Keraia
Numbers 6

Numbers 6:17

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

Translations

Modern
He shall also offer the ram as a peace offering to the LORD, along with the basket of unleavened bread. And the priest is to offer the accompanying grain offering and drink offering.
Traditional
And he shall offer the ram for a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the Lord, with the basket of unleavened bread: the priest shall offer also his meat offering, and his drink offering.
Literal
And he shall offer the ram as a sacrifice of peace offering to YHWH, with the basket of the unleavened bread; and the priest shall offer its grain offering and its drink offering.
Latin
Arietem vero immolabit hostiam pacificam Domino, offerens simul canistrum azymorum, et libamenta quæ ex more debentur.

Original

Hebrew
English
He shall also offer the ram as a peace offering to the LORD, along with the basket of unleavened bread. And the priest is to offer the accompanying grain offering and drink offering.

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) Vow, Vows

Topics

Fraternity: The Nazarites, Vows of Nazarite: Law Concerning Nazarites: On Completion of Vow: To offer Sacrifices Oaths: God Used, to Show the Immutability of his Counsel Offerings: Drink: Libations of Wine offered with the Sacrifices Offerings: Meat: Not Mixed with Leaven (Yeast) Wave-Offering: Consisted of Left Shoulder, of Nazarite's Peace offering