Numbers 6:20

KJV

And the priest shall wave them [for] a wave offering before the LORD: this [is] holy for the priest, with the wave breast and heave shoulder: and after that the Nazarite may drink wine.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the priest {H3548} shall wave {H5130} them for a wave offering {H8573} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}: this is holy {H6944} for the priest {H3548}, with the wave {H8573} breast {H2373} and heave {H8641} shoulder {H7785}: and after {H310} that the Nazarite {H5139} may drink {H8354} wine {H3196}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The cohen is to wave them as a wave offering before ADONAI; this is set aside for the cohen, along with the breast for waving and the raised-up thigh. Following that, the nazir may drink wine.

Berean Standard Bible

The priest shall then wave them as a wave offering before the LORD. This is a holy portion for the priest, in addition to the breast of the wave offering and the thigh that was presented. After that, the Nazirite may drink wine.

American Standard Version

and the priest shall wave them for a wave-offering before Jehovah; this is holy for the priest, together with the wave-breast and heave-thigh: and after that the Nazirite may drink wine.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 6:20 meticulously concludes the Nazarite vow, detailing the priest's specific actions in presenting the Nazarite's offerings—particularly the wave breast and heave shoulder—before the Lord. This verse marks the sacred and official termination of the Nazarite's period of special consecration, signifying their release from the vow's restrictions and their reintegration into ordinary life, notably the permission to consume wine. It profoundly underscores the divine order for fulfilling vows, the sacred provision for the priesthood, and the solemnity of covenant faithfulness within ancient Israelite worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 6:20 serves as the culminating verse in the detailed legislation concerning the Nazarite vow, which is comprehensively outlined in [Numbers 6:1-21](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Nazarite Vow"). The preceding verses meticulously establish the stringent requirements for the vow, including prohibitions against wine and grape products, refraining from cutting one's hair, and avoiding any contact with dead bodies, as detailed in [Numbers 6:3-7](/numbers/6-3-7 "Numbers 6:3-7 - Nazarite Restrictions"). Following the completion of the vow's duration, [Numbers 6:13-18](/numbers/6-13-18 "Numbers 6:13-18 - Nazarite Offerings and Rituals") prescribes an elaborate sacrificial protocol: the Nazarite shaves their consecrated head at the Tabernacle entrance and then presents a burnt offering, a sin offering, and a peace offering. Verse 20 specifically focuses on the handling of the peace offering's designated portions—the wave breast and heave shoulder—by the priest, which are consecrated as holy provision for him, thereby formally concluding the ritual and permitting the Nazarite to resume previously forbidden activities.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Nazarite vow represented a unique, voluntary commitment within ancient Israel, enabling individuals, both male and female, to undertake a temporary period of heightened consecration to Yahweh. This practice offered a structured avenue for laypersons to express profound devotion and seek a deeper relationship with God, distinct from the hereditary priesthood. The rituals described, particularly the **wave offering** (`tenuphah`) and **heave offering** (`terumah`), were integral components of Israelite sacrificial worship, symbolizing the offering's presentation to God and its subsequent return or designation for sacred use, often as sustenance for the priests. These actions, elaborated upon in texts such as [Leviticus 7](/leviticus/7 "Leviticus 7 - Laws of Offerings and Priestly Portions"), ensured the proper consecration of offerings and provided for the sustenance of the priestly class, who, lacking tribal land inheritance, relied on the community's worship for their livelihood. The public nature of the ceremony at the Tabernacle entrance underscored the communal recognition of the vow's completion and the Nazarite's formal reintegration into society.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 6:20 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and broader Israelite theology. The primary theme is **consecration and separation**, as the Nazarite vow itself embodies a period set apart for God, emphasizing holiness and devotion. The verse highlights the **fulfillment of vows**, demonstrating that commitments made to God require precise and formal completion, underscoring the seriousness of covenant obligations. Furthermore, it powerfully illustrates **divine provision** for the priesthood, as the designated portions of the offerings ensure the sustenance of those who minister before the Lord. This reflects God's faithfulness to His servants and the intricate sacred economy of the Tabernacle. The ending permission to drink wine also emphasizes **restoration and reintegration**, showing that intense periods of spiritual discipline are often for a season, leading to a renewed and sanctified return to ordinary life, under God's grace.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wave offering (Hebrew, _tᵉnûwphâh'_):** From the root _nûwph_ (H5130), meaning "to quiver" or "vibrate up and down," this term refers to a specific ritual action where the priest moved the offering back and forth or up and down before the altar. This symbolic movement represented the offering's presentation to the LORD, acknowledging His ultimate ownership and sovereignty over all things. It also signified the offering's acceptance by God and its subsequent return or designation for a specific sacred purpose, often as a portion for the priests. It visually depicted the dynamic interaction between the divine and human in worship.
* **Heave offering (Hebrew, _tᵉrûwmâh'_):** From the root _rûwm_ (H7311), meaning "to be high" or "to lift up," this term denotes a portion of the sacrifice that was lifted upwards, symbolizing its elevation and dedication to God. Like the wave offering, the heave offering, once "heaved" to God, was then designated as a sacred portion for the priests. Both `tᵉnûwphâh` and `tᵉrûwmâh` underscore the sacredness of the offering and the divine provision for the Levitical priesthood, who served as mediators in the covenant relationship between God and Israel.
* **Holy (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** From the root _qâdash_ (H6942), meaning "to be set apart" or "to be consecrated," this term signifies something dedicated for God's exclusive use, separated from common or profane purposes. When the text states "this is holy for the priest," it means these specific portions (the wave breast and heave shoulder) are not ordinary food; they are sacred provisions, divinely designated for the sustenance of God's chosen servants, the priests. Their holiness emphasizes the sacred nature of both the priestly office and the offerings themselves, reflecting God's demand for purity and distinction in His service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the priest shall wave them [for] a wave offering before the LORD:"** This clause establishes the priest's indispensable role in the concluding ritual. "Them" refers specifically to the wave breast and heave shoulder, which are portions of the peace offering brought by the Nazarite. The act of "waving" (`nûwph`) before the LORD signifies a formal, public presentation and dedication of these portions to God, acknowledging His ultimate ownership and authority over all sacrifices. It is a performative act that consecrates the offering and mediates its acceptance.
* **"this [is] holy for the priest, with the wave breast and heave shoulder:"** This segment clarifies the divine disposition of the previously waved and heaved portions. Once presented to the LORD, these specific parts of the peace offering (the breast and shoulder) become the rightful and sacred sustenance for the priest. Their designation as "holy" (`qôdesh`) emphasizes that they are set apart for sacred use, not for common consumption, serving as God's direct provision for those who minister in His presence and highlighting the sacred economy of the Tabernacle.
* **"and after that the Nazarite may drink wine."** This concluding clause marks the official and unambiguous termination of the Nazarite vow. The consumption of wine, explicitly forbidden during the period of separation, symbolizes the complete lifting of all restrictions associated with the vow. It signifies the Nazarite's return to normal life and full reintegration into the community, having successfully fulfilled their special period of consecration to the LORD, and underscores the temporary nature of the vow.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 6:20 skillfully employs several literary devices that enrich its meaning and underscore its significance. The **repetition** of specific ritualistic terms like "wave offering" and "heave shoulder" reinforces the precise, divinely ordained nature of the ceremony, emphasizing the critical importance of adherence to God's commands in worship and the meticulous order of the Tabernacle service. The explicit designation of the portions as "holy for the priest" utilizes **symbolism**, where the physical food represents divine provision and highlights the sacred nature of the priestly office. This also reinforces the pervasive theme of **separation** and **consecration**, central to the Nazarite vow itself, illustrating how certain individuals (the Nazarite), objects (the offerings), and roles (the priests' portions) are distinctively set apart for God's purposes. The concluding phrase, "and after that the Nazarite may drink wine," functions as a clear **resolution** or **release**, providing a tangible, public sign of the vow's completion and the Nazarite's return to normalcy, thereby creating a sense of closure and fulfillment within the narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 6:20 encapsulates profound theological truths about covenant faithfulness, the nature of consecration, and the unwavering reality of divine provision. It underscores the profound importance of fulfilling vows made to God, demonstrating that a period of intensified devotion, though voluntary, carries serious obligations that must be formally concluded through prescribed rituals. The precise allocation of the wave breast and heave shoulder to the priest highlights God's faithful provision for those who serve Him, ensuring their sustenance as they mediate between God and His people. This act also emphasizes the sacred economy of the Tabernacle, where offerings not only atoned or expressed thanksgiving but also sustained the priestly system, illustrating the interconnectedness of worship and livelihood. The ultimate release from the vow's restrictions signifies God's grace in allowing His people to return to ordinary life, having completed their special dedication, reminding us that periods of intense spiritual focus are often for a season, preparing us for continued faithfulness in everyday living, all under the watchful eye of a covenant-keeping God.

* [Leviticus 7:30-34](/leviticus/7-30-34 "Leviticus 7:30-34 - Priestly Portions from Peace Offerings")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")
* [Ecclesiastes 5:4-5](/ecclesiastes/5-4-5 "Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 - Fulfilling Vows to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous details of the Nazarite vow's completion in Numbers 6:20 offer timeless lessons for contemporary believers, transcending the specifics of Old Covenant law. While we do not practice the literal Nazarite vow, the underlying principle of intentional consecration to God remains vitally relevant. This passage calls us to consider the seriousness and integrity with which we approach our commitments to the Lord, whether they are specific promises, periods of focused spiritual discipline, or the broader call to live a life set apart for Christ. Just as the Nazarite's return to normal life was marked by a formal, public ritual, we too should seek proper closure and express profound thanksgiving when significant spiritual seasons or commitments conclude, acknowledging God's grace and faithfulness. Furthermore, the divine provision for the priest reminds us of God's unwavering faithfulness to sustain those who serve Him, whether in formal ministry or in our daily vocations. Our entire lives, under the New Covenant, are a continuous offering of worship, and this verse encourages us to live with integrity, fulfilling our spiritual obligations and embracing the joyous freedom found in Christ after periods of dedicated service.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What commitments or "vows" have I made to God, either explicitly or implicitly, and how faithfully am I pursuing their fulfillment?**
* **How do I practice intentional "consecration" or setting myself apart for God in my daily life, even without a formal vow?**
* **In what specific ways does God provide for me as I seek to serve Him, and how can I better acknowledge and appreciate His provision?**
* **How do I experience the dynamic balance between intense spiritual focus and joyful freedom in my walk with Christ?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "wave breast and heave shoulder" being given to the priest?**

Answer: The "wave breast" (Hebrew: _tᵉnûwphâh_) and "heave shoulder" (Hebrew: _tᵉrûwmâh_) were specific portions of the peace offering, a voluntary sacrifice made for fellowship and thanksgiving. Their significance lies in two main areas: divine provision and priestly mediation. First, these portions were divinely designated as the rightful sustenance for the priests ([Leviticus 7:30-34](/leviticus/7-30-34 "Leviticus 7:30-34 - Priestly Portions from Peace Offerings")). Since the priests, being Levites, did not inherit tribal land, God ensured their livelihood through the offerings brought by the people, highlighting His meticulous care for those who served Him. Second, the ritual actions of waving and heaving symbolized the offering's presentation to the LORD and its subsequent return or designation for sacred use, underscoring the priest's essential role as mediator between God and the people. These portions were considered "holy" (`qôdesh`) because they were set apart for sacred use, emphasizing the holiness of both the offering and the priestly office.

**Why was drinking wine specifically mentioned as the sign of the Nazarite vow's completion?**

Answer: Abstinence from wine and all grape products was one of the primary and most visible restrictions of the Nazarite vow ([Numbers 6:3-4](/numbers/6-3-4 "Numbers 6:3-4 - Nazarite Abstinence")). This prohibition symbolized a heightened state of separation and consecration to God, distinguishing the Nazarite from the general population and even from priests, who were permitted to drink wine outside of their temple service. Therefore, the explicit permission to "drink wine" after the completion of the vow served as the clearest and most tangible sign that the period of special separation had officially ended. It marked the Nazarite's formal release from their sacred obligations and their full reintegration into normal societal life, where such consumption was permissible. It was a public and unambiguous declaration that the vow had been fulfilled and its unique restrictions lifted.

**Does the Nazarite vow have any relevance for Christians today?**

Answer: While the literal Nazarite vow is part of the Old Covenant ceremonial law and is not practiced by Christians today, its underlying principles hold profound spiritual relevance. The vow embodied a voluntary commitment to a period of intensified devotion, separation from worldly distractions, and a fervent desire for deeper consecration to God. For Christians, this resonates deeply with the New Testament call to live a life of holiness and dedication to Christ ([1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy as God is Holy")). We are called to be "living sacrifices" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as Living Sacrifices")), setting ourselves apart for God's purposes in every aspect of our lives. The Nazarite vow reminds us of the importance of intentional spiritual disciplines, fulfilling commitments made to God, and understanding that our entire lives, not just specific periods, are to be lived in continuous consecration to Him, albeit under the New Covenant of grace and not under the specific legalistic requirements of the Old Covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 6:20, concluding the Nazarite vow, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Nazarite's temporary separation and dedication foreshadowed the perfect and eternal consecration of Jesus, who was entirely set apart for God's redemptive purposes from the moment of His conception. Unlike the Nazarite whose vow had a prescribed beginning and end, Jesus's entire life was a seamless, unwavering commitment to the Father's will, culminating in His perfect, once-for-all sacrifice on the cross. The offerings presented by the Nazarite for purification and peace point directly to Christ, who is our ultimate [sin offering](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Sacrifice for Sin") and the very source of our [peace with God](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Our Lord Jesus Christ"). The priest's essential role in mediating the offering and receiving a portion for sustenance prefigures Christ's eternal priesthood, for He is both the perfect [High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") who offered Himself and the one who perpetually sustains His people through His body and blood, the true spiritual nourishment. The Nazarite's release from restrictions and permission to drink wine symbolizes the profound freedom and joy found in Christ, who liberates us from the bondage of sin and the demands of the law, inviting us to partake in the [new wine of the Kingdom](/mark/2-22 "Mark 2:22 - New Wine in New Wineskins") and anticipating the glorious [marriage supper of the Lamb](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb"), where all the shadows and restrictions of the old covenant are superseded by His glorious and boundless grace.

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

Ecclesiastes 9:7

Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.

Numbers 5:25

Then the priest shall take the jealousy offering out of the woman's hand, and shall wave the offering before the LORD, and offer it upon the altar:

Exodus 29:27

And thou shalt sanctify the breast of the wave offering, and the shoulder of the heave offering, which is waved, and which is heaved up, of the ram of the consecration, [even] of [that] which [is] for Aaron, and of [that] which is for his sons:

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.

Zechariah 10:7

And [they of] Ephraim shall be like a mighty [man], and their heart shall rejoice as through wine: yea, their children shall see [it], and be glad; their heart shall rejoice in the LORD.

Mark 14:25

Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.

John 17:4

I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.