Numbers 6:1

The Nazirite Vow · Numbers 6:1–21

Read Numbers 6

Translations

Modern

And the LORD said to Moses,

Traditional

And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,

Literal

And YHWH spoke to Moses, saying,

Latin

Locutusque est Dominus ad Moysen, dicens:

Original

Hebrew

English

And the LORD said to Moses,

Notes

Numbers 6:1–21

The voluntary vow of a Nazirite allowed men or women to separate themselves to the LORD. The Nazirite lifestyle varied throughout Hebrew history. People took vows seriously in ancient times as a way to show devotion or gratitude to God. This vow could be temporary or permanent. It involved avoiding alcoholic drinks, not cutting hair, and avoiding contact with corpses.

Nazirite restrictions allowed members of non-Levitical tribes to have a more demanding and highly respected relationship with God. The Nazirite vow is probably best known because of Samson (Judges 13–16). See also 1 Samuel 1:11; Jeremiah 35; Acts 18:18; 21:23–26; compare Luke 1:15.

Theme notes and profiles

Samson