This verse reveals that a "special vow" to "separate himself to the LORD" could be initiated by either a man or a woman. This highlights God's intentional inclusion of both genders in this unique path of dedication, showing that profound consecration to Him was not limited by one's sex.
“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, he shall separate himself from wine and strong drink. He shall drink no vinegar made from wine or strong drink and shall not drink any juice of grapes or eat grapes, fresh or dried.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage introduces the concept of a "Nazarite vow," a special, voluntary commitment to set oneself apart for God. Moses is instructed to explain the laws governing this vow, which could be taken by either men or women for a specific period. The preceding verses detail offerings and instructions for the priests, setting a stage of divine service and consecration, and the verses immediately following will lay out the strict rules and requirements for those undertaking this vow.
Ever feel like God calls you to something beyond the ordinary? The Nazirite vow wasn't just another religious duty; it was a radical step.
The word for 'Nazirite' comes from a Hebrew root meaning 'to separate' or 'to dedicate.' This wasn't a casual commitment; it was about making a conscious, extraordinary choice to set oneself apart for God's service.
More Than Just Rules
This wasn't about following a list of prohibitions for the sake of it. It was a profound declaration of devotion, a visible sign that the individual belonged entirely to the LORD for a specific period. It meant stepping away from common life and its usual comforts to be uniquely His.
A Choice for Men and Women
Notice that the vow was open to both men and women. This highlights that a deep, dedicated walk with God isn't limited by gender. Anyone free to make such a commitment could choose this path of extraordinary separation.
What does it look like to visibly embody your commitment to God? The Nazirite's outward actions were a constant reminder of his inner vow.
The Nazirite's separation wasn't just an internal decision; it was expressed through specific, visible practices. These weren't arbitrary rules but deliberate actions designed to constantly remind the Nazirite—and others—of their unique dedication to the LORD.
The Unshaven Head
Ask a follow-up
One of the most striking practices was letting their hair grow long. This wasn't about personal style but was a sign of their vow and separation. It was a continuous, visible mark that they were set apart for God's service, a living testament to their commitment.
Abstinence as an Act of Worship
Beyond the hair, Nazirites abstained from wine and anything produced from the grapevine. This was more than just avoiding intoxication; it was a deliberate turning away from common pleasures and indulgences to focus solely on God. It was worship expressed through self-discipline and intentional living.
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.
yayin · Hebrew Noun
Fermented grape juice; a beverage associated with celebration, joy, and sometimes loss of self-control. Abstinence from it serves as a sign of self-denial and focus on spiritual matters rather than earthly pleasures.
This passage describes Samson's lifelong Nazirite vow made before his birth, highlighting that such a calling could be divinely appointed and extend beyond voluntary commitment.
1 Samuel 1:11Hannah dedicates her son Samuel as a Nazirite for life, demonstrating how parents could consecrate their children to the Lord through this special vow.
Luke 1:15John the Baptist is described as being filled with the Holy Spirit from birth and abstaining from wine, aligning with the principles of Nazirite consecration though not explicitly called a Nazirite in this verse.
Matthew 5:46Jesus calls His followers to a higher standard than tax collectors or Gentiles, mirroring the concept of the Nazirite vow as a voluntary, extraordinary separation for God's service beyond the ordinary.
Lamentations 4:7This verse speaks of former princes being 'purer than snow, whiter than milk' and 'more ruddy than the coral,' which is understood by commentators to refer to the distinctive purity and appearance of Nazirites, emphasizing their elevated status and consecrated life.
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 verse reveals that a "special vow" to "separate himself to the LORD" could be initiated by either a man or a woman. This highlights God's intentional inclusion of both genders in this unique path of dedication, showing that profound consecration to Him was not limited by one's sex.
This passage introduces the concept of a "Nazarite vow," a special, voluntary commitment to set oneself apart for God. Moses is instructed to explain the laws governing this vow, which could be taken by either men or women for a specific period. The preceding verses detail offerings and instructions for the priests, setting a stage of divine service and consecration, and the verses immediately following will lay out the strict rules and requirements for those undertaking this vow.
This passage introduces the concept of a "Nazarite vow," a special, voluntary commitment to set oneself apart for God. Moses is instructed to explain the laws governing this vow, which could be taken by either men or women for a specific period. The preceding verses detail offerings and instructions for the priests, setting a stage of divine service and consecration, and the verses immediately following will lay out the strict rules and requirements for those undertaking this vow.
"“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, he shall separate himself from wine and strong drink. He shall drink no vinegar made…" — This verse reveals that a "special vow" to "separate himself to the LORD" could be initiated by either a man or a woman. This highlights God's intentional inclusion of both genders in this unique pat…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
