Numbers 6:18 Meaning and Explanation
“And the Nazarite shall shave the head of his separation at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, 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 offerings.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →At completion, the Nazarite shaves their head, and the hair is burned under the peace offering.
The Context of Numbers 6:18
The Nazarite's head is shaved as the vow concludes.
What Does Numbers 6:18 Mean?
The shaving of the head marks the formal end of the Nazarite vow and the conclusion of the separation. The location—at the tabernacle door—ensures this significant moment is witnessed. The hair, which was the visible sign of the vow throughout, is now burned in the fire beneath the peace offering, symbolically returning the sign of dedication to God.
This act transforms the hair from a sign of separation into an offering consumed by fire. The burning under the peace offering suggests that the Nazarite's sustained dedication, represented by the hair, becomes fuel for the altar and smoke that rises to God, completing the cycle of offering.
Numbers 6:18 in the Original Language
nezir (נְזִיר), 'separated one' — one who has abstained, from which 'Nazarite' derives
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 6:18
What does Numbers 6:18 mean?
At completion, the Nazarite shaves their head, and the hair is burned under the peace offering.
What is the context of Numbers 6:18?
The Nazarite's head is shaved as the vow concludes.