Numbers 6 13

Numbers 6:13 kjv

And this is the law of the Nazarite, when the days of his separation are fulfilled: he shall be brought unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation:

Numbers 6:13 nkjv

'Now this is the law of the Nazirite: When the days of his separation are fulfilled, he shall be brought to the door of the tabernacle of meeting.

Numbers 6:13 niv

"?'Now this is the law of the Nazirite when the period of their dedication is over. They are to be brought to the entrance to the tent of meeting.

Numbers 6:13 esv

"And this is the law for the Nazirite, when the time of his separation has been completed: he shall be brought to the entrance of the tent of meeting,

Numbers 6:13 nlt

"This is the ritual law for Nazirites. At the conclusion of their time of separation as Nazirites, they must each go to the entrance of the Tabernacle

Numbers 6 verses

Numbers 6 13 Meaning

Numbers 6:13 describes the precise commencement of the ritual process for a Nazirite when their period of dedication, known as a vow of separation, has been fully completed. It mandates that such an individual must be presented at the very entrance of the tabernacle of meeting, the sacred dwelling where God’s presence abode, signifying their public and ordered return from their period of unique devotion, ready for the prescribed culminating sacrifices and the formal release from their solemn commitment.

Numbers 6 13 Context

Numbers chapter 6 delineates the "Law of the Nazirite," detailing a voluntary vow of separation to the Lord available to any Israelite, distinct from the hereditary priesthood. This vow involved abstinence from wine, strong drink, grape products, not cutting one's hair, and avoiding contact with the dead for a specified period. The chapter is sandwiched between discussions of specific laws and the consecration of the Tabernacle service, emphasizing the holiness and order required in God's presence. Verse 13 specifically introduces the detailed protocol for completing such a vow. It signifies the Nazirite's return to regular life, but not without a precise and holy ceremony performed at the center of Israelite worship, highlighting that even personal, voluntary devotion must conclude according to divine instruction and atonement. Historically, such vows allowed individuals, both men and women, a means to express extraordinary devotion beyond what the general covenant law mandated, providing a personal spiritual outlet.

Numbers 6 13 Word analysis

• And this is the law (וְזֹאת תּוֹרַת - ve'zot torat):

  • וְזֹאת (ve'zot): "And this is." A common Hebrew introductory phrase, signalling the commencement of a new instruction or regulation. It sets a formal tone, highlighting the gravity and official nature of the information to follow.
  • תּוֹרַת (torat): "the law of" or "the instruction of." Derived from torah, which fundamentally means divine teaching or instruction. It implies guidance from God on how to live and worship, not merely a set of rigid rules. Here, it signifies the divinely ordained procedure for completing the Nazirite vow, emphasizing God's careful order for human spiritual initiatives.

• of the Nazirite (הַנָּזִיר - ha-nazir):

  • הַנָּזִיר (ha-nazir): "the Nazirite," meaning "the separated one" or "the consecrated one." From the root נָזַר (nazar), "to separate, dedicate oneself." This term defines an individual who has voluntarily set themselves apart from common life and dedicated themselves to God for a specific period, reflecting a heightened commitment to holiness and unique obedience.

• when the days of his separation (בִּמְלֹאת יְמֵי נִזְרוֹ - bimlot yemei nizro):

  • בִּמְלֹאת (bimlot): "when the fullness of," "when they are completed" or "when they are fulfilled." From the root מָלֵא (male'), "to be full, to be completed." It signifies the culmination of a set period, emphasizing the definite end of the time dedicated to the vow. This indicates that the duration of the vow was pre-determined and specific.
  • יְמֵי (yemei): "the days of." Refers to the temporal duration, stressing that the vow was for a defined period, unlike lifelong commitments in other contexts (e.g., Samuel).
  • נִזְרוֹ (nizro): "his separation," or "his vow of consecration." Refers specifically to the consecrated state and the disciplines undertaken during the vow period, reinforcing the idea of a set-apart spiritual endeavor.

• are fulfilled: (See "bimlot" above for "when...are fulfilled").

• he shall be brought (יָבִיא אֹתוֹ - yavi oto):

  • יָבִיא (yavi): "he shall bring." While the direct translation is "he shall bring him," the passive sense is often used idiomatically or implying that someone brings him or that he presents himself, effectively being brought. This isn't a casual arrival; it suggests a formal presentation. It could be by the person themselves, or by others on their behalf (like a priest or guardian), emphasizing that this step is a public, commanded action, not a personal whim. The phrase underscores the necessity of divine ordinance for the conclusion of such a holy vow.

• to the door (אֶל פֶּתַח - el petach):

  • אֶל (el): "to," indicating direction.
  • פֶּתַח (petach): "opening" or "entrance," specifically the "doorway" or "gate." This refers to the most significant point of entry into the sacred space.

• of the tabernacle of meeting (אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד - ohel mo'ed):

  • אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד (ohel mo'ed): "Tent of Meeting." This is the dwelling place where God had designated to meet with His people Israel, providing instructions, revealing His will, and receiving worship. It was the earthly nexus of God's presence among them, making the Nazirite's presentation there a highly significant religious act, signifying entry into God's immediate presence for this solemn concluding rite.

Words-group analysis:

• "And this is the law of the Nazirite": Establishes divine authority and legal framework for the personal vow, ensuring it operates within God's revealed will rather than purely individual impulse. It highlights that even deeply personal acts of devotion are to be governed by divine order.
• "when the days of his separation are fulfilled": Emphasizes the temporal nature of the vow and the importance of completion. The entire period of unique discipline had a definite end, signaling a transition point requiring specific ritual acts. It points to a structured process, not an open-ended commitment.
• "he shall be brought to the door of the tabernacle of meeting": Underscores the public, ritualistic, and divinely mandated nature of the conclusion. It is not a quiet return to normalcy but a formal presentation at the focal point of Israelite worship, signifying divine approval, communal witness, and the commencement of necessary atonement and rededication. It shows the sanctity and gravity associated with even the termination of such a holy commitment.

Numbers 6 13 Bonus section

The "door of the tabernacle of meeting" was a profoundly symbolic location. It was the threshold between the profane and the sacred, the common and the holy. Every offering for atonement or praise entered through this door (Lev 1:3). For the Nazirite, being brought to this specific spot after their completed vow signified:

1. Transition: A formal shift from their set-apart status back into the general community, but with a unique blessing.
2. Accountability: They were accountable to God for the period of their vow, and the ensuing sacrifices would address any unintended sin or bring thanksgiving.
3. Holiness: The sanctity of their vow was reaffirmed by their appearance at this holy threshold.
4. Divine Authority: The entire process, from initiation to termination, was under God's strict ordering, underscoring that acts of worship and dedication were not left to human whim but regulated by divine instruction.
5. Preparation for Reintegration: The subsequent rituals (as described in Num 6:14ff) would prepare them to return to communal life while acknowledging the unique spiritual journey they had completed.

Numbers 6 13 Commentary

Numbers 6:13 acts as a transitional verse, shifting the focus from the disciplinary aspects of the Nazirite vow to its culminating rituals. It meticulously outlines the starting point for formal completion: once the pre-determined period of separation is truly over. The Nazirite is not to simply rejoin society; instead, a mandatory public appearance at the Tabernacle door marks the commencement of a prescribed set of actions. This highlights several key theological truths. Firstly, personal devotion, however profound, must operate within God's revealed framework—hence, "this is the law." Secondly, all consecration, whether temporary or perpetual, culminates in approach to God's presence, specifically at the Tabernacle of Meeting, the designated place of encounter. Lastly, the emphasis on the vow being "fulfilled" before the Nazirite "shall be brought" signifies God's valuing of commitment and completion in spiritual undertakings. It demonstrates that entering into, and departing from, extraordinary spiritual commitment must be done with intention, order, and reverence before the Lord, ultimately requiring specific offerings for atonement and gratitude, acknowledging both human frailty and divine grace even in sincere service.