Numbers 6:7
Numbers 6:7 in Multiple Translations
Even if his father or mother or brother or sister should die, he is not to defile himself, because the crown of consecration to his God is upon his head.
He shall not make himself unclean for his father, or for his mother, for his brother, or for his sister, when they die: because the consecration of his God is upon his head.
He shall not make himself unclean for his father, or for his mother, for his brother, or for his sister, when they die; because his separation unto God is upon his head.
He may not make himself unclean for his father or his mother, his sister or his brother, if death comes to them; because he is under an oath to keep himself separate for God.
Even if it's their father, mother, brother or sister who has died, they are not to make themselves unclean, because their uncut hair announces their dedication to God.
Hee shall not make himselfe vncleane at the death of his father, or mother, brother, or sister: for the consecration of his God is vpon his head.
for his father, or for his mother, for his brother, or for his sister — he is not unclean for them at their death, for the separation of his God [is] on his head;
He shall not make himself unclean for his father, or for his mother, for his brother, or for his sister, when they die, because his separation to God is on his head.
He shall not make himself unclean for his father, or for his mother, for his brother, or for his sister, when they die: because the consecration of his God is upon his head.
Neither shall he make himself unclean, even for his father, or for his mother, or for his brother, or for his sister, when they die, because the consecration of his God is upon his head.
Even if the person who died is your father or your mother or your brother or your sister, you must not cause yourself to become unacceptable to me by coming close to the corpse. Your long hair [MTY] shows that you belong to me in a special way, so you must not cut your hair.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 6:7
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Numbers 6:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לְ/אָבִ֣י/ו
וּ/לְ/אִמּ֗/וֹ
לְ/אָחִי/ו֙
וּ/לְ/אַ֣חֹת֔/וֹ
לֹא
יִטַּמָּ֥א
לָ/הֶ֖ם
בְּ/מֹתָ֑/ם
כִּ֛י
נֵ֥זֶר
אֱלֹהָ֖י/ו
עַל
רֹאשֽׁ/וֹ
לְ/אָבִ֣י/ו
ʼâb
H1
father
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וּ/לְ/אִמּ֗/וֹ
ʼêm
H517
mother
Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff
לְ/אָחִי/ו֙
ʼâch
H251
brother
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וּ/לְ/אַ֣חֹת֔/וֹ
ʼâchôwth
H269
sister
Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִטַּמָּ֥א
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
to defile
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms
לָ/הֶ֖ם
Prep | Suff
בְּ/מֹתָ֑/ם
mâveth
H4194
death
Prep | N-ms | Suff
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
נֵ֥זֶר
nezer
H5145
consecration
N-ms
אֱלֹהָ֖י/ו
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
רֹאשֽׁ/וֹ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 6:7
לְ/אָבִ֣י/ו
ʼâb
H1
"father"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
וּ/לְ/אִמּ֗/וֹ
ʼêm
H517
"mother"
Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'mother' is used in the Bible to describe a female parent or a maternal figure. It can also refer to the source or origin of something, such as a river or a family. In some cases, it is used figuratively to describe a person's relationship to others.
Definition: 1) mother 1a) of humans 1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.) 1c) of animals 2) point of departure or division
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: dam, mother, [idiom] parting. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Kings 4:19; Psalms 22:10.
לְ/אָחִי/ו֙
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
וּ/לְ/אַ֣חֹת֔/וֹ
ʼâchôwth
H269
"sister"
Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff
A sister in the Bible can be a biological sibling, a half-sister, or a close relative. In Genesis 4:2, Cain's sister is not named, but in Genesis 24:15, Rebekah is Isaac's cousin and future wife.
Definition: 1) sister 1a) sister (same parents) 1b) half-sister (same father) 1c) relative 1c1) (metaph) of Israel's and Judah's relationship 1d) beloved 1d1) bride 1e) (fig.) of intimate connection 1f) another
Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other, sister, together. See also: Genesis 4:22; 2 Samuel 13:22; Proverbs 7:4.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִטַּמָּ֥א
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
"to defile"
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to be foul or contaminated, often in a moral or ceremonial sense. It is used in the Bible to describe something that is unclean or polluted. In the book of Leviticus, it talks about being unclean and how to become clean again.
Definition: 1) to be unclean, become unclean, become impure 1a) (Qal) to be or become unclean 1a1) sexually 1a2) religiously 1a3) ceremonially 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to defile oneself, be defiled 1b1a) sexually 1b1b) by idolatry 1b1c) ceremonially 1b2) to be regarded as unclean 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to defile 1c1a) sexually 1c1b) religiously 1c1c) ceremonially 1c2) to pronounce unclean, declare unclean (ceremonially) 1c3) to profane (God's name) 1d) (Pual) to be defiled 1e) (Hithpael) to be unclean 1f) (Hothpael) to be defiled
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: defile (self), pollute (self), be (make, make self, pronounce) unclean, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:5; Leviticus 22:5; Psalms 79:1.
לָ/הֶ֖ם
""
Prep | Suff
בְּ/מֹתָ֑/ם
mâveth
H4194
"death"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to death, whether natural or violent, and is used in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It can also mean the place of the dead, or a state of ruin. This concept is seen in the story of Moses, where death is a punishment for disobedience.
Definition: 1) death, dying, Death (personified), realm of the dead 1a) death 1b) death by violence (as a penalty) 1c) state of death, place of death Aramaic equivalent: mot (מוֹת "death" H4193)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: (be) dead(-ly), death, die(-d). See also: Genesis 21:16; Job 38:17; Psalms 6:6.
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
נֵ֥זֶר
nezer
H5145
"consecration"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for consecration or a crown, often referring to a Nazirite vow, where someone dedicates themselves to God. This concept appears in Numbers 6 and is associated with unshorn locks or a royal chaplet. In the Bible, it symbolizes a person's commitment to God.
Definition: 1) consecration, crown, separation, Nazariteship 1a) crown (as sign of consecration), earring 1a1) stones of a crown, diadem, stones of charming 1b) woman's hair 1c) consecration 1c1) of high priest 1c2) of Nazarite
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: consecration, crown, hair, separation. See also: Exodus 29:6; Numbers 6:18; Psalms 89:40.
אֱלֹהָ֖י/ו
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
רֹאשֽׁ/וֹ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
Study Notes — Numbers 6:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 6:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 6:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 6:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 6:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 6:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 6:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 6:7
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 6:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 6:7
- Sermons on Numbers 6:7
Context — The Nazirite Vow
5For the entire period of his vow of separation, no razor shall touch his head. He must be holy until the time of his separation to the LORD is complete; he must let the hair of his head grow long.
6Throughout the days of his separation to the LORD, he must not go near a dead body.
7Even if his father or mother or brother or sister should die, he is not to defile himself, because the symbol of consecration to his God is upon his head.
8Throughout the time of his separation, he is holy to the LORD. 9If someone suddenly dies in his presence and defiles his consecrated head of hair, he must shave his head on the day of his cleansing—the seventh day.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 9:6 | But there were some men who were unclean due to a dead body, so they could not observe the Passover on that day. And they came before Moses and Aaron that same day |
| 2 | Leviticus 21:1–2 | Then the LORD said to Moses, “Speak to Aaron’s sons, the priests, and tell them that a priest is not to defile himself for a dead person among his people, except for his immediate family—his mother, father, son, daughter, or brother, |
| 3 | Leviticus 21:10–12 | The priest who is highest among his brothers, who has had the anointing oil poured on his head and has been ordained to wear the priestly garments, must not let his hair hang loose or tear his garments. He must not go near any dead body; he must not defile himself, even for his father or mother. He must not leave or desecrate the sanctuary of his God, for the consecration of the anointing oil of his God is on him. I am the LORD. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 44:25 | A priest must not defile himself by going near a dead person. However, for a father, a mother, a son, a daughter, a brother, or an unmarried sister, he may do so, |
Numbers 6:7 Summary
[This verse, Numbers 6:7, tells us about a special rule for Nazirites, who were people dedicated to God. Even if someone very close to them died, they weren't allowed to touch the body or participate in funeral rites because they had to stay separate and holy for God. This shows how serious their promise to God was. It's like when we make a promise to God to follow Him, we have to put Him first, even when it's hard, as Jesus taught in Matthew 10:37.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the Nazirite to have the 'crown of consecration' on his head?
The 'crown of consecration' refers to the symbolic crown or mark of dedication to God that the Nazirite wears, signifying his commitment to holiness and separation unto the Lord, as seen in Numbers 6:7 and supported by the concept of being set apart in Deuteronomy 14:2.
Why is the Nazirite not allowed to defile himself, even in the case of a family member's death?
The Nazirite is not allowed to defile himself because his vow of separation to the Lord takes precedence over family ties, as stated in Numbers 6:7, and this is in line with the principle of putting God first, as taught in Matthew 10:37 and Luke 14:26.
Does this mean that the Nazirite is heartless and doesn't care about his family?
No, it doesn't mean the Nazirite is heartless; rather, it emphasizes the seriousness of his vow to the Lord, which requires him to prioritize his spiritual commitment over even the most significant personal relationships, as seen in the example of Jesus' own words in Luke 9:59-62.
How does this apply to believers today?
While the specific rules for Nazirites don't apply to all believers, the principle of being set apart for God and prioritizing one's spiritual commitment remains relevant, as seen in Romans 12:1-2 and 1 Peter 1:15-16, where believers are called to be holy and live a life dedicated to God.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to prioritize my commitment to God over personal relationships or desires?
- How can I balance my love and care for my family with my dedication to following God's will for my life?
- In what ways can I, like the Nazirite, symbolically 'wear the crown of consecration' in my daily life, demonstrating my commitment to God?
- What does it mean for me to be 'holy unto the Lord' in my everyday actions and decisions, as mentioned in Numbers 6:8?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 6:7
He shall not make himself unclean for his father or for his mother, for his brother or for his sister, when they die,.... Aben Ezra adds also, for his wife, and for his daughter, and for others; what
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 6:7
He shall not make himself unclean for his father, or for his mother, for his brother, or for his sister, when they die: because the consecration of his God is upon his head. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 6:7
For his father, or for his mother; wherein he was equal to the high priest, , being, in some sort, as sacred a person, and as eminent a type of Christ, , and therefore justly required to prefer the service of God, to which he had so fully and peculiarly given himself, before the expressions of his affections to his dearest and nearest relations. The consecration, i.e. the token of his consecration, to wit, his long hair. Of his God, i.e. whereby he hath devoted himself to his God in an eminent manner. The genitive case of the object.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 6:7
Numbers 6:7 He shall not make himself unclean for his father, or for his mother, for his brother, or for his sister, when they die: because the consecration of his God [is] upon his head.Ver. 7. He shall not make himself uncIean.] In all changes he must be unchangeable; so was Christ, so must we.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 6:7
(7) He shall not make himself unclean . . . —The law of the Nazirite in this respect was equally stringent with that of the high priest (Leviticus 21:11), and more stringent than that which was imposed upon the priests generally (Leviticus 21:2-3). The consecration.—Better, the separation (Hebrew, nezer). So also in Numbers 6:9.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 6:7
Verse 7. The consecration of his God is upon his head.] Literally, The separation of his God is upon his head; meaning his hair, which was the proof and emblem of his separation. Now as the hair of the Nazarite was a token of his subjection to God through all the peculiarities of his nazarate, a woman, who is married, is considered as a Nazarite for life, i. e., separated from all others, and joined to one husband who is her lord; hence St. Paul, probably alluding to this circumstance, says, 1 Corinthians 11:10: The woman ought to have power upon her head, i. e., wear her hair and veil; for this hair is a proof of her nazarate, and of her being in subjection to her husband, as the Nazarite was under subjection to the LORD by the rule of his order.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 6:7
7. The stringent rule here laid down was applicable to no one else except the High Priest (Leviticus 21:11); in the case of the ordinary priest the nearest relatives are expressly excepted. It is to be noticed that Samson did not scruple to come into frequent contact with the dead. The regulation was probably not in force in early days, but was added when the sanctity attributed to a Nazirite had increased. his separation] Heb. nçzer (connected with nâzîr) denotes either the state of separation (Numbers 6:4; Numbers 6:6 R.V. marg. ‘Naziriteship’), or, as here, the symbol of separation, i.e. the long hair. Cf. the similar ellipse in 1 Corinthians 11:10, ‘the woman ought to have [the symbol of] authority on her head.’ In Leviticus 25:5; Leviticus 25:11 nçzer is even used for an untrimmed vine, with its long tendrils like uncut hair.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 6:7
7. Unclean for his father — He could not enter the house where his father lay dead. The omission of the wife in the list of near relatives would seem to permit the Nazarite to bury his wife.
Sermons on Numbers 6:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Beard, Its Historical and Biblical Significance by John Weaver | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the significance of unity among brethren. He urges the audience to judge righteous judgment, emphasizing the importance of looking beyond ou |