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.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nezer**, represented by `{{H5145}}`, conveys the core idea of something set apart. Derived from the root verb to separate `{{H5144}}`, it is used to describe dedication, consecration, and separation. Concretely, it can refer to a royal **crown**, unshorn **hair**, or a priest's holy chaplet. This term appears **25 times** in **22 unique verses**, highlighting its significance in contexts of royalty and sacred devotion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H5145}}` signifies both royal authority and religious consecration. As a symbol of kingship, it is the **crown** placed upon the head of a new king during his anointing ([[2 Kings 11:12]], [[2 Chronicles 23:11]]) and is taken as a spoil of war from a fallen king [[2 Samuel 1:10]]. In a priestly context, it is the "holy **crown**" placed upon the high priest's mitre [[Exodus 29:6]], a golden plate engraved with the words "HOLINESS TO THE LORD" [[Exodus 39:30]]. The term is also central to the Nazarite vow, where it denotes the "separation" or "consecration" of the individual to God, symbolized by their unshorn hair ([[Numbers 6:5]], [[Numbers 6:18]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `{{H5145}}`:
* `{{H5144}}` **nazar** (consecrate, separate): As the root verb, this word establishes the foundational action of being set apart for a sacred purpose, as when a Nazarite separates himself to the LORD [[Numbers 6:5]].
* `{{H6944}}` **qodesh** (holiness, hallowed thing): This term is frequently used with `nezer` to describe the "holy **crown**" of the priest [[Exodus 29:6]], emphasizing the sacred nature of the object and the person wearing it.
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (a king): The `nezer` often appears as the crown worn by a **king**, representing his divinely appointed office and authority [[2 Kings 11:12]].
* `{{H8181}}` **se'ar** (hair): The unshorn **hair** of a Nazarite is the visible sign of his `nezer`, or consecration, to God [[Numbers 6:5]]. In one instance, `nezer` itself is translated as **hair** [[Jeremiah 7:29]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5145}}` is expressed in several key themes:
* **Divinely Sanctioned Authority**: The royal `nezer` is not merely a piece of jewelry but a symbol of authority granted by God. When God's covenant with his servant is made void, his **crown** is profaned and cast to the ground [[Psalms 89:39]].
* **Visible Mark of Consecration**: For the high priest, the "holy **crown**" serves as a public declaration of his status as set apart for God's service. The anointing oil upon the priest is itself called a `nezer`, linking his consecration directly to God [[Leviticus 21:12]].
* **The Vow of Separation**: In the Nazarite vow, `nezer` represents a total devotion to the LORD for a set time [[Numbers 6:8]]. This separation is so profound that if the "head of his consecration" is defiled, the vow must be restarted [[Numbers 6:9]].
* **The Preciousness of God's People**: The concept is applied to God's people as a whole, who are described as being like "the stones of a **crown**" that will be lifted up in the land, a visible and glorious testimony to God's salvation [[Zechariah 9:16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5145}}` is a multifaceted term that moves beyond a simple definition of a crown or hair. It consistently points to the idea of being set apart for a higher, divine purpose. Whether signifying the authority of a **king**, the sanctity of a **priest**, or the personal devotion of a Nazarite, `nezer` represents a state of consecration. It powerfully illustrates how God's calling bestows a holy status and a visible identity upon those He sets apart for His purposes.
TRV