King James Version
Numbers 6
27 verses with commentary
The Nazirite Vow
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This introduces the Nazirite vow, a voluntary consecration to God for a specified period. The Hebrew 'nazir' means 'separated' or 'consecrated,' emphasizing complete devotion to Yahweh. This provision allowed any Israelite, male or female, to take a special vow of dedication, demonstrating that holiness was accessible beyond the priesthood.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5-10. Bring the tribe of Levi near--**The Hebrew word "bring near" is a sacrificial term, denoting the presentation of an offering to God; and the use of the word, therefore, in connection with the Levites, signifies that they were devoted as an offering to the sanctuary, no longer to be employed in any common offices. They were subordinate to the priests, who alone enjoyed the privilege of ente...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The law concerning the Nazarites.(1-21)
The form of blessing the people.(22-27)
**Verses 1-21**
The word Nazarite signifies separation. Some were appointed of God, before their birth, to be Nazarites all their days, as Samson and John the Baptist. But, in general, it was a vow of separation from the world and devotedness to the services of religion, for ...
Read full commentary →Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall separate themselves to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate themselves unto the LORD: to separate: or, to make themselves Nazarites
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God instructs Moses about the Nazirite vow, a voluntary consecration where an individual separates themselves to the LORD. The Hebrew 'nazir' (נָזִיר) means 'separated' or 'consecrated,' indicating one set apart for special devotion. The phrase 'when either man or woman shall separate themselves' emphasizes that this consecration was available to both sexes, unusual in ancient Israel's primarily m...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
VI.
(2) **When either man or woman shall separate themselves to vow a vow . . . —**Better, *When a man or woman shall make a special *(or singular) *vow *(as in Leviticus 27:2)—*the vow of a Nazirite. *The verb which is here used denotes the doing something wonderful or extraordinary, and the spiritual lesson seems to be that Christ’s servants are expected and required to do something more than ot...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5-10. Bring the tribe of Levi near--**The Hebrew word "bring near" is a sacrificial term, denoting the presentation of an offering to God; and the use of the word, therefore, in connection with the Levites, signifies that they were devoted as an offering to the sanctuary, no longer to be employed in any common offices. They were subordinate to the priests, who alone enjoyed the privilege of ente...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The law concerning the Nazarites.(1-21)
The form of blessing the people.(22-27)
**Verses 1-21**
The word Nazarite signifies separation. Some were appointed of God, before their birth, to be Nazarites all their days, as Samson and John the Baptist. But, in general, it was a vow of separation from the world and devotedness to the services of religion, for ...
Read full commentary →He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat moist grapes, or dried.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Abstinence from wine and strong drink marked the Nazirite's separation from common pleasures. Wine in Scripture often symbolizes joy and celebration, yet the Nazirite's greater joy was found in devotion to God alone. This self-denial wasn't asceticism but focused consecration, prioritizing spiritual discipline over temporal pleasure.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink . . . —**The law of the Nazirite in this respect, as in regard to defilement from the dead, was more strict than that which was enjoined upon the priests, thus typifying the entire surrender of the heart and life to God, and freedom from the distraction of earthly ties. The ideal of this separation, however, was not that of a life of monas...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5-10. Bring the tribe of Levi near--**The Hebrew word "bring near" is a sacrificial term, denoting the presentation of an offering to God; and the use of the word, therefore, in connection with the Levites, signifies that they were devoted as an offering to the sanctuary, no longer to be employed in any common offices. They were subordinate to the priests, who alone enjoyed the privilege of ente...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The law concerning the Nazarites.(1-21)
The form of blessing the people.(22-27)
**Verses 1-21**
The word Nazarite signifies separation. Some were appointed of God, before their birth, to be Nazarites all their days, as Samson and John the Baptist. But, in general, it was a vow of separation from the world and devotedness to the services of religion, for ...
Read full commentary →All the days of his separation shall he eat nothing that is made of the vine tree, from the kernels even to the husk. separation: or, Nazariteship vine: Heb. vine of the wine
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The prohibition extended even to grape seeds and skins, demonstrating total separation from anything associated with the vine. This comprehensive avoidance teaches that genuine consecration affects every detail of life. The Hebrew emphasis on completeness ('all the days of his separation') shows that half-hearted devotion contradicts the nature of the vow.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **From the kernels even to the husk.**—The word which is rendered *kenels *is supposed by some to denote sour grapes, and by others the kernels of berries. The word *zag *denotes the shell or husk.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5-10. Bring the tribe of Levi near--**The Hebrew word "bring near" is a sacrificial term, denoting the presentation of an offering to God; and the use of the word, therefore, in connection with the Levites, signifies that they were devoted as an offering to the sanctuary, no longer to be employed in any common offices. They were subordinate to the priests, who alone enjoyed the privilege of ente...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The law concerning the Nazarites.(1-21)
The form of blessing the people.(22-27)
**Verses 1-21**
The word Nazarite signifies separation. Some were appointed of God, before their birth, to be Nazarites all their days, as Samson and John the Baptist. But, in general, it was a vow of separation from the world and devotedness to the services of religion, for ...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The uncut hair served as the visible sign of the Nazirite vow, representing glory given to God rather than personal vanity. Hair in ancient culture symbolized strength and vitality (as with Samson), so allowing it to grow unchecked was a public declaration of dependence on God's strength rather than one's own. The requirement to be 'holy' (Hebrew 'qadosh') emphasizes separation unto God.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **There shall no razor come upon his head.**—The hair was to be suffered to grow in all its luxuriance during the days of the Nazirite vow. The meaning may be illustrated by reference to Leviticus 25:4-5; Leviticus 25:11, where it is prescribed that in the seventh year the vine was not to be pruned, and that the grapes of “the undressed vine” (literally, *the grapes of the Nazirite*) should no...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5-10. Bring the tribe of Levi near--**The Hebrew word "bring near" is a sacrificial term, denoting the presentation of an offering to God; and the use of the word, therefore, in connection with the Levites, signifies that they were devoted as an offering to the sanctuary, no longer to be employed in any common offices. They were subordinate to the priests, who alone enjoyed the privilege of ente...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The law concerning the Nazarites.(1-21)
The form of blessing the people.(22-27)
**Verses 1-21**
The word Nazarite signifies separation. Some were appointed of God, before their birth, to be Nazarites all their days, as Samson and John the Baptist. But, in general, it was a vow of separation from the world and devotedness to the services of religion, for ...
Read full commentary →All the days that he separateth himself unto the LORD he shall come at no dead body.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The prohibition 'he shall come at no dead body' establishes the Nazirite's supreme consecration. Even family deaths could not defile the vow (verse 7). The Hebrew <em>nephesh met</em> (dead body/corpse) rendered one ceremonially unclean, incompatible with Nazirite holiness. This extreme separation teaches that devotion to God sometimes requires setting aside even legitimate natural affections. Chr...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11-13. I have taken the Levites, &c.--**The consecration of this tribe did not originate in the legislative wisdom of Moses, but in the special appointment of God, who chose them as substitutes for the first-born. By an appointment made in memory of the last solemn judgment on Egypt (from which the Israelitish households were miraculously exempt) all the first-born were consecrated to God (E...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The law concerning the Nazarites.(1-21)
The form of blessing the people.(22-27)
**Verses 1-21**
The word Nazarite signifies separation. Some were appointed of God, before their birth, to be Nazarites all their days, as Samson and John the Baptist. But, in general, it was a vow of separation from the world and devotedness to the services of religion, for ...
Read full commentary →He shall not make himself unclean for his father, or for his mother, for his brother, or for his sister, when they die: because the consecration of his God is upon his head. consecration: Heb. separation
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
He shall not make himself unclean for his father, or for his mother, for his brother, or for his sister, when they die: because the consecration of his God is upon his head.' The Nazirite vow superseded even family obligations—normal mourning rituals involving corpse contact were forbidden. This parallels the high priest's restrictions (Leviticus 21:11) and shows that consecration to God takes pre...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **He shall not make himself unclean . . . —**The law of the Nazirite in this respect was equally stringent with that of the high priest (Leviticus 21:11), and more stringent than that which was imposed upon the priests generally (Leviticus 21:2-3).
**The consecration.**—Better, *the separation *(Hebrew, *nezer*)*. *So also in Numbers 6:9.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11-13. I have taken the Levites, &c.--**The consecration of this tribe did not originate in the legislative wisdom of Moses, but in the special appointment of God, who chose them as substitutes for the first-born. By an appointment made in memory of the last solemn judgment on Egypt (from which the Israelitish households were miraculously exempt) all the first-born were consecrated to God (E...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The law concerning the Nazarites.(1-21)
The form of blessing the people.(22-27)
**Verses 1-21**
The word Nazarite signifies separation. Some were appointed of God, before their birth, to be Nazarites all their days, as Samson and John the Baptist. But, in general, it was a vow of separation from the world and devotedness to the services of religion, for ...
Read full commentary →All the days of his separation he is holy unto the LORD.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The phrase 'all the days of his separation he is holy unto the LORD' establishes time-bound consecration. The Hebrew <em>kadosh</em> (holy) means set apart for divine purposes. The Nazirite's holiness was not inherent but positional—derived from separation unto God. This pictures justification where believers are declared holy through union with Christ, not through inherent righteousness. The time...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11-13. I have taken the Levites, &c.--**The consecration of this tribe did not originate in the legislative wisdom of Moses, but in the special appointment of God, who chose them as substitutes for the first-born. By an appointment made in memory of the last solemn judgment on Egypt (from which the Israelitish households were miraculously exempt) all the first-born were consecrated to God (E...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The law concerning the Nazarites.(1-21)
The form of blessing the people.(22-27)
**Verses 1-21**
The word Nazarite signifies separation. Some were appointed of God, before their birth, to be Nazarites all their days, as Samson and John the Baptist. But, in general, it was a vow of separation from the world and devotedness to the services of religion, for ...
Read full commentary →And if any man die very suddenly by him, and he hath defiled the head of his consecration; then he shall shave his head in the day of his cleansing, on the seventh day shall he shave it.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The law for defiling contamination teaches that even unintentional impurity required purification. The Hebrew <em>pit'om</em> (suddenly/unexpectedly) shows that ritual defilement could occur without warning or fault. Someone dying suddenly in the Nazirite's presence defiled the vow, requiring a fresh start (verses 9-12). This illustrates how sin's presence in the world affects even the consecrated...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-31. Number the children of Levi--**They were numbered as well as the other tribes; but the enumeration was made on a different principle--for while in the other tribes the number of males was calculated from twenty years and upward [Nu 1:3], in that of Levi they were counted "from a month old and upward." The reason for the distinction is obvious. In the other tribes the survey was made for p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The law concerning the Nazarites.(1-21)
The form of blessing the people.(22-27)
**Verses 1-21**
The word Nazarite signifies separation. Some were appointed of God, before their birth, to be Nazarites all their days, as Samson and John the Baptist. But, in general, it was a vow of separation from the world and devotedness to the services of religion, for ...
Read full commentary →And on the eighth day he shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons, to the priest, to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The requirement of 'two turtles, or two young pigeons' for purification shows God's gracious accommodation. These were the poorest acceptable offerings (Leviticus 5:7), allowing even impoverished Nazirites to complete purification. This demonstrates that God's provision enables obedience—He commands nothing impossible (1 Corinthians 10:13). The double offering may signify completeness of cleansing...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-31. Number the children of Levi--**They were numbered as well as the other tribes; but the enumeration was made on a different principle--for while in the other tribes the number of males was calculated from twenty years and upward [Nu 1:3], in that of Levi they were counted "from a month old and upward." The reason for the distinction is obvious. In the other tribes the survey was made for p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The law concerning the Nazarites.(1-21)
The form of blessing the people.(22-27)
**Verses 1-21**
The word Nazarite signifies separation. Some were appointed of God, before their birth, to be Nazarites all their days, as Samson and John the Baptist. But, in general, it was a vow of separation from the world and devotedness to the services of religion, for ...
Read full commentary →And the priest shall offer the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering, and make an atonement for him, for that he sinned by the dead, and shall hallow his head that same day.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The priest making atonement 'for his sin which he hath sinned by the dead' reveals that ceremonial defilement required sacrificial atonement, not mere washing. The Hebrew <em>kipper</em> (make atonement/cover) indicates substitutionary blood payment. Even though defilement was unintentional, it required priestly mediation and blood sacrifice. This teaches that all impurity before God—intentional o...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **And the priest shall offer . . . —**The word which is here rendered “offer” (*asah*)*, *like the Greek *poiein, *means literally “do.” Its sacrificial signification, however, in this place, is entirely dependent upon the context.
**By the dead.**—*i.e., *by reason of, or on account of the dead body with which he had been brought in contact.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-31. Number the children of Levi--**They were numbered as well as the other tribes; but the enumeration was made on a different principle--for while in the other tribes the number of males was calculated from twenty years and upward [Nu 1:3], in that of Levi they were counted "from a month old and upward." The reason for the distinction is obvious. In the other tribes the survey was made for p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The law concerning the Nazarites.(1-21)
The form of blessing the people.(22-27)
**Verses 1-21**
The word Nazarite signifies separation. Some were appointed of God, before their birth, to be Nazarites all their days, as Samson and John the Baptist. But, in general, it was a vow of separation from the world and devotedness to the services of religion, for ...
Read full commentary →And he shall consecrate unto the LORD the days of his separation, and shall bring a lamb of the first year for a trespass offering: but the days that were before shall be lost, because his separation was defiled. be lost: Heb. fall
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The command to 'consecrate unto the LORD the days of his separation' after defilement means restarting the vow from the beginning. The Hebrew <em>hizir</em> (consecrate/separate) indicates renewed dedication. The phrase 'the days that were before shall be lost' (verse 12) teaches that interrupted consecration cannot simply resume—it requires fresh beginning. This severe standard reveals the imposs...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-31. Number the children of Levi--**They were numbered as well as the other tribes; but the enumeration was made on a different principle--for while in the other tribes the number of males was calculated from twenty years and upward [Nu 1:3], in that of Levi they were counted "from a month old and upward." The reason for the distinction is obvious. In the other tribes the survey was made for p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The law concerning the Nazarites.(1-21)
The form of blessing the people.(22-27)
**Verses 1-21**
The word Nazarite signifies separation. Some were appointed of God, before their birth, to be Nazarites all their days, as Samson and John the Baptist. But, in general, it was a vow of separation from the world and devotedness to the services of religion, for ...
Read full commentary →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:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The completion of the Nazirite vow required bringing offerings at the tabernacle door, demonstrating that voluntary consecration must culminate in worship and sacrifice. The vow's fulfillment involved costly offerings (lamb, ewe, ram, unleavened bread), showing that devotion to God requires substantial commitment. The transition from the vow period to normal life was marked by formal ritual, teach...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-31. Number the children of Levi--**They were numbered as well as the other tribes; but the enumeration was made on a different principle--for while in the other tribes the number of males was calculated from twenty years and upward [Nu 1:3], in that of Levi they were counted "from a month old and upward." The reason for the distinction is obvious. In the other tribes the survey was made for p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The law concerning the Nazarites.(1-21)
The form of blessing the people.(22-27)
**Verses 1-21**
The word Nazarite signifies separation. Some were appointed of God, before their birth, to be Nazarites all their days, as Samson and John the Baptist. But, in general, it was a vow of separation from the world and devotedness to the services of religion, for ...
Read full commentary →And he shall offer his offering unto the LORD, one he lamb of the first year without blemish for a burnt offering, and one ewe lamb of the first year without blemish for a sin offering, and one ram without blemish for peace offerings,
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The threefold offering pattern (burnt offering, sin offering, peace offering) represents comprehensive worship—total dedication (burnt offering), atonement for sin (sin offering), and fellowship with God (peace offering). Even voluntary consecration required sin offering, demonstrating that human holiness is always incomplete and needs atonement. The specifications (male lamb, ewe lamb without ble...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **And he shall offer.**—The word which is here rendered *offer *is different from that which is used in Numbers 6:11, and means literally *to bring near. *The cognate noun is *Corban*—a word which St. Mark translates into Greek *dovon, *and which means a gift offered to God. (Comp. St. Matthew 15:5-6; St. Mark 7:11). The sin-offering was an offering of atonement for sins committed during the ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-31. Number the children of Levi--**They were numbered as well as the other tribes; but the enumeration was made on a different principle--for while in the other tribes the number of males was calculated from twenty years and upward [Nu 1:3], in that of Levi they were counted "from a month old and upward." The reason for the distinction is obvious. In the other tribes the survey was made for p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The law concerning the Nazarites.(1-21)
The form of blessing the people.(22-27)
**Verses 1-21**
The word Nazarite signifies separation. Some were appointed of God, before their birth, to be Nazarites all their days, as Samson and John the Baptist. But, in general, it was a vow of separation from the world and devotedness to the services of religion, for ...
Read full commentary →And a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, and wafers of unleavened bread anointed with oil, and their meat offering, and their drink offerings.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The basket of unleavened bread for the Nazirite offering represents purity and dedication. Leaven symbolizes sin throughout Scripture, so unleavened bread indicates sincerity and consecration. The cakes mixed with oil and wafers anointed with oil both point to the Holy Spirit's presence and enabling power. The variety of offerings—peace offerings alongside the unleavened bread—demonstrates that th...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **And their meat offering, and their drink offerings.**—*i.e., *the offerings of fine flour and oil and wine which belonged to the burnt-offerings and the peace-offerings (Numbers 15:3, &c.).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-31. Number the children of Levi--**They were numbered as well as the other tribes; but the enumeration was made on a different principle--for while in the other tribes the number of males was calculated from twenty years and upward [Nu 1:3], in that of Levi they were counted "from a month old and upward." The reason for the distinction is obvious. In the other tribes the survey was made for p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The law concerning the Nazarites.(1-21)
The form of blessing the people.(22-27)
**Verses 1-21**
The word Nazarite signifies separation. Some were appointed of God, before their birth, to be Nazarites all their days, as Samson and John the Baptist. But, in general, it was a vow of separation from the world and devotedness to the services of religion, for ...
Read full commentary →And the priest shall bring them before the LORD, and shall offer his sin offering, and his burnt offering:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The priest's presentation of the sin offering and burnt offering on the Nazirite's behalf demonstrates that even dedicated, consecrated service requires atonement. The Nazirite, though specially devoted to God, was still a sinner needing sacrifice. The sin offering dealt with defilement, while the burnt offering expressed total dedication. This order—sin addressed first, then dedication—reflects t...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-31. Number the children of Levi--**They were numbered as well as the other tribes; but the enumeration was made on a different principle--for while in the other tribes the number of males was calculated from twenty years and upward [Nu 1:3], in that of Levi they were counted "from a month old and upward." The reason for the distinction is obvious. In the other tribes the survey was made for p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The law concerning the Nazarites.(1-21)
The form of blessing the people.(22-27)
**Verses 1-21**
The word Nazarite signifies separation. Some were appointed of God, before their birth, to be Nazarites all their days, as Samson and John the Baptist. But, in general, it was a vow of separation from the world and devotedness to the services of religion, for ...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The ram as peace offering, accompanied by the basket of unleavened bread, completes the Nazirite's consecration ritual. Peace offerings were eaten by the offerer in fellowship with God and the priests, symbolizing restored relationship and covenant communion. The accompanying grain offering and drink offering rounded out the sacrifice, representing the fullness of dedication—animals, grain, and wi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-31. Number the children of Levi--**They were numbered as well as the other tribes; but the enumeration was made on a different principle--for while in the other tribes the number of males was calculated from twenty years and upward [Nu 1:3], in that of Levi they were counted "from a month old and upward." The reason for the distinction is obvious. In the other tribes the survey was made for p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The law concerning the Nazarites.(1-21)
The form of blessing the people.(22-27)
**Verses 1-21**
The word Nazarite signifies separation. Some were appointed of God, before their birth, to be Nazarites all their days, as Samson and John the Baptist. But, in general, it was a vow of separation from the world and devotedness to the services of religion, for ...
Read full commentary →And the Nazarite shall shave the head of his separation at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall take the hair of the head of his separation, and put it in the fire which is under the sacrifice of the peace offerings.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The Nazirite shall shave the head of his separation at the door of the tabernacle, and take the hair and put it in the fire which is under the sacrifice of peace offerings. The vow's completion involved cutting the hair grown during consecration and burning it with the peace offering. This marked transition from special consecration back to ordinary life. The hair, symbol of the vow, was offered t...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **And the Nazarita shall shave . . . —**The consignment of his hair to the sacrificial fire formed a solemn and suitable termination of the days of his separation to the Lord during the continuance of his Nazirite vow.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-31. Number the children of Levi--**They were numbered as well as the other tribes; but the enumeration was made on a different principle--for while in the other tribes the number of males was calculated from twenty years and upward [Nu 1:3], in that of Levi they were counted "from a month old and upward." The reason for the distinction is obvious. In the other tribes the survey was made for p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The law concerning the Nazarites.(1-21)
The form of blessing the people.(22-27)
**Verses 1-21**
The word Nazarite signifies separation. Some were appointed of God, before their birth, to be Nazarites all their days, as Samson and John the Baptist. But, in general, it was a vow of separation from the world and devotedness to the services of religion, for ...
Read full commentary →And the priest shall take the sodden shoulder of the ram, and one unleavened cake out of the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and shall put them upon the hands of the Nazarite, after the hair of his separation is shaven:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The priest taking the boiled shoulder of the ram, along with unleavened cakes and wafers, and placing them upon the Nazirite's hands before waving them demonstrates partnership in the offering. The Nazirite didn't merely watch the priest offer; he participated by holding the offering during the wave. This teaches that worship involves active participation, not passive observation. The shoulder rep...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-31. Number the children of Levi--**They were numbered as well as the other tribes; but the enumeration was made on a different principle--for while in the other tribes the number of males was calculated from twenty years and upward [Nu 1:3], in that of Levi they were counted "from a month old and upward." The reason for the distinction is obvious. In the other tribes the survey was made for p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The law concerning the Nazarites.(1-21)
The form of blessing the people.(22-27)
**Verses 1-21**
The word Nazarite signifies separation. Some were appointed of God, before their birth, to be Nazarites all their days, as Samson and John the Baptist. But, in general, it was a vow of separation from the world and devotedness to the services of religion, for ...
Read full commentary →And the priest shall wave them for a wave offering before the LORD: this is holy for the priest, with the wave breast and heave shoulder: and after that the Nazarite may drink wine.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The wave offering ritual, where the priest waved portions before the LORD, symbolized presenting offerings to God and receiving them back for priestly consumption. This represented fellowship between God and worshiper through the mediating priest. After this ceremony, the Nazirite was released to drink wine, demonstrating that the vow's restrictions were temporary, not permanent. This teaches that...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-31. Number the children of Levi--**They were numbered as well as the other tribes; but the enumeration was made on a different principle--for while in the other tribes the number of males was calculated from twenty years and upward [Nu 1:3], in that of Levi they were counted "from a month old and upward." The reason for the distinction is obvious. In the other tribes the survey was made for p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The law concerning the Nazarites.(1-21)
The form of blessing the people.(22-27)
**Verses 1-21**
The word Nazarite signifies separation. Some were appointed of God, before their birth, to be Nazarites all their days, as Samson and John the Baptist. But, in general, it was a vow of separation from the world and devotedness to the services of religion, for ...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The summary statement establishes that the prescribed offerings are the minimum for a Nazirite vow—basic requirements before the Lord. However, it allows for exceeding this baseline according to ability, showing that while God sets standards, generosity beyond requirement is commended. The language 'according to his vow which he vowed' emphasizes personal commitment—the Nazirite chose this consecr...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **Beside that that his hand shall get.**—i.e., besides any voluntary offerings which it may be in his power to make.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-31. Number the children of Levi--**They were numbered as well as the other tribes; but the enumeration was made on a different principle--for while in the other tribes the number of males was calculated from twenty years and upward [Nu 1:3], in that of Levi they were counted "from a month old and upward." The reason for the distinction is obvious. In the other tribes the survey was made for p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The law concerning the Nazarites.(1-21)
The form of blessing the people.(22-27)
**Verses 1-21**
The word Nazarite signifies separation. Some were appointed of God, before their birth, to be Nazarites all their days, as Samson and John the Baptist. But, in general, it was a vow of separation from the world and devotedness to the services of religion, for ...
Read full commentary →The Priestly Blessing
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God commands Moses to instruct Aaron and his sons in pronouncing the priestly blessing, establishing a perpetual pattern of mediated blessing. Though priests spoke the words, God Himself was the source of blessing ('they shall put my name upon the children of Israel'). This prefigures Christ our High Priest, through whom all spiritual blessings flow (Ephesians 1:3).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-31. Number the children of Levi--**They were numbered as well as the other tribes; but the enumeration was made on a different principle--for while in the other tribes the number of males was calculated from twenty years and upward [Nu 1:3], in that of Levi they were counted "from a month old and upward." The reason for the distinction is obvious. In the other tribes the survey was made for p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-27**
The priests were solemnly to bless the people in the name of the Lord. To be under the almighty protection of God our Saviour; to enjoy his favour as the smile of a loving Father, or as the cheering beams of the sun; while he mercifully forgives our sins, supplies our wants, consoles the heart, and prepares us by his grace for eternal glory; these things form the substance of ...
Read full commentary →Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them,
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This verse introduces the Aaronic benediction, commanding Aaron and his sons to pronounce blessing upon Israel. The Hebrew verb 'barak' (בָּרַךְ, 'bless') signifies more than mere well-wishing—it conveys empowerment, enrichment, and divine favor actively bestowed. God Himself prescribes the precise words and manner of blessing, demonstrating that true blessing flows from divine authority, not huma...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel.**—The occasions on which this blessing was used are not recorded. The blessing itself, which marks in a special manner the spiritual character of the chosen people, consists of three double clauses. In each of these three clauses the sacred name Jehovah is repeated, and there is a rising gradation in the blessing invoked, until it culminat...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-31. Number the children of Levi--**They were numbered as well as the other tribes; but the enumeration was made on a different principle--for while in the other tribes the number of males was calculated from twenty years and upward [Nu 1:3], in that of Levi they were counted "from a month old and upward." The reason for the distinction is obvious. In the other tribes the survey was made for p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-27**
The priests were solemnly to bless the people in the name of the Lord. To be under the almighty protection of God our Saviour; to enjoy his favour as the smile of a loving Father, or as the cheering beams of the sun; while he mercifully forgives our sins, supplies our wants, consoles the heart, and prepares us by his grace for eternal glory; these things form the substance of ...
Read full commentary →The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>The LORD bless thee, and keep thee.</strong> This opens the magnificent Aaronic benediction, one of Scripture's most beautiful blessings. The divine name <em>YHWH</em> (Yahweh) begins each of the three blessings, emphasizing that blessing flows from God's covenant character. The verb "bless" (<em>barak</em>, בָּרַךְ) means to endue with power for success, prosperity, and well-being—compreh...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-31. Number the children of Levi--**They were numbered as well as the other tribes; but the enumeration was made on a different principle--for while in the other tribes the number of males was calculated from twenty years and upward [Nu 1:3], in that of Levi they were counted "from a month old and upward." The reason for the distinction is obvious. In the other tribes the survey was made for p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-27**
The priests were solemnly to bless the people in the name of the Lord. To be under the almighty protection of God our Saviour; to enjoy his favour as the smile of a loving Father, or as the cheering beams of the sun; while he mercifully forgives our sins, supplies our wants, consoles the heart, and prepares us by his grace for eternal glory; these things form the substance of ...
Read full commentary →The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee.</strong> The second line of the Aaronic blessing intensifies the imagery with God's "face shining" upon His people. In Hebrew thought, the face represents the person—God's face shining indicates His favorable attention, approval, and pleasure. When a king's face shone upon a subject, it meant favor and acceptance. Divine di...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-31. Number the children of Levi--**They were numbered as well as the other tribes; but the enumeration was made on a different principle--for while in the other tribes the number of males was calculated from twenty years and upward [Nu 1:3], in that of Levi they were counted "from a month old and upward." The reason for the distinction is obvious. In the other tribes the survey was made for p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-27**
The priests were solemnly to bless the people in the name of the Lord. To be under the almighty protection of God our Saviour; to enjoy his favour as the smile of a loving Father, or as the cheering beams of the sun; while he mercifully forgives our sins, supplies our wants, consoles the heart, and prepares us by his grace for eternal glory; these things form the substance of ...
Read full commentary →The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.</strong> The benediction's climax combines God's favorable regard with the comprehensive blessing of <em>shalom</em>. "Lift up his countenance" intensifies the previous line's imagery—when someone lifts their face toward you, it indicates attention, approval, and welcoming relationship. God lifting His countenance means He lo...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-31. Number the children of Levi--**They were numbered as well as the other tribes; but the enumeration was made on a different principle--for while in the other tribes the number of males was calculated from twenty years and upward [Nu 1:3], in that of Levi they were counted "from a month old and upward." The reason for the distinction is obvious. In the other tribes the survey was made for p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-27**
The priests were solemnly to bless the people in the name of the Lord. To be under the almighty protection of God our Saviour; to enjoy his favour as the smile of a loving Father, or as the cheering beams of the sun; while he mercifully forgives our sins, supplies our wants, consoles the heart, and prepares us by his grace for eternal glory; these things form the substance of ...
Read full commentary →And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The repetition of 'I will bless them' provides emphatic assurance of God's commitment to Israel's welfare. This is divine promise, not wishful thinking—when God speaks blessing, it shall surely come to pass. The blessing encompasses both temporal provision and spiritual relationship, anticipating the 'every spiritual blessing' believers receive in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**32. chief--**rather, "chiefs" of the Levites. Three persons are mentioned as chiefs of these respective divisions [Nu 3:24, 30, 35]. And Eleazar presided over them; whence he is called "the second priest" (2Ki 25:18); and in the case of the high priest's absence from illness or other necessary occasions, he performed the duties (1Ki 4:4).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-27**
The priests were solemnly to bless the people in the name of the Lord. To be under the almighty protection of God our Saviour; to enjoy his favour as the smile of a loving Father, or as the cheering beams of the sun; while he mercifully forgives our sins, supplies our wants, consoles the heart, and prepares us by his grace for eternal glory; these things form the substance of ...
Read full commentary →