Old Testament

Numbers 6:9

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Numbers 6:9, the text addresses a specific situation for those who have taken a vow of consecration, such as a Nazirite.

Author
Traditionally attributed to Moses
Written
Around 1400 BC
Genre
Law (Pentateuch)
Original Audience
The Israelites in the wilderness
CBTClear Bible Translation

If someone suddenly dies right next to them, defiling the hair of their consecration, they must shave their head on the day of their cleansing — they are to shave it on the 7th day.

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Numbers 6:9, the text addresses a specific situation for those who have taken a vow of consecration, such as a Nazirite. If someone dies unexpectedly near them, it renders them ceremonially unclean, which affects their vow. To restore their purity, they must shave their head on the seventh day after the incident. This act symbolizes the end of their period of defilement and the beginning of their cleansing process. The shaving of the head is a physical representation of their commitment to God and the seriousness of their vow. The seventh day is significant in biblical terms, often associated with completion and rest, indicating that after this period, they can resume their consecrated life. This verse highlights the importance of maintaining purity and the steps required to restore oneself after becoming unclean due to unforeseen circumstances. Explore related holiness.

How to apply Numbers 6:9 to your life

This verse reminds us of the importance of maintaining our commitments and the need for restoration when we face unexpected challenges. Just as the Nazirite had to take specific steps to regain purity, we too should seek ways to restore our spiritual health when we encounter setbacks in our lives.

Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Numbers 6:9 mean?

Numbers 6:9 explains that if a person who has taken a vow of consecration, like a Nazirite, encounters a sudden death nearby, they become ceremonially unclean. To restore their purity, they must shave their head on the seventh day after the incident.

What is the significance of shaving the head in Numbers 6:9?

Shaving the head in Numbers 6:9 symbolizes the end of a period of defilement and the beginning of the cleansing process for someone who has taken a vow. It represents a physical commitment to God and the seriousness of their vow.

What does 'defiling the hair of their consecration' mean in Numbers 6:9?

'Defiling the hair of their consecration' refers to becoming ceremonially unclean due to an unexpected death nearby, which impacts the person's vow of consecration. This defilement requires specific actions to restore purity.

Why is the seventh day important in Numbers 6:9?

The seventh day in Numbers 6:9 is significant as it represents completion and rest in biblical terms. It marks the end of the period of defilement and the time when the individual can resume their consecrated life.

The Book of Numbers
Book Summary

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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