Numbers 6:6

All the days that he separateth [himself] unto the LORD he shall come at no dead body.

All the days {H3117} that he separateth {H5144} himself unto the LORD {H3068} he shall come {H935} at no dead {H4191} body {H5315}.

"'Throughout the period for which he has consecrated himself to ADONAI, he is not to approach a corpse.

Throughout the days of his separation to the LORD, he must not go near a dead body.

All the days that he separateth himself unto Jehovah he shall not come near to a dead body.

Context of Numbers 6:6

This verse is part of the laws concerning the Nazirite vow, a unique and voluntary commitment undertaken by men or women in ancient Israel to dedicate themselves specially to the LORD for a set period. Unlike the priesthood, which was hereditary, the Nazirite vow was a personal expression of devotion. The vow involved three main prohibitions: abstaining from wine and strong drink, not cutting one's hair, and avoiding all contact with dead bodies. This particular prohibition emphasized an extreme level of ritual purity, setting the Nazirite apart as holy unto God.

Key Themes

  • Purity and Holiness: The primary theme in Numbers 6:6 is the stringent requirement for ritual purity. In ancient Israelite thought, contact with a corpse rendered a person ritually unclean (Leviticus 11:24). For the Nazirite, this avoidance was not just about ritual cleanliness but about maintaining an unbroken state of holiness for their special service to the LORD.
  • Separation and Consecration: The Nazirite's avoidance of any dead body, even that of a close family member, underscored the absolute nature of their dedication. Their vow meant a complete separation from anything that could defile them, ensuring their undivided focus and consecration to God.
  • Dedication and Sacrifice: This prohibition highlights the sacrificial nature of the Nazirite vow. It required the individual to set aside normal social and familial obligations (such as mourning a deceased relative) for the sake of their higher commitment to God, demonstrating profound personal dedication.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "separateth himself" comes from the Hebrew root nazar (נָזַר), meaning 'to separate,' 'to consecrate,' or 'to dedicate.' This root is the origin of the term 'Nazirite' itself, highlighting the core purpose of the vow: to be separated unto the LORD. The term "dead body" is nephesh maveth (נֶפֶשׁ מָוֶת), literally 'soul of death,' emphasizing the defiling nature of a corpse. The strictness of this command, even overriding familial obligations, demonstrates the paramount importance of the Nazirite's consecrated status.

Practical Application and Reflection

While the specific Nazirite vow is not practiced today, the underlying principles of Numbers 6:6 hold profound spiritual significance for believers. It speaks to the call for Christians to live a life of spiritual purity and separation from the defilements of the world. Just as the Nazirite was set apart for God's purposes, believers are called to be holy as God is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16).

This verse reminds us that true devotion often requires intentional choices to avoid what might spiritually defile us, whether it's worldly influences, sinful habits, or anything that hinders our walk with God. Our dedication to Christ means maintaining a state of spiritual cleanliness, enabling us to remain consecrated for His service and to reflect His holiness in our daily lives.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Leviticus 21:11

    Neither shall he go in to any dead body, nor defile himself for his father, or for his mother;

  • Leviticus 19:28

    Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I [am] the LORD.

  • Leviticus 21:1

    ¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto the priests the sons of Aaron, and say unto them, There shall none be defiled for the dead among his people:

  • Leviticus 21:3

    And for his sister a virgin, that is nigh unto him, which hath had no husband; for her may he be defiled.

  • Jeremiah 16:5

    For thus saith the LORD, Enter not into the house of mourning, neither go to lament nor bemoan them: for I have taken away my peace from this people, saith the LORD, [even] lovingkindness and mercies.

  • Jeremiah 16:6

    Both the great and the small shall die in this land: they shall not be buried, neither shall [men] lament for them, nor cut themselves, nor make themselves bald for them:

  • 2 Corinthians 5:16

    ¶ Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we [him] no more.
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