This is the law of the Nazarite who hath vowed, and of his offering unto the LORD for his separation, beside that that his hand shall get: according to the vow which he vowed, so he must do after the law of his separation.

NUMBERS 6:21KJV
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Numbers 6:21 (KJV)

What does Numbers 6:21 mean?

Numbers 6:21 explains that a Nazarite must carefully follow the specific rules and offerings connected to their vow of separation to the LORD, and must also fulfill any additional promises they personally made. The verse emphasizes that the Nazarite is responsible to do exactly what they vowed, following both the general law and any extra commitments.

In context, Numbers 6:21 comes as Moses records God’s instructions to the Israelites about the Nazarite vow—a special, voluntary period of dedication to God. This verse sums up the requirements: not only the standard offerings and rituals, but also anything else the individual promised, must be completed. It highlights personal responsibility and the seriousness of making a vow to God.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 6:21

  • נָזִיר (nazir, "Nazarite"): This word refers to someone who has taken a special vow of separation. The Nazarite vow was a voluntary commitment, not something required of everyone.
  • נֶדֶר (neder, "vow") and נָדַר (nadar, "vowed"): Both words are used here, emphasizing the act of making a promise to God and the specific content of that promise.
  • תּוֹרָה (torah, "law"): This word means instruction or law. Here, it refers to the set of rules God gave for Nazarites, showing that these vows were not casual but governed by clear guidelines.
  • מִן־אֲשֶׁר תַּשִּׂיג יָדוֹ (min-asher tashig yado, "beside that that his hand shall get"): This phrase means whatever else the person is able to offer, highlighting that the vow could include extra offerings depending on the individual’s means.

Why Numbers 6:21 matters

  • Numbers 6:21 clarifies that the Nazarite vow involves both fixed requirements and any additional personal promises, so it is not a one-size-fits-all commitment.
  • The verse underscores that making a vow to God is a serious matter, and every detail—both general and personal—must be honored.
  • This summary verse ties together the Nazarite section, showing how personal devotion and obedience to God’s instructions were both central in Israelite worship.

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 6:18 And the Nazarite shall shave the head of his separation at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall take the hair of the head of his separation, and put it in the fire which is under the sacrifice of the peace offerings.
  • 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.

“vowed” 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.

“get” Hebrew H5381 · used in 47 verses

  • Genesis 31:25 Then Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mount: and Laban with his brethren pitched in the mount of Gilead.
  • Leviticus 26:5 And your threshing shall reach unto the vintage, and the vintage shall reach unto the sowing time: and ye shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely.
  • Psalms 7:5 Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take it; yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine honour in the dust. Selah.