Numbers 6:19

Translations

Modern

And the priest is to take the boiled shoulder from the ram, one unleavened cake from the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and put them into the hands of the Nazirite who has just shaved the hair of his consecration.

Traditional

And the priest shall take the sodden shoulder of the ram, and one unleavened cake out of the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and shall put them upon the hands of the Nazarite, after the hair of his separation is shaven:

Literal

And the priest shall take the boiled shoulder of the ram, and one unleavened cake from the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and he shall put them on the palms of the Nazirite, after his shaving his separation.

Latin

…et armum coctum arietis, tortamque absque fermento unam de canistro, et laganum azymum unum, et tradet in manus nazaræi, postquam rasum fuerit caput ejus.

Original

Hebrew

English

And the priest is to take the boiled shoulder from the ram, one unleavened cake from the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and put them into the hands of the Nazirite who has just shaved the hair of his consecration.

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 7:30
With his own hands he is to bring the food offerings to the LORD; he shall bring the fat, together with the breast, and wave the breast as a wave offering before the LORD.
1 Samuel 2:15
Even before the fat was burned, the servant of the priest would come and say to the man who was sacrificing, “Give the priest some meat to roast, because he will not accept boiled meat from you, but only raw.”
Leviticus 8:31
And Moses said to Aaron and his sons, “Boil the meat at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and eat it there with the bread that is in the basket of ordination offerings, as I commanded, saying, ‘Aaron and his sons are to eat it.’
Exodus 29:23–28
…along with one loaf of bread, one cake of bread made with oil, and one wafer from the basket of unleavened bread that is before the LORD.
Leviticus 8:27
He put all these in the hands of Aaron and his sons and waved them before the LORD as a wave offering.

Parallels

Judges 13:1–25

People

Nazirites: Person who took a special vow of dedication

Glossary

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 Have the Left Shoulder of the Ram of the Peace offering Offerings: Wave: Ordinances Concerning Priest: Benefits of Portions of Sacrifices and offerings Priests: Revenues of Part of all Sacrifices Wafer: General Scriptures Concerning Wave-Offering: Consisted of Left Shoulder, of Nazarite's Peace offering

Numbers 6:19

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Related verses?

Parallels?