Numbers 6:5

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כָּל

H3605

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

הַיָּמִ֜ם

H3117

All the days

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

נֶ֣דֶר

H5088

of the vow

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

נִזְר֔וֹ

H5145

of his separation

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

תַּ֖עַר

H8593

there shall no razor

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

לֹֽא

H3808

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

יַעֲבֹ֣ר

H5674

come

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

עַל

H5921

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

רֹאשֽׁוֹ׃

H7218

of his head

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

#10

עַד

H5704

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

#11

מְלֹ֨את

H4390

be fulfilled

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

#12

הַיָּמִ֜ם

H3117

All the days

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

#13

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

#14

יַזִּ֤יר

H5144

in the which he separateth

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

#15

לַֽיהוָה֙

H3068

himself unto the LORD

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

#16

קָדֹ֣שׁ

H6918

he shall be holy

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

#17

יִֽהְיֶ֔ה

H1961

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

#18

גַּדֵּ֥ל

H1431

grow

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

#19

פֶּ֖רַע

H6545

and shall let the locks

the hair (as dishevelled)

#20

שְׂעַ֥ר

H8181

of the hair

hair (as if tossed or bristling)

#21

רֹאשֽׁוֹ׃

H7218

of his head

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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Numbers. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Numbers Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Numbers 6:5

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources