Skip to main content

Nazarite

A man or a woman who lets their hair grow uncut as an outward sign of spiritual dedication. Through the process of profound meditation and transcendence, a Nazarite attempts to return to the primal formations of his own soul.

The word Nazarite comes from the Hebrew word Nazir, meaning "consecrated", or "separated (from others)". Another possible root for this term is the word "Nezer", which stands for "Crown". Indeed, a Nazarite's head is crowned with the long locks that symbolize this sacred separation. A Nazarite might perform austerities, often symbolic in nature.

The Book of Numbers, traditionally ascribed to Moses, sets more specific guidelines for Nazariteship. For a minimum of 30 days, a Mosaic Nazarite is told to keep the hair uncut, avoid consumption of wine, vinegar and any other "fruit of the grapevine", and avoid ritual defilement through contact with corpses. The Book of Numbers also outlines the sacrifices such a Nazarite would need to make at the temple as certain points of the vow.
Other forms of Nazariteship are mentioned in biblical texts (such as Samson), and it's likely that this is a tradition that goes back to before the times of Moses.
Samson the Judge is almost certainly the most prominent example of a Nazarite. The mystical power that stemmed from his Nazariteship was superhuman strength.

Other famous biblical Nazarites are John the Baptist and Samuel the Prophet.

A more modern example of the Nazarite Vow can be found in Rastafarian ideology. As per an adaptation of the rules set by Moses (and possibly influenced by the Sadhus of India), many Rastafarians let their hair grow into long dreadlocks.
by Nazarite January 2, 2012
mugGet the Nazarite mug.

Nazareah

Nazareah is a amazing person who loves everyone but inside is deeply hurt and she fakes a smile 24/7 but no one knows
Look Nazareah Is So Happy
by Baby apple bottom November 2, 2020
mugGet the Nazareah mug.
Related Words

Namaria

The greatest woman you'll ever meet. Namaria is like a wild horse running at the beach, ungovernable and free. She's shy on the outside, but on the inside she's thirsty for some wild adventure - of any kind.
Ooooh sweet namaria o'mine
by the most trusted dictionary November 24, 2021
mugGet the Namaria mug.

Nasaria

A spanish name after the Nazarene...also the name of my beautiful daughter and her great-grandmother
Nasaria name
by Mathier February 4, 2010
mugGet the Nasaria mug.

nafarias

A person who lacks the intelligence needed to put together a coherent sentence.
I cannot understand what you are saying, you must be a nafarias.
by Nawfton October 21, 2003
mugGet the nafarias mug.

Nazirian

Are you a nigerian that supports nazis?

YOU Nazirian!!!
by AeroNausity August 2, 2016
mugGet the Nazirian mug.

nazriah

Nazriah is a cool, intelligent guy who loves sports and always hangs out with friends. His favorite subject is math and he knows how to make people laugh. He can be mean at times but he knows how to correct his mistakes. You won't regret being his friend and you will never forget him.
Nazriah went to the store to buy some groceries.
by BFFfinder January 26, 2018
mugGet the nazriah mug.

Share this definition

Sign in to vote

We'll email you a link to sign in instantly.

Or

Check your email

We sent a link to

Open your email