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Numbers 6:2 - Nazir vow: holy separation?

Numbers 6:2 - במדבר 6:2

Hebrew Text

דַּבֵּר אֶל־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וְאָמַרְתָּ אֲלֵהֶם אִישׁ אוֹ־אִשָּׁה כִּי יַפְלִא לִנְדֹּר נֶדֶר נָזִיר לְהַזִּיר לַיהוָה׃

English Translation

Speak to the children of Yisra᾽el, and say to them, When either man or woman shall pronounce a special vow of a Nazir to separate themselves to the Lord:

Transliteration

Daber el-bnei Yisrael ve'amarta alehem ish o-ishah ki yafli lindor neder nazir lehazir la'Hashem.

Hebrew Leining Text

דַּבֵּר֙ אֶל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְאָמַרְתָּ֖ אֲלֵהֶ֑ם אִ֣ישׁ אֽוֹ־אִשָּׁ֗ה כִּ֤י יַפְלִא֙ לִנְדֹּר֙ נֶ֣דֶר נָזִ֔יר לְהַזִּ֖יר לַֽיהֹוָֽה׃
דַּבֵּר֙ אֶל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְאָמַרְתָּ֖ אֲלֵהֶ֑ם אִ֣ישׁ אֽוֹ־אִשָּׁ֗ה כִּ֤י יַפְלִא֙ לִנְדֹּר֙ נֶ֣דֶר נָזִ֔יר לְהַזִּ֖יר לַֽיהֹוָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Concept of the Nazir Vow

The verse introduces the laws of the Nazir, an individual who takes a special vow of abstinence to dedicate themselves to Hashem. According to Rashi (Bamidbar 6:2), the term יַפְלִא ("shall pronounce a special vow") implies that the person separates themselves from worldly pleasures, elevating their spiritual commitment. The Nazir abstains from wine, avoids contact with the dead, and refrains from cutting their hair—acts that symbolize heightened sanctity.

Equal Opportunity for Men and Women

The verse explicitly states that both men and women may take the Nazirite vow (אִישׁ אוֹ־אִשָּׁה). The Talmud (Nazir 4a) discusses this inclusivity, emphasizing that spiritual devotion is not limited by gender. Rambam (Hilchot Nezirut 2:1) further clarifies that while women may take the vow, a father or husband may annul it if they object, reflecting the halachic framework of familial authority.

The Purpose of the Nazir's Separation

The phrase לְהַזִּיר לַיהוָה ("to separate themselves to the Lord") underscores that the Nazir’s abstinence is not an end in itself but a means of drawing closer to Hashem. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 10:1) compares the Nazir to a korban (offering), as their self-restraint serves as a form of spiritual sacrifice. However, the Talmud (Ta’anit 11a) also warns against excessive asceticism, teaching that one should not deny themselves more than the Torah permits.

Halachic Implications of the Vow

  • Duration: The Nazirite vow is typically for a set period, after which the individual brings offerings and shaves their hair (Rambam, Hilchot Nezirut 3:1).
  • Intentionality: The vow must be taken with clear intent; accidental or coerpled declarations do not obligate (Nedarim 2a).
  • Public Declaration: While the vow is personal, it is customary to declare it before a Beit Din to ensure proper adherence (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah 203:3).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Nazir 2a
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws of Nazirite vows, particularly regarding who can take such a vow and the implications of doing so.
📖 Sotah 2a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the nature of vows and the conditions under which they are made, comparing Nazirite vows to other types of vows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a Nazirite vow according to Numbers 6:2?
A: A Nazirite vow (נדר נזיר) is a special commitment a person makes to separate themselves for a period of time to serve Hashem with extra holiness. According to Rashi, this involves abstaining from wine, avoiding haircuts, and staying away from tum'ah (impurity) from the dead. The Torah introduces this concept in Numbers 6:2 as a voluntary act of devotion.
Q: Who can take a Nazirite vow?
A: The verse states 'איש או־אשה' (a man or a woman), meaning both men and women from Bnei Yisrael can take a Nazirite vow. The Talmud (Nazir 4:6) discusses this and confirms that women also have the ability to make this commitment, though there are certain halachic considerations.
Q: Why would someone take a Nazirite vow?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos Nezirus 10:14) explains that a person might take a Nazirite vow to distance themselves from worldly pleasures (like wine) and focus on spiritual growth. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 10) also suggests it can be a way to atone for sins or express deep devotion to Hashem.
Q: Is the Nazirite vow still relevant today?
A: While the Temple is not standing today, the concept of taking on extra holiness (hiddur mitzvah) still applies. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 203) discusses vows in general, and many poskim say the principles of the Nazirite vow teach us about the value of voluntary spiritual commitments—though actual Nazirite vows are rare without the Beit Hamikdash.
Q: What does 'to separate themselves to the Lord' mean in this verse?
A: The phrase 'להזיר לה׳' (to separate to Hashem) means the Nazirite dedicates themselves entirely to divine service during the vow period. Rashi explains this includes abstaining from things otherwise permitted (like wine) to achieve greater kedushah (holiness). The Sforno adds that this separation is meant to elevate the person’s connection to Hashem.