Old Testament
Numbers 6:18
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Numbers 6:18, the Nazirite, who has taken a vow of separation to dedicate themselves to God, completes their period of separation by shaving their head at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
At the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, the Nazirite will shave off the hair that was the sign of their separation. They will take that hair and place it in the fire burning under the peace offering.
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Numbers 6:18, the Nazirite, who has taken a vow of separation to dedicate themselves to God, completes their period of separation by shaving their head at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. This act symbolizes the end of their vow and their commitment to God. The hair, which represents their dedication, is then placed in the fire under the peace offering, signifying a sacrifice to God. This ritual highlights the importance of physical symbols in spiritual commitments and the act of offering something valuable to God as a sign of gratitude and devotion. The peace offering itself is a communal meal that celebrates fellowship with God, reinforcing the idea that the Nazirite's vow is not just a personal commitment but also a communal act of worship and dedication.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Numbers 6:18 to your life
This verse encourages us to consider our own commitments to God. Just as the Nazirite made a physical act of dedication, we can reflect on how we express our faith and devotion. It reminds us that our spiritual commitments should be visible in our actions and sacrifices.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 6:18 mean for Nazirites?
Numbers 6:18 describes the final act of a Nazirite's vow, where they shave their head at the Tent of Meeting. This act symbolizes the completion of their period of separation and dedication to God. The hair, representing their commitment, is burned under the peace offering, emphasizing the importance of physical symbols in spiritual practices.
Why is shaving the head significant in this verse?
Shaving the head in Numbers 6:18 signifies the end of the Nazirite's vow of separation. It is a physical representation of their dedication to God and serves as a ritualistic closure to their commitment. This act highlights the importance of visible expressions of faith and the sacrifices made in devotion to God.
What is the role of the peace offering in this ritual?
In Numbers 6:18, the peace offering serves as a communal meal that celebrates fellowship with God. The hair of the Nazirite is placed in the fire under this offering, signifying a sacrifice to God. This reinforces the idea that the Nazirite's vow is not only a personal commitment but also a shared act of worship within the community.
How can we apply the lessons from Numbers 6:18 today?
Numbers 6:18 encourages us to reflect on our own commitments to God. Just as the Nazirite made a visible act of dedication, we should consider how our faith is expressed through our actions and sacrifices. This verse reminds us that our spiritual commitments should be evident in our daily lives and interactions with others.
The Book of Numbers
Numbers 1: First Census and Tribal Leaders
The LORD speaks to Moses and Aaron in the wilderness of Sinai and orders a count of the men of Israel who are twenty years old and able to go to war. A leader from each tribe stands with them: Elizur for Reuben, Shelumiel for Simeon, Nahshon for Judah, Nethaneel for Issachar, Eliab for Zebulun, Elishama for Ephraim, Gamaliel for Manasseh, Abidan for Benjamin, Ahiezer for Dan, Pagiel for Asher, and Ahira for Naphtali. The totals are recorded by tribe, and the combined number of fighting men is six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty.
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