Numbers 6 12

Numbers 6:12 kjv

And he shall consecrate unto the LORD the days of his separation, and shall bring a lamb of the first year for a trespass offering: but the days that were before shall be lost, because his separation was defiled.

Numbers 6:12 nkjv

He shall consecrate to the LORD the days of his separation, and bring a male lamb in its first year as a trespass offering; but the former days shall be lost, because his separation was defiled.

Numbers 6:12 niv

They must rededicate themselves to the LORD for the same period of dedication and must bring a year-old male lamb as a guilt offering. The previous days do not count, because they became defiled during their period of dedication.

Numbers 6:12 esv

and separate himself to the LORD for the days of his separation and bring a male lamb a year old for a guilt offering. But the previous period shall be void, because his separation was defiled.

Numbers 6:12 nlt

The days of their vow that were completed before their defilement no longer count. They must rededicate themselves to the LORD as a Nazirite for the full term of their vow, and each must bring a one-year-old male lamb for a guilt offering.

Numbers 6 verses

Numbers 6 12 Meaning

Numbers 6:12 details the consequence and procedure when a Nazarite's vow is defiled. It specifies that if a Nazarite becomes ritually unclean during their period of separation, particularly through contact with a dead body, the days observed before the defilement are rendered null and void. The Nazarite must then perform specific rituals of purification and atonement, including bringing a male lamb as a guilt offering, and crucially, must re-consecrate themselves to the LORD, effectively restarting the entire period of their separation from the day of the cleansing. This underscores the seriousness of the vow and the high standard of purity God demands for those set apart to Him.

Numbers 6 12 Context

Numbers chapter 6 is primarily dedicated to outlining the laws concerning the Nazarite vow, a special voluntary dedication to the LORD. It specifies strict abstinence from wine, not cutting hair, and avoiding contact with any dead body for the duration of the vow. Verses 1-8 describe the initial requirements of the vow, while verses 9-12 detail the consequences and ritual process for an unforeseen defilement (specifically by contact with a dead body, though principles apply broadly). This chapter emphasizes the unique holiness required for those specially set apart to God, providing a framework for intensified, personal devotion. Historically, such voluntary vows were a means for individuals to express profound dedication to God beyond the regular communal requirements, setting them apart to a greater degree of holiness, requiring greater care in maintaining ritual purity.

Numbers 6 12 Word analysis

• And he shall consecrate (וְהִקְדִּישׁ - vəhiq'dish): From the root qadash, meaning "to be holy," "to set apart," "to dedicate." In this Hiphil conjugation, it implies actively causing something to be holy or setting it apart for sacred use. Here, it refers to the act of renewing and re-establishing the sacred time and status of the Nazarite after defilement, setting those renewed days specifically apart to the LORD.
• to the LORD (לַֽיהוָה - laYahweh): Specifies the divine recipient and purpose of the consecration. It underscores that the Nazarite vow, even after a reset, remains entirely God-ward, affirming His sovereignty over the individual's devotion.
• the days of his separation (יְמֵ֥י נִזְרֹ֖ו - yəmei nizrô): "Days" (yəmê) emphasizes the temporal aspect of the vow. "His separation" (nizrô) derives from nazir, referring to the Nazarite's consecrated state, his unique status of being set apart. The phrase collectively highlights that the duration of their consecrated status to the LORD must be restarted from the beginning.
• and bring (יָבִ֣יא - yavî): "To bring," "to present." This verb denotes the active participation of the defiled Nazarite in presenting the required sacrifice for their purification and restoration. It is an act of penitence and ritual requirement.
• a male lamb a year old (כֶּבֶשׂ בֶּן־שְׂנָתֹו - keves ben-sənātô): "Male lamb" (keves) specifies the animal type. "A year old" (ben-sənātô) denotes an animal in its prime, without blemish, often symbolizing purity and suitability for sacrifice (e.g., Exod 12:5 for Passover lamb). This precise requirement emphasizes the value and flawlessness demanded in offerings for sin and guilt.
• for a guilt offering (לְאָשָׁ֑ם - lə'asham): From asham, referring to a "guilt offering" or "trespass offering." Unlike a general "sin offering" (hatta't) for unintentional sin against God's law, the asham is specifically for profaning holy things, defrauding, or violating God's rights or property. Here, the Nazarite's defilement is viewed not merely as a ritual impurity but as an encroachment upon or profaning of a sacred period consecrated to God, thus necessitating an asham. It implies restitution or making amends for an injury to God's holiness.
• but the former days (הַיָּמִ֣ים הָרִאשֹׁנִ֣ים - hayyāmîm hāri'šonîm): "The days" (hayyāmîm) "the first" or "former" (hāri'šonîm). This refers to the duration of the Nazarite vow already completed before the defilement occurred.
• shall be void (וְנָפְלֻ֣וּ - vənāfəlû): Literally, "and they shall fall." This powerful verb signifies that the previously accumulated days of dedication become invalid, wasted, or uncounted. Their spiritual efficacy and divine recognition cease due to the interruption of purity, emphasizing that only an unbroken commitment, or one fully cleansed and renewed, counts before God.
• because (כִּ֤י - ki): A causal conjunction, providing the reason for the nullification.
• his separation (נִזְרֹו - nizrô): Again, referring to his consecrated state, the period of being set apart.
• was defiled (טָמֵֽא - ṭāmē’): From the root ṭāmē', meaning "to be unclean," "to be impure." It describes the state of ritual defilement incurred, which specifically necessitates this reset and offering.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And he shall consecrate... for a guilt offering": This phrase details the required action: the Nazarite must re-establish their vow and present a specific atonement sacrifice. The guilt offering emphasizes the specific nature of the transgression, not just sin, but a desecration of something sacred. The year-old male lamb signifies the purity and prime nature required for reconciliation.
• "but the former days shall be void, because his separation was defiled.": This clarifies the immediate and severe consequence of defilement. The previously counted days are annulled, highlighting God's absolute standard of purity for things set apart to Him. It teaches that even well-intentioned acts of devotion lose their validity if purity is not maintained according to God's standard. The phrase "because his separation was defiled" explicitly states the direct cause, linking impurity to the forfeiture of consecrated status and time.

Numbers 6 12 Bonus section

The strict requirements and the 'restart' mechanism for the defiled Nazarite reveal several profound truths. First, it underscores that genuine devotion is measured by adherence to divine standards of purity, not merely by intention or duration. Second, the type of sacrifice (guilt offering) illustrates that transgressing a sacred vow or defiling sacred things is an offense not only against ritual law but an infringement on God's holiness and His rightful claim over consecrated elements. It suggests that sin has consequences that "cost" and require payment. Third, the allowance for restarting the vow, rather than outright disqualification, showcases God's grace and redemptive purpose, providing a way for repentance, cleansing, and recommitment for those who genuinely desire to continue their consecration. It foreshadows the New Covenant reality where confession and cleansing enable believers to return to fellowship and walk in holiness (1 Jn 1:9), building upon Christ's perfect and ultimate "guilt offering" (Isa 53:10) for all. The principle of the "fallen days" resonates spiritually with times Christians may feel their spiritual efforts are "void" due to sin or neglect, yet there is always a path of repentance and renewed consecration available through Christ's work.

Numbers 6 12 Commentary

Numbers 6:12 reveals the profound holiness inherent in any voluntary vow to the LORD, particularly the Nazarite vow. The defilement by contact with death is not treated as a minor transgression, but as a serious violation requiring an immediate, comprehensive ritual reset. The "guilt offering" (asham) specifically signifies that the defilement isn't merely a personal mistake but an intrusion upon God's sacred space or time—the period the Nazarite consecrated wholly to Him. The nullification of "former days" illustrates God's absolute standard for sanctification; a broken commitment, even if unintentional, or ritual impurity, necessitates a full re-dedication from day one. This process, however stringent, offers a pathway back to integrity within the vow, showing God's provision for restoration even in human fallibility. It teaches that true devotion requires persistent purity and that God provides a means for those who genuinely seek to be consecrated to Him to find cleansing and a fresh start when they falter. This also mirrors a broader biblical principle: just as our previous righteous deeds cannot atone for present sin (Ezek 33:12), defiled consecrated time needs a new beginning through atonement.