Numbers 6:1-4

Law of the Nazirites

1 Again the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,

2 "Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, 'When a man or woman makes a special vow, the vow of ¹a Nazirite, to dedicate himself to the LORD,

3 he shall ²abstain from wine and strong drink; he shall drink no vinegar, whether made from wine or strong drink, nor shall he drink any grape juice nor eat fresh or dried grapes.

4 'All the days of his separation he shall not eat anything * that is produced by the grape vine, from the seeds even to the skin.

Numbers 6:1-4 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO NUMBERS 6

In this chapter is given the law concerning Nazarites, Nu 6:1,2; which directs what they were to abstain from, from drinking wine, or any strong liquors, from shaving their heads, and defiling themselves with the dead, Nu 6:3-8; and in case of a defilement, directions are given what offerings a Nazarite should bring to be offered for him, Nu 6:9-12; and when the time of his Nazariteship was up, an account is given of what rites and ceremonies should then be performed, Nu 6:13-21; and the chapter is concluded with the form of blessing the children of Israel, to be used by Aaron and his sons, Nu 6:22-27.

Cross References

• 1. Judges 13:5; Judges 16:17; Amos 2:11, 12
• 2. Luke 1:15

Footnotes

• [a] Or "difficult"
• [b] I.e. one separated
• [c] Or "live as a Nazirite"
• [d] Or "living as a Nazirite," and so through v 21