King James Version

What Does Numbers 6:5 Mean?

Numbers 6:5 in the King James Version says “All the days of the vow of his separation there shall no razor come upon his head: until the days be fulfilled, in the w... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Numbers 6:5 · KJV


Context

3

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.

4

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

5

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.

6

All the days that he separateth himself unto the LORD he shall come at no dead body.

7

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


Commentary

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In the ancient world, hairstyles often denoted social status and military prowess. The Nazirite's distinctive appearance would have constantly reminded both himself and others of his special consecration to the Lord.

Reflection Questions

  1. What visible markers in your life demonstrate your commitment to Christ?
  2. How can you redirect attention from yourself to God in areas where you're naturally talented?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
כָּל1 of 21
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַיָּמִ֜ם2 of 21

All 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

נֶ֣דֶר3 of 21

of the vow

H5088

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

נִזְר֔וֹ4 of 21

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

תַּ֖עַר5 of 21

there shall no razor

H8593

a knife or razor (as making bare); also a scabbard (as being bare, i.e., empty)

לֹֽא6 of 21
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יַעֲבֹ֣ר7 of 21

come

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

עַל8 of 21
H5921

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

רֹאשֽׁוֹ׃9 of 21

of his head

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

עַד10 of 21
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

מְלֹ֨את11 of 21

be fulfilled

H4390

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

הַיָּמִ֜ם12 of 21

All 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

אֲשֶׁר13 of 21
H834

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

יַזִּ֤יר14 of 21

in the which he separateth

H5144

to hold aloof, i.e., (intransitivey) abstain (from food and drink, from impurity, and even from divine worship (i.e., apostatize)); specifically, to s

לַֽיהוָה֙15 of 21

himself unto the LORD

H3068

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

קָדֹ֣שׁ16 of 21

he shall be holy

H6918

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

יִֽהְיֶ֔ה17 of 21
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

גַּדֵּ֥ל18 of 21

grow

H1431

to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)

פֶּ֖רַע19 of 21

and shall let the locks

H6545

the hair (as dishevelled)

שְׂעַ֥ר20 of 21

of the hair

H8181

hair (as if tossed or bristling)

רֹאשֽׁוֹ׃21 of 21

of his head

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)


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 6:5 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 6:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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