King James Version

What Does Numbers 6:20 Mean?

Numbers 6:20 in the King James Version says “And the priest shall wave them for a wave offering before the LORD: this is holy for the priest, with the wave breast an...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Numbers 6:20 · KJV

Context

18

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.

19

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:

20

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.

21

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.

22

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

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Commentary

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 special seasons of consecration serve specific purposes but need not become permanent burdens. Christian liberty allows for temporary restrictions undertaken voluntarily for spiritual purposes.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The wave offering involved the priest placing hands under the worshiper's hands and moving the offering in a ceremonial motion, symbolizing presentation to God. Portions were then consumed by the priests, showing that God's servants were sustained by offerings brought by the people. The Nazirite's freedom to drink wine after the ceremony marked full restoration to normal life, having completed the vow faithfully. This prevented the vow from becoming a burden and showed its voluntary, temporary nature.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the temporary nature of the Nazirite vow challenge the idea that more restrictive lives are always more spiritual?
  2. What voluntary restrictions might you embrace for a season to deepen devotion to God, understanding they need not be permanent?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וְהֵנִיף֩1 of 19

“shall wave”

H5130

to quiver (i.e., vibrate up and down, or rock to and fro); used in a great variety of applications (including sprinkling, beckoning, rubbing, bastinad

אוֹתָ֨ם2 of 19
H853

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

לַכֹּהֵ֔ן3 of 19

“And the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

הַתְּנוּפָ֔ה4 of 19

“them for a wave offering”

H8573

a brandishing (in threat); by implication, tumult; specifically, the official undulation of sacrificial offerings

לִפְנֵ֣י5 of 19

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָה֒6 of 19

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

קֹ֤דֶשׁ7 of 19

“this is holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

הוּא֙8 of 19
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

לַכֹּהֵ֔ן9 of 19

“And the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

עַ֚ל10 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

חֲזֵ֣ה11 of 19

“breast”

H2373

the breast (as most seen in front)

הַתְּנוּפָ֔ה12 of 19

“them for a wave offering”

H8573

a brandishing (in threat); by implication, tumult; specifically, the official undulation of sacrificial offerings

וְעַ֖ל13 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

שׁ֣וֹק14 of 19

“shoulder”

H7785

the (lower) leg (as a runner)

הַתְּרוּמָ֑ה15 of 19

“and heave”

H8641

a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute

וְאַחַ֛ר16 of 19

“and after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

יִשְׁתֶּ֥ה17 of 19

“may drink”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

הַנָּזִ֖יר18 of 19

“that the Nazarite”

H5139

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

יָֽיִן׃19 of 19

“wine”

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

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 6:20 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 6:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ecclesiastes 9:7Numbers 5:25Exodus 29:27-28Leviticus 7:34Psalms 16:10-11John 17:4-5

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