnt offering, a sin offering, and a peace offering, along with unleavened bread and drink offerings (Numbers 6:13-20).

The hair, which had grown during the period of the vow, was shaved off and burned on the altar as part of the peace offering, symbolizing the end of the Nazarite's special period of consecration.

Notable Nazarites in Scripture

Several biblical figures are identified as Nazarites or are associated with Nazarite-like vows. Samson, whose account is recounted in Judges 13-16, is perhaps the most famous Nazarite. His uncut hair was the source of his supernatural strength, and his life illustrates both the power and the challenges of living under such a vow.

Samuel, dedicated to the Lord by his mother Hannah, is also considered a Nazarite from birth (1 Samuel 1:11). His life of service as a prophet and judge in Israel reflects the spiritual dedication associated with the Nazarite vow.

Spiritual Significance

The Nazarite vow represents a profound commitment to holiness and separation unto God. It serves as a reminder of the call to live a life set apart for divine purposes, emphasizing purity, devotion, and the rejection of worldly influences. Through the Nazarite vow, individuals publicly declared their dedication to God, serving as a testament to their faith and obedience.Numbers 6:8
All the days of his separation he is holy to the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts XXI
... or in drink, or in respect of a holy day, or ... for they approved the course of the
four Nazarites, and urged ... with them in the service, though it required them to ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxi.htm

Separation to God.
... gracious of GOD to permit His people to become Nazarites. ... eat poison berries, nor
was he merely required to abstain ... unto the LORD, he shall be holy, and shall ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part i separation to god.htm

Paul in Jerusalem.
... come under this vow, to assist the Nazarites in defraying ... would observe the purity
which was required from the ... in disrespectful terms of that holy edifice, he ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxv paul in jerusalem.htm

The Attack on the Book of Leviticus.
... Stephen full of the Holy Spirit, looking ... is represented as doing the thing which
God required of him ... people, Amos charges them with giving the Nazarites wine to ...
/.../concerning the assumptions of destructive criticism/v the attack on the.htm

What Things were done by Agrippa at Jerusalem when He was Returned ...
... him, and omitted nothing which the law required; [18] on ... account he ordained that
many of the Nazarites should have ... put them on after a more holy manner than I ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 what things were.htm

The Jews Make all Ready for the War; and Simon, the Son of Gioras ...
... if any one omits this mourning [funeral feast], he is not esteemed a holy person. ...
It is not required in the law of Moses relating to Nazarites, Numbers 6 ...
/.../chapter 22 the jews make.htm

Treatise on the Priesthood. Book vi.
... And whenever he invokes the Holy Spirit, and offers the ... And of the discretion which
is required in the Church ... and of your young men for Nazarites;" [215] and ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/treatise on the priesthood book 6.htm

Order and Argument in Prayer
... that he had an engagement before him which required all his ... God give us to be much
in the holy art of ... He says, "Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 12 1866/order and argument in prayer.htm

John the Baptist --visit of Jesus to John, and his Abode in the ...
... They imagined that all the holy personages had ... on the Essenes, Hemero-Baptists,
Nazarites, Ossenes, Nazarenes ... the legal ceremonies which required priests, as ...
/.../renan/the life of jesus/chapter vi john the baptistvisit.htm

Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant.
... they should render"not necessary nor required for fulfilling ... world, that we should
be holy and without ... to a perpetual covenant: the Nazarites, peculiarly set ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter vi covenanting provided for.htm

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