נֶזֶר

נֶזֶר

properly, something set apart, i.e. (abstractly) dedication (of a priet or Nazirite); hence (concretely) unshorn locks; …

Definition

The Hebrew noun נֶזֶר (nezer) fundamentally means 'something set apart' or 'consecrated.' It most often refers to the 'consecration' or 'separation' of a Nazirite, a person who took a special vow of dedication to God, as detailed in Numbers 6. In this context, the 'nezer' is visibly represented by the Nazirite's uncut hair (Numbers 6:5, 7). The word also denotes a physical 'crown' or 'diadem,' particularly the holy crown worn by the high priest (Exodus 29:6, Leviticus 8:9) and later by kings, symbolizing their consecrated office (2 Samuel 1:10, Psalm 89:39).

Biblical Usage

נֶזֶר is used 22 times in the Old Testament, primarily in the Pentateuch (Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers) in ritual and legal contexts. Its usage splits between two main ideas: the abstract state of 'consecration' (especially of the Nazirite in Numbers 6) and the concrete object of a 'crown.' The crown usage is first for the high priest's turban (Exodus 29:6) and later extends to royal crowns (2 Samuel 1:10, Zechariah 9:16). A key pattern is that the word always signifies something or someone specially dedicated to God's service.

Etymology

נֶזֶר derives from the root verb נָזַר (nazar, H5144), which means 'to dedicate,' 'to consecrate,' or 'to separate.' The noun form carries the core idea of 'a separated thing.' Cognates in other Semitic languages, like Arabic 'nadara' (to vow), reinforce the concept of making a solemn pledge or setting something apart.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it bridges personal devotion and sacred office. The 'nezer' of the Nazirite (Numbers 6) represents a voluntary, temporary vow of holiness accessible to any Israelite, emphasizing that dedication to God is not limited to the priesthood. Simultaneously, the high priest's 'nezer' (Exodus 29:6) marks him as holy to God, bearing the inscription 'Holy to the LORD.' This dual usage highlights that holiness—being set apart for God—can be both a personal commitment and a divinely appointed role, ultimately pointing to Christ as the perfect consecrated King and Priest. In its original setting, the 'nezer' as uncut hair was a public, visible sign of a Nazirite's vow, making their dedication obvious to the community. The high priest's crown was not primarily a symbol of political power but of sacred service and bearing the people's representation before God. The concept of a 'crown' (nezer) for a king, as seen later, infused the monarchy with a sense of religious consecration, differing from modern secular views of political authority. עֲטָרָה (atarah, H5850) — a crown as an ornament of honor or celebration, less focused on consecration. קֹדֶשׁ (qodesh, H6944) — holiness; the state of being set apart, which is the result of נֶזֶר. נֵדֶר (neder, H5088) — a vow; the promise that creates a state of נֶזֶר.

Word Details