Numbers 6:11

KJV

And the priest shall offer the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering, and make an atonement for him, for that he sinned by the dead, and shall hallow his head that same day.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the priest {H3548} shall offer {H6213} the one {H259} for a sin offering {H2403}, and the other {H259} for a burnt offering {H5930}, and make an atonement {H3722} for him, for that {H834} he sinned {H2398} by the dead {H5315}, and shall hallow {H6942} his head {H7218} that same day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The cohen is to prepare one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering and thus make atonement for him, inasmuch as he sinned because of the dead person. That same day he is to re-consecrate his head;

Berean Standard Bible

And the priest is to offer one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering to make atonement for him, because he has sinned by being in the presence of the dead body. On that day he must consecrate his head again.

American Standard Version

and the priest shall offer one for a sin-offering, and the other for a burnt-offering, and make atonement for him, for that he sinned by reason of the dead, and shall hallow his head that same day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 6:11 meticulously details the required purification rituals for a Nazirite who has been inadvertently defiled by contact with a dead body, outlining the specific sin and burnt offerings the priest must present. This verse underscores God's meticulous provision for restoration and atonement within the sacred context of the Nazirite vow, emphasizing both the gravity of ritual impurity and the divine pathway for renewed consecration and fellowship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 6:11 is situated within the broader legal and cultic instructions given to Israel during their wilderness journey. Chapters 5 and 6 specifically address matters of ritual purity and special vows. The preceding verses in [Numbers 6](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Nazirite Vow") introduce the Nazirite vow, a voluntary commitment to a period of special consecration to the Lord, characterized by three primary prohibitions: abstaining from grape products, not cutting one's hair, and avoiding contact with any dead body (cf. [Numbers 6:1-8](/numbers/6-1 "Numbers 6:1-8 - Requirements of the Nazirite Vow")). Should a Nazirite accidentally come into contact with a corpse, as described in [Numbers 6:9-10](/numbers/6-9 "Numbers 6:9-10 - Defilement of a Nazirite"), their vow was immediately broken, and they were required to undergo a specific purification process, including shaving their head and restarting their period of consecration. Verse 11 then precisely outlines the sacrificial offerings necessary for this purification and atonement, marking a critical step before the vow could be resumed.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of ritual purity was paramount in ancient Israelite society, deeply integrated into their understanding of a holy God and His presence among them. Contact with a dead body was considered a significant source of ritual impurity, rendering an individual unclean and temporarily unable to participate fully in sacred activities or approach the tabernacle (cf. [Numbers 19:11-22](/numbers/19-11 "Numbers 19:11-22 - Laws Concerning Defilement by a Corpse")). For a Nazirite, whose very identity during their vow was defined by an elevated state of holiness and separation unto the Lord, such defilement was particularly grievous, even if accidental. The prescribed sacrifices in [Numbers 6:11](/numbers/6-11 "Numbers 6:11 - Offerings for a Defiled Nazirite") were not merely symbolic; they were divinely ordained mechanisms for expiation and reconciliation, ensuring that the individual could be ritually cleansed and restored to a state of acceptable holiness before God. This system of atonement through sacrifice was foundational to the Old Covenant, providing a tangible means for addressing sin and impurity within the community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sin Offering (Hebrew, _chaṭṭāʾṯ'_):** This term refers to a specific type of sacrifice mandated for unintentional sins or ritual impurities. Unlike offerings for deliberate transgressions, the *chaṭṭāʾṯ* here addresses the defilement incurred by the Nazirite through accidental contact with a corpse. Its primary purpose was to purify, to cleanse the individual from the ritual impurity and the associated guilt, thereby restoring their ceremonial standing before God. It highlights God's provision for dealing with human frailty and the unavoidable imperfections of life in a fallen world.
* **Burnt Offering (Hebrew, _ʿōlâ'_):** The *ʿōlâ* was unique in that the entire animal was consumed on the altar, symbolizing complete devotion, consecration, and surrender to God. In this context, following the sin offering, it represents the Nazirite's re-dedication and renewed commitment to their vow. It signifies a fresh start, an act of worship and self-giving that reaffirms their desire to be wholly set apart for the Lord, despite the recent setback.
* **Atonement (Hebrew, _kāp̄ar'_):** This foundational theological term means "to cover," "to purge," or "to make reconciliation." Here, it signifies that through the prescribed sacrifices, God provides a means for the defiled Nazirite to be reconciled to Him and restored to a state of ritual purity. It is an act of expiation, removing the barrier of impurity and allowing for renewed fellowship and service. The *kāp̄ar* underscores God's initiative in providing a way for humanity to deal with sin and impurity and return to His favor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the priest shall offer the one for a sin offering":** This clause specifies the first of two mandatory sacrifices. The priest, acting as God's appointed mediator, is to present one of the two turtledoves or young pigeons (as specified in [Numbers 6:10](/numbers/6-10 "Numbers 6:10 - The Offerings for Defilement")) as a sin offering. This offering addresses the ritual impurity and the breaking of the vow due to contact with the dead, cleansing the Nazirite from the defilement.
* **"and the other for a burnt offering":** Immediately following the sin offering, the second bird is to be presented as a burnt offering. This signifies the Nazirite's renewed commitment and re-consecration to the Lord. While the sin offering dealt with the impurity, the burnt offering represents the Nazirite's restored devotion and willingness to complete their vow.
* **"and make an atonement for him, for that he sinned by the dead":** This phrase encapsulates the purpose of the sacrifices. The priest's actions, through the offerings, effectuate atonement (Hebrew: *kāp̄ar*). The "sin" here refers to the ritual impurity incurred by touching a corpse, which, despite being accidental, rendered the Nazirite ritually unclean and in violation of their vow of separation. The atonement covers this impurity, making reconciliation possible.
* **"and shall hallow his head that same day":** This final clause refers to the re-sanctification of the Nazirite's head, which was the primary symbol of their vow. After the defilement, their head had to be shaved (as per [Numbers 6:9](/numbers/6-9 "Numbers 6:9 - Shaving of the Head")), symbolizing the termination of the defiled period. "Hallowing his head" implies the official re-initiation of the vow, allowing the hair to grow again as a new symbol of their renewed consecration from that day forward.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 6:11 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological meaning. **Ritual** is central, as the verse meticulously details the precise sequence of offerings and actions required for purification, emphasizing the structured and divinely ordained nature of Old Covenant worship. The offerings themselves are rich in **Symbolism**: the sin offering represents purification from impurity, while the burnt offering symbolizes complete devotion and renewed consecration. The Nazirite's hair also functions as a powerful **Symbol**, signifying their separation unto God, and its shaving and re-growth mark the breaking and renewal of the vow. There is also a subtle **Contrast** between the accidental nature of the defilement and the absolute necessity of the prescribed, intentional ritual for restoration, highlighting God's unwavering standards of holiness despite human frailty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 6:11 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to both holiness and restoration. It reveals that while God demands purity from those consecrated to Him, He also graciously provides a pathway for reconciliation when that purity is compromised, even unintentionally. This divine provision underscores the seriousness of sin and impurity, yet simultaneously highlights God's mercy and His desire for His people to remain in covenant relationship with Him. The intricate details of the sacrifices point to the absolute necessity of atonement for dealing with defilement and re-establishing fellowship, laying foundational principles that resonate throughout biblical theology.

* [Leviticus 4:27-31](/leviticus/4-27 "Leviticus 4:27-31 - The Sin Offering for an Individual") - Details the general purpose and procedure of the sin offering for unintentional sins.
* [Leviticus 1:3-9](/leviticus/1-3 "Leviticus 1:3-9 - The Burnt Offering") - Describes the burnt offering as an act of complete devotion and atonement.
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without the Shedding of Blood") - Emphasizes the principle that "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins," a concept deeply rooted in Old Testament sacrificial law.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific Nazirite vow and its purification rituals are part of the Old Covenant law and not directly practiced by New Testament believers, the principles embedded in Numbers 6:11 offer timeless spiritual insights. This passage reminds us that our commitments to God are serious, and even unintentional failings require a response. It powerfully demonstrates God's abundant grace and His provision for restoration when we fall short of His holy standards. Just as the Nazirite had a prescribed path back to a state of consecration, believers today have a divine pathway through Jesus Christ for forgiveness and renewal. This verse encourages us to value spiritual purity, to acknowledge our imperfections, and to embrace the fresh starts God continually offers, reminding us that His grace is always sufficient to cleanse and empower us to continue our walk of dedication to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed nature of the purification ritual in Numbers 6:11 speak to the seriousness with which God views holiness and defilement?**
* **In what ways does this passage affirm God's grace and His desire for restoration, even when His people fail or fall short?**
* **What "defilements" or impurities, though not ceremonial, might hinder our spiritual walk today, and how can we seek God's cleansing and renewal?**
* **How can we cultivate a renewed sense of "consecration" or dedication to God in our daily lives, reflecting the spirit of the Nazirite vow?**

### FAQ

**What was the primary purpose of the Nazirite vow, and why was contact with the dead so problematic for it?**

Answer: The Nazirite vow (Numbers 6:1-8) was a voluntary, temporary period of special consecration to the Lord, involving abstinence from wine, not cutting one's hair, and avoiding contact with dead bodies. Its primary purpose was to express an elevated level of devotion and separation unto God. Contact with the dead was problematic because it was a major source of ritual impurity in ancient Israel (cf. [Numbers 19:11-13](/numbers/19-11 "Numbers 19:11-13 - Defilement by a Corpse")). For a Nazirite, who was "holy to the Lord" (Numbers 6:8) and symbolized by their uncut hair, such defilement broke the very essence of their vow of separation, requiring immediate purification and a restart of their consecrated period.

**What is the significance of the "sin offering" and "burnt offering" in this context?**

Answer: The "sin offering" (Hebrew: *chaṭṭāʾṯ*) was for purification from ritual impurity and unintentional sins, addressing the defilement incurred by the Nazirite. It cleansed them from the ceremonial uncleanness and the guilt associated with breaking the vow, even accidentally. The "burnt offering" (Hebrew: *ʿōlâ*), where the whole animal was consumed, symbolized complete devotion and consecration. In this context, it represented the Nazirite's renewed commitment and re-dedication to their vow, signifying a fresh start and restored fellowship with God after purification. Together, they provided a comprehensive path to restoration.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 6:11, with its meticulous instructions for atonement and re-consecration, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The sin offering and burnt offering, though effective for ceremonial cleansing under the Old Covenant, were but shadows pointing to the singular, perfect sacrifice of Christ. He is our ultimate [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who took away the sin of the world, fulfilling the need for a sin offering by becoming sin for us (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Moreover, His life of perfect obedience and His willing surrender on the cross serve as the quintessential burnt offering, representing complete devotion and consecration to God on humanity's behalf (cf. [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")). Through His shed blood, we are not merely cleansed from ritual impurity but are truly [atoned for](/romans/5-11 "Romans 5:11 - Reconciliation Through Christ") and reconciled to God, having been made holy and blameless in His sight (cf. [Colossians 1:21-22](/colossians/1-21 "Colossians 1:21-22 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). Just as the Nazirite's head was "hallowed" to signify renewed consecration, believers in Christ are made holy and set apart for God through the indwelling Holy Spirit, enabling us to live lives of true spiritual separation and devotion, no longer bound by external rituals but by an internal transformation (cf. [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 5:8

And he shall bring them unto the priest, who shall offer [that] which [is] for the sin offering first, and wring off his head from his neck, but shall not divide [it] asunder:

Leviticus 5:10

And he shall offer the second [for] a burnt offering, according to the manner: and the priest shall make an atonement for him for his sin which he hath sinned, and it shall be forgiven him.

Leviticus 14:30

And he shall offer the one of the turtledoves, or of the young pigeons, such as he can get;

Leviticus 14:31

[Even] such as he is able to get, the one [for] a sin offering, and the other [for] a burnt offering, with the meat offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for him that is to be cleansed before the LORD.