Numbers 6:20

Translations

Modern

The priest shall then wave them as a wave offering before the LORD. This is a holy portion for the priest, in addition to the breast of the wave offering and the thigh that was presented. After that, the Nazirite may drink wine.

Traditional

And the priest shall wave them for a wave offering before the Lord: this is holy for the priest, with the wave breast and heave shoulder: and after that the Nazarite may drink wine.

Literal

And the priest shall wave them as a wave offering before the face of YHWH; they are holy to the priest, together with the breast of the wave offering and the thigh of the contribution, and afterward the Nazirite may drink wine.

Latin

Susceptaque rursum ab eo, elevabit in conspectu Domini: et sanctificata sacerdotis erunt, sicut pectusculum, quod separari jussum est, et femur. Post hæc, potest bibere nazaræus vinum.

Original

Hebrew

English

The priest shall then wave them as a wave offering before the LORD. This is a holy portion for the priest, in addition to the breast of the wave offering and the thigh that was presented. After that, the Nazirite may drink wine.

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

Ecclesiastes 9:7
Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already approved your works:
Numbers 5:25
The priest shall take from her hand the grain offering for jealousy, wave it before the LORD, and bring it to the altar.
Exodus 29:27–28
Consecrate for Aaron and his sons the breast of the wave offering that is waved and the thigh of the heave offering that is lifted up from the ram of ordination.
Isaiah 53:10–12
Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush Him and to cause Him to suffer; and when His soul is made a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, and the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand.
Leviticus 7:34
I have taken from the sons of Israel the breast of the wave offering and the thigh of the contribution of their peace offerings, and I have given them to Aaron the priest and his sons as a permanent portion from the sons of Israel.’”
Leviticus 10:15
They are to bring the thigh of the contribution and the breast of the wave offering, together with the fat portions of the food offerings, to wave as a wave offering before the LORD. It will belong permanently to you and your children, as the LORD has commanded.”
Numbers 18:18
And their meat belongs to you, just as the breast and right thigh of the wave offering belong to you.
Zechariah 9:17
How lovely they will be, and how beautiful! Grain will make the young men flourish, and new wine, the young women.
Psalm 16:10–11
For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay.
Leviticus 9:21
…but he waved the breasts and the right thigh as a wave offering before the LORD, as Moses had commanded.
John 17:4–5
I have glorified You on earth by accomplishing the work You gave Me to do.
2 Timothy 4:7–8
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

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: Heave: when offered Offerings: Wave: Ordinances Concerning Priest: Benefits of Portions of Sacrifices and offerings Priests: Revenues of Part of all Sacrifices

Numbers 6:20

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