“Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When either a man or a woman makes a special vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to the LORD,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This "special vow" wasn't just any promise, but was seen as something "wonderful" or "extraordinary," a distinct act of stepping out in devotion. The repeated emphasis on "to separate himself to the LORD" reveals the heart of the Nazirite life: a radical, intentional consecration, freely chosen, that set a person apart for God in a visible way.
“Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When either a man or a woman makes a special vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to the LORD,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse opens a new section of divine instruction, shifting from laws about cleansing and offerings to a specific, voluntary form of personal devotion. The Lord, speaking through Moses, introduces the "Nazirite vow," a unique commitment where individuals—men or women—could choose to set themselves apart for God for a designated period. The chapters leading up to this point have covered various aspects of communal and individual purity and worship, and now God provides a way for a more intense, personal consecration.
Ever wondered what it truly means to be set apart for God? This ancient vow gives us a powerful picture of deep dedication.
The word 'Nazirite' comes from a Hebrew root that simply means 'to separate.' It wasn't just about giving up things; it was about whom they were separating to. This vow was a conscious, voluntary decision to dedicate their life, time, and focus entirely to the Lord in a unique way.
They were choosing to live distinctively for His honor, placing Him at the center of their daily choices. This 'separation' wasn't isolation from the world, but a purposeful distinction within it, making God their ultimate priority in every area of life.
What if God called you to do something 'extra' – a commitment beyond the everyday spiritual walk? That's what a Nazirite vow was all about.
The verse uses the term 'special vow,' which in the original language implies something 'singular' or even 'extraordinary.' This wasn't a standard religious duty for every Israelite; it was a voluntary, intentional decision to elevate one's devotion and commitment to God.
Nazirites became like 'standard-bearers' in the community, their lives a visible testament to radical commitment. This kind of 'special vow' meant giving up things like wine, not cutting their hair, and avoiding dead bodies – all visible symbols of their chosen consecration and purity. It was a public declaration that they were living for a higher purpose, reminding others that God's glory could shine uniquely through dedicated lives.
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In a world often defined by status and gender roles, God's invitation for this deep commitment broke barriers, welcoming all hearts.
It's easy to overlook, but the phrase 'either a man or a woman' is incredibly significant. In ancient Israel, while certain priestly roles were exclusively for men, the Nazirite vow was open to anyone who felt called to it, regardless of their gender.
This underscores a powerful truth about God: He values heartfelt devotion from all His children. It wasn't about social standing, physical strength, or lineage, but about a willing heart to dedicate oneself to the Lord. This inclusivity shows God's desire for a personal, voluntary relationship with all His people, empowering them to pursue deeper intimacy with Him.
Understand the original words
neder · Hebrew Noun
A solemn, voluntary promise or oath made to God, often involving a commitment to perform a specific action or abstain from certain things as a sign of dedication or gratitude. It carries heavy weight, as breaking a vow made to God is considered a serious spiritual failure.
nazir · Hebrew Noun
Derived from the Hebrew root meaning 'to separate' or 'to consecrate,' a Nazirite is one who has set themselves apart for exclusive service or dedication to God. It involves specific lifestyle restrictions to symbolize an intensified state of holiness.
nazar · Hebrew Verb
The act of setting something or someone apart from common use for the purpose of being dedicated or reserved solely for God. It often involves abstinence or ritual purity to signify a total commitment to the Lord's service.
This passage lays out the general principles for making "special vows" to the Lord, providing the wider context within which the specific Nazirite vow operates as a unique form of dedication.
Judges 13:5This shows us Samson, a Nazirite consecrated by divine decree from his mother's womb, illustrating a lifelong "separation to the Lord" that extends beyond a personal vow.
Romans 12:1-2This New Testament passage beautifully echoes the Nazirite's heart of dedication, calling us to a spiritual "separation to the Lord" by presenting our entire lives as a holy, living sacrifice, not conforming to worldly patterns.
2 Corinthians 6:17-18Here, the Apostle Paul calls believers to a profound spiritual separation from ungodly influences, mirroring the Nazirite's physical separation as a way to draw closer to God and experience His intimate fatherhood.
ellicottNumbers 6:2: "Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall separate themselves to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate themselves unto the LORD:"
VI. (2) When either man or woman shall separate themselves to vow a vow . . . —Better, When a man or woman shall make a special (or singular) vow (as in Leviticus 27:2)—the vow of a Nazirite. The verb which is here used denotes the doing something wonderful or extraordinary, and the spiritual lesson seems to be…
calvinNumbers 6:1-21: "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
All the days of the vow of his separation there shall no razor come upon his head; until the days be fulfilled, in the which he separateth himself unto the Lord he shall be holy, and shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow.
Omnibus diebus voti separationis suae novacula non transibit super caput ejus, donec impleti fuerint dies quibus separabit se Jehovah, sanctus erit, crescere sinet cresariem capitis sui.
All the day…
This "special vow" wasn't just any promise, but was seen as something "wonderful" or "extraordinary," a distinct act of stepping out in devotion. The repeated emphasis on "to separate himself to the LORD" reveals the heart of the Nazirite life: a radical, intentional consecration, freely chosen, that set a person apart for God in a visible way.
This verse opens a new section of divine instruction, shifting from laws about cleansing and offerings to a specific, voluntary form of personal devotion. The Lord, speaking through Moses, introduces the "Nazirite vow," a unique commitment where individuals—men or women—could choose to set themselves apart for God for a designated period. The chapters leading up to this point have covered various aspects of communal and individual purity and worship, and now God provides a way for a more intense, personal consecration.
This verse opens a new section of divine instruction, shifting from laws about cleansing and offerings to a specific, voluntary form of personal devotion. The Lord, speaking through Moses, introduces the "Nazirite vow," a unique commitment where individuals—men or women—could choose to set themselves apart for God for a designated period. The chapters leading up to this point have covered various aspects of communal and individual purity and worship, and now God provides a way for a more intense, personal consecration.
"“Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When either a man or a woman makes a special vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to the LORD," — This "special vow" wasn't just any promise, but was seen as something "wonderful" or "extraordinary," a distinct act of stepping out in devotion. The repeated emphasis on "to separate himself to the…
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Last reviewed October 2026