Numbers 6:21

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
זֹ֣את
this (often used adverb)
#2
תּוֹרַ֥ת
This is the law
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
#3
הַנָּזִיר֮
of the Nazarite
separate, i.e., consecrated (as prince, a nazirite); hence (figuratively from the latter) an unpruned vine (like an unshorn nazirite)
#4
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
יִדֹּ֔ר
which he vowed
to promise (pos., to do or give something to god)
#6
קָרְבָּנ֤וֹ
and of his offering
something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present
#7
לַֽיהוָה֙
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
נִזְרֽוֹ׃
for his separation
properly, something set apart, i.e., (abstractly) dedication (of a priet or nazirite); hence (concretely) unshorn locks; also (by implication) a chapl
#10
מִלְּבַ֖ד
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
#11
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#12
תַּשִּׂ֣יג
shall get
to reach (literally or figuratively)
#13
יָד֑וֹ
beside that that his hand
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
#14
כְּפִ֤י
according
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#15
נִדְרוֹ֙
to the vow
a promise (to god); also (concretely) a thing promised
#16
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#17
יִדֹּ֔ר
which he vowed
to promise (pos., to do or give something to god)
#18
כֵּ֣ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#19
יַֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה
so he must do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#20
עַ֖ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#21
תּוֹרַ֥ת
This is the law
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
#22
נִזְרֽוֹ׃
for his separation
properly, something set apart, i.e., (abstractly) dedication (of a priet or nazirite); hence (concretely) unshorn locks; also (by implication) a chapl

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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