Numbers 6:7

The stringent rule here laid down was applicable to no one else except the High Priest (Leviticus 21:11); in the case of the ordinary priest the nearest relatives are expressly excepted. It is to be noticed that Samson did not scruple to come into frequent contact with the dead. The regulation was probably not in force in early days, but was added when the sanctity attributed to a Nazirite had increased.

his separation Heb. nçzer(connected with nâzîr) denotes either the state of separation(Numbers 6:4; Numbers 6:6R.V. marg. -Naziriteship"), or, as here, the symbol of separation, i.e. the long hair. Cf. the similar ellipse in 1 Corinthians 11:10, -the woman ought to have [the symbol of] authority on her head." In Leviticus 25:5; Leviticus 25:11 nçzeris even used for an untrimmed vine, with its long tendrils like uncut hair.