Numbers 6:5 - Nazir's sacred hair growth

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Hebrew Text

כָּל־יְמֵי נֶדֶר נִזְרוֹ תַּעַר לֹא־יַעֲבֹר עַל־רֹאשׁוֹ עַד־מְלֹאת הַיָּמִם אֲשֶׁר־יַזִּיר לַיהוָה קָדֹשׁ יִהְיֶה גַּדֵּל פֶּרַע שְׂעַר רֹאשׁוֹ׃

English Translation

All the days of the vow of his separation there shall no razor come on his head: until the days are fulfilled, during which he separates himself to the Lord, he shall be holy, and shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow.

Transliteration

Kol-yemei neder nizro ta'ar lo-ya'avor al-rosho ad-melot ha-yamim asher-yazir la-Adonai kadosh yihyeh gadel pera se'ar rosho.

Hebrew Leining Text

כׇּל־יְמֵי֙ נֶ֣דֶר נִזְר֔וֹ תַּ֖עַר לֹא־יַעֲבֹ֣ר עַל־רֹאשׁ֑וֹ עַד־מְלֹ֨את הַיָּמִ֜ם אֲשֶׁר־יַזִּ֤יר לַיהֹוָה֙ קָדֹ֣שׁ יִהְיֶ֔ה גַּדֵּ֥ל פֶּ֖רַע שְׂעַ֥ר רֹאשֽׁוֹ׃

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Nazirite Vow

The verse (Bamidbar 6:5) discusses the laws of a nazir (Nazirite), who takes a vow of separation to Hashem. The prohibition against cutting one's hair is one of the three primary restrictions of a nazir, along with abstaining from wine and avoiding contact with the dead (as detailed in the preceding verses).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bamidbar 6:5) explains that the phrase "תער לא יעבור על ראשו" ("no razor shall come upon his head") means that even plucking a single hair with tweezers is forbidden. The prohibition is not limited to a razor but extends to any form of hair removal. This strict interpretation emphasizes the nazir's complete dedication to holiness during the vow period.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Nezirut 5:11) elaborates that the nazir's uncut hair serves as a visible sign of his consecration. By allowing his hair to grow, he publicly demonstrates his commitment to spiritual elevation. The hair becomes a siman kedushah (symbol of holiness), distinguishing him from others.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 10:10) compares the nazir's long hair to the kohen gadol's (high priest's) mitznefet (turban), suggesting that both represent a crown of devotion to Hashem. Just as the kohen gadol serves in the Mikdash, the nazir dedicates himself to a higher spiritual calling.

Halachic Implications

The prohibition applies only to hair on the head; trimming facial hair (e.g., beard) is permitted (Talmud Nazir 39a).
If a nazir cuts even a single hair intentionally, he violates his vow and may require atonement (Rambam, Hilchot Nezirut 6:1).
At the conclusion of the vow, the nazir must shave his hair and bring it as part of his offerings (Bamidbar 6:18).

Spiritual Significance

The Sforno (Bamidbar 6:5) teaches that the nazir's uncut hair symbolizes his rejection of worldly vanity. By forgoing grooming, he focuses entirely on spiritual growth, embodying the ideal of "קדוש יהיה" ("he shall be holy"). This physical transformation reflects an inner commitment to draw closer to Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Nazir 39a

The verse is discussed in the context of the laws of a Nazirite, particularly regarding the prohibition of cutting one's hair during the period of the vow.

📖 Sotah 2a

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the seriousness of vows and the sanctity associated with the Nazirite vow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 6:5 mean about not cutting hair during a Nazirite vow?
A: Numbers 6:5 teaches that a person who takes a Nazirite vow must refrain from cutting their hair for the entire duration of the vow. According to Rashi, this is one of the three main restrictions of a Nazirite (along with avoiding wine and contact with the dead). The uncut hair symbolizes their complete dedication to Hashem during this special period of holiness.

Q: Why is the Nazirite's hair considered holy in Numbers 6:5?
A: The Torah states 'he shall be holy' regarding the Nazirite's uncut hair because it serves as an outward sign of their inner spiritual commitment. The Rambam explains in Mishneh Torah (Hilchos Nezirus) that the hair becomes sanctified as part of the Nazirite's total devotion to serving Hashem during this temporary period of elevated spirituality.

Q: How long did a Nazirite vow typically last according to Numbers 6:5?
A: The verse states 'until the days are fulfilled' - the minimum duration for a Nazirite vow was 30 days according to Talmud Nazir 5a. Some took longer vows, like Shimshon (Samson) who was a lifelong Nazirite. The exact length was determined by each individual when making their vow.

Q: What practical lesson can we learn from the Nazirite's uncut hair today?
A: The Midrash teaches that the Nazirite's hair reminds us that outward appearances should reflect inner spiritual growth. While we don't take Nazirite vows today, the principle remains that our physical actions and appearance should align with our spiritual commitments and values in serving Hashem.

Q: Why does the Torah use the word 'pera' (wild growth) for the Nazirite's hair?
A: Rashi explains that 'pera' implies letting the hair grow completely untrimmed and unkempt. This visible transformation serves as a public reminder of the Nazirite's special status and helps them maintain their commitment, as others can see they are observing the vow's restrictions.