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.

NUMBERS 6:9KJV
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Numbers 6:9 (KJV)

What does Numbers 6:9 mean?

Numbers 6:9 explains that if a man under a Nazirite vow is accidentally near someone who dies suddenly, making him ritually unclean, he must shave his head on the seventh day as part of his cleansing process. This shaving marks the removal of the defilement from his consecration to God.

In this verse, God is giving Moses instructions for the Israelites about the Nazirite vow—a special commitment of separation and dedication to God. If a Nazirite becomes defiled by a sudden death nearby, even though it is unintentional, the vow is interrupted. The act of shaving the head, which had been left uncut as a sign of the vow, symbolizes starting over in purity after the required cleansing period.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 6:9

  • "Defiled" (נָטַמֵּא, natame): This word means to become ritually unclean. In the context of the Nazirite vow, even accidental contact with death breaks the state of consecration.
  • "Head" (רֹאשׁ, rosh): The head is specifically mentioned because the Nazirite’s uncut hair is the visible sign of their vow. Shaving it off is a significant act of resetting the vow.
  • "Consecration" (נֵזֶר, nezer): This word refers to the state of being set apart or dedicated. The Nazirite’s hair is called the “nezer,” showing it is a symbol of their special dedication to God.
  • "Shave" (גָּלַח, galach): This verb is used for the act of shaving, which is not just a physical act but a ritual one, marking the transition from impurity back to a state of consecration.

Why Numbers 6:9 matters

  • Numbers 6:9 clarifies that the Nazirite vow is so strict that even accidental defilement requires a formal process to restore the vow, showing the seriousness of this commitment.
  • The verse highlights that ritual purity in ancient Israel was not just about intention but about circumstances, emphasizing the importance of following God’s instructions even in unexpected situations.
  • This instruction connects to the larger passage by showing how the Nazirite vow could be interrupted and restarted, underlining both the possibility of human weakness and the path to restoration.

Where else these words appear

“very” Hebrew H6621 · used in 7 verses

  • Numbers 35:22 But if he thrust him suddenly without enmity, or have cast upon him any thing without laying of wait,
  • Proverbs 29:1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
  • Isaiah 30:13 Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant.

“cleansing” Hebrew H2893 · used in 13 verses

  • Leviticus 12:4 And she shall then continue in the blood of her purifying three and thirty days; she shall touch no hallowed thing, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying be fulfilled.
  • Leviticus 14:2 This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing: He shall be brought unto the priest:
  • 1 Chronicles 23:28 Because their office was to wait on the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of the LORD, in the courts, and in the chambers, and in the purifying of all holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God;

“shave” Hebrew H1548 · used in 18 verses

  • Genesis 41:14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh.
  • 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.
  • 2 Samuel 10:4 Wherefore Hanun took David's servants, and shaved off the one half of their beards, and cut off their garments in the middle, even to their buttocks, and sent them away.

“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 6:8 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.