He shall not make himself unclean for his father, or for his mother, for his brother, or for his sister, when they die: because the consecration of his God is upon his head.

NUMBERS 6:7KJV
Know the Bible

Numbers 6:7 (KJV)

What does Numbers 6:7 mean?

Numbers 6:7 says that a person under a Nazirite vow must not make themselves ritually unclean, even if their closest family members die, because they are set apart for God in a special way. The verse highlights that the Nazirite’s dedication to God takes priority over normal family obligations during the period of their vow.

In context, God is giving Moses instructions for the Nazirite vow, a special commitment where an Israelite chooses to be especially devoted to God for a set time. Normally, touching a dead body—even that of a parent or sibling—would make someone "unclean," but family ties usually allowed exceptions. Here, the Nazirite’s consecration is so important that even these exceptions do not apply.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 6:7

  • "Unclean" (טָמֵא, tame’): This word means to become ritually impure. In the ancient Israelite context, touching a dead body made someone unable to participate in worship until purified. The verse stresses that Nazirites must avoid this impurity at all costs.
  • "Consecration" (נֵזֶר, nezer): This word refers to something set apart or dedicated, often used for a crown or something special. Here, it describes the Nazirite’s unique state of devotion, pictured almost like a crown on their head, marking their special relationship with God.
  • "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): This is the general Hebrew word for God, emphasizing that the Nazirite is set apart specifically for God’s purposes, not just for ritual or tradition.

Why Numbers 6:7 matters

  • Numbers 6:7 clarifies that the Nazirite vow is a serious, voluntary commitment that overrides even the strongest family bonds, which would have been highly unusual in ancient Israel.
  • The verse shows the depth of dedication expected from a Nazirite, helping readers understand the cost and seriousness of this special vow.
  • This instruction connects to the wider passage by showing the unique status of Nazirites among the Israelites, setting them apart in a visible and practical way.

Where else these words appear

“consecration” 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 6:9 And if any man die very suddenly by him, and he hath defiled the head of his consecration; then he shall shave his head in the day of his cleansing, on the seventh day shall he shave it.
  • 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.

“sister” Hebrew H269 · used in 104 verses

  • Genesis 4:22 And Zillah, she also bare Tubalcain, an instructer of every artificer in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubalcain was Naamah.
  • Leviticus 18:13 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother's sister: for she is thy mother's near kinswoman.
  • Job 1:4 And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.

“unclean” Hebrew H2930 · used in 142 verses

  • Genesis 34:5 And Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter: now his sons were with his cattle in the field: and Jacob held his peace until they were come.
  • Leviticus 15:19 And if a woman have an issue, and her issue in her flesh be blood, she shall be put apart seven days: and whosoever toucheth her shall be unclean until the even.
  • Deuteronomy 21:23 His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day;(for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.