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נֶזֶר

𐤍𐤆𐤓

nezer

H5145 noun

SILEX Entry

Root נזר to dedicate, to separate, to set apart

Definition

A consecrated or dedicated object or state, usually marking separation for a special purpose. In ritual contexts, it denotes a sacred status, most often physical objects or persons set apart for the deity. In practical usage, it refers to (1) the uncut hair of a Nazirite during their vow, (2) sacred diadems or crowns worn by high priests or kings, and (3) a symbolic status of consecration or holiness. The word emphasizes the idea of being set aside, either as a marker of dedication (e.g., the Nazirite's uncut hair), or as a tangible emblem of honored and sanctified status (e.g., crown or diadem).

Semantic Range

state of consecration, act of dedication, thing set apart (abstract), unshorn hair of a Nazirite, crown/diadem of a high priest, royal crown, emblem of sanctity or special status

Root / Etymology

Root/Noun: נזר. From the verb root נָזַר (nazár), meaning 'to dedicate, separate, or set apart.' נֶזֶר is a noun derived from this verbal root, meaning 'that which is set apart'—either abstractly (consecration, dedication) or concretely (symbolic object denoting that status such as hair, crown, or diadem).

Historical & Contextual Notes

In the Hebrew Bible, נֶזֶר is used in several specific contexts. 1) For Nazirites, it refers to the unshorn hair that symbolizes their vow and separation for a period of consecration (Numbers 6:5-9). 2) For the high priest and the king, it denotes the crown or sacred diadem, often indicating an official position marked by special sanctity (Exodus 29:6; 2 Samuel 1:10). The term's core meaning of 'that which is set apart' underlies all usages, reflecting the ancient Israelite emphasis on ritual distinction. Regular Israelite priests do not wear a נֶזֶר; rather, it is reserved for those with unique sacred roles. Standard English translations such as 'crown' or 'consecration' respectively capture only part of the word’s nuance. Over time, as Israelite religion developed, the sense of 'nezer' as both status (state of consecration) and symbol (object signifying that state, e.g., crown, hair) remains, though the application narrows as titles and rituals become more clearly defined in later literature. Translations in later Jewish and Christian texts sometimes use 'crown' or, in the context of Nazirites, simply 'hair,' which can obscure the deep association with consecration implied by the term in ancient contexts.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

or נֵזֶר; from נָזַר; properly, something set apart, i.e. (abstractly) dedication (of a priet or Nazirite); hence (concretely) unshorn locks; also (by implication) a chaplet (especially of royalty); consecration, crown, hair, separation.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

נזר (n-z-r) — to dedicate, to separate, to set apart

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H4216 מַזָּרָה distinguished constellations
H4502 מִנְּזָר your consecration-diadems
H5139 נָזִיר the consecrated one
H5144 נָזַר his setting-apart

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H5145-04 נִזְר֑/וֹ nizero HNcmsc/Sp3ms his separation his consecration 14
H5145-02 נֵ֥זֶר nezer HNcmsc consecration consecration-of 7
H5145-01 הַ/נֵּ֣זֶר hanezer HTd/Ncmsa the crown the consecrated diadem 3
H5145-03 נִזְרֵ/ךְ֙ nizerekhe HNcmsc/Sp2fs your hair your consecrated emblem 1

Occurrences in Scripture

25 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H5145-02 Exodus 29:6 נֵ֥זֶר nezer HNcmsc the diadem consecration-of
H5145-02 Exodus 39:30 נֵֽזֶר nezer HNcmsc of the crown consecration-of
H5145-02 Leviticus 8:9 נֵ֣זֶר nezer HNcmsc diadem consecration-of
H5145-02 Leviticus 21:12 נֵ֠זֶר nezer HNcmsc consecration consecration-of
H5145-04 Numbers 6:4 נִזְר֑/וֹ nizero HNcmsc/Sp3ms of his separation his consecration
H5145-04 Numbers 6:5 נִזְר֔/וֹ nizero HNcmsc/Sp3ms of his separation his consecration
H5145-02 Numbers 6:7 נֵ֥זֶר nezer HNcmsc consecration consecration-of
H5145-04 Numbers 6:8 נִזְר֑/וֹ nizero HNcmsc/Sp3ms his separation his consecration
H5145-04 Numbers 6:9 נִזְר֑/וֹ nizero HNcmsc/Sp3ms of his consecration his consecration
H5145-04 Numbers 6:12 נִזְר֔/וֹ nizero HNcmsc/Sp3ms of his separation his consecration
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