Numbers 6:9

Translations

Modern

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.

Traditional

And if any man die very suddenly by him, and he hath defiled the head of his consecration; then he shall shave his head in the day of his cleansing, on the seventh day shall he shave it.

Literal

And if someone actually dies beside him very suddenly, and he defiles his consecrated head, then he shall shave his head on the day of his cleansing; on the seventh day he shall shave it.

Latin

Sin autem mortuus fuerit subito quispiam coram eo, polluetur caput consecrationis ejus: quod radet illico in eadem die purgationis suæ, et rursum septima.

Original

Hebrew

English

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.

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

Numbers 6:18
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.
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.
Leviticus 14:9
On the seventh day he must shave off all his hair—his head, his beard, his eyebrows, and the rest of his hair. He must wash his clothes and bathe himself with water, and he will be clean.
Philippians 3:8–9
More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ
Numbers 19:14–19
This is the law when a person dies in a tent: Everyone who enters the tent and everyone already in the tent will be unclean for seven days,
Acts 21:23–24
Therefore do what we advise you. There are four men with us who have taken a vow.

Numbers 6:9

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