### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word môwrâh (`{{H4177}}`) is derived from the root mûr (מוּר), which in this specific context carries the sense of "shearing" or "cutting." Consequently, the core meaning of môwrâh is "razor." Its semantic range in biblical usage is narrow, referring exclusively to this sharp instrument used for removing hair. It does not appear to carry broader metaphorical or symbolic meanings beyond its literal function as a cutting tool.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term môwrâh appears in the Hebrew Bible primarily in connection with the Nazirite vow, highlighting its significance within the context of sacred separation.
* **[[Numbers 6:5]]**: "All the days of his vow of separation, no razor shall touch his head. Until the days are completed, for which he separates himself to the LORD, he shall be holy, and shall let the locks of hair of his head grow long." Here, the môwrâh is explicitly forbidden for the Nazirite throughout the duration of their vow. The uncut hair serves as a tangible, visible sign of their consecration and dedication to Yahweh. The prohibition underscores the Nazirite's commitment to a distinct, set-apart lifestyle.
* **[[Judges 13:5]]**: "For behold, you shall conceive and give birth to a son, and no razor shall come upon his head, for the boy shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb; and he shall begin to save Israel from the hand of the Philistines." This prophecy concerning Samson's birth establishes his lifelong Nazirite status. The instruction that "no razor shall come upon his head" is a foundational element of his divine calling and separation, signifying his unique role as a deliverer for Israel.
* **[[Judges 16:17]]**: "So he told her all his heart and said to her, 'A razor has never come upon my head, for I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb. If I am shaved, then my strength will leave me, and I shall become weak and be like any other man.'" This pivotal verse reveals the secret of Samson's strength, which was intrinsically linked to his Nazirite vow and, specifically, the uncut hair that the môwrâh was forbidden to touch. The act of shaving, performed with a razor, would signify the breaking of his sacred commitment and the subsequent departure of his divinely-empowered strength.
In all occurrences, the môwrâh is not merely a tool but a symbol whose *absence* signifies holiness, covenant faithfulness, and the visible manifestation of a vow made to God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning and significance of môwrâh are best understood in relation to several key biblical concepts and terms:
* **Nazirite (נָזִיר, nāzîr - `{{H5139}}`):** The primary context for môwrâh. A Nazirite is one who is "separated" or "consecrated" to the Lord by a special vow, often involving abstinence from wine, avoidance of defilement by dead bodies, and the prohibition of cutting one's hair with a razor.
* **Hair (שֵׂעָר, śēʿār - `{{H8181}}`):** The physical object upon which the môwrâh would be used. For the Nazirite, the long, uncut hair was the most prominent visible sign of their vow and separation.
* **Shaving/Cutting (גָּלַח, gālach - `{{H1548}}`):** The action performed by a môwrâh. The prohibition against this action for the Nazirite is central to their vow.
* **Consecration/Separation (נָזַר, nāzar - `{{H5144}}`):** The verbal root from which "Nazirite" derives, emphasizing the act of setting oneself apart for a holy purpose. The môwrâh's absence is a physical manifestation of this spiritual separation.
* **Vow (נֶדֶר, neder - `{{H5088}}`):** The solemn promise made to God, which the Nazirite's abstentions, including the avoidance of the môwrâh, served to uphold.
### Theological Significance
The môwrâh carries profound theological significance, particularly within the framework of Israelite worship and covenant:
* **Symbol of Absolute Consecration:** The prohibition of the môwrâh for the Nazirite underscores the concept of complete dedication to God. The uncut hair, untouched by human artifice or the common practice of grooming, symbolized an unbroken, unadulterated commitment to Yahweh, setting the Nazirite apart as wholly belonging to Him.
* **Obedience and Covenant Faithfulness:** The strict adherence to the Nazirite vow, including the avoidance of the môwrâh, highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands and the gravity of covenant faithfulness. Samson's tragic narrative serves as a potent reminder that even divinely empowered individuals are accountable for upholding their sacred commitments; the violation of the môwrâh prohibition led directly to the loss of his strength and freedom.
* **Divine Empowerment and Its Conditions:** In Samson's unique case, the uncut hair, protected from the môwrâh, was the tangible sign through which God chose to channel supernatural strength. While the hair itself was not the source of power, it was the visible emblem of his Nazirite consecration, upon which God's empowerment was conditioned. The removal of this sign by the razor signified the breaking of the vow, leading to the withdrawal of divine favor and strength. This illustrates that divine empowerment is often tied to obedience and the maintenance of a consecrated state.
* **Distinction and Holiness:** The Nazirite's distinct appearance, marked by long, unshorn hair, visually communicated their unique status as consecrated individuals. This served to reinforce the broader biblical principle of holiness—being set apart *by* God and *for* God—within the community of Israel.
### Summary
The Hebrew word môwrâh (`{{H4177}}`) refers to a "razor," an instrument for shearing hair. Its primary biblical significance is found in its explicit prohibition within the Nazirite vow, as detailed in [[Numbers 6:5]], [[Judges 13:5]], and [[Judges 16:17]]. For the Nazirite, the uncut hair, untouched by a môwrâh, served as a profound and visible symbol of their complete consecration and separation unto the Lord. In the narrative of Samson, this prohibition was directly linked to his divinely bestowed strength, demonstrating that God's empowerment was contingent upon his faithfulness to his Nazirite vow. Theologically, the môwrâh thus symbolizes the vital importance of obedience to sacred vows, the visible manifestation of a consecrated life, and the conditional nature of divine favor tied to covenant faithfulness. Its absence signifies dedication and holiness, while its use implies a breach of sacred commitment.
TRV