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Numbers 6:18 - Nazir's hair: sacred or mundane?

Numbers 6:18 - במדבר 6:18

Hebrew Text

וְגִלַּח הַנָּזִיר פֶּתַח אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד אֶת־רֹאשׁ נִזְרוֹ וְלָקַח אֶת־שְׂעַר רֹאשׁ נִזְרוֹ וְנָתַן עַל־הָאֵשׁ אֲשֶׁר־תַּחַת זֶבַח הַשְּׁלָמִים׃

English Translation

And the Nazir shall shave the head of his separation at the door of the Tent of Meeting, 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 offering.

Transliteration

Ve'gilach ha'nazir petach ohel mo'et et-rosh nizro ve'lakach et-se'ar rosh nizro ve'netan al-ha'esh asher-tachat zevach ha'shelamim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְגִלַּ֣ח הַנָּזִ֗יר פֶּ֛תַח אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵ֖ד אֶת־רֹ֣אשׁ נִזְר֑וֹ וְלָקַ֗ח אֶת־שְׂעַר֙ רֹ֣אשׁ נִזְר֔וֹ וְנָתַן֙ עַל־הָאֵ֔שׁ אֲשֶׁר־תַּ֖חַת זֶ֥בַח הַשְּׁלָמִֽים׃
וְגִלַּ֣ח הַנָּזִ֗יר פֶּ֛תַח אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵ֖ד אֶת־רֹ֣אשׁ נִזְר֑וֹ וְלָקַ֗ח אֶת־שְׂעַר֙ רֹ֣אשׁ נִזְר֔וֹ וְנָתַן֙ עַל־הָאֵ֔שׁ אֲשֶׁר־תַּ֖חַת זֶ֥בַח הַשְּׁלָמִֽים׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Nazir's Shaving Ceremony

The verse describes the final act of the Nazirite's vow, where he shaves his consecrated hair at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. According to Rashi (Bamidbar 6:18), this act symbolizes the completion of his nazirite period, as the hair was a visible sign of his sanctity. The placement at the entrance of the Ohel Moed emphasizes that this is a sacred act performed in proximity to the Divine Presence.

Significance of Burning the Hair

The burning of the hair under the peace offering (zevach hashelamim) carries deep symbolism. Rambam (Hilchos Nezirus 8:13) explains that this act demonstrates that the hair was dedicated to Hashem, just as the sacrifice is offered to Him. The Midrash Tanchuma (Naso 15) adds that the fire consuming the hair parallels the spiritual elevation achieved through the nazirite's abstention.

Halachic Details

  • The Mishnah (Nazir 6:6) specifies that the shaving must be done with a razor, not scissors, to ensure complete removal of the hair.
  • Talmud Yerushalmi (Nazir 6:7) discusses whether the hair must be completely burned or merely placed in the fire.
  • Rabbi Ovadia of Bartenura notes that the hair is placed under the pot containing the peace offering, connecting the nazir's personal sanctity with communal worship.

Spiritual Message

The Kli Yakar (Bamidbar 6:18) teaches that the nazir's hair represents worldly growth that must be sacrificed when returning to regular life. By placing it under the peace offering, we learn that true shalom (peace/completeness) comes when we subordinate our physicality to spiritual purpose. The Sforno adds that this act prevents the nazir from becoming arrogant about his period of elevated sanctity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Nazir 45b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws pertaining to the Nazirite's shaving of his hair and the proper place for this ritual.
📖 Sotah 16a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the procedures for the Nazirite's offerings and the significance of the location where the hair is shaved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean for a Nazir to shave his head at the Tent of Meeting?
A: According to Rashi, the Nazir shaves his head at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting to symbolize the completion of his Nazirite vow. This act is part of the purification process, showing that he is now returning to ordinary life after a period of special dedication to Hashem.
Q: Why does the Nazir put his hair in the fire under the peace offering?
A: The Talmud (Nazir 45a) explains that burning the hair is a symbolic act of devotion. Since the hair grew during the Nazir's period of holiness, it is treated with respect and offered in the fire beneath the peace offering (שלמים), connecting it to the sacred service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle).
Q: What can we learn from the Nazir's vow and its conclusion?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Nezirut 8:1) teaches that the Nazir's vow teaches self-discipline and dedication to spiritual growth. The conclusion of the vow—with shaving and sacrifices—reminds us that even after periods of heightened holiness, we must transition back to daily life while maintaining our connection to Hashem.
Q: Does the concept of a Nazir apply today?
A: While the Temple is not standing and we cannot bring sacrifices, the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 10:10) highlights the timeless lesson of the Nazir: temporary spiritual commitments can inspire lasting growth. Today, one might take on voluntary stringencies (like abstaining from wine for a period) as a form of personal dedication.
Q: Why is the Nazir's hair considered holy?
A: Rashi (on Numbers 6:5) explains that the hair becomes holy because it grows during the Nazir's period of abstinence, which is dedicated to Hashem. Therefore, it cannot be treated as ordinary hair and must be disposed of in a sacred manner—by placing it under the fire of the peace offering.