Nazarites in Biblical History

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Schaff's Bible Dictionary

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What are Nazarites?
NAZ'ARITES
Num 6:2, etc. The term is derived from a Hebrew word signifying "to separate." A Nazarite, under the ancient law, was one, either male or female, engaged by a peculiar vow. It required total abstinence from wine and all intoxicating liquors and the fruit of the vine, that the hair should be allowed to grow without being shorn, and that all contamination with dead bodies should be avoided. The Nazarite was not even to approach the corpse of father or mother. Num 6:7, and if by accident this should occur, he was required to shave his head, make offerings, and renew the vow. When the time of Nazariteship had expired, the person brought an offering to the temple; the priest then cut off his hair and burnt it; after which the Nazarite was free from his vow and might again drink wine. The term of the vow is left indefinite. "The days of the vow" is the expression in Num 6. We know, however, that there were perpetual Nazarites. Samson belonged to this class. It is also probable that Samuel and John the Baptist were perpetual Nazarites. Hannah promised the Lord that no razor should touch the head of her child if the Lord would give her one, 1 Sam 1:11, and the angel predicted to Zacharias that John would abstain entirely from wine and strong drink. Luke 1:15. It has sometimes been asserted, on the basis of his having his head shorn at Cenchrsea, that Paul was a Nazarite. Acts 18:18. This is nothing more than a conjecture. The exact significance of this vow is difficult to ascertain. The most plausible and satisfactory explanation is that it indicates an entire consecration of the body to the Lord, and is in the spirit of St. Paul's exhortation to present the body a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable, unto God. Rom 12:6. It is expressly said that during the days of his separation the Nazarite "is holy unto the Lord." Num 6:8. The significance of the different exercises is as follows: The touch of the dead was considered defiling at all times, and the indulgence in strong drink and wine was expressly forbidden to the officiating priests. The meaning of the long hair, it has been suggested, is this: Long hair is a sign of effeminacy and weakness in a man. 1 Cor 11:14. In letting his hair grow the Nazarite manifested his entire subjection to God and his relinquishment of all trust in human strength.

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Schaff, Philip, Dr. "Biblical Definition for 'nazarites' in Schaffs Bible Dictionary".
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