Numbers 6:14

KJV

And he shall offer his offering unto the LORD, one he lamb of the first year without blemish for a burnt offering, and one ewe lamb of the first year without blemish for a sin offering, and one ram without blemish for peace offerings,

KJV (with Strong's)

And he shall offer {H7126} his offering {H7133} unto the LORD {H3068}, one {H259} he lamb {H3532} of the first {H1121} year {H8141} without blemish {H8549} for a burnt offering {H5930}, and one {H259} ewe lamb {H3535} of the first {H1323} year {H8141} without blemish {H8549} for a sin offering {H2403}, and one {H259} ram {H352} without blemish {H8549} for peace offerings {H8002},

Complete Jewish Bible

where he will present his offering to ADONAI - one male lamb in its first year without defect as a burnt offering, one female lamb in its first year without defect as a sin offering, one ram without defect as peace offerings,

Berean Standard Bible

and he is to present an offering to the LORD of an unblemished year-old male lamb as a burnt offering, an unblemished year-old female lamb as a sin offering, and an unblemished ram as a peace offering—

American Standard Version

and he shall offer his oblation unto Jehovah, one he-lamb a year old without blemish for a burnt-offering, and one ewe-lamb a year old without blemish for a sin-offering, and one ram without blemish for peace-offerings,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 6:14 meticulously details the sacrificial animals required from a Nazirite upon the ceremonial completion of their vow of separation to the LORD. This verse specifies three distinct offerings—a male lamb for a burnt offering, a female lamb for a sin offering, and a ram for peace offerings—each mandated to be "of the first year without blemish." This precise instruction underscores the divine demand for purity, wholeness, and comprehensive atonement and fellowship as the individual transitioned from a period of heightened consecration back into ordinary communal life, ensuring all aspects of their relationship with God were properly addressed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 6:14 is an integral part of the detailed legislation concerning the Nazirite vow, found in [Numbers 6:1-21](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Nazirite Vow"). The preceding verses (6:1-12) establish the voluntary nature of this unique vow and its stringent prohibitions, which include abstinence from grape products, refraining from cutting hair, and avoiding contact with the dead. The offerings prescribed in verse 14, along with additional grain and drink offerings mentioned in [Numbers 6:15](/numbers/6-15 "Numbers 6:15 - Additional Offerings for Nazirite Vow Completion"), constitute the climactic ritual that formally concludes the vow. This elaborate ceremony served not only to purify the Nazirite and atone for any unintentional defilement during the vow period but also to ceremonially release them from their special commitments, allowing them to resume ordinary life within the Israelite community, their period of heightened sanctity now concluded and affirmed by these comprehensive sacrifices.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, vows represented solemn, voluntary commitments made to God, often reflecting deep personal devotion or a specific petition. The Nazirite vow was distinctive due to its temporary nature and specific ascetic practices, which symbolically set the individual apart for a period of intensified holiness. The universal requirement for sacrificial animals to be "of the first year without blemish" was a foundational standard throughout the Mosaic Law, as extensively detailed in books like [Leviticus](/leviticus "Leviticus - The Book of Laws and Offerings"). This standard signified the offering of the best, most perfect, and ritually pure to a holy God, reflecting the worshiper's reverence and the seriousness of the covenant. Each of the three specified offerings—the burnt offering (`olah`), sin offering (`chatta't`), and peace offering (`shelamim`)—carried distinct theological meanings and ritual purposes within Israel's sacrificial system, addressing complete dedication, atonement for sin, and the establishment of fellowship and well-being, respectively.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 6:14 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. The theme of **Holiness and Separation** is paramount, as the Nazirite vow itself is an act of setting oneself apart for God, and the concluding sacrifices reinforce the sanctity required to approach Him. The emphasis on "without blemish" animals underscores the theme of **Purity and Perfection** required in worship, reflecting God's own unblemished character. Furthermore, the combination of the three distinct offerings highlights the comprehensive nature of **Atonement and Reconciliation**, demonstrating that dedication, purification from sin, and the restoration of fellowship are all essential components of a right relationship with God. This verse also speaks to the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness**, as the Nazirite is fulfilling a solemn vow made to [the LORD](/exodus/34-6-7 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The Lord's Compassion and Justice"), demonstrating obedience to His commands and the importance of integrity in keeping one's word before God, a principle echoed throughout the Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 23:21](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21 - Fulfilling Vows")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Without blemish (Hebrew, _tâmîym'_):** This essential adjective (H8549), appearing repeatedly in the sacrificial laws, denotes "entire," "complete," "full," "perfect," "sound," or "undefiled." In the context of offerings, it signifies physical perfection, meaning the animal must be free from any defect, disease, or injury that would render it unacceptable for presentation to a holy God. Beyond mere physical integrity, `tâmîym` also carries a moral and spiritual connotation, representing the ideal purity and wholeness required in the worshiper's approach to God and foreshadowing the perfect nature of the ultimate sacrifice.
* **Burnt offering (Hebrew, _ʻôlâh'_):** Derived from the root H5930, meaning "to ascend" or "go up," the `ʻôlâh` was unique in that the entire animal (except for the hide, which went to the priest) was consumed by fire on the altar, with the smoke ascending to God. It symbolized complete dedication, total surrender, and absolute devotion to the LORD, serving as a general atonement for sin and an expression of worship. Its total consumption underscored the worshiper's desire for full communion and acceptance by God, signifying a complete offering of oneself.
* **Sin offering (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʼâh'_):** The `chaṭṭâʼâh` (H2403) comes from a root meaning "to miss the mark" or "to sin." This offering was primarily for atonement for unintentional sins or ceremonial impurities that rendered a person unfit for worship or fellowship with God. Unlike the burnt offering, specific parts of the sin offering were consumed by the priests, and its blood was handled in precise ways to cleanse and purify the individual or the sanctuary. Its purpose was to restore the individual to a state of ritual purity and reconcile them with God and the community, addressing the breach caused by sin or uncleanness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he shall offer his offering unto the LORD,"**: This introductory clause establishes the sacred context of the Nazirite's actions. The phrase "his offering" (H7133, `qorbân`) emphasizes that this is a personal presentation, a fulfillment of a solemn vow made specifically to Yahweh (H3068, `Yᵉhôvâh`), the covenant God of Israel. It underscores the personal responsibility and sacred nature of the commitment being completed.
* **"one he lamb of the first year without blemish for a burnt offering,"**: The specification of "one he lamb" (H259, `ʼechâd` H3532, `kebes`) signifies a male lamb in its prime (H1121, `bên` H8141, `shâneh`), indicating a valuable and perfect offering. Designated as a "burnt offering" (H5930, `ʻôlâh`), this sacrifice symbolized the Nazirite's complete dedication and surrender to God, representing the consecration of their entire being and the period of separation to the LORD. The repeated phrase "without blemish" (H8549, `tâmîym`) highlights the absolute purity required.
* **"and one ewe lamb of the first year without blemish for a sin offering,"**: Following the burnt offering, "one ewe lamb" (H259, `ʼechâd` H3535, `kibsâh`) of the "first year" (H1323, `bath` H8141, `shâneh`), also "without blemish" (H8549, `tâmîym`), is designated as a "sin offering" (H2403, `chaṭṭâʼâh`). This offering addressed any unintentional sins, ritual impurities, or failures that may have occurred during the Nazirite's vow period, ensuring their purification and atonement before God upon the vow's completion. It underscores the pervasive need for cleansing, even for those striving for holiness.
* **"and one ram without blemish for peace offerings,"**: The final animal specified is "one ram" (H259, `ʼechâd` H352, `ʼayil`), again "without blemish" (H8549, `tâmîym`). This ram is for "peace offerings" (H8002, `shelem`). This sacrifice, also known as a fellowship offering, signified reconciliation, communion, and thanksgiving. It marked the Nazirite's re-entry into full communion with God and the community, celebrating the successful completion of the vow and the peace established through the preceding offerings. Portions of this offering would be shared in a sacred meal, symbolizing restored fellowship.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 6:14 employs several significant literary devices that amplify its theological message. **Repetition** is notably prominent with the phrase "without blemish" (`tâmîym`), applied emphatically to all three sacrificial animals. This insistent repetition serves to underscore the absolute and non-negotiable requirement for perfection and purity in offerings to God, thereby highlighting His transcendent holiness and the profound seriousness of approaching Him. This repeated phrase also contributes to a sense of meticulousness and divine order inherent in the sacrificial system. **Symbolism** is central to the verse's meaning, as each animal and offering type carries profound theological significance. The selection of a "he lamb" and a "ewe lamb" symbolizes innocence and purity, while the "ram" suggests strength and leadership. More profoundly, the **Symbolism** of the burnt, sin, and peace offerings collectively represents a comprehensive approach to God, encompassing complete dedication, necessary atonement, and desired fellowship. This tripartite structure creates a powerful sense of **Completeness** or **Wholeness**, ensuring that all facets of the Nazirite's relationship with God—their consecration, their need for purification, and their desire for communion—are thoroughly addressed upon the vow's conclusion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 6:14, with its precise outlining of the Nazirite's concluding sacrifices, powerfully illustrates several enduring theological principles. It underscores God's absolute demand for holiness and perfection in all that is offered to Him, reflecting His own unblemished character and the sanctity of His presence. The meticulous requirements for the offerings highlight the seriousness of vows and the profound importance of integrity in fulfilling commitments made to God. Furthermore, the combination of burnt, sin, and peace offerings reveals a comprehensive understanding of humanity's relationship with God: complete dedication is required, atonement for sin is essential, and fellowship is the desired outcome. This intricate system ultimately points beyond itself to a greater reality, foreshadowing the ultimate, perfect sacrifice that would fully and finally accomplish what these temporary offerings could only symbolize.

* [Leviticus 1:3](/leviticus/1-3 "Leviticus 1:3 - Requirements for a Burnt Offering")
* [Leviticus 4:2](/leviticus/4-2 "Leviticus 4:2 - Law of the Sin Offering")
* [Leviticus 3:1](/leviticus/3-1 "Leviticus 3:1 - Law of the Peace Offering")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the ceremonial laws of the Nazirite vow are no longer practiced in their literal form today, Numbers 6:14 offers profound and timeless principles for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder of the sacredness of our commitments, especially those made to God. Just as the Nazirite meticulously fulfilled their vow with costly, unblemished offerings, we are called to live lives of intentional dedication, purity, and fellowship with God. The repeated emphasis on "without blemish" animals serves as a profound spiritual mirror, prompting us to examine the quality of our own "offerings"—our time, talents, resources, relationships, and very lives. Are we offering our best, or merely our leftovers? This passage challenges us to pursue holiness, to seek reconciliation and forgiveness when we fall short, and to cultivate a deep, abiding peace and communion with God. Our worship, service, and obedience become our spiritual sacrifices, offered not to earn favor, but as a grateful and loving response to the perfect sacrifice already made on our behalf.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What commitments have I made to God, and how faithfully am I fulfilling them in my daily life?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be offering God less than "without blemish"—that is, something less than my best?**
* **How does the combination of burnt, sin, and peace offerings inform my understanding of a holistic and healthy relationship with God today?**
* **How can I practically apply the principle of "completeness" and "purity" from this verse to my spiritual walk with Christ?**

### FAQ
**What was the purpose of the three different animal offerings required from the Nazirite?**

Answer: The three distinct animal offerings—a burnt offering, a sin offering, and a peace offering—served a comprehensive purpose in the Nazirite's completion ceremony, ensuring a full spiritual accounting. The burnt offering (he lamb) symbolized complete dedication and consecration of the Nazirite's life and vow period to [the LORD](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering"), with the entire animal consumed on the altar as a pleasing aroma. The sin offering (ewe lamb) provided atonement for any unintentional ritual impurity or sin that might have occurred during the vow, ensuring the Nazirite's purification and restoration to a state of ceremonial cleanness before God (see [Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - The Sin Offering")). Finally, the peace offering (ram) was a fellowship offering, signifying communion, thanksgiving, and reconciliation with God, often culminating in a shared sacred meal, celebrating the successful completion of the vow and renewed harmony (see [Leviticus 3](/leviticus/3 "Leviticus 3 - The Peace Offering")). Together, these offerings addressed dedication, purification, and fellowship, ensuring a complete spiritual accounting.

**Why was it so important that the animals be "without blemish"?**

Answer: The requirement for sacrificial animals to be "without blemish" (Hebrew: _tâmîym_) was foundational to the entire Israelite sacrificial system, not just for the Nazirite vow. This stipulation, found throughout the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 22:21](/leviticus/22-21 "Leviticus 22:21 - Unblemished Offerings")), underscored several critical theological truths. Firstly, it reflected God's absolute holiness and perfection; only that which was perfect and whole could be offered to a perfect and holy God. Secondly, it symbolized the purity and wholeness expected of the worshiper in their approach to God; a blemished animal would have been an insult, implying a lack of reverence or seriousness. Thirdly, and most profoundly, it foreshadowed the ultimate, perfect sacrifice that would one day be offered—a sacrifice that would truly be without blemish, capable of fully atoning for sin and establishing true and lasting peace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 6:14, with its meticulous requirements for "without blemish" sacrifices—a burnt offering for total dedication, a sin offering for atonement, and a peace offering for fellowship—finds its profound and ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), uniquely "without blemish and without spot" ([1 Peter 1:19](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Christ, the Spotless Lamb")), whose perfect life and sacrificial death completely satisfied every requirement of the Law. His offering on the cross serves as the ultimate burnt offering, representing His total dedication and surrender to the Father's will, a complete and pleasing aroma to God ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")). Simultaneously, He is our perfect sin offering, bearing the full weight of our transgressions and providing complete purification and atonement for all who believe ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us"); [Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's One Sacrifice")). Finally, through His shed blood, Jesus established eternal peace with God, becoming our ultimate peace offering, reconciling us to the Father and breaking down the dividing wall of hostility ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ"); [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). Thus, the Nazirite's complex ritual of completion points forward to the singular, all-sufficient work of Christ, who perfectly fulfilled all righteousness and provided the means for humanity's complete dedication, atonement, and eternal fellowship with God.

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 4:32

And if he bring a lamb for a sin offering, he shall bring it a female without blemish.

Leviticus 3:6

¶ And if his offering for a sacrifice of peace offering unto the LORD [be] of the flock; male or female, he shall offer it without blemish.

1 Chronicles 15:28

Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, and with sound of the cornet, and with trumpets, and with cymbals, making a noise with psalteries and harps.

1 Chronicles 15:29

And it came to pass, [as] the ark of the covenant of the LORD came to the city of David, that Michal the daughter of Saul looking out at a window saw king David dancing and playing: and she despised him in her heart.

Leviticus 1:10

¶ And if his offering [be] of the flocks, [namely], of the sheep, or of the goats, for a burnt sacrifice; he shall bring it a male without blemish.

Leviticus 1:13

But he shall wash the inwards and the legs with water: and the priest shall bring [it] all, and burn [it] upon the altar: it [is] a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

Leviticus 14:10

¶ And on the eighth day he shall take two he lambs without blemish, and one ewe lamb of the first year without blemish, and three tenth deals of fine flour [for] a meat offering, mingled with oil, and one log of oil.