SPECIAL TOPIC: NAZARITE VOW

SPECIAL TOPIC: NAZIRITE VOW

A. This was a way for someone, male or female (cf. Num. 6:1), who was
not of the tribe of Levi, to dedicate himself or herself to God’s service (i.e.,
“holy to the Lord”). Nazirite means “one separated” (BDB 634, KB 684), which is the root
idea of the Hebrew term holy (see Special Topic: Holy).

B. In the OT it was a life-long vow

1. Samson (Jdgs. 13:7)

2. Samuel ( 1 Sam. 1:21)

3. John the Baptist

C. Judaism developed a short-term Nazirite vow (probably developed
from the words in Num. 6:5). The shortest length was thirty days. This
short-term vow culminated in the shaving of the head and burning of the shavings
along with a sacrifice at the temple.

D. The specific requirements (cf. Num. 6:1-8)

1. Abstain from wine and strong drink, eat no product of the
vine (cf. Num. 6:3-4).

2. Do not cut one’s hair.

3. Do not touch a dead person. This would make it impossible
to participate in any of the Jewish funeral procedures.

4. A provision for accidental defilement is in Num. 6:9. Apparently Paul’s situation in Acts 21:23-25 involved this issue. There was a
period of purification and a sacrifice prescribed (cf. Num. 6:9-12).