Numbers 6:21
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.
Original Language Analysis
תּוֹרַ֥ת
This is the law
H8451
תּוֹרַ֥ת
This is the law
Strong's:
H8451
Word #:
2 of 22
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
הַנָּזִיר֮
of the Nazarite
H5139
הַנָּזִיר֮
of the Nazarite
Strong's:
H5139
Word #:
3 of 22
separate, i.e., consecrated (as prince, a nazirite); hence (figuratively from the latter) an unpruned vine (like an unshorn nazirite)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 22
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יִדֹּ֔ר
which he vowed
H5087
יִדֹּ֔ר
which he vowed
Strong's:
H5087
Word #:
5 of 22
to promise (pos., to do or give something to god)
קָרְבָּנ֤וֹ
and of his offering
H7133
קָרְבָּנ֤וֹ
and of his offering
Strong's:
H7133
Word #:
6 of 22
something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present
לַֽיהוָה֙
unto the LORD
H3068
לַֽיהוָה֙
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 22
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 22
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
נִזְרֽוֹ׃
for his separation
H5145
נִזְרֽוֹ׃
for his separation
Strong's:
H5145
Word #:
9 of 22
properly, something set apart, i.e., (abstractly) dedication (of a priet or nazirite); hence (concretely) unshorn locks; also (by implication) a chapl
מִלְּבַ֖ד
H905
מִלְּבַ֖ד
Strong's:
H905
Word #:
10 of 22
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 22
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יָד֑וֹ
beside that that his hand
H3027
יָד֑וֹ
beside that that his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
13 of 22
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
כְּפִ֤י
according
H6310
כְּפִ֤י
according
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
14 of 22
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
נִדְרוֹ֙
to the vow
H5088
נִדְרוֹ֙
to the vow
Strong's:
H5088
Word #:
15 of 22
a promise (to god); also (concretely) a thing promised
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
16 of 22
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יִדֹּ֔ר
which he vowed
H5087
יִדֹּ֔ר
which he vowed
Strong's:
H5087
Word #:
17 of 22
to promise (pos., to do or give something to god)
כֵּ֣ן
H3651
כֵּ֣ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
18 of 22
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
יַֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה
so he must do
H6213
יַֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה
so he must do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
19 of 22
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
עַ֖ל
H5921
עַ֖ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
20 of 22
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the allowance for offerings beyond the minimum challenge Christians to generous devotion?
- What does the voluntary nature of the Nazirite vow teach about chosen consecration versus mere duty?
- In what ways should economic ability affect the expression, but not the genuineness, of our worship?
Related Resources
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Analysis & 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.