Numbers 6:20 Meaning and Explanation
“And the priest shall wave them for a wave offering before the LORD: this is holy for the priest, with the wave breast and heave shoulder: and after that the Nazarite may drink wine.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The priest presents these portions as a wave offering, then the Nazarite is released from all vow restrictions and may drink wine.
The Context of Numbers 6:20
Wave offering and release from Nazarite restrictions.
What Does Numbers 6:20 Mean?
Before the Nazarite receives the portions permanently, they are waved before God—a ritual gesture that presents them to the LORD and then returns them to the Nazarite as God's gift. The portions include the wave breast and heave shoulder, priestly shares that acknowledge the priest's role as mediator. This waving ritual marks the official completion and blessing of the entire vow.
After the wave offering, the Nazarite's restrictions end completely. The person who has abstained from wine throughout the vow period is now free to drink wine again. This release from restrictions symbolizes that the period of separation is complete, the vow is fulfilled, and the Nazarite returns to normal life, carrying the spiritual benefit of the dedication.
Numbers 6:20 in the Original Language
tenufah (תְנוּפָה), 'wave offering' — a ritual gesture presenting an offering before God
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 6:20
What does Numbers 6:20 mean?
The priest presents these portions as a wave offering, then the Nazarite is released from all vow restrictions and may drink wine.
What is the context of Numbers 6:20?
Wave offering and release from Nazarite restrictions.