Numbers 6:18

KJV

And the Nazarite shall shave the head of his separation [at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall take the hair of the head of his separation, and put [it] in the fire which [is] under the sacrifice of the peace offerings.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the Nazarite {H5139} shall shave {H1548} the head {H7218} of his separation {H5145} at the door {H6607} of the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}, and shall take {H3947} the hair {H8181} of the head {H7218} of his separation {H5145}, and put {H5414} it in the fire {H784} which is under the sacrifice {H2077} of the peace offerings {H8002}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The nazir will shave his consecrated head at the entrance to the tent of meeting, take the hair removed from his consecrated head and put it on the fire under the sacrifice of peace offerings.

Berean Standard Bible

Then at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the Nazirite is to shave his consecrated head, take the hair, and put it on the fire under the peace offering.

American Standard Version

And the Nazirite shall shave the head of his separation at the door of the tent of meeting, and shall take the hair of the head of his separation, and put it on the fire which is under the sacrifice of peace-offerings.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 6:18 meticulously details the culminating ritual of the Nazarite vow, a profound act of dedication where the consecrated individual shaves their hair at the entrance of the Tabernacle and commits it to the sacrificial fire. This highly symbolic action publicly signifies the successful completion of their period of intense separation and devotion to the Lord, marking their return to the community while affirming that their entire vow, including its visible emblem, was fully offered to and accepted by God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 6:18 serves as a pivotal moment within the broader narrative of the Nazarite vow, which is comprehensively outlined in [Numbers 6](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Law of the Nazarite"). The chapter initiates by defining the unique prohibitions for a Nazarite: abstinence from grape products, refraining from cutting their hair, and avoiding any contact with the dead (cf. [Numbers 6:1-8](/numbers/6-1-8 "Numbers 6:1-8 - Prohibitions of the Nazarite Vow")). Following this, the text addresses the procedures for accidental defilement and the necessary purification rites (cf. [Numbers 6:9-12](/numbers/6-9-12 "Numbers 6:9-12 - Defilement and Purification")). Verses 13-21 then delineate the elaborate concluding ceremonies, which involve presenting specific offerings—a male lamb for a burnt offering, a female lamb for a sin offering, and a ram for a peace offering—along with a basket of unleavened bread (cf. [Numbers 6:14-15](/numbers/6-14-15 "Numbers 6:14-15 - Offerings for the Nazarite's Vow Completion")). The priest subsequently performs various wave offerings (cf. [Numbers 6:16-17](/numbers/6-16-17 "Priestly Actions for the Nazarite's Offerings")). Therefore, verse 18 represents the climactic and deeply personal act of the Nazarite's vow completion, immediately preceding the priest's final actions and the Nazarite's permission to consume wine once more (cf. [Numbers 6:19-20](/numbers/6-19-20 "Numbers 6:19-20 - Final Priestly Actions and Return to Normalcy")). It is the visible, public culmination of their period of separation, symbolizing their transition back into ordinary life and renewed fellowship with God and the community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Nazarite vow offered a distinctive pathway for any Israelite, male or female, to undertake a period of voluntary and intense consecration to God, setting them apart from the hereditary priesthood. This vow allowed individuals to express a profound level of devotion beyond the standard requirements of the Mosaic Law. The Tabernacle, functioning as the central sanctuary and the tangible dwelling place of God's presence among His people, was the indispensable location for both the initiation and the conclusion of such sacred vows. Specifically, its "door" or entrance served as the primary public space where individuals engaged with the divine through priestly mediation and sacrifice, a practice evident in various offerings prescribed in [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering"). The act of allowing one's hair to grow long was the most conspicuous outward sign of the Nazarite's separation, often referred to as a "crown" of their dedication. Publicly shaving it off at the Tabernacle door, and burning it in conjunction with the "peace offerings" (Hebrew: *shelamim*), underscored the sacred and public nature of the vow's fulfillment. Peace offerings were unique among sacrifices because portions were consumed by the offerer, the priests, and God (symbolically), signifying fellowship, communion, and well-being with God and the community—a highly appropriate conclusion for an individual returning from a period of special separation.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 6:18 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of **personal dedication and voluntary consecration**, demonstrating that individuals could choose to set themselves apart for God beyond the communal obligations (cf. [Numbers 6:2](/numbers/6-2 "Numbers 6:2 - The Nature of the Nazarite Vow")). This verse also emphasizes **covenant faithfulness and the fulfillment of vows**, underscoring the importance of completing commitments made to the Lord, as seen in other passages concerning vows (cf. [Deuteronomy 23:21](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21 - Fulfilling Vows")). The ritual’s public nature at the Tabernacle door reinforces the theme of **communal worship and reintegration**, showing that even individual acts of devotion are ultimately integrated into the corporate life of Israel and God's established system of worship. Finally, the association with **peace offerings** underscores the theme of **fellowship and reconciliation** with God and the community, signifying that the period of separation culminates in a renewed state of wholeness and communion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nazarite (Hebrew, נָזִיר, _nâzîyr'_):** Derived from the root *nazar*, meaning "to separate," "to consecrate," or "to dedicate." A Nazarite was an individual "separated" or "set apart" for a defined period of special devotion to God. This term fundamentally defines the core nature of the vow—a deliberate, temporary withdrawal from certain common practices to achieve a heightened state of holiness and focused attention on the Lord. The term also figuratively refers to an unpruned vine, drawing a parallel to the unshorn hair of the Nazarite.
* **separation (Hebrew, נֵזֶר, _nezer'_):** This noun denotes the state of being separated or consecrated. Crucially, it also carries the connotation of a "crown" or "diadem," particularly in the context of royalty or priestly anointing. For the Nazarite, their uncut hair was considered their "crown of separation," serving as the most visible and potent emblem of their consecrated status. The act of burning this hair under the peace offerings symbolizes the offering of this "crown" of dedication back to the Lord, acknowledging that their period of holiness and its visible sign were entirely for Him and given back in completion.
* **peace offerings (Hebrew, שְׁלָמִים, _shelem'_):** From the root *shalem*, meaning "to be complete," "to be at peace," or "to be whole." These sacrifices, often translated as "fellowship offerings" or "offerings of well-being," were unique in that a portion was consumed by the offerer, the priests, and God (via the altar). Their inclusion at the conclusion of the Nazarite vow signifies the restoration of full fellowship with God and the community, the attainment of "peace" or "wholeness" after the period of separation, and an expression of profound thanksgiving for God's acceptance and the successful completion of the vow.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the Nazarite shall shave the head of his separation":** This clause describes the central, climactic act marking the end of the Nazarite vow. The shaving of the head signifies the cessation of the period of separation, as the long, uncut hair was the most prominent visible sign of their consecrated state. It marks a profound transition from a unique, set-apart status back to ordinary life, yet a life now enriched and transformed by the experience of intense devotion and communion with God.
* **"[at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation":** The precise location of this ritual is of paramount importance. The "door" of the Tabernacle was the public entrance to God's dwelling place, the very site where all sacrifices were brought and where communal worship occurred. Performing this deeply personal act in such a public and sacred space underscored its divine sanction, its integration into the communal worship of Israel, and its public declaration of a promise fulfilled, witnessed by God, the priests, and the assembled community.
* **"and shall take the hair of the head of his separation, and put [it] in the fire":** This detail emphasizes that the hair, the very symbol of their dedication and the "crown" of their separation, was not merely discarded but treated as a sacred offering. By placing it "in the fire," it was consumed, symbolizing its complete devotion and offering to God. This act represents the giving back of the visible sign of their consecrated life to the One to whom it was dedicated, acknowledging God's ownership and full acceptance of their vow.
* **"which [is] under the sacrifice of the peace offerings":** The specific placement of the hair in the fire "under" the peace offerings links this intensely personal act of devotion directly to the communal system of worship and fellowship. The burning of the hair in conjunction with the peace offerings signifies that the Nazarite's personal dedication culminates in peace and restored communion with God and His people. It powerfully suggests that even the most intimate acts of individual devotion are ultimately integrated into God's larger plan for corporate worship, reconciliation, and the establishment of harmonious relationship.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 6:18 is rich in **Symbolism**. The most prominent symbol is the **hair** itself, which represents the Nazarite's consecrated state, their strength, and their identity during the vow. Shaving it off and burning it symbolizes the offering of their entire period of dedication back to God, a complete surrender of their "crown" of separation. The **Tabernacle door** functions as a symbolic **threshold**, marking the transition from a state of unique separation to reintegration into the community and renewed full fellowship with God. The **fire** is a potent symbol of divine acceptance, purification, and the consumption of offerings, signifying that the Nazarite's dedication is fully received and accepted by God. The entire passage also functions as a **Ritual**, a prescribed, ordered sequence of actions that carries deep spiritual meaning, emphasizing obedience, completion, and the sacredness of vows. The verse also implicitly uses **Contrast**, highlighting the distinction between the Nazarite's initial state of separation and their subsequent reintegration into communal life, facilitated and celebrated by the peace offerings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 6:18 profoundly illustrates the theological themes of covenant faithfulness, the sacredness of personal vows, and the integration of individual devotion within communal worship. It underscores the vital importance of fulfilling commitments made to God, demonstrating that a period of special consecration must culminate in a public acknowledgment of God's grace and faithfulness. The burning of the hair, a powerful symbol of personal sacrifice, alongside the peace offerings, signifies that even our most intimate acts of devotion are ultimately offered for fellowship with God and should be presented in a spirit of peace and thanksgiving. This act of completion brings the Nazarite back into full communion with the community, emphasizing that true spiritual growth often involves both periods of intense, personal focus and subsequent reintegration into the body of believers, fostering wholeness and harmony.

* [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21-23 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - Fulfilling Vows to the Lord")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Presenting Your Bodies as a Living Sacrifice")
* [Hebrews 13:15-16](/hebrews/13-15-16 "Hebrews 13:15-16 - Sacrifices of Praise and Good Works")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 6:18 offers a powerful paradigm for our own spiritual journeys, reminding us of the profound significance of finishing what we start, especially when it comes to commitments made to God. Just as the Nazarite's vow had a clear beginning and end, our periods of special dedication—whether a season of intense prayer, a commitment to a particular ministry, or a personal spiritual discipline—also require intentional completion and a return to the rhythms of everyday life, transformed by the experience. This verse challenges us to consider what "hair of our separation"—what visible symbols of our devotion, our time, our talents, our resources—we are called to offer back to God. It encourages us to make our acts of worship, both personal and communal, a public testimony of His faithfulness and our gratitude. Furthermore, the integration with peace offerings reminds us that even our deepest personal consecrations are meant to foster greater fellowship with God and with His people, leading to wholeness and communion rather than isolation, thereby enriching both the individual and the community of faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "vows" or commitments have I made to God, and how am I demonstrating faithfulness in bringing them to completion?**
* **In what ways do I publicly acknowledge God's work in my life and the fulfillment of His purposes through me?**
* **What "symbols of separation" (e.g., time, resources, specific talents) am I called to offer back to God in a spirit of thanksgiving and peace?**
* **How does my personal devotion contribute to or connect with the wider communal worship and fellowship of believers?**

### FAQ
**What was the purpose of burning the hair?**

Answer: The burning of the Nazarite's hair was not merely an act of disposal but a deeply symbolic offering to God. Throughout the vow, the uncut hair served as the primary visible sign of the Nazarite's consecrated state, often regarded as a "crown" of their dedication. By placing this hair in the fire "under the sacrifice of the peace offerings," the Nazarite was offering the very essence and visible symbol of their period of separation back to the Lord. This act signified that their entire vow, their personal dedication, and the visible manifestation of their consecration were completely given over to God and accepted by Him. It integrated their personal act of devotion with the communal sacrificial system, culminating in fellowship and peace with God, marking a complete and accepted offering.

**Why was this ritual performed at the "door of the tabernacle"?**

Answer: The "door of the tabernacle of the congregation" was the central and most significant location for worship and interaction with God in ancient Israel. It was the public entrance to God's dwelling place, the site where all sacrifices were brought and where the community gathered for worship. Performing the Nazarite's final ritual here underscored its public, official, and divinely sanctioned nature. It was a public declaration of a promise fulfilled, witnessed by the priests, the community, and, most importantly, by God Himself. This public setting emphasized that while the vow was personal, its completion and the Nazarite's reintegration into the community were also communal events, bringing the individual's devotion into alignment with the corporate worship of Israel. The Tabernacle door served as a threshold, marking the transition from a period of separation to a renewed state of fellowship with God and His people, symbolizing a full and public return.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 6:18, with its emphasis on a completed vow and the offering of a consecrated life, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Jesus did not personally take a Nazarite vow, His entire earthly life was one of perfect, lifelong separation and consecration to God, not for a temporary period, but as the eternally set-apart Son (cf. [Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Our Holy, Blameless High Priest")). He is the ultimate "Nazarite," utterly dedicated to His Father's will, culminating in His perfect sacrifice on the cross. His death is the supreme "peace offering," reconciling humanity to God and establishing true fellowship (cf. [Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Christ Reconciles All Things")). The burning of the Nazarite's hair, symbolizing the offering of a dedicated life, foreshadows Christ's complete and unblemished offering of Himself—His body, His life, His perfect obedience—which was consumed by the fire of divine judgment on our behalf (cf. [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Through His finished work, we are brought into a new covenant, where we are called to be a "royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")), offering our lives as "living sacrifices" in response to His ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice (cf. [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Presenting Your Bodies as a Living Sacrifice")). Thus, the temporary, symbolic completion of the Nazarite vow points to the eternal, perfect completion wrought by Christ, through whom we find true peace and unending 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

Acts 21:24

Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave [their] heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but [that] thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.

Numbers 6:9

And if any man die very suddenly by him, and he hath defiled the head of his consecration; then he shall shave his head in the day of his cleansing, on the seventh day shall he shave it.

Acts 18:18

¶ And Paul [after this] tarried [there] yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn [his] head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.

Acts 21:26

Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.

Luke 17:10

So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

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.

Ephesians 1:6

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.