or נָזִר; from נָזַר; separate, i.e. consecrated (as prince, a Nazirite); hence (figuratively from the latter) an unpruned vine (like an unshorn Nazirite); Nazarite (by a false alliteration with Nazareth), separate(-d), vine undressed.
Transliteration:nâzîyr
Pronunciation:naw-zeer'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma nâzîyr (`{{H5139}}`) originates from the root nâzar (`{{H5144}}`), which conveys the fundamental idea of "to separate," "to consecrate," or "to dedicate." Consequently, the core meaning of nâzîyr revolves around a state of separation, particularly for sacred or distinct purposes. Its most prominent application is to the "Nazirite," an individual who undertakes a special vow of separation unto the Lord, as meticulously outlined in Numbers 6. This separation entails specific disciplines, including abstinence from grape products, refraining from cutting one's hair, and avoiding contact with dead bodies.
Beyond its primary use, nâzîyr also carries a secondary, figurative meaning, referring to an "unpruned vine" or "undressed vine." This metaphorical extension draws an analogy between the unshorn hair of the Nazirite and the uncultivated branches of a vine. This usage is found in the Mosaic Law concerning the fruit of newly planted trees during specific years (Leviticus 25:5, 11). It is imperative to note the distinction, as highlighted in the base definition, between "Nazirite" (`{{H5139}}`) and "Nazarene" (referring to someone from Nazareth, `{{G3478}}`). Despite phonetic similarities, these terms are etymologically unrelated and refer to distinct concepts, a crucial point for accurate biblical interpretation, particularly concerning the identity of Jesus. The semantic range thus includes: consecrated, dedicated, separated, Nazirite, and unpruned/undressed (vine).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term nâzîyr (`{{H5139}}`) appears in various significant contexts, illuminating its multifaceted meaning:
* **The Nazirite Vow (Numbers 6:2-21):** This is the primary locus for nâzîyr. Here, the word describes individuals, both men and women, who voluntarily undertake a period of special dedication to Yahweh. For instance, [[Numbers 6:2]] states, "When either man or woman shall separate themselves to vow a vow of a Nazirite, to separate themselves unto the LORD..." This passage details the specific prohibitions (wine, razor, dead bodies) and the rituals for the completion of the vow, emphasizing a unique, temporary state of holiness and distinction.
* **Samson's Consecration (Judges 13:5, 7; 16:17):** Samson is presented as a Nazirite from birth, a divine imposition rather than a voluntary vow. His long hair is explicitly tied to his Nazirite status and the source of his supernatural strength, underscoring the idea that his entire life was set apart for God's purpose. [[Judges 13:5]] declares, "for the child shall be a Nazirite unto God from the womb."
* **Figurative Use for Nobles/Princes (Lamentations 4:7):** In [[Lamentations 4:7]], "Her Nazirites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk..." The term here likely refers to the nobles or leading figures of Jerusalem, highlighting their former splendor and distinction before the city's destruction. This usage extends the concept of "separation" to denote those set apart by status, beauty, or purity.
* **Figurative Use for Unpruned Vines (Leviticus 25:5, 11):** Nâzîyr is employed metaphorically to describe the fruit of a vine that has not been pruned during the sabbatical year or the year of Jubilee. [[Leviticus 25:5]] reads, "That which groweth of its own accord of thy harvest thou shalt not reap, neither gather the grapes of thy undressed vine." The "undressed vine" is literally a "vine of its Nazirite-ship," signifying that it is "set apart" from human intervention during these sacred periods, drawing a parallel to the Nazirite's unshorn hair.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding nâzîyr (`{{H5139}}`) is enriched by examining its linguistic and conceptual kin:
* **Root Verb nâzar (`{{H5144}}`):** This is the fundamental verbal root from which nâzîyr is derived, meaning "to separate oneself," "to consecrate," or "to abstain." The verb emphasizes the active choice and process of setting oneself apart.
* **Noun nêzer (`{{H5145}}`):** Also stemming from the same root, this noun signifies a "crown," "consecration," or "diadem." It can refer to the crown worn by a king or priest, symbolizing their consecrated office (e.g., [[Exodus 29:6]]), or the long, unshorn hair of a Nazirite, which is explicitly called the "consecration of his God" upon his head (e.g., [[Numbers 6:7]]). This connection underscores the visible sign of dedication.
* **Holiness (qodesh, `{{H6944}}`):** The concept of nâzîyr is intrinsically linked to holiness. Nazirites are considered "holy unto the LORD" by virtue of their separation, embodying the principle of being set apart for God's exclusive use and purpose.
* **Vow (neder, `{{H5088}}`):** The Nazirite commitment is typically undertaken as a neder, a solemn promise made to God. This highlights the voluntary and covenantal nature of the Nazirite's separation and devotion.
* **Purity (ṭahor, `{{H2889}}`):** Nazirites are required to maintain strict ritual purity, particularly by avoiding contact with the dead, which further emphasizes their set-apart and consecrated status.
### Theological Significance
The word nâzîyr (`{{H5139}}`) carries profound theological implications:
* **Voluntary Consecration and Radical Devotion:** The Nazirite vow exemplifies a unique form of voluntary, radical dedication to God. Unlike the Levitical priesthood, which was an inherited office, the Nazirite chose to set themselves apart, demonstrating a deep, personal commitment to Yahweh that went beyond the standard requirements of the Mosaic Law. This prefigures the New Testament call to personal discipleship and wholehearted commitment to Christ.
* **Embodiment of Separation for God:** The physical marks of the Nazirite (unshorn hair, abstinence from wine) served as tangible, visible signs of their inward dedication. This external distinction underscored the biblical principle of separation from worldly norms for the sake of divine service, a theme echoed throughout Scripture (e.g., [[Romans 12:2]]) where believers are called to be "in the world but not of the world."
* **Divine Empowerment and Purpose:** The narrative of Samson illustrates that divine power can be uniquely manifest through a state of consecration. While Samson's story also serves as a cautionary tale of a failed Nazirite commitment, it powerfully demonstrates God's ability to work through individuals set apart for His specific purposes, even if their obedience is imperfect.
* **Anticipation of Messiah and Unique Consecration:** While the term nâzîyr itself does not directly refer to the Messiah, the concept of an individual divinely appointed and set apart from birth (like Samson) resonates with the unique and ultimate consecration of Jesus. Jesus's life, though not a Nazirite vow in the Mosaic sense, embodied a profound and absolute separation unto God's will, fulfilling a divine purpose that transcended any human vow. The critical distinction between "Nazirite" and "Nazarene" must be maintained to avoid misinterpreting prophecies related to Jesus's origin.
* **Symbolism of Divine Ownership and Rest:** The figurative use of nâzîyr for an "undressed vine" in Leviticus 25 powerfully underscores God's ultimate ownership and sovereignty over creation. Just as the land is to rest and its produce is "set apart" for God during the Sabbath and Jubilee years, so too are human lives called to acknowledge His dominion and the sacredness of His design for creation.
### Summary
The Hebrew word nâzîyr (`{{H5139}}`) fundamentally signifies **separation** or **consecration**. Its primary and most well-known application is to the **Nazirite**, an individual (male or female) who voluntarily undertakes a special vow of dedication to the Lord, characterized by specific ascetic practices like abstention from wine, allowing hair to grow uncut, and avoidance of defilement from the dead (Numbers 6). This voluntary separation highlights a profound personal commitment to Yahweh. Figures like Samson illustrate a lifelong, divinely ordained consecration. Figuratively, nâzîyr also describes an **unpruned vine** (Leviticus 25:5, 11), drawing an analogy between the unshorn hair of the Nazirite and the wild, untouched growth of a vine, symbolizing a period of being "set apart" from human cultivation under divine ordinance. Theologically, nâzîyr embodies principles of radical obedience, visible distinction for God's glory, and the potential for divine empowerment through consecration, offering a rich picture of devotion that transcends ordinary religious practice. It is crucial to distinguish nâzîyr (Nazirite) from "Nazarene" (from Nazareth), as the two terms, though phonetically similar, have distinct etymological and theological meanings.
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