Who Are the True Modern Nazarites?

It may first be observed that the word Nazarite does not describe a class of persons superior to other Israelites, nor a name by which any may magnify themselves; but one separated unto the Lord by a special vow. The question, therefore, is not who may wear a title, but who, through grace, bears the principles of such a separation in a manner answerable to the gospel.

The Original Nazarite Vow

The ordinance is laid down in Numbers 6. Numbers 6:2 (KJV): “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.” The Hebrew Nazarite - nazir (נָזִיר) denotes one separated or consecrated. The vow was open to man and woman, and was ordinarily for a determined season, though Samson and others were set apart in an extraordinary and lifelong manner.

Numbers 6:3-5 (KJV): “He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat moist grapes, or dried. All the days of his separation shall he eat nothing that is made of the vine tree, from the kernels even to the husk. 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.”

Three visible restraints marked the vow: abstinence from the fruit of the vine, uncut hair, and avoidance of the dead. These were not random hardships. They declared that this person’s appetite, identity, and nearness to the realm of death were placed under the claim of God.

Numbers 6:6-8 (KJV): “All the days that he separateth himself unto the LORD he shall come at no dead body. He shall not make himself unclean for his father, or for his mother, for his brother, or for his sister, when they die: because the consecration of his God is upon his head. All the days of his separation he is holy unto the LORD.”

The Principles Which Govern the Vow

First, there is dedication: the Nazarite was separated unto the Lord, not merely separated from something. Secondly, there is restraint: lawful comforts were voluntarily laid aside so that devotion might be made plain. Thirdly, there is holiness: the consecrated person was not to make peace with what represented ritual defilement. Lastly, there is humility: the vow ended with offerings, showing that even the devoted worshipper did not stand before God by personal distinction.

These principles must not be altered into a doctrine of self-redemption. Paul says, 1 Corinthians 6:12 (KJV): “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” A true consecration refuses to be mastered by appetite, acclaim, pleasure, fear, or habit. The word mastered - exousiasthesō (ἐξουσιασθήσομαι) speaks of being brought under another’s authority.

1 Peter 1:15-16 (KJV): “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”

Holiness, then, is not a costume, a hair length, or a boast of uncommon spirituality. It is a life increasingly governed by the holy God. The ancient signs were fitted to Israel’s covenant worship; the governing truth remains that those who belong to God are to belong to Him wholly.

Who, Then, Is a True Modern Nazarite?

A true modern Nazarite is not one who claims a higher salvation than other believers, nor one who trusts in locs, fasting, abstinence, clothing, or a chosen rule. He or she is a believer who, resting in the finished work of Christ, deliberately orders life around belonging to God. Such a person may choose a season of fasting, sobriety, simpler living, guarded media, extended prayer, or a visible reminder of devotion; but the outward sign is servant, not master.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (KJV): “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.”

Here is the proper ground of modern consecration: believers are not their own, but have been purchased by Christ. Bought - ēgorasthete (ἠγοράσθητε) points to a completed purchase. Therefore the modern Nazarite’s separation is a grateful response to grace, not an attempt to purchase grace.

Such a person will seek a clear mind, sexual integrity, truthful speech, faithful stewardship, prayerful attention, and love for neighbour. He will not shun the grieving or broken, for Christ Himself touched suffering and brought life; rather, he will refuse what deadens devotion and will carry the life of Christ into dark places. Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV): “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Temperance - enkrateia (ἐγκράτεια) is self-control, the Spirit’s fruit, not the pride of self-rule.

Therefore, the true modern Nazarite is known less by an outward mark than by an inward Lordship made visible in obedience, mercy, and disciplined love. The hair may be long or short; the life must be Christ’s.

Prayer: Lord, separate us unto Yourself, not in pride or fear, but in the liberty and holiness purchased by Christ. Make every outward practice serve inward devotion, and let our lives bear the fruit of Your Spirit. Amen.