Numbers 6:21

KJV

This [is] the law of the Nazarite who hath vowed, [and of] his offering unto the LORD for his separation, beside [that] that his hand shall get: according to the vow which he vowed, so he must do after the law of his separation.

KJV (with Strong's)

This is the law {H8451} of the Nazarite {H5139} who hath vowed {H5087}, and of his offering {H7133} unto the LORD {H3068} for his separation {H5145}, beside that that his hand {H3027} shall get {H5381}: according {H6310} to the vow {H5088} which he vowed {H5087}, so he must do {H6213} after the law {H8451} of his separation {H5145}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'This is the law for the nazir who makes a vow and for his offering to ADONAI for his being a nazir - in addition to anything more for which he has sufficient means. In keeping with whatever vow he makes, he must do it according to the law for the nazir.'"

Berean Standard Bible

This is the law of the Nazirite who vows his offering to the LORD for his separation, in addition to whatever else he can afford; he must fulfill whatever vow he makes, according to the law of his separation.”

American Standard Version

This is the law of the Nazirite who voweth, and of his oblation unto Jehovah for his separation, besides that which he is able to get: according to his vow which he voweth, so he must do after the law of his separation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 6:21 serves as the definitive conclusion to the intricate regulations governing the Nazirite vow, underscoring the profound obligation of the individual to meticulously fulfill every facet of their voluntary commitment to the LORD. This verse emphatically states that all offerings associated with the Nazirite's period of separation, including any additional contributions freely given beyond the mandated minimums, must be precisely rendered in strict accordance with the original vow, thereby emphasizing the sanctity of promises made to God and the personal accountability inherent in such a consecrated life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 6:21 acts as the culminating statement for the detailed legislation concerning the Nazirite vow, a section that commences in [Numbers 6:1](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Law of the Nazirite"). The preceding verses meticulously lay out the conditions and requirements of this unique commitment. Initially, [Numbers 6:1-5](/numbers/6-1-5 "Numbers 6:1-5 - Nazirite Prohibitions") defines the core prohibitions against grape products, strong drink, and cutting one's hair. This is followed by instructions regarding ritual purity, specifically the avoidance of contact with dead bodies, as outlined in [Numbers 6:6-8](/numbers/6-6-8 "Numbers 6:6-8 - Nazirite Purity Requirements"). Should defilement occur, [Numbers 6:9-12](/numbers/6-9-12 "Numbers 6:9-12 - Purification after Defilement") prescribes the necessary purification rituals and compensatory offerings. Finally, [Numbers 6:13-20](/numbers/6-13-20 "Numbers 6:13-20 - Completion of the Nazirite Vow") details the elaborate sacrificial procedures required to formally conclude the vow and mark the end of the period of separation. Therefore, [Numbers 6:21](/numbers/6-21 "Numbers 6:21 - The Conclusion of the Nazirite Law") functions as a powerful, emphatic summary, reiterating the Nazirite's absolute duty to perform all these requirements, serving as a theological and legal capstone to the entire Nazirite code.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Nazirite vow represented a unique, voluntary act of devotion accessible to any Israelite, male or female, who sought to set themselves apart for a period of special consecration to God. Unlike the hereditary priesthood, which was a lifelong, inherited office, the Nazirite vow was temporary and undertaken by personal choice, signifying an intense level of personal commitment and spiritual zeal beyond the general requirements of the Mosaic Law. In ancient Israel, vows were regarded as exceptionally serious and binding commitments made before God, as evidenced by the stern warnings in passages such as [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21-23 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - The Seriousness of Vows") and [Ecclesiastes 5:4-5](/ecclesiastes/5-4-5 "Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 - Fulfilling Vows"). The phrase "beside that that his hand shall get" suggests that beyond the prescribed, obligatory offerings, the Nazirite was permitted, and perhaps encouraged, to bring additional, voluntary gifts. This practice reflects a cultural expectation of generous giving that transcended mere obligation, demonstrating a heart fully dedicated to the [LORD](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - The Name of God, Yahweh").

* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several key themes prevalent in the book of Numbers and broader Israelite theology. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness and Consecration**, emphasizing the distinct status of those set apart for God's purposes, whether through divine calling or personal vow. The passage also highlights **Personal Responsibility and Accountability**, particularly in honoring commitments made to God. The meticulous nature of the law underscores the importance of **Obedience and Faithfulness** to divine commands, even in voluntary acts of devotion. Furthermore, the allowance for offerings "beside that that his hand shall get" introduces the theme of **Voluntary Giving and Generosity**, suggesting that true devotion often exceeds minimum requirements and flows from a willing heart. This aligns with broader biblical principles found in texts like [Exodus 35:29](/exodus/35-29 "Exodus 35:29 - Freewill Offerings") and [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - Cheerful Giving"), where God values gifts given from a willing spirit.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nazarite (Hebrew, _nâzîyr'_):** From the root `nazar` (נזר), meaning "to separate," "to consecrate," or "to dedicate." A Nazirite was therefore one "separated" or "consecrated" unto the [LORD](/psalms/100-3 "Psalm 100:3 - The Lord, Our God"). This term implies a deliberate act of setting oneself apart from common life and practices for a holy purpose, distinguishing the individual through specific ascetic disciplines and visible signs, such as uncut hair.
* **Vowed (Hebrew, _nâdar'_):** This primitive root signifies "to promise (positively, to do or give something to God)." In ancient Israelite law and culture, a vow (`neder`) was a solemn pledge or oath made to God, carrying significant legal and spiritual binding force. The repetition of "vow which he vowed" in the verse emphasizes the personal, intentional nature of the commitment and the expectation of its complete fulfillment.
* **Separation (Hebrew, _nezer'_):** While related to `nâzîyr`, `nezer` specifically refers to the state or sign of consecration itself. It can also denote a "crown" or "diadem," often used in connection with the Nazirite's uncut hair, which served as a visible symbol of their consecrated status. Here, it denotes the entire period and condition of being set apart for God, encompassing all the rules and requirements of the vow.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This [is] the law of the Nazarite who hath vowed":** This opening clause functions as a definitive legal statement, signaling that the preceding detailed instructions for the Nazirite vow are now being summarized and concluded. It emphasizes that what follows is not merely advice but a divine mandate, a `tôwrâh` (law), governing the conduct and completion of such a sacred pledge.
* **"[and of] his offering unto the LORD for his separation":** This specifies a core component of the vow's conclusion: the mandatory offerings required to mark the end of the consecrated period. These offerings, detailed in [Numbers 6:14-20](/numbers/6-14-20 "Numbers 6:14-20 - Offerings for the Nazirite's Completion"), were essential for the Nazirite's ritual purification and reintegration into the community after their period of exceptional holiness and dedication to the [LORD](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Lord Our God is One").
* **"beside [that] that his hand shall get":** This phrase introduces an additional dimension to the Nazirite's commitment. Beyond the prescribed, obligatory offerings, the individual was permitted, and perhaps encouraged, to bring further voluntary gifts. This suggests a measure of personal initiative and generosity, allowing the Nazirite to express a deeper level of devotion or thanksgiving according to their means (`yâd`, "hand," signifying ability or means) and the abundance God had provided (`nâsag`, "shall get," implying attainment or acquisition).
* **"according to the vow which he vowed, so he must do after the law of his separation":** This powerful concluding statement reiterates the absolute necessity of fulfilling the vow precisely as it was undertaken. It underscores the principle of personal responsibility (`'âsâh`, "do") and the sanctity of promises made to God (`peh`, "according to," signifying conformity). The Nazirite's actions must align perfectly with their initial commitment and the divine statutes governing their consecrated state, leaving no room for deviation or negligence.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message with clarity and emphasis. **Repetition** is prominent, particularly with the words "vow" (`neder`) and "separation" (`nezer`), reinforcing the core concepts of commitment and consecration. The phrase "vow which he vowed" is a classic example of a **cognate accusative**, where a verb is paired with a noun from the same root (`nâdar` and `neder`), intensifying the idea of the solemn pledge and its binding nature. The structure itself functions as a **summary statement**, drawing together the preceding detailed regulations into a concise, authoritative declaration. Furthermore, the pervasive use of **legal language**, such as "This is the law" (`tôwrâh`) and "so he must do after the law," firmly grounds the Nazirite's obligations in divine command and covenantal expectation, lending the passage an air of absolute authority and finality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 6:21 powerfully articulates the theological principle that commitments made to God are sacred and demand meticulous fulfillment. It highlights the importance of personal responsibility in spiritual devotion, emphasizing that a vow is not merely a suggestion but a binding covenant with the [LORD](/isaiah/45-5 "Isaiah 45:5 - I Am the Lord, and There Is No Other"). This passage also underscores the concept of voluntary consecration, where individuals choose to set themselves apart for God's purposes, demonstrating a level of devotion that exceeds mere obligation. The inclusion of "beside that that his hand shall get" further reveals a theology of generous giving that flows from a willing heart, signifying that true devotion often moves beyond minimum requirements to embrace sacrificial offerings. This theme of faithfulness to vows and dedicated living resonates throughout Scripture, reflecting God's own covenant faithfulness and His expectation that His people will honor their word to Him.

* [Deuteronomy 23:21](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Do Not Delay to Pay a Vow")
* [Ecclesiastes 5:4-5](/ecclesiastes/5-4-5 "Fulfill Your Vows to God")
* [Psalm 50:14](/psalms/50-14 "Offer to God a Sacrifice of Thanksgiving")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific Nazirite vow is part of the Old Covenant ceremonial law and not directly practiced by New Testament believers, the timeless principles embedded in Numbers 6:21 offer profound insights for Christian living. This verse serves as a potent reminder of the sanctity of our commitments to God. Whether it's the vows we make in marriage, the promises we utter in prayer, our baptismal declarations, or our commitment to spiritual disciplines, our word to God matters deeply. We are called to live a life of voluntary consecration, not through temporary external vows, but through an ongoing, internal dedication of our entire being to Christ. This involves a conscious decision to live set apart from worldly patterns, pursuing holiness and righteousness as a natural outflow of our new identity in Christ. Furthermore, the idea of giving "beside that that his hand shall get" challenges us to consider our generosity. Are we merely fulfilling obligations, or are we giving of our time, talents, and resources cheerfully and sacrificially, going beyond the minimum as an expression of our love and devotion to God? Our faithfulness in small commitments reflects the sincerity of our larger devotion and the depth of our gratitude for God's boundless grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How seriously do I take my commitments to God, whether explicit (like baptism or church membership) or implicit (like daily prayer or Bible reading)?**
* **In what practical ways am I called to live a life of "separation" or consecration unto the Lord in my daily life and interactions, reflecting my identity in Christ?**
* **Am I willing to give beyond what is required, whether of my time, talents, or resources, as an expression of my love and devotion to God?**

### FAQ

**What was the primary purpose of the Nazirite vow?**

Answer: The primary purpose of the Nazirite vow was to allow an Israelite to voluntarily undertake a period of special consecration and intense devotion to the [LORD](/psalms/23-1 "Psalm 23:1 - The Lord is My Shepherd"). It was a temporary, personal act of setting oneself apart, marked by specific ascetic disciplines (abstaining from wine, not cutting hair, avoiding defilement by dead bodies) and culminating in prescribed offerings. It demonstrated a zeal for God beyond the general requirements of the Mosaic Law, emphasizing personal holiness and dedication, as detailed in [Numbers 6](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Law of the Nazirite").

**Are Christians expected to take Nazirite vows today?**

Answer: No, the specific Nazirite vow, with its detailed regulations and ceremonial offerings, is part of the Old Covenant ceremonial law and is not binding on New Testament believers. The New Testament teaches that all believers are consecrated to God through Christ's sacrifice, becoming a "holy priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - A Holy Priesthood")) and a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")). While the specific vow is obsolete, the underlying principles of voluntary consecration, devotion, and faithfulness to God are timeless and are fulfilled in the Christian's life in Christ, who is our ultimate Nazirite.

**What does "beside [that] that his hand shall get" mean in the context of the Nazirite vow?**

Answer: This phrase refers to additional, voluntary offerings that the Nazirite could make beyond the mandatory sacrifices required for the completion of their vow. It indicates that the individual was encouraged to give generously according to their personal means and the depth of their devotion. This highlights a principle that true worship and commitment often involve going beyond mere obligation, offering out of a willing heart and personal abundance as an expression of love and gratitude to God, a principle echoed in [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The law of the Nazirite, culminating in [Numbers 6:21](/numbers/6-21 "Numbers 6:21 - The Conclusion of the Nazirite Law"), powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect consecration found in Jesus Christ. While Jesus did not take a Nazirite vow in the Mosaic sense, He embodied the very essence of "separation unto the LORD." He was perfectly set apart, holy, and without sin, fulfilling all righteousness through His life of unwavering obedience to the Father's will ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Our High Priest Sympathizes with Our Weaknesses")). His entire life was a voluntary, unblemished offering, culminating in His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, which was the perfect "offering unto the LORD for his separation" – not His own, but for the separation and sanctification of His people ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through the Offering of Jesus Christ")). In Christ, believers are made "holy" and "set apart" (saints) by His atoning work, becoming a "chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")). Our "separation" is not achieved through temporary vows or external rituals, but through union with Him and the indwelling Spirit, leading to a life of ongoing dedication and obedience. The call to fulfill the vow "according to the vow which he vowed" finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's perfect obedience and our new covenant identity, where we are called to present our bodies as "a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - A Living Sacrifice")), reflecting the perfect consecration of our Lord.

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

Ezra 2:69

They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work threescore and one thousand drams of gold, and five thousand pound of silver, and one hundred priests' garments.

Numbers 5:29

This [is] the law of jealousies, when a wife goeth aside [to another] instead of her husband, and is defiled;

Galatians 6:6

Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

Hebrews 13:16

But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.