Numbers 6:16

KJV

And the priest shall bring [them] before the LORD, and shall offer his sin offering, and his burnt offering:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the priest {H3548} shall bring {H7126} them before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}, and shall offer {H6213} his sin offering {H2403}, and his burnt offering {H5930}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The cohen is to bring them before ADONAI, offer his sin offering, his burnt offering,

Berean Standard Bible

The priest is to present all these before the LORD and make the sin offering and the burnt offering.

American Standard Version

And the priest shall present them before Jehovah, and shall offer his sin-offering, and his burnt-offering:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 6:16 details a pivotal moment in the Nazirite vow: the completion of the period of separation and the required sacrifices. This verse underscores the indispensable role of the priest in mediating these offerings—specifically the sin offering and the burnt offering—before the LORD, signifying the Nazirite's purification from any inadvertent defilement and their complete dedication upon fulfilling their sacred pledge. It highlights God's provision for holiness and the structured path for individuals to approach Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 6:16 is situated within a comprehensive exposition of the Nazirite vow, which occupies the entirety of [Numbers chapter 6](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Nazirite Vow"). The chapter begins by outlining the voluntary nature of the vow and its specific prohibitions (abstinence from wine, not cutting hair, avoiding contact with the dead) in [Numbers 6:1-12](/numbers/6-1 "Numbers 6:1-12 - Regulations for the Nazirite Vow"). Following this, [Numbers 6:13-21](/numbers/6-13 "Numbers 6:13-21 - Completion of the Nazirite Vow") meticulously describes the ritual for the completion of the vow. Verse 16 specifically details two of the essential sacrifices the priest must present on behalf of the Nazirite, marking the transition from a period of intense separation to reintegration into the community, having fulfilled their unique commitment to God. These offerings were crucial for ceremonial cleansing and reaffirmation of their devotion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Nazirite vow was a unique, voluntary commitment in ancient Israel, allowing both men and women to consecrate themselves to the LORD for a set period, often to express extraordinary devotion or in response to a divine calling. This practice provided a structured way for individuals to pursue a heightened state of holiness beyond the general requirements of the Mosaic Law. The Tabernacle, later the Temple, served as the central place of worship and sacrifice, symbolizing God's presence among His people. The Aaronic priesthood, as established in [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - Laws of Sacrifice and Priesthood"), held the exclusive and indispensable role of mediating between God and humanity through the sacrificial system. The sin offering (Hebrew: _chatta't_) was primarily for atonement for unintentional sins or ritual impurities, as detailed in [Leviticus chapter 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - The Sin Offering"), while the burnt offering (Hebrew: _'olah_) symbolized complete dedication and propitiation, with the entire animal consumed on the altar, as described in [Leviticus chapter 1](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering"). These sacrifices were not mere formalities but deeply significant acts of worship, purification, and commitment within Israel's covenant relationship with God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Priest (Hebrew, _kohen'_):** In the Old Testament, the _kohen_ was a divinely appointed mediator, a descendant of Aaron, whose primary role was to serve in the Tabernacle/Temple, offering sacrifices, interceding for the people, and teaching God's law. In Numbers 6:16, the priest's action of "bringing them before the LORD" underscores his essential function as the one who facilitates access to God's presence and ensures the proper, ritually pure execution of the offerings. The Nazirite, having completed their vow, could not present the sacrifices themselves; priestly mediation was absolutely necessary for divine acceptance.
* **Sin offering (Hebrew, _chatta't'_):** This offering, often translated as "purification offering," was not solely for moral transgression but primarily for atoning for unintentional sins or ritual impurities that rendered an individual ceremonially unclean and separated from the community and God's presence. For the Nazirite, it addressed any inadvertent defilement or failure during the vow period, ensuring they were ritually pure and acceptable to God before re-entering normal communal life. It cleansed the individual and the sanctuary from the defilement of sin.
* **Burnt offering (Hebrew, _'olah'_):** Meaning "that which goes up" or "ascends," this offering was entirely consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete devotion, surrender, and propitiation. Unlike the sin offering, which focused on cleansing, the burnt offering was a general offering of consecration and worship, signifying the worshiper's total dedication to God and seeking His acceptance. For the Nazirite, it represented the successful completion of their vow and their renewed, complete commitment to the LORD.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the priest shall bring [them] before the LORD,"**: This clause emphasizes the non-negotiable role of the Aaronic priesthood in the Old Covenant sacrificial system. The Nazirite, having completed their vow, brings their prescribed offerings to the Tabernacle, but it is the priest who must physically present them "before the LORD," signifying that access to God's holy presence and the acceptance of sacrifices is mediated through His chosen representatives. The phrase "before the LORD" denotes the sacred space of the Tabernacle altar, where divine-human interaction occurred.
* **"and shall offer his sin offering,"**: Following the presentation, the priest then performs the ritual for the sin offering. This sacrifice, the _chatta't_, was crucial for purification. Even a Nazirite, despite their special consecration, could inadvertently incur ritual impurity or commit an unintentional sin during their vow. This offering cleansed them from any such defilement, ensuring they were ceremonially pure and acceptable to God upon the completion of their period of separation.
* **"and his burnt offering:"**: Immediately after the sin offering, the priest offers the burnt offering, the _'olah_. This sacrifice, entirely consumed by fire, symbolized the Nazirite's complete dedication and surrender to God. It was an act of worship and a testament to the successful fulfillment of their vow, signifying their renewed commitment and seeking God's gracious acceptance of their consecrated life and its conclusion.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Numbers 6:16, and indeed throughout the detailed regulations of the Nazirite vow, is **Ritualistic Language**. The text employs precise, prescriptive, and formulaic language to outline the exact steps and components of the vow's completion. This meticulous detail underscores the solemnity and divine origin of the ritual, leaving no room for ambiguity in the sacred acts required. Furthermore, there is profound **Symbolism** embedded within the offerings themselves. The sin offering symbolically cleanses from impurity, while the burnt offering symbolizes total dedication and ascent to God. The priest's role is also symbolic of **Mediated Access**, highlighting the Old Covenant principle that sinful humanity could only approach a holy God through a divinely appointed intermediary and prescribed sacrifices.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 6:16 powerfully illustrates several profound theological themes: the meticulousness of God's holiness, the necessity of atonement for sin (even unintentional), and the importance of complete dedication to Him. The Nazirite vow, culminating in these specific sacrifices, demonstrates God's provision for His people to pursue and maintain a state of ceremonial purity and consecrated living. It highlights that even after a period of intense devotion, purification and renewed dedication are still required to stand acceptably before a holy God. This verse underscores that access to God and acceptance of human offerings are always on His terms, mediated through His appointed channels.

* [Leviticus 4:2-3](/leviticus/4-2 "Regulations for the Sin Offering")
* [Leviticus 1:3-4](/leviticus/1-3 "Regulations for the Burnt Offering")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific rituals of the Nazirite vow and animal sacrifices are no longer practiced by believers today, the underlying principles of purification, dedication, and mediated access to God remain profoundly relevant. Numbers 6:16 calls us to reflect on the seriousness with which God views holiness and our commitment to Him. Just as the Nazirite sought to be cleansed from any defilement and to reaffirm their complete devotion, so too are believers called to live lives of consecration, constantly seeking purification from sin through Christ and presenting themselves as living sacrifices. This verse reminds us that genuine devotion involves both the cleansing of sin and the wholehearted offering of our lives to God. It challenges us to examine the "offerings" of our time, talents, and resources, ensuring they are brought "before the LORD" with intentionality, purity, and complete surrender.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of the Nazirite vow and its completion rituals reflect God's character and His desire for holiness in His people?**
* **In what ways do believers today "bring themselves before the Lord" to offer "spiritual sacrifices" of dedication and repentance, even without the physical rituals?**
* **How does understanding the distinct purposes of the sin offering and burnt offering deepen our appreciation for Christ's work on the cross and our response to it?**

### FAQ
**Why were both a sin offering and a burnt offering required at the completion of the Nazirite vow?**

Answer: Both offerings were essential for distinct but complementary purposes. The sin offering (_chatta't_) was required to atone for any unintentional ritual impurities or sins that the Nazirite might have incurred during their period of separation, ensuring they were ceremonially clean and fit to re-enter normal communal and sacred life. This highlights that even in a state of special consecration, human imperfection could lead to defilement. The burnt offering (_'olah_), on the other hand, symbolized the Nazirite's complete dedication and surrender to God, signifying the successful fulfillment of their vow and their renewed, wholehearted commitment to the LORD. It was an act of worship and propitiation, seeking God's acceptance of their completed period of devotion, much like the general burnt offerings described in [Leviticus chapter 1](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering").

**What was the priest's specific role in Numbers 6:16?**

Answer: The priest's role in [Numbers 6:16](/numbers/6-16 "Numbers 6:16 - The Priest's Role in Nazirite Offerings") was absolutely critical and irreplaceable. He acted as the divinely appointed mediator, receiving the various offerings from the Nazirite and physically presenting them "before the LORD" at the Tabernacle altar. This function ensured that the sacrifices were offered according to God's precise instructions and were ritually acceptable to Him. Without the priest's mediation, the Nazirite's offerings could not be properly presented or accepted by God, underscoring the indispensable nature of the Aaronic priesthood in the Old Covenant sacrificial system, which provided the only authorized means of approaching a holy God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 6:16, with its emphasis on priestly mediation, sin offering, and burnt offering, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Nazirite vow, a temporary and imperfect human attempt at special consecration, points to Christ, who lived a life of perfect, lifelong consecration to God. He is the ultimate "Nazirite," set apart and holy. The sin offering, required for the Nazirite's purification, foreshadows Christ's once-for-all sacrifice on the cross, which serves as the perfect and final [sin offering](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice") for all humanity, taking away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His blood cleanses us from all unrighteousness, something no animal sacrifice could truly accomplish. Furthermore, the burnt offering, symbolizing complete dedication, finds its highest expression in Christ's absolute obedience and surrender to the Father's will, even unto death ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). He perfectly offered Himself as a sweet-smelling aroma to God ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Christ's Sacrifice as a Fragrant Offering")). Finally, the indispensable role of the priest in Numbers 6:16 is fulfilled by Jesus, our great [High Priest](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11 - Christ as High Priest"), who mediates a new and better covenant, granting us direct access to the Father through His perfect sacrifice and ongoing intercession ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Christ's Eternal Intercession")). Through Him, we are not only purified but also empowered to offer ourselves as [living sacrifices](/romans/12-1 "Present Your Bodies as a Living Sacrifice"), a spiritual act of worship that is holy and acceptable to God ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "A Holy Priesthood")).

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.