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.

NUMBERS 6:5KJV
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Numbers 6:5 (KJV)

What does Numbers 6:5 mean?

Numbers 6:5 explains that during the time a person has made a special vow to separate themselves for the LORD, they must not cut their hair at all. The uncut hair is a sign of their holy dedication, and they must let their hair grow freely until the period of their vow is complete.

This instruction is part of the Nazirite vow, which is described by God to Moses for the Israelites. The verse sets out a visible sign—uncut hair—to show that someone is set apart as holy (dedicated) to the LORD during this special time. The rule is not just about hair, but about visibly marking a period of devotion and separation from ordinary life.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 6:5

  • "Separation" (נֵזֶר, nezer): This word means a consecration or dedication, and it is the same word used for a crown. Here, it highlights that the Nazirite’s uncut hair is like a visible crown of dedication to God.
  • "Locks" (פֶּרַע, pera): This word refers to hair that is left to grow wild or untrimmed. It emphasizes that the Nazirite’s hair should be left alone, not managed or styled, as a sign of their vow.
  • "Holy" (קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh): This word means set apart or dedicated to God. The verse stresses that the Nazirite is not just making a promise, but is considered holy during this time.

Why Numbers 6:5 matters

  • Numbers 6:5 clarifies that the Nazirite vow involves a public, visible sign—uncut hair—so others can recognize someone who is specially dedicated to God.
  • The verse connects the outward action (not cutting hair) with the inward reality of holiness and separation, showing that spiritual commitments were often marked by physical symbols in ancient Israel.
  • Understanding this verse helps explain later stories in the Bible, such as the story of Samson, where uncut hair is a key part of his Nazirite identity and relationship with God.

Where else these words appear

“locks” Hebrew H6545 · used in 2 verses

  • Ezekiel 44:20 Neither shall they shave their heads, nor suffer their locks to grow long; they shall only poll their heads.

“separateth” Hebrew H5144 · used in 10 verses

  • Leviticus 15:31 Thus shall ye separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness; that they die not in their uncleanness, when they defile my tabernacle that is among them.
  • Numbers 6:3 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.
  • Ezekiel 14:7 For every one of the house of Israel, or of the stranger that sojourneth in Israel, which separateth himself from me, and setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to a prophet to enquire of him concerning me; I the LORD will answer him by myself:

“razor” Hebrew H8593 · used in 13 verses

  • Numbers 8:7 And thus shalt thou do unto them, to cleanse them: Sprinkle water of purifying upon them, and let them shave all their flesh, and let them wash their clothes, and so make themselves clean.
  • Isaiah 7:20 In the same day shall the Lord shave with a razor that is hired, namely, by them beyond the river, by the king of Assyria, the head, and the hair of the feet: and it shall also consume the beard.
  • Ezekiel 21:3 And say to the land of Israel, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I am against thee, and will draw forth my sword out of his sheath, and will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked.

“separation” Hebrew H5145 · used in 22 verses

  • Exodus 29:6 And thou shalt put the mitre upon his head, and put the holy crown upon the mitre.
  • Numbers 6:9 And if any man die very suddenly by him, and he hath defiled the head of his consecration; then he shall shave his head in the day of his cleansing, on the seventh day shall he shave it.
  • 2 Kings 11:12 And he brought forth the king's son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king.