Numbers 6:6

Translations

Modern

Throughout the days of his separation to the LORD, he must not go near a dead body.

Traditional

All the days that he separateth himself unto the Lord he shall come at no dead body.

Literal

All the days that he separates himself unto YHWH, a dead body he shall not go near.

Latin

Omni tempore consecrationis suæ, super mortuum non ingredietur,

Original

Hebrew

English

Throughout the days of his separation to the LORD, he must not go near a dead body.

Notes

Numbers 6:6–8

Touching dead bodies made people ceremonially unclean (9:6–10). Priests could only touch the dead bodies of close relatives (Leviticus 21:1–4). But Nazirites could not touch any dead body at all.

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 21:11
He must not go near any dead body; he must not defile himself, even for his father or mother.
Leviticus 19:28
You must not make any cuts in your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.
Jeremiah 16:5–6
Indeed, this is what the LORD says: “Do not enter a house where there is a funeral meal. Do not go to mourn or show sympathy, for I have removed from this people My peace, My loving devotion, and My compassion,” declares the LORD.
Numbers 19:11–22
Whoever touches any dead body will be unclean for seven days.
2 Corinthians 5:16
So from now on we regard no one according to the flesh. Although we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.
Leviticus 21:1–3
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Speak to Aaron’s sons, the priests, and tell them that a priest is not to defile himself for a dead person among his people,
Matthew 8:21–22
Another of His disciples requested, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”
Ezekiel 24:16–18
“Son of man, behold, I am about to take away the desire of your eyes with a fatal blow. But you must not mourn or weep or let your tears flow.
Luke 9:59–60
Then He said to another man, “Follow Me.” The man replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”

Parallels

Judges 13:1–25

People

Nazirites: Person who took a special vow of dedication

Glossary

Baldness Biblical Concept of Law Cleanness and Uncleanness, Regulations Concerning Delilah Deuteronomy, Book of Holiness Judges, Book of Nazarite, Nazirite Numbers, Book of Samson Samuel (Person) Vow, Vows

Topics

Fraternity: The Nazarites, Vows of Nazarite: Law Concerning Nazarites: Prohibited From: Defiling Themselves by the Dead The Dead: Nazarites not to Touch or Mourn For

Numbers 6:6

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