Numbers 6 21

Numbers 6:21 kjv

This is the law of the Nazarite who hath vowed, and of his offering unto the LORD for his separation, beside that that his hand shall get: according to the vow which he vowed, so he must do after the law of his separation.

Numbers 6:21 nkjv

"This is the law of the Nazirite who vows to the LORD the offering for his separation, and besides that, whatever else his hand is able to provide; according to the vow which he takes, so he must do according to the law of his separation."

Numbers 6:21 niv

"?'This is the law of the Nazirite who vows offerings to the LORD in accordance with their dedication, in addition to whatever else they can afford. They must fulfill the vows they have made, according to the law of the Nazirite.'?"

Numbers 6:21 esv

"This is the law of the Nazirite. But if he vows an offering to the LORD above his Nazirite vow, as he can afford, in exact accordance with the vow that he takes, then he shall do in addition to the law of the Nazirite."

Numbers 6:21 nlt

"This is the ritual law of the Nazirites, who vow to bring these offerings to the LORD. They may also bring additional offerings if they can afford it. And they must be careful to do whatever they vowed when they set themselves apart as Nazirites."

Numbers 6 verses

Numbers 6 21 Meaning

Numbers 6:21 concludes the detailed instructions concerning the Nazirite vow. It states that this outlined regulation defines the proper conduct for a Nazirite who has voluntarily consecrated themselves to the LORD. Crucially, it emphasizes that beyond the prescribed offerings, the individual must also fulfill any additional vow or offering they have made, acting strictly in accordance with the divine law governing their dedicated separation.

Numbers 6 21 Context

Numbers chapter 6 delineates the law of the Nazirite vow. Verses 1-20 detail the specific requirements for Nazirites, including abstinence from wine and grapes, refraining from cutting their hair, and avoiding contact with the dead. It also specifies the purification rites and the unique offerings required upon the completion of their vow. Verse 21 serves as a concluding summary statement for this section, affirming the overarching principle governing all aspects of the Nazirite's commitment. Historically and culturally, the Nazirite vow was a unique provision for individuals (male or female, layman or laywoman) who desired to express an extraordinary, voluntary degree of devotion and separation to the LORD, often for a limited period, resembling some aspects of priestly holiness in everyday life. This lay-vow emphasized a personal initiative towards sanctification, distinguishing it from hereditary priesthood.

Numbers 6 21 Word analysis

• This is the law (זֹאת תּוֹרַת, zō’ṯ tô·raṯ): "This" (zo't) points back to the entirety of the Nazirite regulations detailed in Num 6:1-20. "Law" (Torah) signifies more than a mere rule; it is a divine instruction, teaching, and prescribed way of life. It implies God's established pattern for this specific form of devotion.

• of the Nazirite (הַנָּזִיר, han·nā·zîr): Derived from the root "nazar" (נָזַר), meaning "to separate," "to consecrate," or "to dedicate." It identifies a person voluntarily set apart for special devotion and holiness to Yahweh. This state of separation involves specific practices unique to them.

• who vows (אֲשֶׁר נָדַר, ’ă·šer nā·ḏar): Highlights the voluntary nature of the Nazirite vow. Unlike priests born into service, Nazirites actively chose this path. The term "nā·ḏar" emphasizes the binding, solemn promise made to God.

• his offering (קָרְבָּנוֹ, qār·bā·nōw): From "qorban," meaning "a gift brought near," especially an offering or sacrifice to God. Here it refers specifically to the mandatory sacrifices required at the completion of the Nazirite's period of separation. These are stipulated to make atonement and confirm their holiness.

• to the LORD (לַֽיהוָה, Yahweh): Specifies that the vow and dedication are directed to Israel's covenant God, the personal name Yahweh, underscoring the intimate, relational aspect of this deep devotion. It implies worship and allegiance to the one true God.

• for his separation (עַל־נִזְרוֹ, ‘al-niz·rōw): Refers to the state or duration of his "Nazirite-ship" or consecration. It means "on account of" or "concerning" his entire dedicated period, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of the vow.

• besides what else he can afford (מִלְּבַד אֲשֶׁר תַּשִׂיג יָדוֹ, mil·lə·ḇaḏ ’ă·šer taś·śîḡ yā·ḏōw): This phrase indicates that beyond the required sacrifices, if the Nazirite has the capacity ("what his hand attains"), they can offer additional voluntary contributions. This part speaks to the depth of individual commitment, zeal, and generosity, going beyond mere legal obligation. It suggests that sincere devotion prompts generosity.

• according to the vow which he takes (כְּפִי נִדְרוֹ אֲשֶׁר יִדֹּר, kə·p̄î niḏ·rōw ’ă·šer yiḏ·dōr): Emphasizes the personal nature and specificity of the individual's solemn pledge. It highlights the Nazirite's direct accountability for their own verbalized commitment before God.

• so must he do (כֵּן יַעֲשֶׂה, kên ya‘ăśeh): A clear imperative emphasizing compliance. What was vowed, must be carried out. It speaks to the integrity of the individual and the seriousness of making promises to God.

• according to the law of his separation (עַל־תּוֹרַת נִזְרוֹ, ‘al-tō·raṯ niz·rōw): Reiteration of the specific divine instruction for his period of separation. It implies that every aspect of the Nazirite's consecrated state, from its commencement to its conclusion, is governed by Yahweh's detailed ordinances. It reinforces the authority of God's commands.

• Phrase analysis: "besides what else he can afford, according to the vow which he takes, so must he do": This phrase combines the fixed obligation with the freewill element and then binds them together with an overarching command to fulfil everything vowed. It showcases that a Nazirite's devotion involved both strict adherence to general Nazirite law and faithfulness to any additional, personally imposed commitments. This prevents mere minimalist compliance and encourages wholehearted devotion. The phrase demonstrates a divine principle that exceeding minimal requirements through freewill offerings is pleasing to God, but any commitment made must be kept.

Numbers 6 21 Bonus section

The Nazirite vow, though regulated by precise laws, always had an element of freewill (voluntary dedication) at its heart. This contrasted with hereditary priesthoods, making a high level of spiritual dedication accessible to anyone. The additional offerings beyond the fixed sacrifices underscore the concept of a "living sacrifice" (Rom 12:1-2), a principle of total self-giving that prefigures the Christian's call to consecrate their whole life to God, not just specific acts of obedience. This aspect also potentially countered any contemporary pagan votive practices where only the bare minimum or ritual might be observed, by emphasizing a deeper heart-level commitment and willing generosity. It establishes a standard where one's spiritual commitment extends beyond mere outward duty to include the resources of time, talent, and treasure given freely for God's glory.

Numbers 6 21 Commentary

Numbers 6:21 concludes the detailed Nazirite code by reaffirming the solemnity and totality of the Nazirite's commitment. It functions as a summary, highlighting that the Nazirite law (Torah) comprehensively covers both the standard obligations and any additional, voluntary vows made by the individual. The mention of offering "besides what else he can afford" speaks to the sincerity of devotion beyond the prescribed minimum, where zeal prompts generosity. However, whatever additional vow is made, it is binding—"so must he do." This underscores a core biblical principle: a promise made to God, particularly in the context of voluntary consecration, carries full divine weight and requires complete fulfillment. The verse thus serves as a powerful reminder of the personal accountability and integrity required when making sacred pledges to the LORD, emphasizing that commitment extends beyond basic requirements to encompass all one has vowed and is able to offer in devotion.