King James Version

What Does Numbers 6:7 Mean?

Numbers 6:7 in the King James Version says “He shall not make himself unclean for his father, or for his mother, for his brother, or for his sister, when they die: ...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Numbers 6:7 · KJV

Context

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

8

All the days of his separation he is holy unto the LORD.

9

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.

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Commentary

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 The Nazirite vow superseded even family obligations—normal mourning rituals involving corpse contact were forbidden.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 precedence over natural ties. The phrase 'consecration of his God is upon his head' indicates the visible sign (long hair) representing invisible dedication. This demonstrates the principle that devotion to God transcends earthly relationships. Jesus taught similarly: 'He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me' (Matthew 10:37). The Nazirite's extreme separation illustrated that knowing God requires prioritizing Him above all, even legitimate good things. This voluntary devotion anticipated the total consecration Christ calls believers to demonstrate.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The prohibition against corpse contamination normally applied only to priests (Leviticus 21:1-3), who could make exception for immediate family. The Nazirite vow elevated ordinary Israelites to a priestly level of consecration during the vow period. Ancient Near Eastern mourning practices often involved close contact with the deceased, making this restriction significant. The reference to 'his head' containing God's consecration relates to the uncut hair symbolizing the vow. The restriction prevented even accidental contamination that would break the vow and require purification (Numbers 6:9-12). This severe requirement showed the vow's seriousness—it wasn't to be undertaken lightly. Historical examples include Samson, whose strength derived from maintaining his consecration, and Samuel, whom Hannah dedicated before birth. The principle that devotion to God transcends natural affection challenges believers to examine their priorities.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the Nazirite vow's superseding of family obligations teach about the priority of devotion to God?
  2. How do we balance honoring family relationships with Jesus' call to love Him above all earthly ties?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
לְאָבִ֣יו1 of 13

“for his father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וּלְאִמּ֗וֹ2 of 13

“or for his mother”

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

לְאָחִיו֙3 of 13

“for his brother”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

וּלְאַ֣חֹת֔וֹ4 of 13

“or for his sister”

H269

a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)

לֹֽא5 of 13
H3808

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

יִטַּמָּ֥א6 of 13

“He shall not make himself unclean”

H2930

to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)

לָהֶ֖ם7 of 13
H0
בְּמֹתָ֑ם8 of 13

“when they die”

H4194

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

כִּ֛י9 of 13
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נֵ֥זֶר10 of 13

“because the consecration”

H5145

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

אֱלֹהָ֖יו11 of 13

“of his God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

עַל12 of 13
H5921

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

רֹאשֽׁוֹ׃13 of 13

“is upon 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 6:7 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 6:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 9:6Leviticus 21:1-2Ezekiel 44:25Leviticus 21:10-12

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