Keraia
Numbers 6

Numbers 6:21

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

Translations

Modern
This is the law of the Nazirite who vows his offering to the LORD for his separation, in addition to whatever else he can afford; he must fulfill whatever vow he makes, according to the law of his separation.”
Traditional
This is the law of the Nazarite who hath vowed, and of his offering unto the Lord for his separation, beside that that his hand shall get: according to the vow which he vowed, so he must do after the law of his separation.
Literal
This is the law of the Nazirite who vows the offering to YHWH for his separation, apart from whatever else his hand reaches; according to the vow that he takes, so he must do according to the law of his separation.”
Latin
Ista est lex nazaræi, cum voverit oblationem suam Domino tempore consecrationis suæ, exceptis his, quæ invenerit manus ejus: juxta quod mente devoverat, ita faciet ad perfectionem sanctificationis suæ.

Original

Hebrew
English
This is the law of the Nazirite who vows his offering to the LORD for his separation, in addition to whatever else he can afford; he must fulfill whatever vow he makes, according to the law of his separation.”

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

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 Samuel (Person) Vow, Vows

Topics

Fraternity: The Nazarites, Vows of Nazarite: Law Concerning