Keraia
Numbers 6

Numbers 6:11

The Nazirite Vow · Numbers 6:1–21
Read Numbers 6

Translations

Modern
And the priest is to offer one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering to make atonement for him, because he has sinned by being in the presence of the dead body. On that day he must consecrate his head again.
Traditional
And the priest shall offer the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering, and make an atonement for him, for that he sinned by the dead, and shall hallow his head that same day.
Literal
And the priest shall offer one for a sin offering, and one for a burnt offering, and he shall make atonement upon him from which he sinned regarding the corpse, and he shall sanctify his head that day.
Latin
Facietque sacerdos unum pro peccato, et alterum in holocaustum, et deprecabitur pro eo, quia peccavit super mortuo: sanctificabitque caput ejus in die illo:

Original

Hebrew
English
And the priest is to offer one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering to make atonement for him, because he has sinned by being in the presence of the dead body. On that day he must consecrate his head again.

Notes

Numbers 6:9–21

The law gave instructions for restoring purity after unavoidable contact with a dead body. Contact with a dead body made a person ceremonially unclean (not fit for worship for a period of time). The person had to follow certain steps in order to be restored.

Special procedures and offerings also marked the end of a Nazirite vow. A Nazirite vow was a special promise to set oneself apart for God for a period of time. When the time ended, the person brought sacrifices and completed the required rituals.

The law also gives a strong warning about fulfilling the vow (6:21). A person who made such a promise had to complete it fully. God expected faithfulness in keeping vows made to him.

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

Parallels

Judges 13:1–25

Glossary

Baldness Biblical Concept of Law Deuteronomy, Book of Holiness Judges, Book of Nazarite, Nazirite Numbers, Book of Offerings and Sacrifices Samuel (Person)

Topics

Atonement for Those Defiled by the Dead Fraternity: The Nazarites, Vows of Nazarite: Law Concerning Nazarites: Defiled During Vow: To Bring Two Turtle Doves for a Burnt offering Offerings: Sin: Ordinances Concerning The Burnt offering for Nazarites After Defilement, or at the End of Their Vow