Numbers 6:5

KJV

All the days of the vow of his separation there shall no razor come upon his head: until the days be fulfilled, in the which he separateth [himself] unto the LORD, he shall be holy, [and] shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow.

KJV (with Strong's)

All the days {H3117} of the vow {H5088} of his separation {H5145} there shall no razor {H8593} come {H5674} upon his head {H7218}: until the days {H3117} be fulfilled {H4390}, in the which he separateth {H5144} himself unto the LORD {H3068}, he shall be holy {H6918}, and shall let the locks {H6545} of the hair {H8181} of his head {H7218} grow {H1431}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Throughout the period of his vow as a nazir, he is not to shave his head. Until the end of the time for which he has consecrated himself to ADONAI he is to be holy: he is to let the hair on his head grow long.

Berean Standard Bible

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 separation to the LORD is complete; he must let the hair of his head grow long.

American Standard Version

All the days of his vow of separation there shall no razor come upon his head: until the days be fulfilled, in which he separateth himself unto Jehovah, he shall be holy; he shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow long.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 6:5 details a core requirement of the Nazarite vow: the prohibition against cutting one's hair for the duration of the vow. This uncut hair served as a prominent, visible sign of the individual's unique dedication and separation unto the Lord, symbolizing a period of heightened holiness and a complete submission to God's specific commands for their consecrated state. It underscored the total commitment required for this voluntary act of devotion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader legal framework of the Nazarite vow, meticulously outlined in [Numbers 6:1-21](/numbers/6-1 "Numbers 6 - The Law of the Nazarite"). The preceding verses, [Numbers 6:3-4](/numbers/6-3 "Numbers 6:3-4 - Abstinence from Grape Products"), establish the prohibition against consuming any grape product, from wine to seed or skin. Following verse 5, [Numbers 6:6-8](/numbers/6-6 "Numbers 6:6-8 - Avoiding Corpse Defilement"), addresses the third major prohibition: avoiding defilement by contact with a dead body, even that of a close relative. Thus, Numbers 6:5 stands as the central command regarding the physical appearance and visible mark of the Nazarite, linking the inner commitment to an outward manifestation that was understood by the community. The entire chapter provides the comprehensive regulations for initiating, maintaining, and concluding this special vow.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the Nazarite vow was a unique and voluntary commitment, open to both men and women ([Numbers 6:2](/numbers/6-2 "Numbers 6:2 - Nazarite Vow for Men and Women")), distinguishing it from the hereditary priesthood. It allowed any Israelite to express an extraordinary level of devotion and separation to Yahweh. Hair, in many ancient cultures, carried significant symbolic weight, often associated with strength, honor, or a person's identity. For the Nazarite, letting the hair grow long and uncut was a counter-cultural act, a visible renunciation of conventional grooming and a public declaration of their consecrated status. It was a tangible sign that they were "set apart" for God, much like the special garments of the priests or the unique dietary laws for all Israelites. This visible distinction served as a constant reminder to the Nazarite themselves and to the community of their sacred commitment, emphasizing that their holiness was not merely internal but had a public, observable dimension.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Separation (Hebrew: נָזַר, _nazar'_):** This root word is the very basis for the term "Nazarite" (נָזִיר, _nazir_'). It signifies "to separate oneself," "to consecrate," or "to abstain." In this context, it emphasizes the intentional, deliberate act of setting oneself apart from common life and practices for a sacred purpose. It implies a conscious choice to dedicate one's life, for a specified period, exclusively to the Lord, involving a renunciation of certain ordinary freedoms.
* **Holy (Hebrew: קֹדֶשׁ, _qodesh_'):** This term denotes a state of being "set apart," "sacred," or "consecrated" for God's exclusive use. It implies a moral and ritual purity that is distinct from the common or profane. For the Nazarite, their holiness was not inherent but was a consequence of their obedience to the vow's terms, making them specially dedicated and acceptable in God's sight. The uncut hair became a visible emblem of this consecrated state, a living testimony to their unique relationship with the divine.
* **Razor (Hebrew: תַּעַר, _ta'ar_'):** This refers to any sharp instrument used for cutting or shaving. The explicit prohibition of a razor touching the head underscores the totality and specificity of the hair requirement. It's not just about letting hair grow, but about the absolute avoidance of any act that would alter its natural state, signifying a complete surrender of personal grooming and aesthetic control to the terms of the vow and, by extension, to God's will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All the days of the vow of his separation":** This phrase emphasizes the temporal and comprehensive nature of the commitment. The prohibitions were not occasional but continuous, lasting for the entire duration of the vow, whether it was for a short period or a lifetime. It highlights the sustained dedication required.
* **"there shall no razor come upon his head":** This is the direct command, specifying the primary prohibition regarding the Nazarite's hair. The absolute nature ("no razor") underscores the strictness of the vow and the importance of this visible sign.
* **"until the days be fulfilled, in the which he separateth [himself] unto the LORD":** This clause reiterates the temporary nature of most Nazarite vows, indicating that the restrictions were for a set period. It also reinforces the purpose of the separation: it is "unto the LORD," emphasizing that the dedication is directed entirely towards God.
* **"he shall be holy, [and] shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow":** This concluding phrase links the physical act of letting the hair grow directly to the state of holiness. The uncut hair is not merely a rule but a tangible manifestation and symbol of the Nazarite's consecrated status. The "locks of the hair" specifically refers to the untrimmed, flowing hair, which served as the unmistakable mark of their sacred commitment.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the uncut hair serving as a potent symbol of the Nazarite's complete dedication, submission, and separation to God. It visually represents a renunciation of personal vanity and a tangible commitment to a higher purpose. The phrase "he shall be holy" highlights the **Emphasis** on the sacred status attained through obedience to the vow, underscoring the divine approval and distinction granted to the consecrated individual. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of the concept of "separation" (implied in "vow of his separation" and "separateth [himself] unto the LORD") reinforces the core purpose of the Nazarite commitment, driving home the idea of being set apart for God. The specific and absolute prohibition ("no razor come upon his head") uses **Negative Command** to clearly define the boundaries of the vow, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding this crucial aspect of their consecrated state.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 6:5 profoundly illustrates the Old Testament concept of holiness as a state of being set apart for God's exclusive use and purpose. The Nazarite vow, with its visible sign of uncut hair, served as a powerful testament to the individual's intentional dedication and submission to divine will. This voluntary separation prefigures the broader call for God's people to live distinctively from the world, reflecting His character and purposes. It underscores that true devotion often involves tangible acts of obedience and a willingness to be different for the sake of God's glory, demonstrating a commitment that transcends mere ritual.

* [Leviticus 21:10-12](/leviticus/21-10 "Leviticus 21:10-12 - High Priest's Consecration")
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Call to Holiness")
* [Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1-2 - Living Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific Nazarite vow is not practiced by believers today, the underlying principles of intentional dedication, visible separation, and holiness unto the Lord remain profoundly relevant for the Christian life. We are called to be a people set apart, not by external vows of hair or diet, but by an inward transformation that manifests in our outward conduct. This means consciously choosing to live in a way that honors God, even when it goes against cultural norms. It involves dedicating our time, talents, and resources to His kingdom, and allowing our lives to be a visible testimony to the transforming power of Christ. Our "separation" is not about asceticism for its own sake, but about consecration to God, allowing His Spirit to shape our desires and actions so that we reflect His holiness in a broken world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I called to a greater "separation unto the Lord" today?**
* **How does my life visibly reflect my commitment to Christ, even if it means being different from the world around me?**
* **What specific habits or pursuits might I need to "let grow" (cultivate) or "cut off" (abstain from) to deepen my dedication to God?**

### FAQ
**Why was the uncut hair so important for the Nazarite vow?**

Answer: The uncut hair served as the primary and most visible sign of the Nazarite's vow of separation and dedication to the Lord. In ancient Israel, it was a public declaration that the individual was "set apart" for God for a specific period. It symbolized a renunciation of personal vanity, a submission to God's will, and a tangible commitment to the terms of the vow. It was a constant reminder to the Nazarite and to those around them of their consecrated status, much like Samson's strength was tied to his uncut hair as a sign of his Nazarite dedication ([Judges 16:17](/judges/16-17 "Judges 16:17 - Samson's Strength and Hair")).

**Could women take the Nazarite vow?**

Answer: Yes, the text explicitly states that both men and women could take the Nazarite vow. [Numbers 6:2](/numbers/6-2 "Numbers 6:2 - Nazarite Vow for Men and Women") begins, "When either man or woman shall separate themselves to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate themselves unto the LORD..." This demonstrates that the path of extraordinary devotion was open to all Israelites, regardless of gender.

**What happened at the end of a Nazarite vow?**

Answer: At the conclusion of the vow's period, the Nazarite would come to the door of the tabernacle (or later, the temple) and offer specific sacrifices. Crucially, they would shave their head at the door of the tabernacle and put the hair on the fire under the peace offering ([Numbers 6:18](/numbers/6-18 "Numbers 6:18 - Completion of the Nazarite Vow")). This act symbolized the completion of their period of separation and their return to ordinary life, with the offerings acknowledging God's grace and their fulfillment of the vow.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 6:5, with its emphasis on the Nazarite's "separation" and "holiness" marked by a visible sign, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Jesus did not take a Nazarite vow in the traditional sense, His entire life was the embodiment of perfect separation and consecration unto the Lord. He was the one truly "set apart" from birth, not by a temporary vow, but by His very nature and divine purpose ([Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Christ, the Holy High Priest")). His life was a complete and unwavering dedication to His Father's will, a perfect living sacrifice ([Hebrews 10:5-7](/hebrews/10-5 "Hebrews 10:5-7 - Christ's Obedience and Sacrifice")). The Nazarite's uncut hair was a visible, external sign of a temporary, human-initiated separation; Christ's "separation" was an intrinsic, eternal holiness, visibly manifested in His sinless life, His teachings, and His miraculous works, all of which pointed to His unique relationship with God. He consecrated Himself for the sake of His disciples ([John 17:19](/john/17-19 "John 17:19 - Jesus' Consecration for Disciples")), fulfilling the spirit of the Nazarite vow by perfectly embodying the holiness and dedication that the Old Testament shadow only hinted at. Through His finished work, believers are now called to share in His holiness, being set apart by His Spirit, not by outward rules, but by a transformed heart that reflects the ultimate Nazarite, Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 1:11

And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.

Judges 16:17

That he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a razor upon mine head; for I [have been] a Nazarite unto God from my mother's womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any [other] man.

Judges 13:5

For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.

1 Corinthians 11:10

For this cause ought the woman to have power on [her] head because of the angels.

1 Corinthians 11:15

But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for [her] hair is given her for a covering.

Judges 16:19

And she made him sleep upon her knees; and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him.

Lamentations 4:7

Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing [was] of sapphire: