And he shall offer his offering unto the LORD, one he lamb of the first year without blemish for a burnt offering, and one ewe lamb of the first year without blemish for a sin offering, and one ram without blemish for peace offerings,

NUMBERS 6:14KJV
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Numbers 6:14 (KJV)

What does Numbers 6:14 mean?

Numbers 6:14 describes the specific animal sacrifices a person must bring to the LORD when completing a Nazirite vow: a year-old male lamb without blemish for a burnt offering, a year-old female lamb without blemish for a sin offering, and a ram without blemish for a peace offering. Each animal and offering has a distinct purpose in this ritual.

In this passage, God is giving Moses instructions for the Israelites about the Nazirite vow—a special period of dedication to God. The person ending this vow must bring these offerings to the tabernacle as part of a closing ceremony. The details show how seriously the Israelites were to take this act of consecration, with each animal representing a different aspect of worship and relationship with God.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 6:14

  • The word for "offer" is קָרַב (qarav), which means to bring near or present. This emphasizes that the person is actively bringing these gifts close to God, not just passively providing them.
  • "Offering" appears as קָרְבָּן (qorban), meaning a gift or something brought near, highlighting the personal nature of these sacrifices as acts of devotion.
  • "Without blemish" is תָּמִים (tamim), meaning whole or perfect. This requirement stresses that only the best and most unblemished animals were acceptable, reflecting respect and honor toward God.
  • The word for "peace offerings" is שֶׁלֶם (shelem), which often carries the sense of wholeness or completeness, suggesting that this offering was about restored relationship and fellowship.

Why Numbers 6:14 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the Nazirite vow was not just about abstaining from certain things but also about a formal, public act of dedication and completion involving specific sacrifices.
  • The careful listing of each animal and offering type shows the structured and intentional nature of Israelite worship, with each part of the ritual having a clear meaning.
  • Understanding these offerings helps make sense of the broader passage, where the Nazirite's unique relationship with God is marked by both personal commitment and communal worship practices.