Numbers 6:18

Then at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the Nazirite is to shave his consecrated head, take the hair, and put it on the fire under the peace offering.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — The text addresses a Nazirite completing a vow, directing him to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting to perform a final ritual action. This occurs immediately after the peace offering is presented, marking the transition from consecration to restored status.

The words — The Hebrew verb גִּלֵּחַ (gi.Lach) commands "he will shave," paired with the noun נִזְרוֹ (niz.R/o) meaning "his Nazirite vow" or "consecration." These terms anchor the physical act to the legal completion of the vow.

The thread — The shaving ritual reappears in Acts 21:24 for communal purification and Acts 18:18 where Paul shaves his head in Cenchrea. It also connects to Numbers 6:9, where sudden defilement requires immediate shaving.

Why it lands — The text demands the physical surrender of the vow's symbol to the altar fire, marking the transition from separation to restored normal life. Readers must recognize that ritual completion requires tangible action, not merely verbal declaration.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Hebrew words

King James Version

And the Nazarite shall shave the head of his separation at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall take the hair of the head of his separation, and put it in the fire which is under the sacrifice of the peace offerings.

Cross-references

Acts 21:24 Take these men, purify yourself along with them, and pay their expenses so they can have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know that there is no truth to these rumors about you, but that you also live in obedience to the law.
Numbers 6:9 If 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.
Acts 18:18 Paul remained in Corinth for quite some time before saying goodbye to the brothers. He had his head shaved in Cenchrea to keep a vow he had made, and then he sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila.
Numbers 6:5 For 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.
Luke 17:10 So you also, when you have done everything commanded of you, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’”
Acts 21:26 So the next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. Then he entered the temple to give notice of the date when their purification would be complete and the offering would be made for each of them.
Ephesians 1:6 to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the Beloved One.