King James Version

What Does Numbers 6:13 Mean?

Numbers 6:13 in the King James Version says “And this is the law of the Nazarite, when the days of his separation are fulfilled: he shall be brought unto the door of...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Numbers 6:13 · KJV

Context

11

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.

12

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

13

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:

14

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,

15

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.

Read Numbers 6 full chapter

Commentary

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, teaching that consecration periods should end intentionally, not drift away casually. All service to God deserves proper conclusion and thanksgiving.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The vow's completion ceremony occurred at the tabernacle (later temple) entrance, requiring the Nazirite's presence there. This necessitated travel to the central sanctuary, often from considerable distance. The elaborate offerings (detailed in verses 14-17) made the Nazirite vow economically significant, limiting it to those who could afford the sacrifices. The Apostle Paul participated in such a ceremony (Acts 21:23-26), demonstrating the practice continued into the New Testament era.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the requirement for costly offerings at the vow's completion challenge superficial commitment to God?
  2. What spiritual practices or seasons of special consecration might God be calling you to embrace?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְזֹ֥את1 of 13
H2063

this (often used adverb)

תּוֹרַ֖ת2 of 13

“And this is the law”

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

הַנָּזִ֑יר3 of 13

“of the Nazarite”

H5139

separate, i.e., consecrated (as prince, a nazirite); hence (figuratively from the latter) an unpruned vine (like an unshorn nazirite)

יְמֵ֣י4 of 13

“the days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

מְלֹאת֙5 of 13

“are fulfilled”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

יְמֵ֣י6 of 13

“the days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

נִזְר֔וֹ7 of 13

“of his separation”

H5145

properly, something set apart, i.e., (abstractly) dedication (of a priet or nazirite); hence (concretely) unshorn locks; also (by implication) a chapl

יָבִ֣יא8 of 13

“he shall be brought”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֹת֔וֹ9 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֶל10 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

פֶּ֖תַח11 of 13

“unto the door”

H6607

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

אֹ֥הֶל12 of 13

“of the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵֽד׃13 of 13

“of the congregation”

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 6:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 6:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 21:26

Test Your Knowledge

Numbers 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNumbers Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Numbers 6 with CommentaryAll Numbers ChaptersComplete Numbers QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes