Numbers 6 5

Numbers 6:5 kjv

All the days of the vow of his separation there shall no razor come upon his head: until the days be fulfilled, in the which he separateth himself unto the LORD, he shall be holy, and shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow.

Numbers 6:5 nkjv

'All the days of the vow of his separation no razor shall come upon his head; until the days are fulfilled for which he separated himself to the LORD, he shall be holy. Then he shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow.

Numbers 6:5 niv

"?'During the entire period of their Nazirite vow, no razor may be used on their head. They must be holy until the period of their dedication to the LORD is over; they must let their hair grow long.

Numbers 6:5 esv

"All the days of his vow of separation, no razor shall touch his head. Until the time is completed for which he separates himself to the LORD, he shall be holy. He shall let the locks of hair of his head grow long.

Numbers 6:5 nlt

"They must never cut their hair throughout the time of their vow, for they are holy and set apart to the LORD. Until the time of their vow has been fulfilled, they must let their hair grow long.

Numbers 6 verses

Numbers 6 5 Meaning

Numbers 6:5 describes a key physical manifestation and requirement of the Nazirite vow: the complete abstention from cutting hair throughout the period of consecration. This visible symbol distinguished the Nazirite as one set apart solely for the Lord, emphasizing dedication and a state of holiness that must be maintained until the vow's specific duration is completed.

Numbers 6 5 Context

Numbers chapter 6 details the specific regulations for the Nazirite vow, which was a voluntary act of intense, temporary, or sometimes lifelong consecration to the Lord, accessible to any Israelite. This chapter follows laws concerning various defilements and precedes the priestly blessing and offerings, highlighting its significance within Israel's communal worship and personal devotion. Historically, such vows allowed individuals to demonstrate heightened commitment to God beyond standard ritual requirements, expressing deep piety or fulfilling a specific prayer. The Nazirite regulations emphasized visible distinctiveness and separation from worldly pleasures or norms, aiming for spiritual purity and undivided focus on God. The prohibition of cutting hair was one of three main Nazirite prohibitions, alongside avoiding grape products and contact with the dead. This verse specifically underlines the continuous and visible nature of their devotion through their unshorn hair, a distinct marker in a society where shorn hair was common.

Numbers 6 5 Word analysis

• All the days (כָּל יְמֵי - kol y'mei): Emphasizes the entire duration of the vow, highlighting an uninterrupted commitment. It signifies completeness and wholeness in the act of separation, not just for a moment but throughout the appointed time.
• his separation (נִזְרוֹ - nizro): From the root נזר (nazir), meaning "to separate," "to dedicate," "to consecrate." It refers to the state of being consecrated, set apart from common use. This is the very essence of the Nazirite vow, signifying devotion solely to God. The word itself is tied to the act of "wearing a crown," implying kingly or priestly dedication.
• no razor (תַּעַר לֹא - ta'ar lo): A razor (תַּעַר - ta'ar) is a sharp blade for shaving. The absolute prohibition ("no") emphasizes that no trimming or cutting whatsoever is allowed. This stands in contrast to the prescribed practices for priests, who maintained groomed hair, highlighting the Nazirite's unique separation.
• shall touch (יַעֲבֹר - ya'avor): Lit. "pass over." It implies not just cutting but any contact or passing of a razor over the head. This reinforces the stringency of the command, preserving the absolute nature of the long hair as a sign.
• his head (עַל רֹאשׁוֹ - al ro'sho): The head, as the most visible and highest part of the body, was often symbolic of a person's identity, honor, or even a representation of the entire person. The unkempt hair on the head serves as a clear, outward symbol of an inner vow.
• until the days are fulfilled (עַד מְלֹאת - ad m'lo't): Until the full measure or completion. This indicates a definite end point for the vow, after which the conditions change (hair shaved off, offerings made). It suggests discipline and adherence to the agreed-upon duration of dedication.
• for which he separated himself (אֲשֶׁר קָדַשׁ - asher qadash): This connects back to the core concept of holiness (קָדַשׁ - qadash - to be holy, sacred). It's a self-initiated act of making oneself holy for God, not merely an external rule, but a profound inward decision expressed outwardly.
• to the LORD (לַיהוָה - laYHWH): Directs the entire vow and separation towards God himself. This underlines the exclusive object of their devotion and commitment, reinforcing the monotheistic purity of the act in contrast to pagan rituals.
• he shall be holy (קָדוֹשׁ יִהְיֶה - qadosh yihyeh): Literally, "he shall become holy" or "he will be holy." This declares the state of sanctity achieved through the vow. The long hair signifies this conferred holiness. It is an outward sign of an inner consecrated status given by God.
• and shall let the locks of hair (פֶּרַע שְׂעַר - pera' se'ar): "Locks of hair" (פֶּרַע - pera') specifically refers to luxuriant, untrimmed, wild, or shaggy growth of hair. It's not just "hair," but hair that has been allowed to grow freely and conspicuously. This is the tangible result of the razor prohibition and the defining visual characteristic.
• of his head grow long (רֹאשׁוֹ יִגְדָּל - ro'sho yigdal): Reinforces the command to allow the hair to increase in length, becoming a clear sign visible to all, representing the continuous and living nature of the Nazirite's commitment.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "All the days of his separation no razor shall touch his head": This clause establishes the central rule of uncut hair throughout the vow. It signifies that the physical body, specifically the hair on the head, becomes a living testimony to a spiritual commitment, demonstrating submission to God's will for the duration. It represents a surrender of personal aesthetic choice in favor of divine commandment, emphasizing the purity and untainted nature of their devotion.
• "until the days are fulfilled for which he separated himself to the LORD": This defines the timeframe and purpose of the separation. The Nazirite's commitment is specific, measured, and goal-oriented. The phrase "separated himself to the LORD" reiterates the voluntary and divine-centric nature of the vow, distinguishing it from general ritual cleanliness; it's an act of profound devotion directed solely towards the Almighty. The completion marks a transformation from separation to integration back into common Israelite life through offerings.
• "he shall be holy, and shall let the locks of hair of his head grow long": This part explains the significance of the act. The long hair is both a consequence of the vow's regulations and a symbol of the consecrated state. The phrase "he shall be holy" emphasizes the transformed spiritual status of the Nazirite during this period, acknowledged by God. The "long locks of hair" visually proclaim this holiness, making the Nazirite a walking reminder of the power of dedication and set-apartness, a living sacrifice whose appearance directly communicates his or her spiritual state to the community.

Numbers 6 5 Bonus section

The concept of nezer (separation/crown) is highly significant. In various biblical contexts, nezer can refer to a diadem or crown worn by kings (2 Sam 1:10) or priests (Exod 29:6; 39:30). For the Nazirite, their long hair was seen as their "crown" of dedication, a tangible symbol of their unique, consecrated status. This suggests a type of spiritual royalty or priesthood, wherein the individual, through self-denial and devotion, bears a mark of honor from God, signifying a personal and intimate relationship with Him. The hair also signified vitality or life force in ancient thought, and allowing it to grow freely symbolized allowing God's life and power to flow unrestricted through the dedicated person, exemplified strikingly in the life of Samson, whose supernatural strength was directly linked to his uncut hair as a Nazirite. The command for their hair to grow long is literally a command for it to grow untamed or "wild," potentially contrasting with pagan priests or cultists who might trim or ritualistically adorn their hair for different gods.

Numbers 6 5 Commentary

Numbers 6:5 serves as the visible heart of the Nazirite vow. The prohibition against cutting hair was not merely an arbitrary rule; it functioned as a powerful, ever-present symbol of the Nazirite's profound consecration to the Lord. In a culture where careful grooming was common, unshorn hair clearly set the individual apart, signifying a devotion that superseded conventional societal norms. It indicated a life under specific, divine mandate, drawing direct parallels to God's absolute holiness, from which they drew their temporary holiness.

This visible marker served multiple purposes: it was a constant reminder to the Nazirite of their personal commitment, urging self-awareness and discipline. For the community, it provided a tangible witness to intense devotion and the possibility of extraordinary personal holiness. The growth of the hair, naturally and untamed, mirrored a dedication that was natural and unrestrained, not coerced, but flowing from an inward purpose. It speaks to a commitment that is living and growing, distinct from the legalistic fulfillment of minimal requirements. The command ensures the Nazirite remains unmistakably marked until the vow's duration, when the hair is then shaved and offered as part of the ritual conclusion, symbolizing the returning of their devoted time and self to God. This entire process foreshadows the Christian's calling to a continuous, spiritual Nazirite lifestyle—to be wholly consecrated, distinct, and holy unto the Lord (1 Pet 1:15-16; Rom 12:1).