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Numbers 6:6 - Nazir avoids death's impurity.

Numbers 6:6 - במדבר 6:6

Hebrew Text

כָּל־יְמֵי הַזִּירוֹ לַיהוָה עַל־נֶפֶשׁ מֵת לֹא יָבֹא׃

English Translation

All the days that he separates himself to the Lord he shall come at no dead body.

Transliteration

Kol-yemei haziro la'Adonai al-nefesh met lo yavo.

Hebrew Leining Text

כׇּל־יְמֵ֥י הַזִּיר֖וֹ לַיהֹוָ֑ה עַל־נֶ֥פֶשׁ מֵ֖ת לֹ֥א יָבֹֽא׃
כׇּל־יְמֵ֥י הַזִּיר֖וֹ לַיהֹוָ֑ה עַל־נֶ֥פֶשׁ מֵ֖ת לֹ֥א יָבֹֽא׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Numbers 6:6) is part of the Torah's laws concerning the Nazirite (נָזִיר), an individual who takes a vow of consecration to Hashem. The Nazirite abstains from wine, avoids cutting their hair, and must maintain a heightened level of ritual purity. This verse specifies that the Nazirite must not come into contact with a dead body, even that of a close relative.

Explanation of the Prohibition

Rashi explains that the phrase "עַל־נֶפֶשׁ מֵת לֹא יָבֹא" ("he shall come at no dead body") means the Nazirite is forbidden from becoming ritually impure (tamei) through contact with the dead. This is stricter than the general laws of tum'at meit (impurity from a corpse), as even for immediate family members—where a Kohen is permitted to become impure—the Nazirite must abstain.

Reason for the Stringency

The Rambam (Hilchot Nezirut 7:1) teaches that the Nazirite's sanctity is comparable to that of the Kohen Gadol (High Priest), who is also forbidden from becoming impure for any deceased person. The Sifrei (Bamidbar 6:6) adds that this prohibition underscores the Nazirite's total dedication to Hashem, as contact with death disrupts their elevated spiritual state.

Practical Implications

  • Duration: The phrase "כָּל־יְמֵי הַזִּירוֹ" ("all the days of his separation") means this prohibition applies for the entire duration of the Nazirite vow.
  • Consequence of Violation: If the Nazirite does become impure, the Mishnah (Nazir 6:5) states they must bring sacrifices, shave their hair, and restart their vow.
  • Exceptions: The Talmud (Nazir 43b) rules that if a Nazirite encounters a met mitzvah (a corpse with no one to bury it), they are obligated to attend to it, as communal responsibility overrides their vow.

Spiritual Message

The Kli Yakar (Numbers 6:6) highlights that the Nazirite's avoidance of death symbolizes a focus on life and spiritual growth. By distancing themselves from impurity, they embody the ideal of "קדושים תהיו" ("You shall be holy," Leviticus 19:2), striving for a higher connection with the Divine.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Nazir 43b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws of a Nazirite, particularly regarding the prohibition of coming into contact with a dead body during the period of the Nazirite vow.
📖 Moed Katan 14b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the mourning practices and the restrictions imposed on a Nazirite during the period of their vow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 6:6 mean about a Nazirite not coming near a dead body?
A: Numbers 6:6 states that a Nazirite (someone who takes a special vow of dedication to Hashem) must avoid contact with a dead body throughout their vow period. This is because spiritual purity is essential for their holy state. Rashi explains that even for close relatives, a Nazirite may not become ritually impure (tamei) by attending to the dead, emphasizing the high level of sanctity required during this time.
Q: Why is avoiding dead bodies important for a Nazirite?
A: Avoiding dead bodies maintains the Nazirite's state of ritual purity (taharah). The Rambam (Hilchos Nezirus 5:14) teaches that contact with the dead brings tumah (impurity), which contradicts the Nazirite's elevated holiness. The Torah prioritizes their vow of dedication to Hashem over normal mourning practices, showing how seriously Judaism takes personal spiritual commitments.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from the Nazirite's restrictions in Numbers 6:6?
A: This verse teaches that spiritual growth sometimes requires setting boundaries—even from things normally permitted (like mourning family). The Talmud (Nazir 19a) discusses how the Nazirite's discipline serves as a model for elevating one's spiritual state by temporarily avoiding distractions. Today, this reminds us that meaningful religious dedication may involve personal sacrifices.
Q: Does Numbers 6:6 mean a Nazirite can never be near a dead person?
A: The prohibition applies only during the active Nazirite vow period. Once the vow is completed (including bringing offerings, as described later in Numbers 6:13–20), the restrictions no longer apply. The Mishnah (Nazir 6:5) clarifies that accidental contact with the dead requires specific atonement but doesn’t necessarily nullify the entire vow if corrected properly.