Numbers 6:12

Translations

Modern

He must rededicate his time of separation to the LORD and bring a year-old male lamb as a guilt offering. But the preceding days shall not be counted, because his separation was defiled.

Traditional

And he shall consecrate unto the Lord the days of his separation, and shall bring a lamb of the first year for a trespass offering: but the days that were before shall be lost, because his separation was defiled.

Literal

And He shall consecrate to YHWH the days of his separation, and he shall bring a male lamb, a son of a year, as a guilt offering; and the former days shall be lost, because his separation was defiled.

Latin

…et consecrabit Domino dies separationis illius, offerens agnum anniculum pro peccato: ita tamen ut dies priores irriti fiant, quoniam polluta est sanctificatio ejus.

Original

Hebrew

English

He must rededicate his time of separation to the LORD and bring a year-old male lamb as a guilt offering. But the preceding days shall not be counted, because his separation was defiled.

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

Related verses

Leviticus 5:6
…and he must bring his guilt offering to the LORD for the sin he has committed: a female lamb or goat from the flock as a sin offering. And the priest will make atonement for him concerning his sin.
2 John 1:8
Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be fully rewarded.
James 2:10
Whoever keeps the whole law but stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.
John 8:29–31
He who sent Me is with Me. He has not left Me alone, because I always do what pleases Him.”
Ezekiel 18:24
But if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and practices iniquity, committing the same abominations as the wicked, will he live? None of the righteous acts he did will be remembered. Because of the unfaithfulness and sin he has committed, he will die.
Matthew 24:13
But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.
Leviticus 14:24
The priest shall take the lamb for the guilt offering, along with the log of olive oil, and wave them as a wave offering before the LORD.
Matthew 3:15
“Let it be so now,” Jesus replied. “It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness in this way.” Then John permitted Him.

Parallels

Judges 13:1–25

People

Nazirites: Person who took a special vow of dedication

Glossary

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

Topics

Fraternity: The Nazarites, Vows of Lamb: Offering of Nazarite: Law Concerning Nazarites: Defiled During Vow: To Recompense Their Vow with a Trespass offering Offerings: Trespass: Ordinances Concerning Trespass offering: Special Occasions of offering: Purification of Nazarites Who had Broken Their Vow

Numbers 6:12

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