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Numbers 6:10 - Nazir's purity renewal offering.

Numbers 6:10 - במדבר 6:10

Hebrew Text

וּבַיּוֹם הַשְּׁמִינִי יָבִא שְׁתֵּי תֹרִים אוֹ שְׁנֵי בְּנֵי יוֹנָה אֶל־הַכֹּהֵן אֶל־פֶּתַח אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד׃

English Translation

And on the eighth day he shall bring two turtle doves, or two young pigeons, to the priest, to the door of the Tent of Meeting:

Transliteration

Uvayom hashmini yavi shtei torim o shnei bnei yona el-hakohen el-petach ohel moed.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּבַיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁמִינִ֗י יָבִא֙ שְׁתֵּ֣י תֹרִ֔ים א֥וֹ שְׁנֵ֖י בְּנֵ֣י יוֹנָ֑ה אֶ֨ל־הַכֹּהֵ֔ן אֶל־פֶּ֖תַח אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵֽד׃
וּבַיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁמִינִ֗י יָבִא֙ שְׁתֵּ֣י תֹרִ֔ים א֥וֹ שְׁנֵ֖י בְּנֵ֣י יוֹנָ֑ה אֶ֨ל־הַכֹּהֵ֔ן אֶל־פֶּ֖תַח אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵֽד׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in Leviticus

The verse (Vayikra 15:29) appears in the context of the purification process for a zavah (a woman with an abnormal uterine discharge) after her seven-day period of impurity. On the eighth day, she is required to bring two turtle doves or two young pigeons as a korban oleh v'yored (a sliding-scale offering), depending on her financial means (Rashi, Vayikra 15:29).

Significance of the Eighth Day

The eighth day symbolizes a transition from impurity to purity, representing renewal and a return to holiness. The number seven often denotes natural cycles (e.g., Shabbat, the seven days of creation), while eight signifies transcending nature—entering a state of spiritual elevation (Ramban, Vayikra 15:29).

Choice of Birds

  • Turtle doves (torim) and young pigeons (bnei yonah): These birds are accessible even to the poor, emphasizing that purity is attainable by all, regardless of financial status (Rashi, Vayikra 5:7).
  • Two birds: One serves as a chatat (sin offering) and the other as an olah (burnt offering), reflecting both atonement and complete dedication to Hashem (Talmud, Keritot 2a).

Location of the Offering

The offering is brought to the door of the Tent of Meeting, underscoring that purity is a prerequisite for entering sacred spaces. The Kohen facilitates this process, acting as an intermediary between the individual and Hashem (Sforno, Vayikra 15:29).

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 15:2) compares the zavah's purification to the Jewish people's repentance: just as she returns to purity through sacrifice, so too does Klal Yisrael return to Hashem through sincere teshuvah.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Keritot 8a
The verse is cited in the discussion about the offerings brought by a poor person for purification, particularly comparing the requirements for different types of offerings.
📖 Niddah 31a
Referenced in the context of discussing the laws of purification and the specific offerings required after childbirth.
📖 Arakhin 21a
Mentioned in the discussion about the valuation of offerings and the types of birds that can be brought as sacrifices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 6:10 mean in the Torah?
A: Numbers 6:10 discusses the offering brought by a Nazirite (someone who took a special vow of dedication) at the conclusion of their vow. On the eighth day, they must bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons to the Kohen (priest) at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. This was part of the purification process after completing the Nazirite period (Rashi on Numbers 6:9-10).
Q: Why does the Torah specify bringing birds as an offering in this verse?
A: The Torah specifies birds (turtledoves or pigeons) because they were an affordable offering for those who couldn't bring larger animals. The Talmud (Keritot 27b) explains that birds were often brought by people of modest means. Since a Nazirite vow could be taken by anyone regardless of wealth, the Torah provides an accessible option.
Q: What is the significance of the 'eighth day' mentioned in Numbers 6:10?
A: The eighth day represents completion and transition back to ordinary life after the Nazirite's period of holiness. In Jewish tradition, seven represents natural cycles (like days of the week), while eight symbolizes going beyond nature (Ramban on Leviticus 9:1). After seven days of purification (Numbers 6:9), the eighth day marks when the Nazirite brings final offerings to conclude their vow.