or נֵזֶר; from נָזַר; properly, something set apart, i.e. (abstractly) dedication (of a priet or Nazirite); hence (concretely) unshorn locks; also (by implication) a chaplet (especially of royalty); consecration, crown, hair, separation.
Transliteration:nezer
Pronunciation:neh'-zer
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term nezer (`{{H5145}}`) derives from the verbal root nazar (`{{H5144}}`), meaning "to separate oneself," "to dedicate," or "to abstain." Consequently, nezer fundamentally denotes "something set apart" or "separation." Its semantic range extends to several key areas, all unified by this core concept of distinction and consecration:
1. **Consecration/Dedication:** Most prominently, nezer refers to the state of being consecrated or dedicated to God. This is particularly evident in the Nazirite vow, where the individual is "separated" unto Yahweh ([[Numbers 6:2]], [[Numbers 6:7]], [[Numbers 6:8]]). It signifies a special, often temporary, commitment of devotion.
2. **Unshorn Hair:** For the Nazirite, nezer concretely refers to the unshorn hair, which served as a visible sign and physical manifestation of their vow of separation ([[Numbers 6:5]], [[Numbers 6:18]]). The hair was considered sacred, embodying the Nazirite's dedication.
3. **Crown/Diadem:** nezer also designates a crown or diadem, typically one that symbolizes royalty, authority, or sacred office. This includes the golden plate on the High Priest's turban ([[Exodus 29:6]], [[Leviticus 8:9]]) and the royal crown of a king ([[2 Samuel 1:10]], [[Psalm 89:39]]). In these contexts, the "crown" is not merely an ornament but a symbol of consecrated status and divinely appointed authority.
4. **Figurative Glory/Distinction:** Less frequently, nezer can be used metaphorically to denote a "crown" of glory, honor, or distinction, signifying something set apart as preeminent or excellent ([[Proverbs 27:24]], [[Jeremiah 7:29]]).
Across its various uses, nezer consistently points to a state or object that is distinguished, set apart, and often made sacred for a specific purpose, usually in relation to God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term nezer appears approximately 24 times in the Old Testament, predominantly in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Psalms, with significant occurrences related to the Nazirite vow and priestly/royal regalia.
1. **The Nazirite Vow:** The most extensive use of nezer is found in [[Numbers 6]], detailing the laws of the Nazirite. Here, nezer describes the "separation" or "consecration" of the Nazirite, often specifically referring to their unshorn hair ([[Numbers 6:4]], [[Numbers 6:5]], [[Numbers 6:7]], [[Numbers 6:8]], [[Numbers 6:9]], [[Numbers 6:12]], [[Numbers 6:13]], [[Numbers 6:18]], [[Numbers 6:19]], [[Numbers 6:21]]). The hair was a tangible sign of their vow, signifying their abstinence from wine and strong drink, and avoiding contact with the dead. Samson's story in [[Judges 13-16]] provides a dramatic illustration of a perpetual Nazirite, whose strength was intrinsically linked to his nezer—his consecrated, unshorn hair ([[Judges 13:5]], [[Judges 16:17]], [[Judges 16:19]]). The cutting of his hair symbolized the violation and loss of his consecrated status.
2. **The High Priest's Consecration:** In the context of the High Priesthood, nezer refers to the "plate of the holy crown" or "diadem" ([[Exodus 29:6]], [[Exodus 39:30]], [[Leviticus 8:9]]). This was a golden plate affixed to the High Priest's turban, inscribed with "HOLINESS TO THE LORD" (קֹדֶשׁ לַיהוָה). This nezer symbolized the High Priest's unique and perpetual consecration to Yahweh, marking him as distinct and set apart for the sacred service of mediation between God and Israel.
3. **Royal Authority and Consecration:** nezer is also used to describe the royal crown or diadem worn by kings, symbolizing their divinely appointed authority and their consecrated status as rulers. For example, the Amalekite brings Saul's crown (nezer) to David ([[2 Samuel 1:10]]). Joash is given the crown (nezer) upon his anointing as king ([[2 Kings 11:12]]). Psalms further affirm this, speaking of the king's crown as a symbol of glory and favor from God ([[Psalm 89:39]], [[Psalm 132:18]]). This usage underscores that kingship in Israel was not merely a political office but a sacred trust, a separation for divine governance.
4. **Figurative Usage:** In a few instances, nezer takes on a more figurative meaning, representing a "crown" of honor or distinction. In [[Proverbs 27:24]], it refers to the lasting nature of a crown, perhaps implying the enduring nature of a wise king's legacy. [[Jeremiah 7:29]] speaks of Israel cutting off her "hair of consecration" (often translated as "crown of her head"), lamenting the loss of her unique, consecrated status among the nations due to idolatry. Similarly, [[Lamentations 4:13]] links the "crown" (nezer) falling from Jerusalem's head to the sins of her prophets and priests, highlighting the loss of her sacred distinction.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding nezer is enhanced by examining its relationship to other key biblical terms and concepts:
* **nazar (`{{H5144}}`):** The verbal root from which nezer derives. It means "to separate oneself," "to dedicate," "to abstain." This direct etymological link emphasizes the active process of setting apart that results in the state or object of nezer.
* **qodesh (`{{H6944}}`):** Meaning "holiness" or "sacredness," qodesh is intrinsically linked to nezer. That which is nezer is qodesh—set apart for God and therefore holy. The inscription on the High Priest's diadem, "HOLINESS TO THE LORD," explicitly connects the two concepts.
* **qadash (`{{H6942}}`):** The verb "to consecrate," "to sanctify," or "to make holy." nezer is the outcome of the act of qadash.
* **keter (`{{H3804}}`):** Another Hebrew word for "crown." While both nezer and keter can refer to a crown, nezer often carries a stronger nuance of religious consecration, sacred authority, or dedication, particularly in the context of the priesthood and Nazirite vow. keter can be more general, referring to any crown or even a capital of a pillar.
* **tsits (`{{H6731}}`):** The "plate" or "flower" of gold on the High Priest's turban, which is described as the nezer ([[Exodus 29:6]]).
* **Concepts:** The word nezer encapsulates the broader biblical concepts of **consecration**, **dedication**, **holiness**, **separation**, **covenant loyalty**, and **divine appointment**. It speaks to the idea of being distinct from the common or profane, set apart for a sacred purpose or relationship with God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of nezer is profound, underscoring fundamental principles of God's relationship with His people and His expectations for those who serve Him.
1. **Divine Ownership and Calling:** nezer powerfully conveys the idea that certain individuals, objects, or even nations are "set apart" by God and for God. This highlights God's sovereign right to call, choose, and consecrate for His purposes. Whether it is a Nazirite, a High Priest, or a king, their nezer signifies their being divinely claimed and designated.
2. **Holiness and Purity:** The concept of "separation" inherent in nezer is deeply intertwined with holiness. To be nezer means to be distinct from the common and the unclean. For the Nazirite, this involved specific abstentions and a visible sign of purity. For the High Priest, his nezer symbolized his perpetual holiness, essential for mediating between a holy God and an unholy people. This emphasizes the necessity of purity and distinctiveness for those in sacred service.
3. **Covenant Loyalty and Voluntary Devotion:** The Nazirite vow, signified by nezer, was a voluntary act of personal devotion and intensified covenant loyalty. It demonstrated a desire to draw nearer to God through a period of special dedication, emphasizing that true worship involves a willing separation unto God.
4. **Authority and Representation:** The nezer of the High Priest and the king signifies not only their consecrated status but also the divine authority vested in them. The High Priest, bearing the inscription "HOLINESS TO THE LORD," represented Israel before God and God before Israel. The king's nezer symbolized his divinely ordained rule, a sacred trust to govern God's people.
5. **Vulnerability of Consecration:** The tragic story of Samson starkly illustrates that consecrated status, though divinely given, can be violated and lost through disobedience. The cutting of his nezer (hair) was not merely a physical act but a spiritual breach that led to the loss of his anointing and strength, highlighting the seriousness of maintaining one's consecrated state.
6. **Anticipation of Christ:** While nezer is not a direct messianic term, the concepts it embodies find ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate High Priest, consecrated forever, bearing a nezer of perfect holiness and mediation. He is the true King, whose "crown" is one of eternal glory and absolute authority, "set apart" by God as Lord of all. His life was one of complete dedication and separation unto the Father's will, embodying the fullest meaning of nezer.
### Summary
The Hebrew word nezer (`{{H5145}}`) is a rich and multifaceted term, fundamentally meaning "something set apart" or "separation." It manifests in three primary ways: as the "consecration" or "unshorn hair" of a Nazirite, symbolizing a voluntary vow of dedication to God; as the "diadem" or "golden plate" on the High Priest's turban, signifying his perpetual and unique holiness for divine service; and as the "crown" of a king, representing divinely appointed authority and sacred rule. Across these contexts, nezer consistently points to a state of being distinct, consecrated, and often holy, set apart by God or for God's purposes. Its theological significance lies in its emphasis on divine ownership, the necessity of holiness, the nature of covenant loyalty, and the sacred authority bestowed upon those who are chosen and dedicated. The concept of nezer thus illuminates a profound relationship with the divine, marked by distinction, purpose, and the solemnity of being set apart for the service and glory of the Almighty.
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