Numbers 6:5

Numbers 6:5 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

For the entire period of his vow of separation, no razor shall pass over his head. He must be holy until the time of his separation to the LORD is complete; he must let the hair of his head grow long.

King James Version KJV

All the days of the vow of his separation there shall no razor come upon his head: until the days be fulfilled, in the which he separateth himself unto the LORD, he shall be holy, and shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow.

American Standard Version ASV

All the days of his vow of separation there shall no razor come upon his head: until the days be fulfilled, in which he separateth himself unto Jehovah, he shall be holy; he shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow long.

Bible in Basic English BBE

All the time he is under his oath let no blade come near his head; till the days while he is separate are ended he is holy and his hair may not be cut.

Free Bible Version FBV

They must not use a razor on their heads during the whole time of this promise of dedication. They must remain holy until their time of dedication to the Lord is finished. They must let their hair grow long.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

While hee is separate by his vowe, the rasor shall not come vpon his head, vntill the dayes be out, in the which he separateth him selfe vnto the Lord, he shalbe holy, and shall let the lockes of the heare of his head growe.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'All days of the vow of his separation a razor doth not pass over his head; till the fulness of the days which he doth separate to Jehovah he is holy; grown up hath the upper part of the hair of his head.

World English Bible WEB

“‘All the days of his vow of separation no razor shall come on his head, until the days are fulfilled in which he separates himself to the LORD. He shall be holy. He shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow long.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

All the days of the vow of his separation there shall no razor come upon his head: until the days shall be fulfilled, in which he separateth himself to the LORD, he shall be holy, and shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

All the time of his separation no razor shall pass over his head, until the day be fulfilled of his consecration to the Lord. He shall be holy, and shall let the hair of his head grow.

Translation for Translators T4T

‘Even your hair will be dedicated to me during the time that you area Nazir-man, so you must never allow anyone to cut your hair. Until the time that your solemn promise to dedicate yourself to me is ended, you must allow your hair to grow long.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 6:5

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Numbers 6:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB כָּל יְמֵי֙ נֶ֣דֶר נִזְר֔/וֹ תַּ֖עַר לֹא יַעֲבֹ֣ר עַל רֹאשׁ֑/וֹ עַד מְלֹ֨את הַ/יָּמִ֜ם אֲשֶׁר יַזִּ֤יר לַ/יהוָה֙ קָדֹ֣שׁ יִהְיֶ֔ה גַּדֵּ֥ל פֶּ֖רַע שְׂעַ֥ר רֹאשֽׁ/וֹ

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

יְמֵי֙ yôwm H3117 day N-mp

נֶ֣דֶר neder H5088 vow N-ms

נִזְר֔/וֹ nezer H5145 consecration N-ms | Suff

תַּ֖עַר taʻar H8593 razor N-cs

לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part

יַעֲבֹ֣ר ʻâbar H5674 to pass V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

רֹאשׁ֑/וֹ rôʼsh H7218 head N-ms | Suff

עַד ʻad H5704 till Prep

מְלֹ֨את mâlêʼ H4390 to fill V-Qal-Inf-a

הַ/יָּמִ֜ם yôwm H3117 day Art | N-mp

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

יַזִּ֤יר nâzar H5144 to dedicate V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms

לַ/יהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord Prep | N-proper

קָדֹ֣שׁ qâdôwsh H6918 holy Adj

יִהְיֶ֔ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

גַּדֵּ֥ל gâdal H1431 to magnify V-Piel-Inf-a

פֶּ֖רַע peraʻ H6545 lock N-ms

שְׂעַ֥ר sêʻâr H8181 hair N-ms

רֹאשֽׁ/וֹ rôʼsh H7218 head N-ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 6:5

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

יְמֵי֙ yôwm H3117 "day" N-mp

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

נֶ֣דֶר neder H5088 "vow" N-ms

A vow is a promise made to God, like the one Jephthah made in Judges 11:30-31. It can also refer to the thing promised, such as an offering. Vows are recorded in the Bible as important commitments.

Definition: vow, votive offering

Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: vow(-ed). See also: Genesis 28:20; Deuteronomy 12:11; Psalms 22:26.

נִזְר֔/וֹ nezer H5145 "consecration" N-ms | Suff

The Hebrew word for consecration or a crown, often referring to a Nazirite vow, where someone dedicates themselves to God. This concept appears in Numbers 6 and is associated with unshorn locks or a royal chaplet. In the Bible, it symbolizes a person's commitment to God.

Definition: 1) consecration, crown, separation, Nazariteship 1a) crown (as sign of consecration), earring 1a1) stones of a crown, diadem, stones of charming 1b) woman's hair 1c) consecration 1c1) of high priest 1c2) of Nazarite

Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: consecration, crown, hair, separation. See also: Exodus 29:6; Numbers 6:18; Psalms 89:40.

תַּ֖עַר taʻar H8593 "razor" N-cs

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a sharp knife or razor, used for shaving or cutting. It also refers to an empty scabbard, a holder for a sword. The word is used in various contexts, including Exodus and 1 Samuel.

Definition: 1) razor, sheath (making naked) 1a) razor 1b) sheath (of sword)

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: (pen-) knife, razor, scabbard, shave, sheath. See also: Numbers 6:5; Jeremiah 36:23; Psalms 52:4.

לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

יַעֲבֹ֣ר ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.

Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over

Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

רֹאשׁ֑/וֹ rôʼsh H7218 "head" N-ms | Suff

This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.

Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum

Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.

עַד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep

This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.

Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)

Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.

מְלֹ֨את mâlêʼ H4390 "to fill" V-Qal-Inf-a

To fill means to make something full or complete, like filling a container or fulfilling a promise. This word is used in many contexts, including being full of joy or having a job completed.

Definition: 1) to fill, be full 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be full 1a1a) fulness, abundance (participle) 1a1b) to be full, be accomplished, be ended 1a2) to consecrate, fill the hand 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be filled, be armed, be satisfied 1b2) to be accomplished, be ended 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to fill 1c2) to satisfy 1c3) to fulfil, accomplish, complete 1c4) to confirm 1d) (Pual) to be filled 1e) (Hithpael) to mass themselves against Aramaic equivalent: me.la (מְלָא "to fill" H4391)

Usage: Occurs in 242 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, confirm, [phrase] consecrate, be at an end, be expired, be fenced, fill, fulfil, (be, become, [idiom] draw, give in, go) full(-ly, -ly set, tale), (over-) flow, fulness, furnish, gather (selves, together), presume, replenish, satisfy, set, space, take a (hand-) full, [phrase] have wholly. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 16:14; Psalms 10:7.

הַ/יָּמִ֜ם yôwm H3117 "day" Art | N-mp

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

יַזִּ֤יר nâzar H5144 "to dedicate" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms

To be a Nazarite, or to set oneself apart for God, this word describes a special vow of devotion. In Numbers 6:1-21, it is used to describe the rules for Nazarites, who would abstain from wine and other luxuries. The word is also used in Judges 13:5 to describe the vow of Samson's mother.

Definition: 1) to dedicate, consecrate, separate 1a) (Niphal) to dedicate oneself, devote oneself 1b) (Hiphil) to keep sacredly separate

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: consecrate, separate(-ing, self). See also: Leviticus 15:31; Numbers 6:6; Zechariah 7:3.

לַ/יהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" Prep | N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

קָדֹ֣שׁ qâdôwsh H6918 "holy" Adj

Holy means set apart or sacred, used to describe God, angels, and saints. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things or people dedicated to God's service, like the Temple in Jerusalem or the prophets who spoke on God's behalf.

Definition: : holy sacred, holy, Holy One, saint, set apart

Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: holy (One), saint. See also: Exodus 19:6; Psalms 89:19; Psalms 16:3.

יִהְיֶ֔ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

גַּדֵּ֥ל gâdal H1431 "to magnify" V-Piel-Inf-a

To make something or someone great, important, or powerful. This Hebrew word means to magnify or grow, and is used in the Bible to describe God's power and greatness. The KJV translates it as 'magnify' or 'great'.

Definition: 1) to grow, become great or important, promote, make powerful, praise, magnify, do great things 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to grow up 1a2) to become great 1a3) to be magnified 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cause to grow 1b2) to make great, powerful 1b3) to magnify 1c) (Pual) to be brought up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to make great 1d2) to magnify 1d3) to do great things 1e) (Hithpael) to magnify oneself

Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: advance, boast, bring up, exceed, excellent, be(-come, do, give, make, wax), great(-er, come to... estate, [phrase] things), grow(up), increase, lift up, magnify(-ifical), be much set by, nourish (up), pass, promote, proudly (spoken), tower. See also: Genesis 12:2; Psalms 35:27; Psalms 18:51.

פֶּ֖רַע peraʻ H6545 "lock" N-ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to hair that is disheveled or unkempt, and is also used to describe a leader. It is used in various contexts, including Judges 5:2 and 2 Samuel 14:26. The word has a range of meanings related to hair and leadership.

Definition: 1) hair, long hair (of head), locks 2) leader

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: locks. See also: Numbers 6:5; Ezekiel 44:20.

שְׂעַ֥ר sêʻâr H8181 "hair" N-ms

In the Bible, this word refers to hair on people or animals, like in Leviticus 13:30 where it talks about hair loss. It can also describe a hairy garment.

Definition: 1) hair 1a) hair (of animals, man) 1b) hair (of garment made of hair) Aramaic equivalent: se.ar (שְׂעַר "hair" H8177)

Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: hair(-y), [idiom] rough. See also: Genesis 25:25; Leviticus 14:8; Psalms 68:22.

רֹאשֽׁ/וֹ rôʼsh H7218 "head" N-ms | Suff

This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.

Study Notes — Numbers 6:5

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Context
Cross References
Numbers 6:5 Summary
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Gill's Exposition on Numbers 6:5
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Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 6:5
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Cambridge Bible on Numbers 6:5
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Sermons on Numbers 6:5

Context — The Nazirite Vow

3he is to abstain from wine and strong drink. He must not drink vinegar made from wine or strong drink, and he must not drink any grape juice or eat fresh grapes or raisins. 4All the days of his separation, he is not to eat anything that comes from the grapevine, not even the seeds or skins.

5For the entire period of his vow of separation, no razor shall touch his head. He must be holy until the time of his separation to the LORD is complete; he must let the hair of his head grow long.

6Throughout the days of his separation to the LORD, he must not go near a dead body. 7Even if his father or mother or brother or sister should die, he is not to defile himself, because the symbol of consecration to his God is upon his head.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Samuel 1:11	And she made a vow, pleading, “O LORD of Hosts, if only You will look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, not forgetting Your maidservant but giving her a son, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever come over his head.”
2	Judges 16:17	Samson told her all that was in his heart: “My hair has never been cut, because I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb. If I am shaved, my strength will leave me, and I will become as weak as any other man.”
3	Judges 13:5	For behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son. And no razor shall come over his head, because the boy will be a Nazirite to God from the womb, and he will begin the deliverance of Israel from the hand of the Philistines.”
4	Lamentations 4:7–8	Her dignitaries were brighter than snow, whiter than milk; their bodies were more ruddy than rubies, their appearance like sapphires. But now their appearance is blacker than soot; they are not recognized in the streets. Their skin has shriveled on their bones; it has become as dry as a stick.
5	Judges 16:19	And having lulled him to sleep on her lap, she called a man to shave off the seven braids of his head. In this way she began to subdue him, and his strength left him.
6	1 Corinthians 11:10–15	For this reason a woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head, because of the angels. In the Lord, however, woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. For just as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God. Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? Doesn’t nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering.

Numbers 6:5 Summary

[This verse is talking about someone who has made a special promise to God, called a vow of separation, and as part of that promise, they are not allowed to cut their hair. This is a way of showing that they are dedicated to God and want to be holy, as seen in Numbers 6:5. It's like a symbol of their commitment to God, similar to the way that baptism is a symbol of our commitment to follow Jesus, as mentioned in Romans 6:4. By not cutting their hair, they are reminding themselves and others that they belong to God, and they want to live a life that is pleasing to Him, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:7.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of not cutting one's hair during a vow of separation?

The purpose of not cutting one's hair is to signify holiness and separation to the Lord, as seen in Numbers 6:5, and to demonstrate a commitment to consecration, similar to the example of Samuel in 1 Samuel 1:11.

How long does the vow of separation typically last?

The duration of the vow of separation is not specified in Numbers 6:5, but it is until the time of separation to the Lord is complete, indicating a period of time dedicated to the Lord, similar to the consecration of the Nazirite in Numbers 6:1-21.

Is the practice of not cutting one's hair during a vow of separation still applicable today?

While the specific practice of not cutting one's hair may not be directly applicable today, the principle of consecrating oneself to the Lord remains, as seen in Romans 12:1-2, where believers are called to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.

What does it mean to 'let the hair of his head grow long' in Numbers 6:5?

Letting the hair grow long is a physical symbol of the Nazirite's commitment to the Lord, representing a dedication to holiness and separation, as seen in Numbers 6:5, and is not necessarily a requirement for believers today, but rather a historical example of consecration, as mentioned in Acts 18:18 and Acts 21:24.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can demonstrate my commitment to the Lord, similar to the Nazirite's vow of separation?
How can I balance my desire for personal expression with the need to consecrate myself to the Lord?
In what ways can I 'let my hair grow long' spiritually, by surrendering my desires and will to the Lord?
What are some areas of my life where I need to separate myself from the world and consecrate myself to the Lord, as seen in 2 Corinthians 6:17-18?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 6:5

All the days of the vow of his separation,.... Be the time he has vowed to be a Nazarite a week, a, month, or more, even a thousand days, but not less than thirty, as Ben Gersom observes: there shall

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 6:5

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall separate themselves to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate themselves unto the LORD: When either man or woman

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 6:5

No razor, nor scissors, or other instrument to cut off any part of his hair. This was appointed, partly, as a sign of his mortification to worldly delights, and vain affectation of outward beauty, which is promoted by the polling or cutting off the hair; partly, as a testimony of that purity which hereby he professed, because the cutting off the hair was a sign of uncleanness, as appears from , and ,9; partly, that by the notorious length of his hair he might be constantly minded of his vow, and the exquisite holiness it required, and that others might thereby be admonished and stirred up to the imitation of his holy example; and partly, that he might reserve his hair entirely for God, to whom it was to be offered, . He shall be holy, i.e. wholly consecrated to God and his service, whereby lie shows that inward and substantial holiness was the great thing which God required and valued in these, and consequently in other rites and ceremonies.

Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 6:5

Numbers 6:5 All the days of the vow of his separation there shall no razor come upon his head: until the days be fulfilled, in the which he separateth [himself] unto the LORD, he shall be holy, [and] shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow.Ver. 5. There shall no razor.] In opposition to heathens, votaries who nourished their hair to offer to their gods. The popish priests also cut and shave their hair, that they may still look neat and effeminate; which God allowed not in his Nazarites.

Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 6:5

(5) There shall no razor come upon his head.—The hair was to be suffered to grow in all its luxuriance during the days of the Nazirite vow. The meaning may be illustrated by reference to Leviticus 25:4-5; Leviticus 25:11, where it is prescribed that in the seventh year the vine was not to be pruned, and that the grapes of “the undressed vine” (literally, the grapes of the Nazirite) should not be gathered.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 6:5

Verse 5. There shall no razor come upon his head] The vow of the Nazarite consisted in the following particulars: - 1. He consecrated himself in a very especial and extraordinary manner to God. 2. This was to continue for a certain season, probably never less than a whole year, that he might have a full growth of hair to burn in the fire which is under the sacrifice of the peace-offering, Numbers 6:18. 3. During the time of his separation, or nazarate, he drank no wine nor strong drink; nor used any vinegar formed from any inebriating liquor, nor ate the flesh or dried grapes, nor tasted even the kernels or husks of any thing that had grown upon the vine. 4. He never shaved his head, but let his hair grow, as the proof of his being in this separated state, and under vows of peculiar austerity. 5. He never touched any dead body, nor did any of the last offices, even to his nearest kin; but was considered as the priests, who were wholly taken up with the service of God, and regarded nothing else. 6. All the days of his separation he was holy, Numbers 6:8. During the whole time he was to be incessantly employed in religious acts.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 6:5

5. Second regulation. The hair to be left uncut. This is found in every reference to the Nazirites, both in early and late times. Long hair was the visible mark of consecration.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 6:5

5. No razor come upon his head — The unshorn head was not a symbol of holiness among the Hebrews, as Bahr suggests, but simply an ornament in which the whole strength and fulness of life were set

Sermons on Numbers 6:5

	Sermon	Description
	Removing the Stumbling Blocks - Part 2 by Dan Augsburger	This sermon emphasizes the importance of persisting in prayer and praising God in all circumstances. It shares stories from the Bible, like Hannah's persistence in prayer for a chi
	Are the Children In? by C.H. Spurgeon	C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of praying for our children, acknowledging that they do not possess the Spirit of God by nature and expressing concern for their spiritual f
	Samuel Grew Up "In Favour Both With the Lord and With Men" by Zac Poonen	Zac Poonen preaches on the powerful story of Hannah's prayer for a child, highlighting her selfless vow to dedicate her son to the Lord, shifting the focus from her need to God's n
	"When Thou Vowest a Vow, Defer Not to Pay It" by Timothy Tow	Timothy Tow preaches about the seriousness of making vows to God, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling them once spoken, as seen in the stories of Jephthah and Hannah. He share
	Be Strong and Do Exploits by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the current state of the Church of Jesus Christ, describing it as "sleeping through revolution." He emphasizes that while the world is consta
	(Genesis) 48 - Peniel, From Supplanter to Prevailer by S. Lewis Johnson	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the life of Jacob and his journey from immaturity to maturity. He highlights how Jacob's life is summarized in Hosea 12:3, where it is menti
	True or False by John McGregor	In this sermon, the preacher reflects on a past experience of watching a video of himself preaching in 1990. He recalls a man named Henry Donaldson who attended the meetings but wa