King James Version

What Does Numbers 6:21 Mean?

Numbers 6:21 in the King James Version says “This is the law of the Nazarite who hath vowed, and of his offering unto the LORD for his separation, beside that that h...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Numbers 6:21 · KJV

Context

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,

23

Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them,

Read Numbers 6 full chapter

Commentary

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 consecration voluntarily. This reflects the Reformed understanding that God commands obedience but also receives voluntary expressions of love beyond bare requirement.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Wealthy Nazirites could offer more than the minimum, while poor Nazirites needed only to fulfill the basic requirements. This mirrors the graduated scale of certain offerings throughout Leviticus, ensuring that economic status didn't prevent participation in worship while still allowing the wealthy to give generously.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the allowance for offerings beyond the minimum challenge Christians to generous devotion?
  2. What does the voluntary nature of the Nazirite vow teach about chosen consecration versus mere duty?
  3. In what ways should economic ability affect the expression, but not the genuineness, of our worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
זֹ֣את1 of 22
H2063

this (often used adverb)

תּוֹרַ֥ת2 of 22

“This is the law”

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

הַנָּזִיר֮3 of 22

“of the Nazarite”

H5139

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר4 of 22
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יִדֹּ֔ר5 of 22

“which he vowed”

H5087

to promise (pos., to do or give something to god)

קָרְבָּנ֤וֹ6 of 22

“and of his offering”

H7133

something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present

לַֽיהוָה֙7 of 22

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

עַל8 of 22
H5921

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

נִזְרֽוֹ׃9 of 22

“for 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

מִלְּבַ֖ד10 of 22
H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

אֲשֶׁר11 of 22
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

תַּשִּׂ֣יג12 of 22

“shall get”

H5381

to reach (literally or figuratively)

יָד֑וֹ13 of 22

“beside that that his hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

כְּפִ֤י14 of 22

“according”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

נִדְרוֹ֙15 of 22

“to the vow”

H5088

a promise (to god); also (concretely) a thing promised

אֲשֶׁ֣ר16 of 22
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יִדֹּ֔ר17 of 22

“which he vowed”

H5087

to promise (pos., to do or give something to god)

כֵּ֣ן18 of 22
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

יַֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה19 of 22

“so he must do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

עַ֖ל20 of 22
H5921

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

תּוֹרַ֥ת21 of 22

“This is the law”

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

נִזְרֽוֹ׃22 of 22

“for 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

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 6:21 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 6:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 2:69Numbers 5:29Hebrews 13:16Galatians 6:6

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