Meaning
A Nazirite is a person separated or dedicated to God by a special vow.
Biblical Usage
In Scripture, a Nazirite was a person who separated himself or herself unto the LORD by a special vow.
During the period of the vow, the Nazirite was required to abstain from wine and strong drink, avoid contact with the dead, and not cut the hair of the head.
The Nazirite vow is described in Numbers 6.
Samson is explicitly described as a Nazarite from the womb.
The account of Samuel’s dedication also includes the vow that no razor would come upon his head, although the passage does not explicitly call Samuel a Nazarite.
Key References
- Numbers 6:1-21
- Judges 13:3-7
- Judges 16:17
- 1 Samuel 1:11
- Amos 2:11-12
- Lamentations 4:7
- Acts 21:23-24
Related Terms
- Vow
- Separation
- Consecration
- Holiness
- Dedication
- Samson
- Samuel