The Nazirite vow is first introduced in the Law of Moses, specifically in Numbers 6:1-21. The word “Nazirite” comes from the Hebrew word nāzîr, which means “consecrated” or “separated.” This vow was not confined to a specific tribe; rather, it was a voluntary decision made by either a man or woman to separate themselves unto the LORD for a specific period of time.
In Numbers 6:2-3, the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
“Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘When either a man or woman consecrates an offering to take the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to the Lord, he shall separate himself from wine and similar drink.’”
The vow was a call to sanctification, where an individual would set themselves apart in devotion to God.
There were three main components to the Nazirite vow:
- Abstinence from wine and anything from the grapevine (Numbers 6:3-4).
- Avoiding contact with the dead, even if it were a close relative (Numbers 6:6-7).
- No razor was to come upon the head, allowing the hair to grow freely during the time of separation (Numbers 6:5).
This visible sign marked the individual’s vow, a public demonstration of private consecration.
The Symbolism of the Hair
The uncut hair was a symbol of the person’s dedication and separation to God. Numbers 6:5 says,
“All the days of the vow of his separation no razor shall come upon his head; until the days are fulfilled… he shall be holy. Then he shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow.”
The hair was not just a personal marker but a testimony to others of one’s vow to live consecrated unto the LORD.
At the end of the vow, the individual would shave their head and offer sacrifices as prescribed in Numbers 6:13-20, which completed the period of consecration.
Notable Nazirites in the Old Testament
While many may have taken the Nazirite vow temporarily, there are three prominent men in Scripture who were lifetime Nazirites:
Samson – Judges 13:5 records the angel’s words to Samson’s mother: “For behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. And no razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb; and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.” Samson’s strength was tied to his Nazirite consecration, particularly the command not to cut his hair (Judges 16:17). However, Samson repeatedly broke the other elements of the vow, showing the consequences of spiritual compromise.
Samuel – Though not directly called a Nazirite in the text, the vow Hannah made in 1 Samuel 1:11 reflects the Nazirite vow: “Then she made a vow and said, ‘O Lord of hosts… if You will indeed… give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.’” This life of consecration marked Samuel as a prophet and judge who would walk closely with the LORD.
John the Baptist – In the New Testament, John is the only person who closely fits the pattern of a Nazirite from birth. The angel said to Zacharias in Luke 1:15, “For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.” John lived a life of extreme separation, fulfilling the prophecy of one crying in the wilderness, preparing the way of the Lord (Isaiah 40:3, Luke 3:4).
Nazirites in the New Testament Context
By the time we reach the early church, the Nazirite vow was still practiced. In Acts 18:18, Paul “had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow.” And in Acts 21:23-24, Paul is encouraged to purify himself with men who had taken a vow, to show he still observed the Law. These examples point to the Nazirite vow being understood as a form of voluntary consecration, even in the days of the Apostles.
However, the purpose and emphasis of the Nazirite vow begins to shift. In Christ, sanctification is no longer about outward rituals, but inward transformation. Paul writes in Romans 12:1, “Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” The call to holiness remains, but the means has changed: the believer is indwelt by the Holy Spirit and consecrated by grace through faith.
My Final Thoughts
The Nazirite vow was a powerful demonstration of holiness and dedication under the Old Covenant. It was a visual and personal separation unto the LORD, reminding Israel of the necessity of purity, discipline, and devotion. Yet, it also foreshadowed a deeper consecration made possible through Jesus Christ. Today, while we do not take the Nazirite vow in its Old Testament form, we are still called to a life wholly set apart for God. As Peter reminds us, “But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct” (1 Peter 1:15). True consecration today is seen in a life crucified with Christ, no longer living for self, but for Him who gave Himself for us.
