While it seems straightforward, this verse marks the beginning of the Nazirite laws, which deal with voluntary separation and holiness—a stark contrast to the obligatory laws for priests. This highlights that God desires devoted followers not only through mandated roles but also through individuals choosing a deeper level of consecration.
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When either a man or a woman makes a special vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to the LORD, he shall separate himself from wine and strong drink. He shall drink no vinegar made from wine or strong drink and shall not drink any juice of grapes or eat grapes, fresh or dried.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Immediately following laws concerning the purity of Israel, God instructs Moses about the Nazarite vow, a voluntary commitment to a more rigorous separation and devotion to God. This passage outlines the specific rules and regulations for those who undertake this vow, detailing what they must abstain from and the rituals for completion or if their consecration is unintentionally defiled. The section concludes with the priestly blessing that the community would regularly receive.
Every significant instruction in Scripture begins with a word from God. This verse is the gateway to a unique way of life for ancient Israelites.
The Lord Speaks Directly
This verse, 'And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,' is more than just a simple introduction. It’s the foundational statement that God Himself initiated the following instructions. This wasn't a human idea or a suggestion from Moses; it was direct communication from the Almighty.
Divine Authority
The phrase 'the LORD spoke' underscores the divine authority behind the laws that follow. God isn't just relaying information; He is commanding and revealing His will. This direct address to Moses sets the stage for the entire chapter on the Nazarite vow, emphasizing that this path of devotion originates from heaven, not earth.
A Pattern for Revelation
This pattern of God speaking directly to a prophet is established throughout Scripture. It's how we know the instructions are reliable and meant to be taken seriously. From the initial covenant with Abraham to the final words of Revelation, God’s voice is the ultimate source.
Why would someone voluntarily set themselves apart for God in such a specific way? This verse marks the beginning of understanding that special dedication.
A Voluntary Devotion
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The laws that follow in Numbers 6 describe the Nazarite vow – a unique path of voluntary separation and devotion to God. While many laws in the Old Testament were about general obedience for the whole nation, the Nazarite vow was a personal, chosen commitment.
Beyond Ordinary Service
Commentators note that this vow wasn't about performing a priestly duty, but about a consecrated life outside the normal roles. It was a way for individuals to express a deeper level of commitment, often motivated by thankfulness for deliverance or a desire for heightened spiritual purity. This commitment set them apart, marked by specific disciplines and observances, showing a visible dedication to the Lord.
A Life of Intentionality
This voluntary separation was a conscious choice to live with a heightened awareness of God's presence and commands. It was a life lived with intention, marked by specific abstinences and practices aimed at honoring God in an extraordinary way.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The personal name of the one true God of Israel, YHWH, revealing His covenantal character, faithfulness, and eternal self-existence. It is the name by which God makes Himself known to His people and initiates relationship.
neder · Hebrew Noun
A solemn, voluntary promise or oath made to God, often involving a commitment to perform a specific action or abstain from certain things as a sign of dedication or gratitude. It carries heavy weight, as breaking a vow made to God is considered a serious spiritual failure.
nazir · Hebrew Noun
Derived from the Hebrew root meaning 'to separate' or 'to consecrate,' a Nazirite is one who has set themselves apart for exclusive service or dedication to God. It involves specific lifestyle restrictions to symbolize an intensified state of holiness.
nazar · Hebrew Verb
The act of setting something or someone apart from common use for the purpose of being dedicated or reserved solely for God. It often involves abstinence or ritual purity to signify a total commitment to the Lord's service.
yayin · Hebrew Noun
Fermented grape juice; a beverage associated with celebration, joy, and sometimes loss of self-control. Abstinence from it serves as a sign of self-denial and focus on spiritual matters rather than earthly pleasures.
This verse shows God initiating communication with Moses to give laws, similar to how He begins here, establishing a pattern of divine instruction.
Leviticus 27:2This passage directly discusses the concept of making vows to the Lord, which is the foundational element of the Nazarite commitment introduced in the following verses.
Judges 13:5This verse demonstrates a pre-birth consecration, similar to Samson's unique Nazarite vow, highlighting a specific instance of God's direct involvement in setting individuals apart.
Jeremiah 35:1-19The story of the Rechabites, who voluntarily separated themselves and abstained from certain things for obedience, parallels the spirit of self-dedication seen in the Nazarite vow.
gillNumbers 6:1: "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
And the Lord spake unto Moses,.... At the same time, or immediately after the law concerning the woman suspected of adultery was given; with which the following law concerning Nazarites may be thought to have a close connection, as some Jewish writers observe, women being concerned in it as well as men; and as wine leads to adultery, as Jarchi observes, abstinence from it, which the Nazarite's vow obliged to, and forbearance of trimming and…
pulpitNumbers 6:1: "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
verses 1-21 - Note. - The Hebrew Nazir has been written Nazarite in English under the mistaken impression that there is some connection between Nazir and Nazarene (Matthew 2:23). A very little reflection will show that "the Nazarene" not only was no Nazir, but that he even took pains to let it be seen that he was not. John the Baptist was the Nazir of the New Testament, and in all outward things the contrast was strongly marked between them…
While it seems straightforward, this verse marks the beginning of the Nazirite laws, which deal with voluntary separation and holiness—a stark contrast to the obligatory laws for priests. This highlights that God desires devoted followers not only through mandated roles but also through individuals choosing a deeper level of consecration.
Immediately following laws concerning the purity of Israel, God instructs Moses about the Nazarite vow, a voluntary commitment to a more rigorous separation and devotion to God. This passage outlines the specific rules and regulations for those who undertake this vow, detailing what they must abstain from and the rituals for completion or if their consecration is unintentionally defiled. The section concludes with the priestly blessing that the community would regularly receive.
Immediately following laws concerning the purity of Israel, God instructs Moses about the Nazarite vow, a voluntary commitment to a more rigorous separation and devotion to God. This passage outlines the specific rules and regulations for those who undertake this vow, detailing what they must abstain from and the rituals for completion or if their consecration is unintentionally defiled. The section concludes with the priestly blessing that the community would regularly receive.
"And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When either a man or a woman makes a special vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to the LORD, he shall separate himself from wine and strong d…" — While it seems straightforward, this verse marks the beginning of the Nazirite laws, which deal with voluntary separation and holiness—a stark contrast to the obligatory laws for priests. This hi…
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Last reviewed October 2026
