The Hebrew noun nezer means crown, consecration, diadem, or sign of dedication. Derived from the verb nazar (H5144, to separate), it refers both to a physical crown worn by royalty or the high priest and to the state of consecration itself. The golden plate on the high priest's turban inscribed "Holy to the LORD" was called a nezer.
The nezer uniquely bridges the concepts of royalty and holiness. The same word describes both the king's crown and the priest's consecration, pointing toward the ultimate union of these offices in the Messiah — the priest-king. When the high priest wore the nezer, it declared that Israel's mediator was set apart wholly for God. When the king wore it, it signified divine authority to rule. Both anticipate Christ who wears the crown of both priestly intercession and kingly authority.