The term "Nazarite" refers to an individual who has taken a vow of consecration to God, as outlined in the Old Testament. The primary scriptural reference for the Nazarite vow is found in Numbers 6:1-21. This vow is characterized by specific requirements and prohibitions, which set the Nazarite apart for a period of special dedication to the Lord.

Scriptural Basis and Requirements

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 under the Nazarite vow, 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 personal dedication and holiness. The abstention from wine and grape products symbolizes a separation from worldly pleasures and indulgences, focusing the Nazarite's attention on spiritual matters.

Prohibitions and Practices

In addition to abstaining from grape products, the Nazarite is also required to refrain from cutting their hair during the period of the vow. Numbers 6:5 states, "For the entire period of their vow of dedication, no razor may be used on their head. They must be holy until the period of their dedication to the LORD is over; they must let their hair grow long."

The uncut hair serves as a visible sign of the vow, representing the individual's ongoing commitment to God. This aspect of the vow underscores the theme of separation and dedication, as the Nazarite's appearance becomes a testament to their spiritual focus.

Furthermore, the Nazarite must avoid contact with dead bodies, even those of close family members, to maintain ceremonial purity. Numbers 6:6-7 instructs, "Throughout the period of their dedication to the LORD, the Nazarite must not go near a dead body. Even if their own father or mother or brother or sister dies, they must not make themselves ceremonially unclean on account of them, because the symbol of their dedication to God is on their head."

Completion and Offerings

Upon completion of the vow, the Nazarite undergoes a specific ritual to mark the end of their period of consecration. Numbers 6:13-18 details the process: "Now this is the law of the Nazarite when the period of their dedication is over. They are to be brought to the entrance to the tent of meeting. There they are to present their offerings to the LORD: a year-old male lamb without defect for a burnt offering, a year-old ewe lamb without defect for a sin offering, a ram without defect for a fellowship offering, together with their grain offerings and drink offerings, and a basket of bread made with the finest flour and without yeast—thick loaves with olive oil mixed in and thin loaves brushed with olive oil."

The Nazarite then shaves their head at the entrance of the tent of meeting, and the hair is placed on the fire under the sacrifice of the fellowship offering. This act signifies the completion of the vow and the Nazarite's return to ordinary life, having fulfilled their period of special dedication to God.

Significance and Examples

The Nazarite vow is a profound expression of personal devotion and holiness, reflecting a deep commitment to God. It serves as a reminder of the call to live a life set apart for divine purposes. Notable biblical figures associated with the Nazarite vow include Samson (Judges 13:5), Samuel (1 Samuel 1:11), and John the Baptist (Luke 1:15), each of whom played significant roles in God's plan for His people.

The Nazarite vow, with its stringent requirements and spiritual focus, highlights the importance of dedication and purity in one's relationship with God, serving as an enduring example of faithfulness and consecration.Numbers 6:1-21
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
Nave's Topical Index

Judges 13:5
For, see, you shall conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite to God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.
Nave's Topical Index

The Vow of Chastity, and Its Rites in the Law; vines, Christ, and ...
... Vow of Chastity, and Its Rites in the Law; Vines, Christ ... to your duties, consisting
of laws concerning virginity, which ... to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate ...
/.../chapter v the vow of chastity.htm

Acts XXI
... Some years later, the whole question concerning the Aaronic priesthood and animal ...
in the sixth chapter of Numbers, where the law of Nazarite is prescribed. ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxi.htm

Introduction.
... hair of religion and faith; the hair of the Nazarite perfect in the Law, consecrated
in ... strength will depart from me." [1026] So much concerning the mystery ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/introduction 2.htm

Paul in Jerusalem.
... those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee are ... also walkest orderly,
and keepest the law." The vow ... to have been the vow of the Nazarite, by which ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxv paul in jerusalem.htm

Acts XVIII
... 15) But since it is a question concerning a doctrine ... that this vow was one peculiar
to the law, which it ... The vow of the Nazarite would certainly be improper now ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xviii.htm

Paul a Prisoner
... four men who were under the Nazarite vow (Numbers 6 ... he was talking with a priest
concerning the sacrifices ... everywhere against the people, and the law, and this ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 38 paul a prisoner.htm

Paul Before Felix
... a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith ... that they did not
believe in either law or prophets ... he was in the Temple as a 'Nazarite.' Was it ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/paul before felix.htm

The Martyrdom of James, who was Called the Brother of the Lord.
... loud voice, Why do ye ask me concerning Jesus, the ... seemed most moderate and skilled
in the law were very ... turns James into a Jewish priest and Nazarite saint (cf ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xxiii the martyrdom of james.htm

Acts xxi. 18, 19
... fact Paul also took thought beforehand concerning offence: "Lest ... He never unnecessarily
opposed the law of Moses ... appears to have been the Nazarite vow described ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xlvi acts xxi 18.htm

A Cloud of Witnesses.
... heirs of the promise, yet gave commandment concerning his bones. ... faith than that
of her daughter-in-law, Ruth, whose ... had faith; for he was a Nazarite to God ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter xiii a cloud of.htm

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