People & groups
Nazirite
A person set apart for God under the rules of Nazirite dedication.
Also called · Nazirite vow
What it means
Numbers 6 describes an Israelite man or woman making a special vow of dedication to God. A vow is a promise made to God.
During that period, the person must avoid wine, strong drink, and grape products, let the hair grow, and stay away from a corpse, even that of a family member.
If someone suddenly dies beside the Nazirite and causes ritual defilement, cleansing rites are required and the period starts again. The previous days do not count.
At the end, the person brings the prescribed offerings and shaves the hair, putting it in the fire beneath the sacrifice. After the rites, drinking wine is allowed again.
How it appears in the Bible
In Judges 13, Samson’s mother is told that her son will be dedicated from the womb until death. This lifelong case differs from the completed period described in Numbers. In Judges 16, Samson says that shaving his hair would take away his strength; the rules do not promise that strength to every Nazirite.