Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall separate themselves to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate themselves unto the LORD:

NUMBERS 6:2KJV
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Numbers 6:2 (KJV)

What does Numbers 6:2 mean?

Numbers 6:2 explains that any man or woman among the Israelites could choose to make a special vow, called a Nazarite vow, which meant setting themselves apart in a unique way to dedicate themselves to the LORD. This verse introduces the idea that this commitment was open to both genders and was a voluntary act of separation for religious purposes.

In this verse, God is instructing Moses to speak to the people of Israel about the Nazarite vow. The setting is the wilderness period, as the Israelites are receiving detailed laws and instructions. The Nazarite vow involved specific practices and restrictions, marking a person as specially devoted to God for a certain period, and this verse sets the stage for the rules that follow in the chapter.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 6:2

  • "Nazarite" (נָזִיר, nazir) means someone who is set apart or consecrated. This word highlights that the vow was about a special, visible dedication to God, not just a private intention.
  • "Separate" (יַפְלִא, yafli) is often understood as to make a distinction or to dedicate oneself. The use of this word emphasizes that the person is making a clear, deliberate choice to stand apart from normal life for God’s sake.
  • "Vow" (נֶדֶר, neder) refers to a solemn promise or commitment. In this context, it shows that the Nazarite vow was a serious, binding promise, not a casual decision.

Why Numbers 6:2 matters

  • Numbers 6:2 clarifies that the Nazarite vow was not limited by gender or social status; both men and women could choose this path of dedication, which was unusual in the ancient world.
  • The verse sets up the detailed instructions that follow, showing that God valued voluntary acts of devotion and provided a structured way for people to express this.
  • By introducing the Nazarite vow here, the verse connects personal commitment to the broader life and worship of the Israelite community, showing how individual choices could have a recognized place in their spiritual life.

Where else these words appear

“separate” Hebrew H5144 · used in 10 verses

  • Leviticus 15:31 Thus shall ye separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness; that they die not in their uncleanness, when they defile my tabernacle that is among them.
  • Numbers 6:5 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.
  • Ezekiel 14:7 For every one of the house of Israel, or of the stranger that sojourneth in Israel, which separateth himself from me, and setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to a prophet to enquire of him concerning me; I the LORD will answer him by myself:

“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.

“vow” Hebrew H5087 · used in 28 verses

  • Genesis 28:20 And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,
  • Deuteronomy 12:17 Thou mayest not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn, or of thy wine, or of thy oil, or the firstlings of thy herds or of thy flock, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy freewill offerings, or heave offering of thine hand:
  • Psalms 76:11 Vow, and pay unto the LORD your God: let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared.

“vow” Hebrew H5088 · used in 57 verses

  • Genesis 28:20 And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,
  • Numbers 30:6 And if she had at all an husband, when she vowed, or uttered ought out of her lips, wherewith she bound her soul;
  • 2 Samuel 15:8 For thy servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If the LORD shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then I will serve the LORD.