Numbers 6:8

KJV

All the days of his separation he [is] holy unto the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

All the days {H3117} of his separation {H5145} he is holy {H6918} unto the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Throughout the time of his being a nazir he is holy for ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Throughout the time of his separation, he is holy to the LORD.

American Standard Version

All the days of his separation he is holy unto Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 6:8 succinctly defines the core status of an individual undertaking the Nazirite vow: during the entire period of their self-imposed dedication, they are considered profoundly consecrated and set apart for the exclusive service and honor of the LORD. This verse encapsulates the essence of the Nazirite's unique commitment, emphasizing the complete and unwavering nature of their sacred separation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 6:8 is situated within the detailed legal framework for the Nazirite vow, outlined in [Numbers 6:1-21](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Nazirite Vow"). The preceding verses (e.g., [Numbers 6:3-7](/numbers/6-3 "Numbers 6:3-7 - Nazirite Prohibitions")) specify the three primary prohibitions: abstaining from all products of the grapevine, refraining from cutting their hair, and avoiding contact with any dead body. This particular verse serves as a summary declaration, emphasizing the *result* and *status* of adhering to these rules: the Nazirite's entire duration of separation is marked by a state of holiness unto the LORD. It underscores that the prohibitions are not ends in themselves, but means to achieve and maintain this sacred status. The verses immediately following (e.g., [Numbers 6:9-12](/numbers/6-9 "Numbers 6:9-12 - Defilement and Purification")) address what happens if the vow is accidentally broken, further highlighting the seriousness with which this "holiness" was regarded.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Nazirite vow was a unique, voluntary act of devotion available to both men and women in ancient Israel, distinct from the hereditary priesthood (as described in [Leviticus 8](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - Consecration of Aaron and His Sons")). Unlike priests who were born into their sacred office, Nazirites *chose* to enter a heightened state of consecration for a specified period. This voluntary nature made the vow a powerful expression of personal piety and a desire for closer communion with God. Their distinct appearance, particularly their uncut hair (as mentioned in [Numbers 6:5](/numbers/6-5 "Numbers 6:5 - Nazirite's Hair")), served as a visible sign to the community of their unique dedication and separation from common life. The prohibitions against defilement from the dead (even for close family, as seen in [Numbers 6:7](/numbers/6-7 "Numbers 6:7 - Avoiding Defilement")) underscored the extreme purity required for this special relationship with the holy God of Israel, reflecting a deeper commitment to the principles of holiness outlined throughout the Mosaic Law.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Separation (Hebrew, _nazar'_):** The root נָזַר (_nazar_) means "to separate oneself," "to consecrate," or "to dedicate." This is the very verb from which the noun "Nazirite" (נָזִיר, _nazir_) is derived. In Numbers 6:8, "his separation" refers to the entire period during which the individual has set themselves apart under the terms of the vow. It signifies a deliberate and active choice to withdraw from certain common practices and dedicate oneself wholly to God. This separation is not merely physical but implies a spiritual setting apart for divine purposes.
* **Holy (Hebrew, _qodesh'_):** The Hebrew word קֹדֶשׁ (_qodesh_) denotes something "set apart," "sacred," or "sanctified." It describes a state of being dedicated exclusively to God, removed from common or profane use. When applied to the Nazirite, it signifies that their person, during the vow, was considered sacred property belonging to the LORD. This holiness was not inherent but was conferred upon them by virtue of their vow and their adherence to its stipulations, making them ritually pure and spiritually consecrated for God's presence and purposes.
* **Unto the LORD (Hebrew, _la-YHWH'_):** The preposition לְ (_le_) meaning "to" or "for," combined with the divine name יהוה (YHWH, "the LORD"), specifies the absolute recipient and object of the Nazirite's holiness. It clarifies that the separation and sacredness are not for personal gain, social status, or human recognition, but are directed solely towards God. This phrase emphasizes divine ownership and the ultimate purpose of the vow: to honor and serve the covenant God of Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All the days of his separation":** This clause emphasizes the *duration* and *completeness* of the Nazirite's consecrated state. It signifies that the holiness is not intermittent or partial, but applies continuously throughout the entire period of the vow, from its commencement to its completion. Every moment, every action, and every aspect of the Nazirite's life during this time was to be understood as being under the umbrella of this special dedication.
* **"he [is] holy unto the LORD.":** This declarative statement establishes the *status* and *purpose* of the Nazirite during their vow. It signifies that by virtue of their commitment and adherence to the Nazirite regulations, the individual is divinely recognized and designated as sacred, set apart exclusively for God. The holiness is not merely a ritualistic observance but a profound spiritual state of belonging to the LORD, reflecting a deep commitment to His will and presence.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Numbers 6:8 is **Declaration** or **Assertion**. The verse functions as a definitive statement, unequivocally proclaiming the sacred status of the Nazirite. It is not a command or a prohibition, but a theological truth about the Nazirite's consecrated state. This declarative nature lends authority and weight to the concept of the vow's significance. Furthermore, there is an element of **Emphasis** through repetition of the core idea of "separation" and "holiness" throughout the chapter, with this verse serving as a concise summary. The Nazirite's physical distinctiveness (uncut hair, avoidance of defilement) serves as **Symbolism**, where external actions and appearances represent an internal, spiritual reality of dedication and set-apartness for God. The simplicity and directness of the language also contribute to its impact, making the underlying principle clear and memorable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 6:8 articulates a profound theological truth about the nature of holiness and dedication, not just for the Nazirite, but for all who seek to draw near to God. It underscores that true holiness is a state of being set apart *for* God, characterized by intentional separation from that which defiles and a focused devotion to His purposes. This voluntary consecration, though specific to the Nazirite vow, prefigures the New Testament call for believers to live lives of active sanctification and spiritual distinction in a fallen world. It highlights God's desire for a people who are wholly devoted to Him, willing to make sacrifices and embrace a distinct identity for His glory. The Nazirite's temporary vow serves as a powerful reminder that genuine spiritual life involves a conscious choice to prioritize God above all else, reflecting a heart committed to His holiness.

* [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Call to Holiness")
* [Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1-2 - Living Sacrifice and Transformed Minds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 6:8, while describing an ancient Israelite practice, offers timeless principles for contemporary believers. The call to be "holy unto the LORD" resonates deeply, reminding us that our entire lives, not just specific acts of worship, are to be lived in dedication to God. While we do not take Nazirite vows, the underlying spirit of intentional separation and consecrated living remains vital. This means making conscious choices to set ourselves apart from the world's values, priorities, and defilements, and instead, aligning our thoughts, words, and actions with God's will. It encourages us to cultivate a lifestyle marked by devotion, purity, and a clear distinction that points others to Christ. This "separation" is not about isolation, but about living *in* the world but not *of* the world, allowing our lives to be a visible testimony to God's transformative power and our commitment to Him. It challenges us to examine what we allow into our minds and hearts, how we use our time and resources, and whether our daily walk truly reflects a profound dedication to the One who has called us to be His own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I need to cultivate a greater sense of "separation unto the LORD," aligning my choices more fully with His holiness?**
* **What practical steps can I take to live a more intentionally consecrated life, reflecting the principle of being "holy unto the LORD" in my daily routines and relationships?**
* **How does my commitment to God's holiness influence my choices regarding entertainment, relationships, and stewardship of resources?**

### FAQ
**Was the Nazirite vow a permanent commitment, or could it be for a limited time?**

Answer: The Nazirite vow was generally for a specified, limited period, as indicated by phrases like "the days of his separation" in Numbers 6:8 and the detailed instructions for its completion in [Numbers 6:13-21](/numbers/6-13 "Numbers 6:13-21 - The End of the Nazirite Vow"). While most vows were temporary, there were rare instances of lifelong Nazirites, such as Samson ([Judges 13:5](/judges/13-5 "Judges 13:5 - Samson's Nazirite Vow")) and potentially Samuel ([1 Samuel 1:11](/1_samuel/1-11 "1 Samuel 1:11 - Hannah's Vow for Samuel")), though Samuel's vow is not explicitly called a Nazirite vow in the text, it shares similar characteristics.

**What was the significance of the Nazirite's uncut hair?**

Answer: The uncut hair of the Nazirite, mentioned in [Numbers 6:5](/numbers/6-5 "Numbers 6:5 - The Nazirite's Uncut Hair"), was a visible and primary sign of their vow and their state of dedication to the LORD. It symbolized strength, vitality, and an unbroken commitment, as the hair was not to be touched by a razor throughout the entire period of separation. It was a tangible mark of their set-apart status, making their vow evident to all who saw them and reminding the Nazirite themselves of their sacred commitment. Upon the completion of the vow, the hair was shaved off and offered as part of the sacrifices, signifying the return to ordinary life ([Numbers 6:18](/numbers/6-18 "Numbers 6:18 - Shaving the Hair")).

**How do the principles of the Nazirite vow apply to Christians today, since we don't practice it literally?**

Answer: While Christians do not take the specific Nazirite vow, the underlying principles of Numbers 6:8 are highly relevant. Believers are called to a life of holiness and consecration, not by temporary vows, but by virtue of their union with Christ. [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy") exhorts us to "be holy in all your conduct, because it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" This means living a life set apart for God's purposes, marked by purity, devotion, and a clear distinction from the values and practices of the world. We are called to present our bodies as "living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as Living Sacrifices")), which is our spiritual act of worship. The Nazirite vow serves as a powerful Old Testament illustration of the intentionality, discipline, and wholehearted dedication that God desires from His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 6:8, in its declaration of the Nazirite's "separation" and "holiness unto the LORD," finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Jesus did not take a Nazirite vow, His entire earthly life was the epitome of absolute separation and consecration to the Father. He was uniquely "set apart" from sin and the world's corruption, living a life of perfect purity and unwavering obedience, as described in [Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Our High Priest, Holy and Blameless"). His mission, His very being, was entirely "unto the LORD," culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross, which was the ultimate act of self-consecration for the redemption of humanity ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")). Through His atoning work, Christ, the perfectly holy one, makes us holy. We, who were once alienated and unholy, are now "consecrated through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through Christ's Sacrifice")). Our Christian walk is therefore a response to His perfect holiness and a living out of the sanctification we have received *in* Him, empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives increasingly "holy unto the LORD" ([1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")), reflecting the very character of our perfectly consecrated Savior.

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

2 Corinthians 6:17

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,

2 Corinthians 6:18

And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.