What does the Bible say about nazarites?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible presents Nazarites as people specially consecrated to the Lord, whose vow expressed wholehearted devotion and separation for his service. Numbers 6:2-8 describes the vow: they abstained from wine and grape products, did not cut their hair, and avoided contact with the dead, even close relatives, during the period of consecration. Their distinctive practices were outward signs of belonging to God and pursuing holiness. Samson was appointed a Nazarite from the womb for God’s saving purposes in Israel (Judges 13:5), while John the Baptist’s abstinence from wine marked his Spirit-filled calling (Luke 1:15). Lamentations 4:7 recalls Nazarites as once visibly pure and honored. These vows point believers to the greater call of living wholly unto the Lord through Christ.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Torrey's New Topical Textbook
- Persons separated to the service of God Numbers 6:2
- Different kinds of
- From the womb Judges 13:5; Luke 1:15
- By a particular vow Numbers 6:2
- Required to be holy Numbers 6:8
- Esteemed pure Lamentations 4:7
- Prohibited from
- Wine or strong drink Numbers 6:3; Luke 1:15
- Grapes or anything made from the vine Numbers 6:3; Numbers 6:4; Judges 13:14
- Cutting or shaving the head Numbers 6:5; Judges 13:5; Judges 16:17
- Defiling themselves by the dead Numbers 6:6; Numbers 6:7
- Raised up for good of the nation Amos 2:11
- Ungodly Jews tried to corrupt Amos 2:12
- Defiled during vow
- To shave the head the seventh day Numbers 6:9
- To bring two turtle doves for a burnt offering Numbers 6:10; Numbers 6:11
- To recompense their vow with a trespass offering Numbers 6:12
- On completion of vow
- To be brought to tabernacle door Numbers 6:13
- To offer sacrifices Numbers 6:14-17
- To shave their heads Numbers 6:18; Acts 18:18; Acts 21:24
- To have the left shoulder of the ram of the peace offering waved upon their hands by the priest Numbers 6:19; Numbers 6:20; Leviticus 7:32
- Illustrative of
- Christ Hebrews 7:26
- Saints 2 Corinthians 6:17; James 1:27
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