The Hebrew word nâzîyr, represented by H5139, primarily means to be separate or consecrated. It appears 16 times across 16 unique verses in the Bible. The term applies to an individual set apart for God through a special vow, known as a Nazarite, but also extends figuratively to a leader or prince, and even to an unpruned vine, reflecting the core idea of being set apart from the ordinary.
In the biblical narrative, H5139 is used in several key contexts. It most commonly defines the "Nazarite," a person who vows to separate themselves to the LORD H3068 Numbers 6:2. This vow entailed specific restrictions, such as abstaining from wine Amos 2:12 and not allowing a razor to come upon their head Judges 13:5. This consecration could be for life, as in the case of the child who would begin to deliver H3467 Israel H3478 from the Philistines H6430 Judges 13:5, or for a specified period. The term is also used to describe Joseph H3130 as being separate from his brethren H251, highlighting his unique and elevated position (Genesis 49:26, Deuteronomy 33:16). In an agricultural sense, it refers to a "vine undressed," left unpruned during a year of rest H7677 for the land H776 Leviticus 25:5.
Several related words expand upon the concept of separation and consecration:
- H5144 nâzar (to consecrate, separate(-ing, self)): This is the root verb from which nâzîyr is derived. It describes the action of dedicating or separating oneself for a holy purpose, as seen in the command to separate themselves unto the LORD H3068 Numbers 6:2.
- H5145 nezer (consecration, crown, hair, separation): This noun often refers to the physical sign of the Nazarite's vow—their unshorn hair. After the vow is complete, the Nazarite shaves the "hair of his separation" and puts it in the fire H784 of the peace offerings H8002 Numbers 6:18.
- H6944 qôdesh (holiness, consecrated thing): This term defines the state resulting from the separation. The offerings made at the completion of the vow are described as holy for the priest H3548, setting them apart for sacred use Numbers 6:20.
- H6381 pâlâʼ (to separate, make singular): This verb is used to describe the extraordinary act of making a Nazarite vow, emphasizing that it is a special and distinguished commitment made by a man H376 or woman H802 Numbers 6:2.
The theological weight of H5139 is significant, illustrating a deep commitment to God.
- Voluntary Consecration: The Nazarite vow represents a personal and voluntary act of separating oneself for the LORD H3068, demonstrating a desire for a higher level of holiness Numbers 6:2. This was available to any man H376 or woman H802.
- Divine Appointment: In some cases, being a Nazarite was a divine calling from the womb H990 for a specific purpose, such as delivering Israel H3478 Judges 13:5. This shows that separation can be an instrument of God's plan.
- Princely Status and Blessing: The application of nâzîyr to Joseph H3130 as "separate from his brethren" links the concept of separation to divine blessing H1293 and leadership. The blessings of his father H1 and progenitors H2029 are for him as the one set apart Genesis 49:26.
- Symbol of Purity and Rest: The depiction of Nazarites as "purer than snow" Lamentations 4:7 and the connection to an "unpruned vine" Leviticus 25:5 ties the idea of separation to both personal purity and the sanctified rest of the land.
In summary, H5139 is far more than a simple label for a specific vow. It embodies the foundational biblical principle of being set apart for a higher, holy purpose. Whether describing a man consecrated to God, a blessed leader chosen from among his brothers, or a field left to rest, nâzîyr consistently points to a state of separation that is special, sacred, and aligned with the will H7522 of the LORD H3068.
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