Numbers 6:18

Translations

Modern

Then at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the Nazirite is to shave his consecrated head, take the hair, and put it on the fire under the peace offering.

Traditional

And the Nazarite shall shave the head of his separation at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall take the hair of the head of his separation, and put it in the fire which is under the sacrifice of the peace offerings.

Literal

And the Nazirite shall shave at the door of the Tent of Meeting the head of his separation, and he shall take the hair of the head of his separation and put it on the fire that is under the sacrifice of the peace offerings.

Latin

Tunc radetur nazaræus ante ostium tabernaculi fœderis cæsarie consecrationis suæ: tolletque capillos ejus, et ponet super ignem, qui est suppositus sacrificio pacificorum:

Original

Hebrew

English

Then at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the Nazirite is to shave his consecrated head, take the hair, and put it on the fire under the peace 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

Related verses

Acts 21:24
Take these men, purify yourself along with them, and pay their expenses so they can have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know that there is no truth to these rumors about you, but that you also live in obedience to the law.
Numbers 6:9
If someone suddenly dies in his presence and defiles his consecrated head of hair, he must shave his head on the day of his cleansing—the seventh day.
Acts 18:18
Paul remained in Corinth for quite some time before saying goodbye to the brothers. He had his head shaved in Cenchrea to keep a vow he had made, and then he sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila.
Ephesians 1:6
…to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the Beloved One.
Luke 17:10
So you also, when you have done everything commanded of you, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’”
Acts 21:26
So the next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. Then he entered the temple to give notice of the date when their purification would be complete and the offering would be made for each of them.
Numbers 6:5
For the entire period of his vow of separation, no razor shall touch his head. He must be holy until the time of his separation to the LORD is complete; he must let the hair of his head grow long.

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) Vow, Vows

Topics

Fraternity: The Nazarites, Vows of Nazarite: Law Concerning Nazarites: On Completion of Vow: To Shave Their Heads The Hair of Nazarites: Shorn After Completion of Vow

Numbers 6:18

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