King James Version

What Does Numbers 6:9 Mean?

Numbers 6:9 in the King James Version says “And if any man die very suddenly by him, and he hath defiled the head of his consecration; then he shall shave his head ... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Numbers 6:9 · KJV


Context

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.

10

And on the eighth day he shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons, to the priest, to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation:

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The law for defiling contamination teaches that even unintentional impurity required purification. The Hebrew pit'om (suddenly/unexpectedly) shows that ritual defilement could occur without warning or fault. Someone dying suddenly in the Nazirite's presence defiled the vow, requiring a fresh start (verses 9-12). This illustrates how sin's presence in the world affects even the consecrated, requiring continual cleansing. Christ's priesthood surpasses this—He needed no re-consecration, having perfect, permanent holiness (Hebrews 7:26-27).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The requirement to restart the vow after unexpected defilement added significant burden. A Nazirite nearing completion of a lengthy vow who was suddenly defiled lost all previous time and began again. This demonstrated the costliness of maintaining ritual holiness under the Old Covenant and the impossibility of sustaining perfect purity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does unexpected defilement illustrate how sin affects us even when we seek holiness?
  2. What does it mean that Christ's holiness can never be defiled or diminished?
  3. How should we respond when our consecration is interrupted by unexpected circumstances?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְכִֽי1 of 16
H3588

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

מֵ֤ת2 of 16

And if any man

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

מֵ֤ת3 of 16

And if any man

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

עָלָיו֙4 of 16
H5921

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

בְּפֶ֣תַע5 of 16

very

H6621

a wink, i.e., moment (used only [with or without preposition] adverbially, quickly or unexpectedly)

פִּתְאֹ֔ם6 of 16

suddenly

H6597

instantly

וְטִמֵּ֖א7 of 16

by him and he hath defiled

H2930

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

רֹאשׁוֹ֙8 of 16

his head

H7218

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

נִזְר֑וֹ9 of 16

of his consecration

H5145

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

יְגַלְּחֶֽנּוּ׃10 of 16

shall he shave

H1548

properly, to be bald, i.e., (causatively) to shave; figuratively to lay waste

רֹאשׁוֹ֙11 of 16

his head

H7218

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

בַּיּ֥וֹם12 of 16

day

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

טָֽהֳרָת֔וֹ13 of 16

of his cleansing

H2893

ceremonial purification; moral purity

בַּיּ֥וֹם14 of 16

day

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

הַשְּׁבִיעִ֖י15 of 16

on the seventh

H7637

seventh

יְגַלְּחֶֽנּוּ׃16 of 16

shall he shave

H1548

properly, to be bald, i.e., (causatively) to shave; figuratively to lay waste


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 6:9 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 6:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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