And this is the law of the Nazarite, when the days of his separation are fulfilled: he shall be brought unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation:

NUMBERS 6:13KJV
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Numbers 6:13 (KJV)

What does Numbers 6:13 mean?

Numbers 6:13 describes the moment when a person who has taken a Nazarite vow completes their special period of dedication, and is then brought to the entrance of the tabernacle to begin the concluding rituals. This verse sets the stage for what must happen once the time of separation is finished.

In this passage, God is giving Moses instructions for the Israelites about the Nazarite vow—a voluntary commitment to God that involved abstaining from certain things for a set period. When the days of this vow are complete, the Nazarite must be brought to the tabernacle’s entrance, marking the transition from their time of separation back to ordinary life, and signaling the start of specific ceremonies to formally end their vow.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 6:13

  • "law" (תּוֹרָה, torah): This word means instruction or rule, emphasizing that what follows is not just advice but a formal, binding process for the Nazarite.
  • "Nazarite" (נָזִיר, nazir): This term refers to someone who has taken a special vow of separation, highlighting the unique status and responsibilities of the individual in this passage.
  • "separation" (נֵזֶר, nezer): This word carries the idea of something set apart or consecrated, underlining that the Nazarite’s time was marked by a special, holy purpose.
  • "fulfilled" (מָלֵא, male): This word means to be completed or finished, making it clear that the Nazarite’s period of dedication has reached its intended end.

Why Numbers 6:13 matters

  • Numbers 6:13 clarifies that the Nazarite vow was for a set period, not a lifelong commitment, and that there was a specific process for ending it.
  • This verse highlights the importance of ritual and community involvement, as the Nazarite is brought to the tabernacle entrance—a public, sacred space—rather than ending the vow privately.
  • By introducing the concluding ceremonies, Numbers 6:13 connects the personal dedication of the Nazarite to the larger worship life of Israel, showing how individual commitments were woven into the community’s relationship with God.

Where else these words appear

“Nazarite” Hebrew H5139 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 49:26 The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren.
  • Numbers 6:19 And the priest shall take the sodden shoulder of the ram, and one unleavened cake out of the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and shall put them upon the hands of the Nazarite, after the hair of his separation is shaven:
  • Judges 13:7 But he said unto me, Behold, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and now drink no wine nor strong drink, neither eat any unclean thing: for the child shall be a Nazarite to God from the womb to the day of his death.

“separation” Hebrew H5145 · used in 22 verses

  • Exodus 29:6 And thou shalt put the mitre upon his head, and put the holy crown upon the mitre.
  • Numbers 6:8 All the days of his separation he is holy unto the LORD.
  • 2 Kings 11:12 And he brought forth the king's son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king.