Numbers 6:6
Numbers 6:6 in Multiple Translations
Throughout the days of his separation to the LORD, he must not go near a dead body.
All the days that he separateth himself unto the LORD he shall come at no dead body.
All the days that he separateth himself unto Jehovah he shall not come near to a dead body.
All the time he is separate he may not come near any dead body.
During this time of dedication to the Lord they must not go near a dead body.
During the time that he separateth himselfe vnto the Lord, he shall come at no dead body:
'All days of his keeping separate to Jehovah, near a dead person he doth not go;
“‘All the days that he separates himself to the LORD he shall not go near a dead body.
All the days that he separateth himself to the LORD, he shall come at no dead body.
All the time of his consecration he shall not go in to any dead,
And you must not go near a corpse during the time that you are a Nazir-man.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 6:6
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 6:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כָּל
יְמֵ֥י
הַזִּיר֖/וֹ
לַ/יהוָ֑ה
עַל
נֶ֥פֶשׁ
מֵ֖ת
לֹ֥א
יָבֹֽא
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
יְמֵ֥י
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp
הַזִּיר֖/וֹ
nâzar
H5144
to dedicate
V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
לַ/יהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
נֶ֥פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs
מֵ֖ת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יָבֹֽא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 6:6
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.
יְמֵ֥י
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.
הַזִּיר֖/וֹ
nâzar
H5144
"to dedicate"
V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
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/יהוָ֑ה
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.
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.
נֶ֥פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
מֵ֖ת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
לֹ֥א
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.
יָבֹֽא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
Study Notes — Numbers 6:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Nazirite Vow
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. 8Throughout the time of his separation, he is holy to the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 21:11 | He must not go near any dead body; he must not defile himself, even for his father or mother. |
| 2 | Leviticus 19:28 | You must not make any cuts in your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD. |
| 3 | Leviticus 21:1–3 | Then the LORD said to Moses, “Speak to Aaron’s sons, the priests, and tell them that a priest is not to defile himself for a dead person among his people, except for his immediate family—his mother, father, son, daughter, or brother, or his unmarried sister who is near to him, since she has no husband. |
| 4 | Luke 9:59–60 | Then He said to another man, “Follow Me.” The man replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” But Jesus told him, “Let the dead bury their own dead. You, however, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” |
| 5 | Jeremiah 16:5–6 | Indeed, this is what the LORD says: “Do not enter a house where there is a funeral meal. Do not go to mourn or show sympathy, for I have removed from this people My peace, My loving devotion, and My compassion,” declares the LORD. “Both great and small will die in this land. They will not be buried or mourned, nor will anyone cut himself or shave his head for them. |
| 6 | Matthew 8:21–22 | Another of His disciples requested, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” But Jesus told him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” |
| 7 | Numbers 19:11–22 | Whoever touches any dead body will be unclean for seven days. He must purify himself with the water on the third day and on the seventh day; then he will be clean. But if he does not purify himself on the third and seventh days, he will not be clean. Anyone who touches a human corpse and fails to purify himself defiles the tabernacle of the LORD. That person must be cut off from Israel. He remains unclean, because the water of purification has not been sprinkled on him, and his uncleanness is still on him. This is the law when a person dies in a tent: Everyone who enters the tent and everyone already in the tent will be unclean for seven days, and any open container without a lid fastened on it is unclean. Anyone in the open field who touches someone who has been killed by the sword or has died of natural causes, or anyone who touches a human bone or a grave, will be unclean for seven days. For the purification of the unclean person, take some of the ashes of the burnt sin offering, put them in a jar, and pour fresh water over them. Then a man who is ceremonially clean is to take some hyssop, dip it in the water, and sprinkle the tent, all the furnishings, and the people who were there. He is also to sprinkle the one who touched a bone, a grave, or a person who has died or been slain. The man who is ceremonially clean is to sprinkle the unclean person on the third day and on the seventh day. After he purifies the unclean person on the seventh day, the one being cleansed must wash his clothes and bathe in water, and that evening he will be clean. But if a person who is unclean does not purify himself, he will be cut off from the assembly, because he has defiled the sanctuary of the LORD. The water of purification has not been sprinkled on him; he is unclean. This is a permanent statute for the people: The one who sprinkles the water of purification must wash his clothes, and whoever touches the water of purification will be unclean until evening. Anything the unclean person touches will become unclean, and anyone who touches it will be unclean until evening.” |
| 8 | 2 Corinthians 5:16 | So from now on we regard no one according to the flesh. Although we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. |
| 9 | Ezekiel 24:16–18 | “Son of man, behold, I am about to take away the desire of your eyes with a fatal blow. But you must not mourn or weep or let your tears flow. Groan quietly; do not mourn for the dead. Put on your turban and strap your sandals on your feet; do not cover your lips or eat the bread of mourners.” So I spoke to the people in the morning, and in the evening my wife died. And the next morning I did as I had been commanded. |
Numbers 6:6 Summary
[This verse is talking about someone who has dedicated themselves to God, called a Nazirite, and how they need to avoid things that might make them unclean, like dead bodies. This is because they want to be completely focused on God and live a life that is pleasing to Him, as seen in Numbers 6:8. By avoiding dead bodies, the Nazirite is able to maintain their spiritual purity and stay close to God, which is an important part of their devotion. This reminds us that as believers, we are also called to be set apart for God's purposes and live a life that is holy and pleasing to Him, as seen in 1 Peter 1:15-16.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it so important for the Nazirite to avoid dead bodies during their separation to the Lord?
The Bible teaches that death and dead bodies are associated with sin and uncleanness, as seen in Numbers 19:11-13, and the Nazirite's separation is a symbol of their devotion to God's holiness, so avoiding dead bodies helps them maintain their spiritual purity.
Does this mean that the Nazirite can never attend a funeral or be near someone who has passed away?
According to Numbers 6:6-7, the Nazirite is not to go near a dead body, even if it's a close family member, because their consecration to God takes priority, as also seen in Leviticus 21:11, where priests are also restricted from contact with the dead.
How does this apply to believers today, since we are not under the same Old Testament laws as the Nazirites?
While the specific rules for Nazirites do not apply to believers today, the principle of separating ourselves from worldly influences and dedicating ourselves to God's service is still relevant, as seen in Romans 12:1-2, where we are called to offer ourselves as living sacrifices to God.
What does it mean to be 'holy to the Lord' as mentioned in Numbers 6:8?
Being holy to the Lord means being set apart for God's purposes and living a life that is pleasing to Him, as seen in 1 Peter 1:15-16, where believers are called to be holy in all their conduct.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can separate myself from worldly influences and dedicate myself to God's service, just like the Nazirite?
- How can I maintain my spiritual purity in a world that is often filled with sin and uncleanness?
- What does it mean for me to be 'holy to the Lord' in my daily life, and how can I live out this calling?
- In what ways can I prioritize my relationship with God, even when it's difficult or unpopular?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 6:6
All the days that he separateth [himself] unto the Lord,.... This phrase is repeated at every new article and branch of the law of the Nazarites, of which what follows is the third; showing that each
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 6:6
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
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 6:6
Numbers 6:6 All the days that he separateth [himself] unto the LORD he shall come at no dead body.Ver. 6. At no dead body.] Christ was never defiled by any person dead in sin, nor by any dead work; no more must we.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 6:6
6, 7. Third regulation. Avoidance of pollution from contact with a dead body, even that of the nearest relative.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 6:6
6. Dead body — See Numbers 5:2, note.
Sermons on Numbers 6:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Body Piercing - a Return to Paganism by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the importance of Christians being set apart and holy, contrasting the worldly trend of body modification with the biblical call to honor God with our bod |
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Guidelines for the Godly Man by Eli Brayley | Eli Brayley preaches on the calling of the man of God to live a life of full consecration, obedience, and service unto the Kingdom of God. The purpose of the man of God is to confo |
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The Amaturisation of Missions by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond addresses the concerning trend of the amateurization of missions, highlighting the influx of untrained, ill-equipped, and short-term 'missionaries' who often hinder r |
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The Beard, Its Historical and Biblical Significance by John Weaver | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the significance of unity among brethren. He urges the audience to judge righteous judgment, emphasizing the importance of looking beyond ou |
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Jesus Never Comes Next by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on three accounts from the 9th chapter of Luke. He refers to them as the peril of the uncounted cause, the peril of the unburied corpse, and th |
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Devoted by Glenn Meldrum | In this sermon, the speaker describes a series of events where Jesus encounters three individuals who express their desire to follow him. However, the speaker emphasizes that the c |
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Luke 9;57 Waterloo Conference by Gerry Covenhoven | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the importance of prioritizing God's will over worldly desires. They emphasize that we should not be swayed by the attractions and distracti |