נָזַר
na.zar
to dedicate
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Hebrew word "na.zar" (Strong's number H5144A) means "to dedicate." This verb is related to the concept of covenants and promises, indicating a commitment or consecration made to a specific purpose or entity. The five occurrences of this word in the Hebrew Bible suggest that it is used in a limited but deliberate manner, emphasizing the importance of dedication and commitment in various contexts. In terms of its range of usage, "na.zar" appears to be associated with actions of consecration and setting apart, often in relation to objects, places, or individuals that hold special significance. This verb may also convey a sense of making a solemn vow or promise, underscoring the gravity and importance of the commitment being made. The significance of "na.zar" lies in its ability to convey a sense of solemn dedication, underscoring the importance of commitments and promises in the biblical narrative. By examining this word's limited but deliberate usage, we can gain insight into the cultural and liturgical practices of the ancient Hebrews, where dedications and consecrations played a vital role in their religious and civic life.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
5 total occurrences across the text
“ ‘ “For everyone of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who live in Israel, who separates himself from me, and takes his idols into his heart, and puts the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face, and comes to the prophet to inquire for himself of me; I Yahweh will answer him by myself.
Hosea 9:10I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness. I saw your fathers as the first ripe in the fig tree at its first season; but they came to Baal Peor, and consecrated themselves to the shameful thing, and became abominable like that which they loved.
Zechariah 7:3and to speak to the priests of the house of Yahweh of Armies, and to the prophets, saying, “Should I weep in the fifth month, separating myself, as I have done these so many years?”
Leviticus 15:31“ ‘Thus you shall separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness, so they will not die in their uncleanness when they defile my tabernacle that is among them.’ ”
Leviticus 22:2“Tell Aaron and his sons to separate themselves from the holy things of the children of Israel, which they make holy to me, and that they not profane my holy name. I am Yahweh.