Numbers 6:8
All the days of his separation he is holy unto the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
כֹּ֖ל
H3605
כֹּ֖ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יְמֵ֣י
All the days
H3117
יְמֵ֣י
All the days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
2 of 6
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
נִזְר֑וֹ
of his separation
H5145
נִזְר֑וֹ
of his separation
Strong's:
H5145
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, something set apart, i.e., (abstractly) dedication (of a priet or nazirite); hence (concretely) unshorn locks; also (by implication) a chapl
קָדֹ֥שׁ
he is holy
H6918
קָדֹ֥שׁ
he is holy
Strong's:
H6918
Word #:
4 of 6
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
Historical Context
The duration of typical Nazirite vows is not specified in Scripture, though Jewish tradition later standardized them at 30 days minimum. The vow's temporary nature made priestly-level holiness accessible to laypersons without requiring permanent lifestyle changes. This foreshadowed the priesthood of all believers under the New Covenant (1 Peter 2:9).
Questions for Reflection
- How does positional holiness (declared by God) differ from progressive holiness (worked out in life)?
- What role do temporary spiritual disciplines play in deepening our consecration?
- How has Christ's work made permanent what was temporary under the Old Covenant?
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Analysis & Commentary
The phrase 'all the days of his separation he is holy unto the LORD' establishes time-bound consecration. The Hebrew kadosh (holy) means set apart for divine purposes. The Nazirite's holiness was not inherent but positional—derived from separation unto God. This pictures justification where believers are declared holy through union with Christ, not through inherent righteousness. The time limitation shows that Old Covenant holiness remained external and temporary, awaiting Christ's work that would internalize and eternalize holiness for His people.