Uh, JanH?? Did I miss something? If I did, I sincerely apologize!
Forgive me if I misunderstood you and was required to refer only to one part of the Bible. Because you referred to the Law at Leviticus 19:27, which is stated in the Hebrew text, I, too went to the Hebrew text.
Thus, with reference to the word 'Nazarite' then, the Hebrew word is 'nazir'... from the primitive root 'nazar'... and means 'consecrated, devoted, separated one'.
The word 'Nazarene', however, is, in Greek, 'Nazoraios' ('nad-zo-rah-yos') and means 'an inhabitant of Nazareth'. Now, the town of Nazareth may very well have derived its name from a bunch of Nazarites residing there (who knows?), because the word 'Nazareth' ('nad-zar-reth' or 'nad-zar-ret') means 'the guarded one', but I wasn't trying to 'go there'. For all I know, its name could have been derived from its location.
Uh, I also looked up your spelling... 'n-a-z-I-r-i-t-e'. I think it depends on which 'version' ones uses. For example, NKJV, NASB, RSV and ASV use 'Naz-I-rite'. However, the KJV, Webster's, Young's and Darby's uses 'Naz-A-rite'. And the HNV (Hebrew Names Version) simply says 'Nazir'. Since the word use is 'nazIr', but the primitive root 'nazAr', perhaps some felt it better to use one than the other.
Personally, I don't think spelling is that much of an issue in this case (in truth, I didn't even know there WAS another spelling; I only knew of the 'position'). I simply pointed out a FACTUALITY... that of my Lord having long hair and a beard... in agreement with you. And, uh, that's all.
Hmmmmm....
Is there a 'problem', JanH?
I bid you peace!
Your servant, and a slave of Christ,
SJ