Numbers 6:21 - Nazir's sacred vow obligations

Join Our Newsletter To Be Informed When New Videos Are Posted

Join the thousands of fellow Studends who rely on our videos to learn how to read the bible in Hebrew for free!

Hebrew Text

זֹאת תּוֹרַת הַנָּזִיר אֲשֶׁר יִדֹּר קָרְבָּנוֹ לַיהוָה עַל־נִזְרוֹ מִלְּבַד אֲשֶׁר־תַּשִּׂיג יָדוֹ כְּפִי נִדְרוֹ אֲשֶׁר יִדֹּר כֵּן יַעֲשֶׂה עַל תּוֹרַת נִזְרוֹ׃

English Translation

This is the Tora of the Nazir who has vowed, and of his offering to the Lord for his separation, beside that which his means allow: according to the vow which he vowed, so he must do beside the Tora of his abstinence.

Transliteration

Zot torat hanazir asher yidor korbano la'Adonai al-nizro milvad asher-tasig yado kfi nidro asher yidor ken ya'aseh al torat nizro.

Hebrew Leining Text

זֹ֣את תּוֹרַ֣ת הַנָּזִיר֮ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִדֹּר֒ קׇרְבָּנ֤וֹ לַֽיהֹוָה֙ עַל־נִזְר֔וֹ מִלְּבַ֖ד אֲשֶׁר־תַּשִּׂ֣יג יָד֑וֹ כְּפִ֤י נִדְרוֹ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִדֹּ֔ר כֵּ֣ן יַעֲשֶׂ֔ה עַ֖ל תּוֹרַ֥ת נִזְרֽוֹ׃ {פ}

Parasha Commentary

The Torah of the Nazir

The verse (Bamidbar 6:21) outlines the laws pertaining to a Nazir, an individual who takes a vow of abstinence for a set period. The term "זֹאת תּוֹרַת הַנָּזִיר" ("This is the Torah of the Nazir") emphasizes that these laws are binding and must be followed meticulously, as Rashi explains, just as the laws of sacrifices are binding in the Beit HaMikdash.

The Nazir's Obligation

The phrase "אֲשֶׁר יִדֹּר קָרְבָּנוֹ לַיהוָה עַל־נִזְרוֹ" ("who has vowed, and of his offering to the Lord for his separation") teaches that the Nazir must bring specific sacrifices upon completing his vow. Rambam (Hilchot Nezirut 8:1) clarifies that these offerings—a sin-offering, burnt-offering, and peace-offering—are mandatory, regardless of the Nazir's financial status.

Additional Offerings Based on Means

The verse states "מִלְּבַד אֲשֶׁר־תַּשִּׂיג יָדוֹ" ("beside that which his means allow"), indicating that beyond the required sacrifices, a Nazir may voluntarily bring additional offerings. The Talmud (Nazir 19b) explains that this refers to freewill offerings, demonstrating gratitude or devotion beyond the minimum obligation.

Fulfilling the Vow in Full

The concluding phrase "כְּפִי נִדְרוֹ אֲשֶׁר יִדֹּר כֵּן יַעֲשֶׂה עַל תּוֹרַת נִזְרוֹ" ("according to the vow which he vowed, so he must do beside the Torah of his abstinence") underscores the importance of keeping one's word. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 10:12) teaches that a Nazir who fails to fulfill his vow transgresses the prohibition of bal te'acher (delaying a pledge). The Sages stress that vows must be taken seriously, as they reflect a person's commitment to holiness.

Key Teachings from the Verse

The Nazir's laws are binding, akin to Temple service (Rashi).
Sacrifices are required upon completion of the vow (Rambam).
Additional offerings may be brought voluntarily (Talmud Nazir).
Vows must be fulfilled without delay (Midrash Bamidbar Rabbah).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Nazir 4b

The verse is discussed in the context of the laws pertaining to a Nazirite's vow and the offerings they are required to bring.

📖 Nedarim 10a

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the nature of vows and the obligations they impose, particularly in relation to Nazirite vows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a Nazir in the Torah?
A: A Nazir (or Nazirite) is a person who takes a special vow of dedication to Hashem for a set period of time. During this period, they abstain from wine and grape products, avoid cutting their hair, and must not come into contact with the dead. This is based on the laws in Numbers 6:1-21.

Q: What does 'Tora of the Nazir' mean in Numbers 6:21?
A: The 'Tora of the Nazir' refers to the specific laws and obligations that apply to a Nazirite during their vow period. This includes the offerings they must bring at the end of their term, as detailed in Numbers 6:13-20. The verse emphasizes that they must fulfill their vow according to these laws.

Q: Why does the Nazir bring an offering to Hashem?
A: The Nazir brings offerings at the end of their vow as an act of devotion and gratitude to Hashem. According to Rashi, these offerings symbolize atonement and completion of their sacred commitment. The Torah specifies the types of offerings (sin offering, burnt offering, and peace offering) to mark the conclusion of their Nazirite period.

Q: What does 'according to the vow which he vowed' mean in this verse?
A: This phrase means that the Nazir must fulfill their vow exactly as they pledged, without adding or subtracting from their commitment. The Talmud (Nazir 4a) explains that a person's word is binding, and they must adhere strictly to the terms of their vow, whether it involves the duration or other conditions of their Nazirite status.

Q: How does the concept of a Nazir apply today?
A: While the full Nazirite vow with its offerings is not practiced today without the Temple, the principles of dedication, self-discipline, and keeping one's word remain important in Jewish life. The Rambam (Hilchot Nezirut) discusses the spiritual lessons of the Nazir, emphasizing the value of temporarily abstaining from worldly pleasures to focus on spiritual growth.