Numbers 6 17

Numbers 6:17 kjv

And he shall offer the ram for a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD, with the basket of unleavened bread: the priest shall offer also his meat offering, and his drink offering.

Numbers 6:17 nkjv

and he shall offer the ram as a sacrifice of a peace offering to the LORD, with the basket of unleavened bread; the priest shall also offer its grain offering and its drink offering.

Numbers 6:17 niv

He is to present the basket of unleavened bread and is to sacrifice the ram as a fellowship offering to the LORD, together with its grain offering and drink offering.

Numbers 6:17 esv

and he shall offer the ram as a sacrifice of peace offering to the LORD, with the basket of unleavened bread. The priest shall offer also its grain offering and its drink offering.

Numbers 6:17 nlt

then the ram for a peace offering, along with the basket of bread made without yeast. The priest must also present the prescribed grain offering and liquid offering to the LORD.

Numbers 6 verses

Numbers 6 17 Meaning

Numbers 6:17 describes a crucial step in the completion of a Nazirite's vow: the offering of the ram as a peace offering to the LORD, along with a basket of unleavened bread. The verse concludes by stating that the priest will also present its accompanying grain offering and drink offering. This ritual signifies the Nazirite's re-establishment of full communion and peace with God, marking the successful completion of a period of special separation and dedicated living. The peace offering specifically denotes fellowship and thanksgiving, allowing for a shared meal, while the unleavened bread symbolizes purity. The combined offerings represent a complete re-dedication and joyful release from the vow, transitioning the Nazirite back into ordinary communal life with an amplified sense of spiritual purification and gratefulness.

Numbers 6 17 Context

Numbers chapter 6 details the specific regulations concerning the Nazirite vow. This special, voluntary vow of separation to the LORD required individuals to abstain from wine and strong drink, avoid contact with the dead, and not cut their hair for a dedicated period. Upon completion of this period, the Nazirite was to come to the entrance of the tent of meeting and present a series of sacrifices. Num 6:17 specifically focuses on the presentation of the ram as a peace offering and its accompanying components, which represents the climactic moment of restored fellowship and purification following the fulfillment of the vow. Historically, the elaborate nature of these rituals reinforced Israel's unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, emphasizing His holiness and the detailed requirements for approaching Him, in contrast to the often arbitrary or ecstatic practices of surrounding pagan cultures. The careful specification of offerings ensured adherence to divine command and preserved ritual purity, vital for Israel's identity and worship.

Numbers 6 17 Word analysis

• and he shall offer: Hebrew: וְהִקְרִיב (vəhiqrîv). This is from the Hiphil stem of the verb qarab, meaning "to draw near," "to bring near," or "to present." It signifies the act of presenting an offering or gift. In this context, it highlights the Nazirite's direct involvement in bringing the primary animal sacrifice, emphasizing their personal commitment in fulfilling the vow.
• the ram: Hebrew: אֵיל (ēyl). A male sheep, mature and typically without blemish, highly valued for sacrifices in the Israelite system. Rams were used in various offerings, but specifically here for a peace offering. Its inclusion underscores the seriousness and cost of fulfilling the vow.
• as a sacrifice of peace offerings: Hebrew: זֶבַח שְׁלָמִים (zevakh sh'lamim). Zevach means "sacrifice" or "slaughter." Sh'lamim refers to "peace offerings," derived from the root shalom, meaning "peace," "wholeness," "completeness," or "well-being." This sacrifice uniquely allowed parts to be shared as a meal between God (through the altar fire), the priest, and the offerer, symbolizing restored fellowship, communion, and thanksgiving after the completed vow.
• to the LORD: Hebrew: לַיהוָה (la-YHWH). Explicitly states that the offering is dedicated solely to Yahweh, the God of Israel. This reinforced monotheistic worship and prevented syncretism with surrounding pagan practices.
• with the basket: Hebrew: עַל סַל (ʿal sal). ʿal means "upon" or "with," indicating accompaniment. Sal refers to a "basket," specifically containing cakes and wafers as prescribed in Num 6:15. This emphasizes the specific and required accompaniments to the animal sacrifice.
• of unleavened bread: Hebrew: הַמַּצּוֹת (hammattzot). Matzot (plural of matzah) refers to "unleavened bread" or "flatbreads" baked without yeast. This type of bread symbolizes purity, sincerity, and being uncorrupted, akin to its use in the Passover celebration. Its inclusion in the Nazirite ritual signifies the Nazirite's attained purity and freedom from the leaven of corruption, reflecting the cleansed state after completing the vow.
• and the priest shall offer also: Hebrew: וְהִקְרִיב הַכֹּהֵן גַּם (vəhiqrîv hakkōhēn gam). Here, the agent shifts from the Nazirite ("he") to "the priest." This highlights the essential mediatorial role of the consecrated priesthood in formalizing and presenting elements of the offerings. Gam means "also" or "indeed."
• its grain offering: Hebrew: אֶת־מִנְחָתוֹ (et-minchato). Minchah means "gift," "tribute," or specifically "grain offering." These were typically made of fine flour, often mixed with oil and frankincense (Lev 2). It accompanied animal sacrifices as a subsidiary offering, symbolizing devotion, a gift of produce, and acknowledgment of God’s provision.
• and its drink offering: Hebrew: וְאֶת־נִסְכּוֹ (və'et-nisko). Nesekh refers to a "libation" or "drink offering," usually of wine, poured out on the altar. Drink offerings often accompanied other sacrifices, symbolizing joy, dedication, and complete devotion to God (Num 15). The pouring out signifies complete devotion or emptying before the LORD.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "and he shall offer the ram as a sacrifice of peace offerings to the LORD": This segment outlines the Nazirite's direct responsibility for providing the central animal sacrifice. The focus on the "peace offering" (zevakh sh'lamim) is paramount, signifying the restoration of peace and communal relationship with God, culminating the separation period in fellowship. The dedication "to the LORD" confirms the holy, monotheistic purpose of the ritual, distinguishing it from pagan worship.
• "with the basket of unleavened bread": This specifies the mandatory dietary accompaniment, which underscores the purity, sincerity, and consecration required for one who has fulfilled a Nazirite vow. The unleavened bread’s symbolic nature emphasizes spiritual integrity and freedom from impurity (corruption often symbolized by leaven) in the re-entering of fellowship with God.
• "and the priest shall offer also its grain offering and its drink offering": This concluding phrase underscores the essential role of the priesthood in executing the detailed ritual procedures. While the Nazirite brought the initial offerings, the priest facilitates the final acts of worship, signifying the necessary priestly mediation within the Mosaic covenant. The grain and drink offerings act as a complete suite of tributes accompanying major sacrifices, sealing the act of re-consecration and joyous devotion with the entirety of physical sustenance and heartfelt devotion.

Numbers 6 17 Bonus section

• The meticulous instructions for the Nazirite vow highlight the Israelite concept of "separation unto the LORD." This was a voluntary, temporary period of intensified devotion, mirroring a microcosm of Israel's call to be a holy nation set apart for God (Exod 19:6). The ceremony in Num 6:17 thus marked a re-integration from this heightened state of holiness back into daily life, while retaining the lessons and purity gained.
• The progression of sacrifices required (burnt, sin, and peace offerings as per Num 6:14-17) is instructive. The burnt offering signified complete surrender and dedication. The sin offering addressed any unwitting defilement or imperfection during the vow, emphasizing the need for forgiveness even in dedicated service. The peace offering then sealed the re-dedication with joyous fellowship, acknowledging the successful completion of the commitment. Num 6:17 is the crescendo of this sequence.
• While these ancient sacrificial rituals no longer apply under the New Covenant, their underlying spiritual principles remain profound. The concepts of purity, voluntary dedication, repentance, communion with God, and thanksgiving are timeless. Believers today are called to offer "spiritual sacrifices" (1 Pet 2:5), which include acts of worship, praise (Heb 13:15), service, and the presentation of their bodies as living sacrifices (Rom 12:1). The "peace" obtained through Christ's ultimate sacrifice makes true fellowship with God eternally accessible, fulfilling the essence of the shalom found in the ancient peace offerings.

Numbers 6 17 Commentary

Numbers 6:17 represents a vital moment of culmination in the Nazirite's spiritual journey. The core offering of the ram as a peace offering is profoundly symbolic: it moves beyond mere atonement for sin (as addressed by the sin offering in Num 6:14) to the restoration of harmonious fellowship (shalom) with God. This shared meal of the peace offering underscored that the separation period was complete, and the Nazirite could re-enter full communion, both with the Divine and the community. The inclusion of the unleavened bread reinforces the themes of purity, sincerity, and a life lived free from corrupting influences, essential after a vow dedicated to God's holiness. The priest’s distinct role in presenting the accompanying grain and drink offerings confirms the divine order of worship and adds layers of complete dedication and thanksgiving, as these supplementary offerings typically expressed gratefulness and total commitment. This verse captures a rich tableau of ancient Israelite worship, showing God's meticulous care for vows, purity, and the beautiful path to restored intimacy with Him.