Numbers 6:19

KJV

And the priest shall take the sodden shoulder of the ram, and one unleavened cake out of the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and shall put [them] upon the hands of the Nazarite, after [the hair of] his separation is shaven:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the priest {H3548} shall take {H3947} the sodden {H1311} shoulder {H2220} of the ram {H352}, and one {H259} unleavened {H4682} cake {H2471} out of the basket {H5536}, and one {H259} unleavened {H4682} wafer {H7550}, and shall put {H5414} them upon the hands {H3709} of the Nazarite {H5139}, after {H310} the hair of his separation {H5145} is shaven {H1548}:

Complete Jewish Bible

When the ram has been boiled, the cohen is to take its shoulder, one loaf of matzah from the basket and one unleavened wafer, and place them in the hands of the nazir, after he has shaved his consecrated head.

Berean Standard Bible

And the priest is to take the boiled shoulder from the ram, one unleavened cake from the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and put them into the hands of the Nazirite who has just shaved the hair of his consecration.

American Standard Version

And the priest shall take the boiled shoulder of the ram, and one unleavened cake out of the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and shall put them upon the hands of the Nazirite, after he hath shaven the head of his separation;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 6:19 meticulously details the culminating act of the Nazarite vow completion ceremony, outlining the precise items the priest is to present to the Nazarite. Following the shaving of the Nazarite's consecrated hair, the priest takes the boiled shoulder of the ram from the peace offering, along with an unleavened cake and an unleavened wafer, and places these elements into the hands of the Nazarite. This ritualistic transfer signifies the Nazarite's personal participation and ownership in the final offering, marking their purification and re-integration into the community after a period of intense dedication to the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 6:19 is situated at the precise climax of the Nazarite vow regulations, which span [Numbers 6:1-21](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Law of the Nazarite Vow"). The preceding verses establish the stringent requirements of the vow, including abstinence from grape products, avoidance of defilement by the dead, and not cutting one's hair. [Numbers 6:13-18](/numbers/6-13-18 "Numbers 6:13-18 - Offerings for the Nazarite's Completion") meticulously detail the specific offerings required at the vow's completion, which include a burnt offering, a sin offering, and a peace offering, along with grain and drink offerings. Verse 19 immediately follows the highly symbolic act of the Nazarite shaving their consecrated hair at the entrance of the tabernacle, as described in [Numbers 6:18](/numbers/6-18 "Numbers 6:18 - Shaving of the Nazarite's Hair"). This act signifies the formal end of their period of separation. Verse 19 then sets the stage for the subsequent waving ceremony in [Numbers 6:20](/numbers/6-20 "Numbers 6:20 - The Waving of the Offerings"), where the priest waves these items before the Lord, concluding the ritual purification and re-entry process. The meticulous detail throughout this chapter underscores the sacredness and seriousness of the vow and its proper termination.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Nazarite vow was a unique and voluntary commitment in ancient Israel, accessible to any individual, male or female, who wished to dedicate themselves to the Lord for a specific period (cf. [Numbers 6:2](/numbers/6-2 "Numbers 6:2 - Initiation of the Nazarite Vow")). This commitment often arose from a deep desire for heightened holiness, gratitude, or petition. Unlike the hereditary Levitical priesthood, the Nazarite vow offered a pathway for ordinary Israelites to pursue extraordinary consecration. The ritual described in [Numbers 6:19](/numbers/6-19 "Numbers 6:19 - The Nazarite's Final Offering") reflects the broader Israelite sacrificial system, where offerings were central to worship, atonement, and establishing or restoring fellowship with God. The priest's role was indispensable, acting as a divinely appointed mediator and facilitator, ensuring the proper execution of sacred rites in accordance with divine law. The "sodden shoulder" comes from a peace offering, which was unique in that portions were consumed by the worshiper, the priest, and God, symbolizing communion and shared fellowship. The unleavened bread items, frequently associated with purity and sincerity (as seen in the [Passover narrative](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover Account")), further emphasized the cleansed and uncorrupted state of the Nazarite upon completing their vow.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 6:19 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. The verse highlights the theme of **consecration and separation**, as it describes the formal termination of a period of being "set apart" for God. It underscores the importance of **vow fulfillment and faithfulness**, demonstrating that commitments made to God must be meticulously completed. The detailed ritual emphasizes **holiness and purity**, particularly through the use of unleavened bread and the purification rites associated with the offerings. The priest's indispensable role reinforces the theme of **mediation and divine access**, illustrating how God provides a structured means for His people to approach Him. Furthermore, the peace offering elements point to the theme of **fellowship and communion** with God, as the completion of the vow culminates in a shared meal. This passage, therefore, serves as a powerful illustration of God's provision for His people to draw near to Him, to fulfill their spiritual commitments, and to be re-integrated into the community in a state of purity, as seen throughout the laws detailed in [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - Laws of Sacrifice and Purity").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sodden (Hebrew, _bâshêl'_):** From H1311, meaning "boiled." In the context of the peace offering, the shoulder was specifically boiled, not roasted, a detail that distinguishes its preparation and subsequent consumption. The act of boiling could symbolize a thorough preparation, a transformation through heat, making the meat suitable for the sacred meal that followed, ensuring it was fully cooked and ready for consumption by both priest and Nazarite.
* **Shoulder (Hebrew, _zᵉrôwaʻ'_):** From H2220, referring to the arm or foreleg, and figuratively, force or strength. This specific portion of the ram was designated for the priest from the peace offering (cf. [Leviticus 7:32](/leviticus/7-32 "Leviticus 7:32 - The Priestly Portion")). Its placement into the Nazarite's hands, though typically a priestly entitlement, signified the Nazarite's direct participation and ownership in the offering. Symbolically, the shoulder represents strength, support, and the "lifting up" of the offering to God, connecting the Nazarite's strength and dedication to the offering.
* **Separation (Hebrew, _nezer'_):** From H5145, meaning "something set apart," "dedication," "consecration," or "unshorn locks." This term is the very root of "Nazarite" (H5139, _nâzîyr_). It refers to the state of being consecrated or set apart for God's special purposes. The shaving of the hair, which was the most visible sign of this separation, marked the formal conclusion of this dedicated period. This final ritual, therefore, signifies the transition from a period of intense, external consecration back to ordinary life, but now with the vow fulfilled and purity confirmed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the priest shall take the sodden shoulder of the ram,"**: This clause highlights the priest's active and indispensable role as God's appointed mediator. The "sodden shoulder" is specifically from the ram of the peace offering (mentioned in [Numbers 6:14](/numbers/6-14 "Numbers 6:14 - Offerings for the Nazarite's Completion")), which was a sacrifice of fellowship, reconciliation, and thanksgiving. The priest prepares this particular portion, emphasizing the meticulous adherence to divine instruction required for sacred rites.
* **"and one unleavened cake out of the basket, and one unleavened wafer,"**: These items are part of the grain offerings that accompanied the peace offering. Unleavened bread consistently symbolizes purity, sincerity, and the absence of corruption or "leaven" (which often represents sin or malice in Scripture, as seen in [1 Corinthians 5:8](/1_corinthians/5-8 "1 Corinthians 5:8 - The Leaven of Malice and Wickedness")). Their inclusion underscores the Nazarite's desire to present a clean, unblemished, and sincere offering at the culmination of their vow.
* **"and shall put [them] upon the hands of the Nazarite,"**: This is a profoundly significant symbolic act. By placing the offerings directly into the Nazarite's hands, the priest formally transfers ownership and responsibility for the offering to the Nazarite. This gesture signifies the Nazarite's personal involvement, commitment, and active participation in presenting their completed vow to the Lord. It transforms the act into a deeply personal expression of worship and thanksgiving, preceding the communal waving of the offering before the Lord (cf. [Numbers 6:20](/numbers/6-20 "Numbers 6:20 - The Waving of the Offerings")).
* **"after [the hair of] his separation is shaven:"**: This concluding phrase firmly links the ritual described in verse 19 to the preceding act detailed in [Numbers 6:18](/numbers/6-18 "Numbers 6:18 - Shaving of the Nazarite's Hair"). The shaving of the hair, which had been the most visible and tangible sign of the Nazarite's vow and period of intense separation, marked its formal conclusion. The offerings and the subsequent waving ceremony are thus the final, essential elements of the vow, performed only after the physical symbol of separation has been removed, signifying a transition from a state of extraordinary consecration back to ordinary life, but now with a renewed sense of God's grace and the fulfillment of their solemn commitment.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 6:19 is rich in literary devices that amplify its theological and practical significance. **Ritual** is the overarching device, as the verse provides a precise, step-by-step account of the priest's actions, emphasizing the prescribed and sacred nature of the ceremony. This meticulous detailing underscores the order and holiness required in approaching God. **Symbolism** is central to the meaning: the "sodden shoulder" from the peace offering symbolizes fellowship, reconciliation, and the strength offered to God, while the "unleavened cake and wafer" represent purity, sincerity, and the uncorrupted nature of the offering. The act of placing these items "upon the hands of the Nazarite" is a powerful symbolic gesture of personal ownership and participation, transferring the responsibility and spiritual significance directly to the individual. Furthermore, the phrase "after [the hair of] his separation is shaven" employs **Metonymy**, where "the hair of his separation" stands in for the entire period and commitment of the Nazarite vow, highlighting that this final ritual is the culmination and formal closure of that dedicated time.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 6:19, as an integral part of the Nazarite vow's completion, profoundly illustrates several foundational theological themes. It underscores the paramount importance of fulfilling vows made to God, emphasizing integrity, faithfulness, and perseverance in one's spiritual commitments. The elaborate and precise ritual highlights the necessity of a proper and prescribed approach to a holy God under the Old Covenant, where human sinfulness necessitated priestly mediation and specific sacrifices for purification, atonement, and reconciliation. The "peace offering," from which the shoulder is taken, points directly to the desire for fellowship and communion with God, a central aspiration of Israelite worship. The Nazarite's personal involvement, through the placement of the offerings into their hands, emphasizes individual responsibility and active participation in their own dedication and purification process, even within a communal and divinely ordained priestly system. This entire process reflects God's gracious provision for His people to draw near to Him, even after a period of intense, self-imposed separation, affirming His desire for an intimate and restored relationship.

* [Leviticus 7:32](/leviticus/7-32 "Leviticus 7:32 - The Priestly Portion of the Peace Offering")
* [Leviticus 2:4](/leviticus/2-4 "Leviticus 2:4 - Unleavened Bread in Grain Offerings")
* [Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1-4 "Hebrews 10:1-4 - Inadequacy of Old Covenant Sacrifices")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific Nazarite vow is not a practice observed by believers today, Numbers 6:19 offers enduring principles that profoundly shape our understanding of Christian discipleship and our walk of faith. The meticulous completion of the vow, culminating in the presentation of offerings, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faithfulness and perseverance in our spiritual commitments. As New Covenant believers, we are called to a continuous state of dedication, presenting our entire lives—our bodies, minds, and spirits—as a "living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God," which is our spiritual worship, as exhorted in [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as a Living Sacrifice"). This verse encourages us to reflect on the "completion" of our own spiritual journeys, not merely in terms of initial salvation, but in the ongoing process of sanctification and discipleship. The Nazarite's re-entry into community life, cleansed and renewed, prompts us to consider how our personal acts of devotion and spiritual discipline ultimately lead to deeper communion with God and fuller, more integrated participation in the body of Christ. The priest's essential role in this ritual also subtly reminds us of the invaluable role of spiritual leadership, mentorship, and community support in guiding and affirming our walk of faith, ensuring that our "offerings"—our lives, our worship, our service—are presented acceptably before God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Nazarite's diligent completion ceremony inform our understanding of fulfilling commitments to God in our own lives, particularly in areas of spiritual discipline or service?**
* **In what ways do we, as New Covenant believers, "present" ourselves to God today, and what does that presentation symbolize about our relationship with Him?**
* **How does the priest's role in facilitating this ritual point to the ongoing need for spiritual guidance, accountability, and community in our personal walk of faith?**

### FAQ

**Why was the shoulder specifically chosen for this offering?**

Answer: The shoulder (or thigh) of the ram was a specific portion designated for the priest from the peace offering, as meticulously detailed in [Leviticus 7:32](/leviticus/7-32 "Leviticus 7:32 - The Priestly Portion"). In the unique context of the Nazarite vow, placing this priestly portion directly into the Nazarite's hands before it was waved before the Lord (as described in [Numbers 6:20](/numbers/6-20 "Numbers 6:20 - The Waving of the Offerings")) was profoundly symbolic. It allowed the Nazarite to personally "present" a portion that was otherwise reserved for the priest, thereby signifying their direct participation and personal ownership in the offering. The shoulder itself, as a strong part of the animal, can symbolize strength, support, or the "lifting up" of the offering in dedication. Its preparation as "sodden" (boiled) was also the standard method for this type of peace offering, distinguishing it from other sacrificial preparations.

**What is the significance of "unleavened" items in this context?**

Answer: Unleavened bread, both the cake and the wafer, held profound symbolic meaning throughout Israelite worship and sacrificial law. Leaven was frequently associated with corruption, sin, or malice (as vividly illustrated in [Exodus 12:15](/exodus/12-15 "Exodus 12:15 - Removing Leaven for Passover") regarding the Passover, and metaphorically in [1 Corinthians 5:8](/1_corinthians/5-8 "1 Corinthians 5:8 - The Leaven of Malice and Wickedness") in the New Testament). Therefore, unleavened items represented purity, sincerity, and the absence of corruption or moral decay. Their inclusion in the Nazarite's final offering underscored the Nazarite's desire to conclude their vow with a pure heart and a sincere, unblemished presentation to God, reflecting their cleansed status and genuine devotion after their period of separation.

**Did the Nazarite eat these items after the ceremony?**

Answer: Yes, after the priest waved the offerings before the Lord as a wave offering, he would then take them from the Nazarite's hands and eat them in the holy place, along with the breast of the wave offering (as specified in [Numbers 6:20](/numbers/6-20 "Numbers 6:20 - The Waving of the Offerings")). Furthermore, the Nazarite and their family would partake in the remaining portions of the peace offering, which was unique among sacrifices in that a portion was returned to the worshiper for a communal meal. This shared meal signified a joyous occasion of fellowship and thanksgiving before the Lord, marking the full re-integration of the Nazarite into the community and their participation in the blessings and communion associated with the completed vow.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 6:19, with its intricate details of the Nazarite's completion ceremony, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Nazarite's vow of intense separation and dedication, though temporary and imperfect, powerfully foreshadows Christ, who was the ultimate "separated one"—holy, innocent, undefiled, and truly "set apart from sinners" ([Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Christ, Our Perfect High Priest")). While the Nazarite's vow was a human effort requiring repeated sacrifices for purification, Christ's entire life was a perfect, lifelong consecration, culminating in His once-for-all, perfect sacrifice on the cross. The "sodden shoulder" from the peace offering, symbolizing fellowship and reconciliation, points directly to Christ, who is our supreme peace offering, through whom God has reconciled us to Himself by His body broken on the cross ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). The unleavened bread, representing purity and sincerity, speaks profoundly of Christ's sinless nature, the "Lamb without blemish or spot" ([1 Peter 1:19](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Redeemed by the Precious Blood of Christ")), whose perfect sacrifice cleanses us from all sin. The priest's act of placing the offerings into the Nazarite's hands, enabling their personal presentation, is fulfilled in Christ, our Great High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")), who not only offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice but also enables us to draw near to God with confidence, presenting our lives as acceptable "spiritual sacrifices" through Him ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones and a Holy Priesthood")). The shaving of the hair, marking the end of the old, external separation, is fulfilled in our union with Christ, where we are eternally "set apart" for God not by temporary external vows, but by the indwelling Holy Spirit, having been perfected forever by His single, definitive offering ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's One Sacrifice Perfects Us")). Thus, the temporary, ritualistic completion of the Nazarite vow points to the permanent, spiritual completion, purification, and reconciliation we receive solely and completely in Christ, who is the substance of all such Old Testament shadows.

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 7:30

His own hands shall bring the offerings of the LORD made by fire, the fat with the breast, it shall he bring, that the breast may be waved [for] a wave offering before the LORD.

1 Samuel 2:15

Also before they burnt the fat, the priest's servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw.

Leviticus 8:27

And he put all upon Aaron's hands, and upon his sons' hands, and waved them [for] a wave offering before the LORD.

Leviticus 8:31

¶ And Moses said unto Aaron and to his sons, Boil the flesh [at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and there eat it with the bread that [is] in the basket of consecrations, as I commanded, saying, Aaron and his sons shall eat it.

Exodus 29:23

And one loaf of bread, and one cake of oiled bread, and one wafer out of the basket of the unleavened bread that [is] before the LORD:

Exodus 29:28

And it shall be Aaron's and his sons' by a statute for ever from the children of Israel: for it [is] an heave offering: and it shall be an heave offering from the children of Israel of the sacrifice of their peace offerings, [even] their heave offering unto the LORD.