1
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה אֶל מֹשֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר
And YHWH spoke to Moses, saying,
The formula וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר opens a new unit of legislation, here the law of the נָזִיר; it recurs verbatim at v. 22 to introduce the priestly blessing, framing the chapter as two distinct divine speeches to Moses.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֥רand he spokePiel wayyiqtol 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative frame)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the introductory word-eventדָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak, declare'; the recurring formula וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר introduces divine legislation throughout the Torah.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיְדַבֵּריְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God; the tetragrammaton, traditionally read אֲדֹנָי in liturgy.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; with דבר marks the recipient of the divine speech.
מֹשֶׁ֥הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of the preposition אֶלמֹשֶׁה (H4872), Israel's lawgiver and mediator of revelation at Sinai and in the wilderness.
לֵּאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitival complement introducing direct discourse→ Infinitive construct: introduces the verbatim quotation that followsאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the formulaic לֵאמֹר regularly introduces the content of divine speech verbatim.
2
דַּבֵּר֙ אֶל בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְאָמַרְתָּ֖ אֲלֵהֶ֑ם אִ֣ישׁ אֽוֹ אִשָּׁ֗ה כִּ֤י יַפְלִא֙ לִנְדֹּר֙ נֶ֣דֶר נָזִ֔יר לְהַזִּ֖יר לַֽיהוָֽה
Speak to the Israelites and say to them: When a man or a woman makes a special vow, the vow of a nazirite, to separate himself to YHWH,
The paired imperatives דַּבֵּר...וְאָמַרְתָּ hand Moses the exact words to relay. The case itself opens with the classic casuistic formula אִישׁ אוֹ אִשָּׁה כִּי, deliberately inclusive of both sexes, and the cognate construction יַפְלִא לִנְדֹּר נֶדֶר marks the vow as extraordinary from its first mention.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
דַּבֵּר֙speakPiel impv 2ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (imperative, main clause)→ Volitional: direct command to Mosesדָּבַר (H1696) Piel impv, addressed to Moses; opens the direct-speech content signaled by v. 1's לֵּאמֹר.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase, addressee of דַּבֵּר
בְּנֵ֣יsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct head (nomen regens)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct plural בְּנֵי with יִשְׂרָאֵל, the standard designation 'the Israelites'.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the patriarch Jacob's renamed identity (Gen 32:29) and the nation descended from him.
וְאָמַרְתָּ֖and you shall sayconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (weqatal continuing the imperative chain)→ Weqatal: continuation of the volitional sequence — a further commandאָמַר (H559) Qal 'to say'; the weqatal form continues the force of the preceding imperative דַּבֵּר.
אֲלֵהֶ֑םto themprep אֶל + 3mp sfx · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase, indirect object of תֹאמַר
אִ֣ישׁa manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject of the conditional clause (casuistic protasis)אִישׁ (H376) 'man, person'; opens the casuistic formula אִישׁ אוֹ אִשָּׁה כִּי, paired with אִשָּׁה to make the law apply explicitly to either sex.
אֽוֹorconj · אוֹ (H176)Coordinating conjunction (disjunctive)אוֹ (H176) 'or'; joins אִישׁ and אִשָּׁה as alternative subjects of the same law.
אִשָּׁ֗הa womanN f sg abs · אִשָּׁה (H802)Subject of the conditional clause (coordinate with אִישׁ)אִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman'; the nazirite vow is explicitly open to women, unlike priesthood itself.
כִּ֤יwhenconj · כִּי (H3588)Subordinating conjunction introducing the casuistic protasisכִּי (H3588) here conditional 'when, if', introducing the triggering case, casuistic style (as in Lev 1-7).
יַפְלִא֙makes extraordinary [a vow]Hiphil impf 3ms · פָּלָא (H6381)Predicate verb of the protasis→ Yiqtol: modal/contingent — the triggering condition of the case lawפָּלָא (H6381) Hiphil 'to make distinct, extraordinary, difficult'; with לִנְדֹּר נֶדֶר it means to make an exceptional vow — marking the nazirite vow as no ordinary undertaking.
לִנְדֹּר֙to vowprep לְ + Qal inf constr · נָדַר (H5087)Infinitival complement of יַפְלִא→ Infinitive construct: epexegetical — specifies the content of the extraordinary actנָדַר (H5087) 'to vow'; the cognate infinitive with נֶדֶר (following) forms a figura etymologica intensifying the act.
נֶ֣דֶרthe vow ofN m sg constr · נֶדֶר (H5088)Cognate accusative / construct head, object of לִנְדֹּרנֶדֶר (H5088) 'vow', from נדר 'to vow'; here construct with נָזִיר, 'a nazirite's vow' — the vow of separation.
נָזִ֔ירof separation / of a naziriteN m sg abs · נָזִיר (H5139)Genitive of the construct chain (defining the vow's character)נָזִיר (H5139) 'one consecrated, separated', from נזר 'to separate, dedicate'; the technical term for one bound by this vow (cf. Judg 13:5; Amos 2:11-12).
לְהַזִּ֖ירto separate himself as a naziriteprep לְ + Hiphil inf constr · נָזַר (H5144)Infinitival purpose clause→ Infinitive construct: purpose — the aim of the vowנָזַר (H5144) Hiphil 'to separate, dedicate oneself'; denominative from the same root as נָזִיר/נֵזֶר, reflexive in force despite the causative stem.
לַֽיהוָֽהto YHWHprep לְ + N proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Prepositional phrase, goal of separationיְהוָה (H3068) with לְ, marking YHWH as the one to whom the nazirite is consecrated.
3
מִיַּ֤יִן וְשֵׁכָר֙ יַזִּ֔יר חֹ֥מֶץ יַ֛יִן וְחֹ֥מֶץ שֵׁכָ֖ר לֹ֣א יִשְׁתֶּ֑ה וְכָל מִשְׁרַ֤ת עֲנָבִים֙ לֹ֣א יִשְׁתֶּ֔ה וַעֲנָבִ֛ים לַחִ֥ים וִיבֵשִׁ֖ים לֹ֥א יֹאכֵֽל
He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink; he shall drink no vinegar of wine or vinegar of strong drink, nor shall he drink any juice of grapes, nor eat grapes fresh or dried.
The apodosis begins with יַזִּיר ('he shall separate himself'), governing an exhaustive four-part list of vine products — wine, strong drink, their vinegars, and grape juice or fruit fresh or dried — the נזר root itself supplying the operative verb of the prohibition.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
מִיַּ֤יִןfrom wineprep מִן + N m sg abs · יַיִן (H3196)Ablative prepositional phrase, object of יַזִּיריַיִן (H3196) 'wine'; the first item of the vine-product prohibition list.
וְשֵׁכָר֙and strong drinkconj וְ + N m sg abs · שֵׁכָר (H7941)Coordinate object of the same preposition (ablative)שֵׁכָר (H7941) 'strong/intoxicating drink', from שָׁכַר 'to be drunk'; paired with יַיִן to cover all fermented beverages.
יַזִּ֔ירhe shall separate himselfHiphil impf 3ms · נָזַר (H5144)Predicate verb (main clause, apodosis)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive — binding obligation for the vow's durationנָזַר (H5144) Hiphil 'to separate oneself, abstain'; governs the whole list of vine-product prohibitions that follows.
חֹ֥מֶץvinegar ofN m sg constr · חֹמֶץ (H2558)Construct head, coordinate object continuing the prohibitionחֹמֶץ (H2558) 'vinegar, sour wine', from חמץ 'to be sour/leavened'.
יַ֛יִןof wineN m sg abs · יַיִן (H3196)Genitive completing the construct chainיַיִן (H3196), repeated to specify wine-vinegar as distinct from strong-drink-vinegar.
וְחֹ֥מֶץor vinegar ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · חֹמֶץ (H2558)Coordinate construct headחֹמֶץ (H2558), second occurrence, pairing with שֵׁכָר to complete the vinegar prohibition.
שֵׁכָ֖רof strong drinkN m sg abs · שֵׁכָר (H7941)Genitive completing the construct chainשֵׁכָר (H7941), repeated from earlier in the verse; its vinegar too is forbidden.
לֹ֣אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the following verb יִשְׁתֶּהלֹא (H3808), the standard negative particle for indicative/prescriptive statements.
יִשְׁתֶּ֑הhe shall drinkQal impf 3ms · שָׁתָה (H8354)Predicate verb, negated (prohibition)→ Yiqtol negated: prescriptive prohibitionשָׁתָה (H8354) 'to drink'; לֹא יִשְׁתֶּה is the negated-yiqtol prohibition formula.
וְכָלand any/allconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head opening a new coordinate clauseכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; construct with מִשְׁרַת, 'any steeping/juice of'.
מִשְׁרַ֤תjuice/steeping ofN f sg constr · מִשְׁרָה (H4952)Construct completing כָּלמִשְׁרָה (H4952) 'soaking liquid', a rare term from שׂרה/שרה 'to soak'; grape juice or must produced by steeping.
עֲנָבִים֙of grapesN m pl abs · עֵנָב (H6025)Genitive completing the construct chainעֵנָב (H6025) 'grape'; plural, the source fruit of the whole vine-product prohibition.
לֹ֣אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates יִשְׁתֶּה
יִשְׁתֶּ֔הhe shall drinkQal impf 3ms · שָׁתָה (H8354)Predicate verb, negated (prohibition)→ Yiqtol negated: prescriptive prohibitionשָׁתָה (H8354), repeated to negate grape-juice consumption specifically.
וַעֲנָבִ֛יםand grapesconj וְ + N m pl abs · עֵנָב (H6025)Coordinate object of the final prohibition (יֹאכֵל)עֵנָב (H6025), now as the fruit itself, object of eating rather than drinking.
לַחִ֥יםfreshadj m pl abs · לַח (H3892)Attributive adjective modifying עֲנָבִיםלַח (H3892) 'fresh, moist, green'; describes grapes not yet dried.
וִיבֵשִׁ֖יםor driedconj וְ + adj m pl abs · יָבֵשׁ (H3002)Coordinate attributive adjectiveיָבֵשׁ (H3002) 'dry'; paired with לַח to make the prohibition exhaustive — grapes in any state.
לֹ֥אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates יֹאכֵל
יֹאכֵֽלhe shall eatQal impf 3ms · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb, negated (prohibition)→ Yiqtol negated: prescriptive prohibitionאָכַל (H398) 'to eat'; closes the triad of prohibitions (wine/strong drink, vinegar, grapes) with the broadest ban — no grapes at all, fresh or dried.
4
כֹּ֖ל יְמֵ֣י נִזְר֑וֹ מִכֹּל֩ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יֵעָשֶׂ֜ה מִגֶּ֣פֶן הַיַּ֗יִן מֵחַרְצַנִּ֛ים וְעַד זָ֖ג לֹ֥א יֹאכֵֽל
All the days of his separation he shall eat nothing that is made from the grapevine, from seed to skin.
Verse 4 restates and totalizes v. 3's list with a merism, מֵחַרְצַנִּים וְעַד זָג ('from seed to skin'), covering every part of the grape and closing the vine-product unit with the emphatic verb יֹאכֵל governed by its negative.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
כֹּ֖לallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head, temporal accusative (duration)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; construct with יְמֵי, 'all the days of'.
יְמֵ֣יthe days ofN m pl constr · יוֹם (H3117)Construct continuing the temporal phraseיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; construct plural with נִזְרוֹ, marking the vow's fixed duration.
נִזְר֑וֹhis separationN m sg constr + 3ms sfx · נֵזֶר (H5145)Genitive completing the construct chainנֵזֶר (H5145) 'consecration, crown, uncut hair', from נזר; here abstractly 'his separation' — the same word denotes the physical hair itself from v. 5 on.
מִכֹּל֩from anythingprep מִן + N m sg abs · כֹּל (H3605)Ablative prepositional phrase, object of יֹאכֵלכֹּל (H3605) with מִן, 'from all/anything', opening the relative clause of prohibited items.
אֲשֶׁ֨רthatrel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the defining clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), indeclinable relative particle, here 'that which'.
יֵעָשֶׂ֜הis madeNiphal impf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of the relative clause (passive)→ Yiqtol passive: generic/customary — describes any product of the vineעָשָׂה (H6213) Niphal 'to be made, produced'; passive counterpart of the common Qal 'to do, make'.
מִגֶּ֣פֶןfrom the vine ofprep מִן + N c sg constr · גֶּפֶן (H1612)Ablative prepositional phrase, sourceגֶּפֶן (H1612) 'vine, grapevine'; in construct with הַיַּיִן.
הַיַּ֗יִןthe wine[-vine]art + N m sg abs · יַיִן (H3196)Genitive completing the construct (idiom 'the wine-vine')יַיִן (H3196) 'wine'; גֶּפֶן הַיַּיִן, 'the wine-producing vine', i.e. the grapevine as such.
מֵחַרְצַנִּ֛יםfrom seedsprep מִן + N m pl abs · חַרְצָן (H2785)Coordinate ablative phrase specifying the rangeחַרְצָן (H2785) 'grape seed, kernel', a rare term; the inner extreme of the merism with זָג.
וְעַדand toconj וְ + prep · עַד (H5704)Coordinating preposition completing the merismעַד (H5704) 'until, up to'; with מִן forms the merism 'from seed to skin' — total exclusion.
זָ֖גskin [of the grape]N m sg abs · זָג (H2085)Object completing the ablative merismזָג (H2085), a hapax legomenon, the grape's outer skin or husk; with חַרְצָן forms a merism covering the whole fruit.
לֹ֥אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates יֹאכֵל
יֹאכֵֽלhe shall eatQal impf 3ms · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb, negated (main clause)→ Yiqtol negated: prescriptive prohibition, summarizing v. 3's listאָכַל (H398), restates v. 3's verb as the main clause governing the relative clause — total abstention 'from seed to skin'.
5
כָּל יְמֵי֙ נֶ֣דֶר נִזְר֔וֹ תַּ֖עַר לֹא יַעֲבֹ֣ר עַל רֹאשׁ֑וֹ עַד מְלֹ֨את הַיָּמִ֜ם אֲשֶׁר יַזִּ֤יר לַיהוָה֙ קָדֹ֣שׁ יִהְיֶ֔ה גַּדֵּ֥ל פֶּ֖רַע שְׂעַ֥ר רֹאשֽׁוֹ
All the days of his vow of separation, no razor shall pass over his head; until the days he separates himself to YHWH are fulfilled, he shall be holy, letting the hair of his head grow long.
The razor prohibition (תַּעַר לֹא יַעֲבֹר עַל רֹאשׁוֹ) frames the verse; between its statement and its rationale-clause (עַד מְלֹאת הַיָּמִם) stands the verse's theological center, קָדֹשׁ יִהְיֶה — the nazirite's ordinary body becomes, for the vow's duration, a holy thing, visibly marked by the wild-growing hair.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head, temporal accusativeכֹּל (H3605), opening the temporal phrase 'all the days of'.
יְמֵי֙the days ofN m pl constr · יוֹם (H3117)Construct continuing the temporal chainיוֹם (H3117), construct plural continuing the temporal construct chain.
נֶ֣דֶרthe vow ofN m sg constr · נֶדֶר (H5088)Construct continuing the chainנֶדֶר (H5088) 'vow'; construct with נִזְרוֹ, 'his vow of separation'.
נִזְר֔וֹhis separationN m sg constr + 3ms sfx · נֵזֶר (H5145)Genitive completing the temporal construct chainנֵזֶר (H5145), abstract 'separation, consecration' here, governed by נֶדֶר.
תַּ֖עַרa razorN c sg abs · תַּעַר (H8593)Subject of יַעֲבֹרתַּעַר (H8593) 'razor, knife', from ערה 'to lay bare'.
לֹאnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates יַעֲבֹר
יַעֲבֹ֣רshall passQal impf 3ms · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb, negated (prohibition)→ Yiqtol negated: prescriptive prohibitionעָבַר (H5674) 'to pass over, cross'; with תַּעַר, the idiom for shaving/cutting the hair.
עַלoverprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase governing רֹאשׁוֹ
רֹאשׁ֑וֹhis headN m sg constr + 3ms sfx · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Object of the preposition עַלרֹאשׁ (H7218) 'head'; the nazirite's uncut hair is repeatedly located 'upon the head' (vv. 5, 7, 9, 11, 18-19).
עַדuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Temporal prepositional phrase, marking the vow's end pointעַד (H5704) 'until'; introduces the temporal clause bounding the prohibition.
מְלֹ֨אתthe fulfilling ofQal inf constr · מָלֵא (H4390)Infinitival head of the temporal clause→ Infinitive construct: temporal boundary — marks the vow's completion pointמָלֵא (H4390) 'to be full, fulfilled'; the infinitive construct with עַד, 'until the fulfilling of the days'.
הַיָּמִ֜םthe daysart + N m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Subject of the infinitive מְלֹאתיוֹם (H3117), definite plural, referring back to the vow's fixed term.
אֲשֶׁרduring whichrel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a clause qualifying הַיָּמִם
יַזִּ֤ירhe separates himselfHiphil impf 3ms · נָזַר (H5144)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: durative — the ongoing state of separation throughout the vowנָזַר (H5144) Hiphil, repeating the chapter's key verb: the days during which he keeps himself separated to YHWH.
לַיהוָה֙to YHWHprep לְ + N proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Prepositional phrase, goal of separationיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant Name (YHWH); here with prep לְ, 'to/for YHWH' — the Nazirite vow is made specifically to him.
קָדֹ֣שׁholyadj m sg abs · קָדוֹשׁ (H6918)Predicate adjective (copular clause with יִהְיֶה)קָדוֹשׁ (H6918) 'holy, set apart', from קדשׁ; predicated of the nazirite's ordinary personhood for the vow's span.
יִהְיֶ֔הhe shall beQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Copular predicate verb→ Yiqtol: durative/stative — the ongoing condition of holinessהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; here the copula completing the predicate adjective קָדֹשׁ.
גַּדֵּ֥לletting growPiel inf abs · גָּדַל (H1431)Infinitive absolute continuing the main verb, adverbial/circumstantial→ Infinitive absolute: continuative — the concrete practice accompanying his holinessגָּדַל (H1431) Piel 'to let grow long, cause to grow'; the infinitive absolute functions almost as a finite verb continuing יִהְיֶה, describing the vow's visible practice.
פֶּ֖רַעthe growth ofN m sg constr · פֶּרַע (H6545)Object of גַּדֵּלפֶּרַע (H6545) 'long hair, growth'; construct with שְׂעַר, object of גַּדֵּל.
שְׂעַ֥רthe hair ofN m sg constr · שֵׂעָר (H8181)Genitive completing the construct chainשֵׂעָר (H8181) 'hair'; construct with רֹאשׁוֹ.
רֹאשֽׁוֹhis headN m sg constr + 3ms sfx · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Genitive completing the construct chainרֹאשׁ (H7218), repeated from earlier in the verse, closing the ring with the razor prohibition of v. 5a.
6
כָּל יְמֵ֥י הַזִּיר֖וֹ לַיהוָ֑ה עַל נֶ֥פֶשׁ מֵ֖ת לֹ֥א יָבֹֽא
All the days of his separation to YHWH, he shall not approach a dead body.
The third and most severe restriction opens here: for the vow's duration the nazirite may not approach any dead body — a stringency elsewhere reserved for the high priest (Lev 21:11), extended in v. 7 to exclude even his closest kin.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head, temporal accusativeכֹּל (H3605), opening 'all the days of' as in v. 5.
יְמֵ֥יthe days ofN m pl constr · יוֹם (H3117)Construct continuing the temporal chainיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; here masc. plural construct, 'the days of...', opening the phrase for the fixed duration of Nazirite separation.
הַזִּיר֖וֹhis separating himselfHiphil inf constr + 3ms sfx · נָזַר (H5144)Infinitival genitive completing יְמֵי (temporal construct)→ Infinitive construct: nominal use — 'the days of his separating'נָזַר (H5144) Hiphil infinitive construct with pronominal subject-suffix, functioning as a verbal noun governed by יְמֵי.
לַיהוָ֑הto YHWHprep לְ + N proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Prepositional phrase, goal of separationיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant Name (YHWH); here with prep לְ, 'to/for YHWH' — the Nazirite vow is made specifically to him.
עַלnearprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase governing נֶפֶשׁ מֵתעַל (H5921) here 'near, in the presence of', governing corpse-contact.
נֶ֥פֶשׁa personN c sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Object of the preposition עַל, head of the phrase נֶפֶשׁ מֵתנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, person, living being'; with the participle מֵת, 'a dead person, corpse' — the same idiom recurs in the priestly purity laws (Lev 21:11).
מֵ֖תdeadQal ptc m sg abs · מוּת (H4191)Attributive participle modifying נֶפֶשׁ→ Participle: stative/attributive — describes the condition of the נֶפֶשׁמוּת (H4191) Qal participle 'dying, dead'; attributive, forming with נֶפֶשׁ the technical phrase for a corpse.
לֹ֥אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates יָבֹא
יָבֹֽאhe shall comeQal impf 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb, negated (prohibition)→ Yiqtol negated: prescriptive prohibitionבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, go, enter'; here 'approach, come near' a corpse — the chapter's most severe purity restriction.
7
לְאָבִ֣יו וּלְאִמּ֗וֹ לְאָחִיו֙ וּלְאַ֣חֹת֔וֹ לֹא יִטַּמָּ֥א לָהֶ֖ם בְּמֹתָ֑ם כִּ֛י נֵ֥זֶר אֱלֹהָ֖יו עַל רֹאשֽׁוֹ
For his father or his mother, for his brother or his sister, he shall not defile himself for them at their death, because the consecration of his God is upon his head.
Verse 7 intensifies v. 6 by naming the four nearest kin — father, mother, brother, sister — for whom even ordinary priests may defile themselves (Lev 21:2-3); the nazirite may not. The causal clause כִּי נֵזֶר אֱלֹהָיו עַל רֹאשׁוֹ supplies the rationale that becomes the chapter's refrain: the visible, physical נֵזֶר on the head is the reason for every restriction.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
לְאָבִ֣יוfor his fatherprep לְ + N m sg constr + 3ms sfx · אָב (H1)Prepositional phrase, first of the excluded kinאָב (H1) 'father'; opens the list of near kin for whom even the nazirite may not become impure — contrast Lev 21:2-3, where the ordinary priest MAY defile himself for these same relatives.
וּלְאִמּ֗וֹor his motherconj וְ + prep לְ + N f sg constr + 3ms sfx · אֵם (H517)Coordinate prepositional phraseאֵם (H517) 'mother'.
לְאָחִיו֙for his brotherprep לְ + N m sg constr + 3ms sfx · אָח (H251)Coordinate prepositional phraseאָח (H251) 'brother'.
וּלְאַ֣חֹת֔וֹor his sisterconj וְ + prep לְ + N f sg constr + 3ms sfx · אָחוֹת (H269)Coordinate prepositional phrase, completing the four-member kin listאָחוֹת (H269) 'sister'; the closest degrees of kinship are enumerated exhaustively, exceeding even the ordinary priest's exemption (Lev 21:2-3).
לֹאnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates יִטַּמָּא
יִטַּמָּ֥אhe shall defile himselfHitpael impf 3ms · טָמֵא (H2930)Predicate verb, negated (prohibition)→ Yiqtol negated, reflexive stem: prescriptive prohibition against self-defilementטָמֵא (H2930) Hitpael 'to make oneself unclean'; the reflexive stem stresses that even willing, grief-motivated contact is forbidden.
לָהֶ֖םfor themprep לְ + 3mp sfx · לְPrepositional phrase resuming the kin list (dative of interest)
בְּמֹתָ֑םat their deathprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 3mp sfx · מָוֶת (H4194)Temporal prepositional phraseמָוֶת (H4194) 'death'; the temporal circumstance triggering the general corpse-prohibition of v. 6, now specified even for kin.
כִּ֛יbecauseconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the rationaleכִּי (H3588) here causal 'because', grounding the prohibition in the nazirite's consecrated state.
נֵ֥זֶרthe consecration ofN m sg constr · נֵזֶר (H5145)Subject of the verbless causal clauseנֵזֶר (H5145), here the visible sign — the uncut hair, called God's נֵזֶר 'crown, consecration' resting on the nazirite's head, echoing the high priest's own נֵזֶר (Exod 29:6).
אֱלֹהָ֖יוof his GodN m pl constr + 3ms sfx · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Genitive completing the construct chainאֱלֹהִים (H430), plural of majesty; the possessive 'his God' underscores the individual, personal character of the vow.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase governing רֹאשׁוֹ
רֹאשֽׁוֹhis headN m sg constr + 3ms sfx · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Object of the preposition עַלרֹאשׁ (H7218), completing the verse's climactic image: the נֵזֶר rests physically 'upon his head'.
8
כֹּ֖ל יְמֵ֣י נִזְר֑וֹ קָדֹ֥שׁ ה֖וּא לַֽיהוָֽה
All the days of his separation, he is holy to YHWH.
A terse verbless clause, קָדֹשׁ הוּא לַיהוָה, seals the unit begun at v. 2: for the whole span of the vow — wine, hair, corpse — the ordinary Israelite bears the status 'holy to YHWH', the same phrase used elsewhere of priestly and cultic objects.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
כֹּ֖לallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head, temporal accusativeכֹּל (H3605), opening the summary formula closing vv. 5-7.
יְמֵ֣יthe days ofN m pl constr · יוֹם (H3117)Construct continuing the temporal chainיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; here masc. plural construct, 'the days of...', opening the phrase for the fixed duration of Nazirite separation.
נִזְר֑וֹhis separationN m sg constr + 3ms sfx · נֵזֶר (H5145)Genitive completing the temporal construct chainנֵזֶר (H5145), abstract sense, closing the temporal phrase begun in v. 5.
קָדֹ֥שׁholyadj m sg abs · קָדוֹשׁ (H6918)Predicate adjective (verbless clause)קָדוֹשׁ (H6918), the verdict already stated in v. 5, now given as the chapter's summary formula for the whole separation period.
ה֖וּאhe (is)pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject/quasi-copula of the verbless clauseהוּא (H1931), independent 3ms pronoun functioning as subject and quasi-copula.
לַֽיהוָֽהto YHWHprep לְ + N proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Prepositional phrase, dative of relationיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant Name (YHWH); here with prep לְ, 'to/for YHWH' — the Nazirite vow is made specifically to him.
9
וְכִֽי יָמ֨וּת מֵ֤ת עָלָיו֙ בְּפֶ֣תַע פִּתְאֹ֔ם וְטִמֵּ֖א רֹ֣אשׁ נִזְר֑וֹ וְגִלַּ֤ח רֹאשׁוֹ֙ בְּי֣וֹם טָהֳרָת֔וֹ בַּיּ֥וֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִ֖י יְגַלְּחֶֽנּוּ
And if someone dies very suddenly beside him, defiling the head of his separation, he shall shave his head on the day of his cleansing; on the seventh day he shall shave it.
A second casuistic protasis (וְכִי, echoing v. 2's כִּי) introduces the chapter's central complication: accidental, sudden death nearby defiles the נֵזֶר despite the nazirite's innocence. The doubled בְּפֶתַע פִּתְאֹם stresses the absence of intent, while the prescribed remedy — shaving on the seventh day of purification — opens the extended contingency unit running through v. 12.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וְכִֽיand ifconj וְ + conj · כִּי (H3588)Subordinating conjunction introducing a new casuistic protasisכִּי (H3588) conditional, opening the contingency of accidental defilement (cf. v. 2's opening כִּי).
יָמ֨וּתdiesQal impf 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb of the protasis→ Yiqtol: contingent — the hypothetical triggering eventמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; the finite verb of the protasis, paired with the participle מֵת following.
מֵ֤תsomeoneQal ptc m sg abs · מוּת (H4191)Subject of יָמוּת→ Participle: substantival — 'someone dying/a dead one'מוּת (H4191) Qal participle used substantivally, 'someone', the unexpected corpse of the contingency.
עָלָיו֙beside himprep עַל + 3ms sfx · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase, locativeעַל (H5921) with suffix, 'near him, in his vicinity' — the accidental proximity that triggers defilement.
בְּפֶ֣תַעin an instantprep בְּ + N m sg abs · פֶּתַע (H6621)Adverbial prepositional phraseפֶּתַע (H6621) 'suddenness, an instant'; paired with פִּתְאֹם for emphasis.
פִּתְאֹ֔םsuddenlyadv · פִּתְאֹם (H6597)Adverb intensifying בְּפֶתַעפִּתְאֹם (H6597) 'suddenly'; the doubled expression בְּפֶתַע פִּתְאֹם stresses total unforeseeability, absolving the nazirite of intent.
וְטִמֵּ֖אand he defilesconj וְ + Piel weqatal 3ms · טָמֵא (H2930)Predicate verb (weqatal, result clause)→ Weqatal: consequential — the resulting state of impurityטָמֵא (H2930) Piel here factitive 'to make unclean, defile'; the sudden death defiles the נֵזֶר itself.
רֹ֣אשׁthe head ofN m sg constr · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Object of וְטִמֵּארֹאשׁ (H7218), construct with נִזְרוֹ, 'the head of his consecration' — the hair itself is defiled.
נִזְר֑וֹhis consecrationN m sg constr + 3ms sfx · נֵזֶר (H5145)Genitive completing the construct chainנֵזֶר (H5145), the physical hair itself, now defiled by contact with death despite the nazirite's lack of intent.
וְגִלַּ֤חand he shall shaveconj וְ + Piel weqatal 3ms · גָּלַח (H1548)Predicate verb (weqatal, prescriptive)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuation — the remedy commandedגָּלַח (H1548) Piel 'to shave'; the defiled hair must be removed, beginning the purification process.
רֹאשׁוֹ֙his headN m sg constr + 3ms sfx · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Object of וְגִלַּחרֹאשׁ (H7218), the object of shaving, repeated for emphasis.
בְּי֣וֹםon the day ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phraseיוֹם (H3117), construct with טָהֳרָתוֹ.
טָהֳרָת֔וֹhis cleansingN c sg constr + 3ms sfx · טָהֳרָה (H2893)Genitive completing the construct chainטָהֳרָה (H2893) 'purification, cleansing', from טהר; identifies the shaving as the ritual act of purification specified in vv. 9-12.
בַּיּ֥וֹםon the dayprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phrase in apposition, specifying טָהֳרָתוֹיוֹם (H3117), definite, resuming and specifying 'the day of his cleansing' as the seventh day.
הַשְּׁבִיעִ֖יseventhart + adj ordinal m sg abs · שְׁבִיעִי (H7637)Attributive adjective modifying בַּיּוֹםשְׁבִיעִי (H7637) 'seventh', ordinal from שֶׁבַע; the standard purification interval for corpse contact (cf. Num 19:11-12).
יְגַלְּחֶֽנּוּhe shall shave itPiel impf 3ms + 3ms sfx · גָּלַח (H1548)Predicate verb, resumptive (restates וְגִלַּח with object suffix)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive — restates and fixes the timing of the shavingגָּלַח (H1548), repeated with pronominal object, closing the verse by fixing the shaving precisely to the seventh day.
10
וּבַיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁמִינִ֗י יָבִא֙ שְׁתֵּ֣י תֹרִ֔ים א֥וֹ שְׁנֵ֖י בְּנֵ֣י יוֹנָ֑ה אֶל הַכֹּהֵ֔ן אֶל פֶּ֖תַח אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵֽד
And on the eighth day he shall bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons to the priest, to the entrance of the tent of meeting.
The narrative advances from the seventh-day shaving (v. 9) to the eighth day, when the now-purified nazirite brings the humble bird-pair — turtledoves or young pigeons — required of those without means for larger animals, to the priest at the tent's entrance.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וּבַיּ֣וֹםand on the dayconj וְ + prep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phrase opening the new clauseיוֹם (H3117), resuming the sequence from the seventh-day shaving of v. 9 to the eighth-day offering.
הַשְּׁמִינִ֗יeighthart + adj ordinal m sg abs · שְׁמִינִי (H8066)Attributive adjective modifying בַּיּוֹםשְׁמִינִי (H8066) 'eighth', ordinal from שְׁמֹנֶה; the day after the seven-day purification concludes, cf. the eighth-day pattern elsewhere (Lev 9:1; 12:3; 14:10).
יָבִא֙he shall bringHiphil impf 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive — commanded ritual actionבּוֹא (H935) Hiphil causative 'to bring, cause to come'; governs the two birds as direct object.
שְׁתֵּ֣יtwonum f dual constr · שְׁתַּיִם (H8147)Construct numeral, quantifying תֹרִיםשְׁתַּיִם (H8147) 'two' (feminine); construct form governing the following noun.
תֹרִ֔יםturtledovesN c pl abs · תּוֹר (H8449)Object of יָבִאתּוֹר (H8449) 'turtledove'; the standard modest bird-offering, paired with pigeons throughout the sacrificial law.
א֥וֹorconj · אוֹ (H176)Coordinating conjunction (disjunctive)
שְׁנֵ֖יtwonum m dual constr · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Construct numeral, quantifying בְּנֵי יוֹנָהשְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two' (masculine); the alternative offering, matched in number to the turtledoves.
בְּנֵ֣יyoung ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct head, idiom for young animalsבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; idiomatically 'young of' when construct with an animal name, here בְּנֵי יוֹנָה, 'young pigeons'.
יוֹנָ֑הof pigeonN f sg abs · יוֹנָה (H3123)Genitive completing the idiomיוֹנָה (H3123) 'dove, pigeon'; with בְּנֵי, the humble bird-pair permitted to those without means for larger offerings (cf. Lev 5:7; 12:8).
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase, goal of יָבִא
הַכֹּהֵ֔ןthe priestart + N m sg abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Object of the preposition אֶלכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'; the officiant who receives the birds and performs the rites of vv. 11-12.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase, apposition specifying the location
פֶּ֖תַחthe entrance ofN m sg constr · פֶּתַח (H6607)Construct head, object of the second אֶלפֶּתַח (H6607) 'entrance, doorway'; the standard site for lay-priest ritual transactions.
אֹ֥הֶלthe tent ofN m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Construct continuing the chainאֹהֶל (H168) 'tent'; construct with מוֹעֵד.
מוֹעֵֽדof meetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Genitive completing the construct chainמוֹעֵד (H4150) 'appointed time/place'; אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד, 'tent of meeting', the sanctuary's mobile predecessor to the Temple.
11
וְעָשָׂ֣ה הַכֹּהֵ֗ן אֶחָ֤ד לְחַטָּאת֙ וְאֶחָ֣ד לְעֹלָ֔ה וְכִפֶּ֣ר עָלָ֔יו מֵאֲשֶׁ֥ר חָטָ֖א עַל הַנָּ֑פֶשׁ וְקִדַּ֥שׁ אֶת רֹאשׁ֖וֹ בַּיּ֥וֹם הַהֽוּא
And the priest shall offer one as a sin offering and one as a burnt offering, and make atonement for him because he sinned by reason of the corpse; and he shall consecrate his head that same day.
The priest performs the standard sin-and-burnt-offering pair, adds an explicit atonement formula (וְכִפֶּר עָלָיו), and reconsecrates the head — the verb חָטָא here names ritual, not moral, offense: contact with death, however involuntary, still requires expiation before the vow can resume.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וְעָשָׂ֣הand he shall offerconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Weqatal: prescriptive — the priest's commanded actionעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; here technical, 'to offer, perform (a sacrifice)'.
הַכֹּהֵ֗ןthe priestart + N m sg abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Subject of וְעָשָׂהכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'; here definite, 'the priest', who oversees the Nazirite's purification after corpse-contamination.
אֶחָ֤דonenum m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Object of וְעָשָׂהאֶחָד (H259) 'one'; the first of the two birds, designated for the sin offering.
לְחַטָּאת֙as a sin offeringprep לְ + N f sg abs · חַטָּאת (H2403)Prepositional phrase of purpose/resultחַטָּאת (H2403) 'sin offering', from חטא; addresses the ritual impurity contracted by unintended corpse-contact.
וְאֶחָ֣דand oneconj וְ + num m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Coordinate objectאֶחָד (H259), the second bird, for the burnt offering.
לְעֹלָ֔הas a burnt offeringprep לְ + N f sg abs · עֹלָה (H5930)Prepositional phrase of purpose/resultעֹלָה (H5930) 'burnt offering', wholly consumed on the altar; paired here with the sin offering as a standard purification pair.
וְכִפֶּ֣רand he shall make atonementconj וְ + Piel weqatal 3ms · כָּפַר (H3722)Predicate verb (main clause, weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive — the atoning riteכָּפַר (H3722) Piel 'to atone, make atonement'; the priestly rite removing the guilt/impurity incurred.
עָלָ֔יוfor himprep עַל + 3ms sfx · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase, benefactive
מֵאֲשֶׁ֥רbecauseprep מִן + rel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Causal clause markerאֲשֶׁר (H834) with מִן, causal 'because of that which, in that'.
חָטָ֖אhe sinnedQal perf 3ms · חָטָא (H2398)Predicate verb of the causal clause→ Perfective: completed state — the incurred (not willful) offenseחָטָא (H2398) 'to sin, miss the mark'; here of unintentional ritual offense through proximity to death, not moral guilt.
עַלon account ofprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase governing הַנָּפֶשׁ
הַנָּ֑פֶשׁthe corpseart + N c sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Object of the preposition עַלנֶפֶשׁ (H5315), here definite, referring back to the נֶפֶשׁ מֵת of vv. 6, 9 — the dead body that caused the defilement.
וְקִדַּ֥שׁand he shall consecrateconj וְ + Piel weqatal 3ms · קָדַשׁ (H6942)Predicate verb (main clause, weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive — reconsecration after purificationקָדַשׁ (H6942) Piel 'to consecrate, sanctify'; the priest reconsecrates the nazirite's head, restarting his holy status.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
רֹאשׁ֖וֹhis headN m sg constr + 3ms sfx · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Direct object of וְקִדַּשׁרֹאשׁ (H7218), the site of reconsecration, resuming the chapter's central body-part.
בַּיּ֥וֹםon the dayprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phraseיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; here definite with prep בְּ, 'on the day', opening the temporal clause for the seventh-day shaving/purification.
הַהֽוּאthatart + pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Attributive demonstrative use, 'that (same) day'הוּא (H1931) with article, functioning demonstratively — 'that (very) day', the eighth day of v. 10.
12
וְהִזִּ֤יר לַֽיהוָה֙ אֶת יְמֵ֣י נִזְר֔וֹ וְהֵבִ֛יא כֶּ֥בֶשׂ בֶּן שְׁנָת֖וֹ לְאָשָׁ֑ם וְהַיָּמִ֤ים הָרִאשֹׁנִים֙ יִפְּל֔וּ כִּ֥י טָמֵ֖א נִזְרֽוֹ
And he shall separate himself to YHWH for the days of his separation, and shall bring a male lamb in its first year as a guilt offering; but the former days shall be void, because his separation was defiled.
The chapter's harshest practical consequence: despite atonement, the days already served toward the vow simply 'fall' (יִפְּלוּ) — do not count — and the nazirite must begin the entire count over, adding a guilt offering (אָשָׁם) as reparation for the interruption itself.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וְהִזִּ֤ירand he shall separate himselfconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 3ms · נָזַר (H5144)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Weqatal: prescriptive — resumption of the vow's separationנָזַר (H5144) Hiphil, resuming the chapter's key verb: the count of separation restarts.
לַֽיהוָה֙to YHWHprep לְ + N proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Prepositional phrase, goal of separationיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant Name (YHWH); here with prep לְ, 'to/for YHWH' — the Nazirite vow is made specifically to him.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
יְמֵ֣יthe days ofN m pl constr · יוֹם (H3117)Direct object of וְהִזִּיר (accusative of duration)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; here masc. plural construct, 'the days of...', opening the phrase for the fixed duration of Nazirite separation.
נִזְר֔וֹhis separationN m sg constr + 3ms sfx · נֵזֶר (H5145)Genitive completing the construct chainנֵזֶר (H5145), the restarted count of vow-days, now beginning again from zero.
וְהֵבִ֛יאand he shall bringconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Weqatal: prescriptive — commanded offeringבּוֹא (H935) Hiphil 'to bring'.
כֶּ֥בֶשׂa lambN m sg abs · כֶּבֶשׂ (H3532)Object of וְהֵבִיאכֶּבֶשׂ (H3532) 'young ram, male lamb'.
בֶּןa son ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct head, idiom of ageבֵּן (H1121), idiomatic 'son of [its year]' = one year old.
שְׁנָת֖וֹits yearN f sg constr + 3ms sfx · שָׁנָה (H8141)Genitive completing the age idiomשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; בֶּן שְׁנָתוֹ, 'a yearling', the standard age for guilt-offering animals.
לְאָשָׁ֑םas a guilt offeringprep לְ + N m sg abs · אָשָׁם (H817)Prepositional phrase of purpose/resultאָשָׁם (H817) 'guilt/reparation offering'; here compensating for the interrupted, now-restarted vow.
וְהַיָּמִ֤יםand the daysconj וְ + art + N m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Subject of יִפְּלוּיוֹם (H3117), definite plural, referring to the previously-counted vow-days.
הָרִאשֹׁנִים֙the formerart + adj m pl abs · רִאשׁוֹן (H7223)Attributive adjective modifying הַיָּמִיםרִאשׁוֹן (H7223) 'first, former'; the days accumulated before the sudden defilement of v. 9.
יִפְּל֔וּshall be voidQal impf 3mp · נָפַל (H5307)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive — legal nullificationנָפַל (H5307) 'to fall'; idiomatically 'to be void, count for nothing' — the previously accrued days are annulled.
כִּ֥יbecauseconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588) causal, grounding the nullification.
טָמֵ֖אit was defiledQal perf 3ms · טָמֵא (H2930)Predicate verb of the causal clause→ Perfective: completed state — the past defilementטָמֵא (H2930) Qal stative 'to be(come) unclean'; states the fact of impurity that voided the previous count.
נִזְרֽוֹhis separationN m sg constr + 3ms sfx · נֵזֶר (H5145)Subject of טָמֵאנֵזֶר (H5145), closing the verse by naming what was defiled.
13
וְזֹ֥את תּוֹרַ֖ת הַנָּזִ֑יר בְּי֗וֹם מְלֹאת֙ יְמֵ֣י נִזְר֔וֹ יָבִ֣יא אֹת֔וֹ אֶל פֶּ֖תַח אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵֽד
And this is the torah of the nazirite: on the day his days of separation are fulfilled, he shall be brought to the entrance of the tent of meeting.
A summary heading (וְזֹאת תּוֹרַת הַנָּזִיר) marks a structural transition, matching Leviticus's ritual-manual style; it introduces the extended completion rite of vv. 13-20, performed at the vow's normal, non-defiled conclusion.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וְזֹ֥אתand thisconj וְ + dem pron f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Subject of the verbless clause (cataphoric), opening the colophonזֹאת (H2063), fem. demonstrative; the heading formula וְזֹאת תּוֹרַת recurs to close a ritual unit (cf. Lev 7:1, 11).
תּוֹרַ֖תthe torah ofN f sg constr · תּוֹרָה (H8451)Predicate nominative (head of construct chain)תּוֹרָה (H8451) 'instruction, procedure', from יָרָה 'to point, teach'; here the summarizing ritual manual for the nazirite's completion rite.
הַנָּזִ֑ירthe naziriteart + N m sg abs · נָזִיר (H5139)Genitive completing the construct chainנָזִיר (H5139), now used as a title for the vow-taker, summarizing the whole preceding unit.
בְּי֗וֹםon the dayprep בְּ + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phraseיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; here absolute with prep בְּ, 'on the day', opening the temporal clause marking the completion of the Nazirite's vow.
מְלֹאת֙the fulfilling ofQal inf constr · מָלֵא (H4390)Infinitival head of the temporal clause→ Infinitive construct: temporal — marks the vow's completion pointמָלֵא (H4390), repeated from v. 5, marking the vow's normal (non-defiled) conclusion.
יְמֵ֣יthe days ofN m pl constr · יוֹם (H3117)Subject of the infinitive מְלֹאתיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; here masc. plural construct, 'the days of...', opening the phrase for the fixed duration of Nazirite separation.
נִזְר֔וֹhis separationN m sg constr + 3ms sfx · נֵזֶר (H5145)Genitive completing the construct chainנֵזֶר (H5145), the completed count of vow-days.
יָבִ֣יאhe shall be broughtHiphil impf 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive — the concluding ritual actionבּוֹא (H935) Hiphil, here with impersonal/passive nuance, 'one shall bring him' — he presents himself at the sanctuary.
אֹת֔וֹhimobj marker + 3ms sfx · אֵת (H853)Direct object of יָבִיא
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase, goal of יָבִיא
פֶּ֖תַחthe entrance ofN m sg constr · פֶּתַח (H6607)Object of the preposition אֶלפֶּתַח (H6607) 'opening, entrance', from פתח 'to open'; here construct, 'the entrance of...', locating where the Nazirite presents the offerings.
אֹ֥הֶלthe tent ofN m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Construct continuing the chainאֹהֶל (H168) 'tent'; here construct in the fixed phrase אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד, 'tent of meeting', completing 'the entrance of the tent of meeting'.
מוֹעֵֽדof meetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Genitive completing the construct chainמוֹעֵד (H4150), closing the colophon by returning the nazirite to the sanctuary entrance named in v. 10.
14
וְהִקְרִ֣יב אֶת קָרְבָּנ֣וֹ לַיהוָ֡ה כֶּבֶשׂ֩ בֶּן שְׁנָת֨וֹ תָמִ֤ים אֶחָד֙ לְעֹלָ֔ה וְכַבְשָׂ֨ה אַחַ֧ת בַּת שְׁנָתָ֛הּ תְּמִימָ֖ה לְחַטָּ֑את וְאַֽיִל אֶחָ֥ד תָּמִ֖ים לִשְׁלָמִֽים
And he shall present his offering to YHWH: one male lamb in its first year, without blemish, as a burnt offering; one ewe lamb in its first year, without blemish, as a sin offering; and one ram, without blemish, as a peace offering;
The completion sacrifice comprises the standard triad — burnt, sin, and peace offering — each explicitly תָּמִים ('without blemish'), a fuller and costlier requirement than the bird-pair permitted for the defilement remedy (v. 10), marking the normal, successful completion of the vow.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וְהִקְרִ֣יבand he shall presentconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 3ms · קָרַב (H7126)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Weqatal: prescriptive — commanded presentationקָרַב (H7126) Hiphil 'to bring near, present (an offering)'; the technical verb for approaching the altar with a sacrifice.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
קָרְבָּנ֣וֹhis offeringN m sg constr + 3ms sfx · קָרְבָּן (H7133)Direct object of וְהִקְרִיבקָרְבָּן (H7133) 'offering', from the same root קרב as the verb — a general term itemized by the three offerings that follow.
לַיהוָ֡הto YHWHprep לְ + N proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Prepositional phrase, recipientיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant Name (YHWH); here with prep לְ, 'to/for YHWH' — the Nazirite vow is made specifically to him.
כֶּבֶשׂ֩a lambN m sg abs · כֶּבֶשׂ (H3532)Apposition specifying קָרְבָּנוֹ, first itemכֶּבֶשׂ (H3532), the male lamb designated for the burnt offering.
בֶּןa son ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct head, idiom of ageבֵּן (H1121), idiom of age, 'son of [its] year' = one year old.
שְׁנָת֨וֹits yearN f sg constr + 3ms sfx · שָׁנָה (H8141)Genitive completing the age idiomשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; here fem. construct with 3ms suffix, 'his year' — the idiom בֶּן שְׁנָתוֹ, 'a year old' (masc. animal).
תָמִ֤יםwithout blemishadj m sg abs · תָּמִים (H8549)Attributive adjective modifying כֶּבֶשׂתָּמִים (H8549) 'complete, unblemished'; the standard physical qualification for sacrificial animals.
אֶחָד֙onenum m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Numeral modifying כֶּבֶשׂאֶחָד (H259), numbering the first of three animals.
לְעֹלָ֔הas a burnt offeringprep לְ + N f sg abs · עֹלָה (H5930)Prepositional phrase of purpose/resultעֹלָה (H5930) 'burnt offering', from עלה 'to go up'; here with prep לְ, 'for a burnt offering', classifying the male lamb.
וְכַבְשָׂ֨הand a ewe lambconj וְ + N f sg abs · כִּבְשָׂה (H3535)Coordinate apposition, second itemכִּבְשָׂה (H3535), feminine counterpart of כֶּבֶשׂ, designated for the sin offering.
אַחַ֧תonenum f sg abs · אַחַת (H259)Numeral modifying כַבְשָׂהאַחַת (H259) 'one' fem., from the root אחד; numbers a single female animal (ewe-lamb) in the completion offerings.
בַּתa daughter ofN f sg constr · בַּת (H1323)Construct head, idiom of ageבַּת (H1323), feminine counterpart of בֵּן in the age idiom.
שְׁנָתָ֛הּher yearN f sg constr + 3fs sfx · שָׁנָה (H8141)Genitive completing the age idiomשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; here fem. construct with 3fs suffix, 'her year' — the idiom בַּת שְׁנָתָהּ, 'a year old' (fem. animal).
תְּמִימָ֖הwithout blemishadj f sg abs · תָּמִים (H8549)Attributive adjective modifying כַבְשָׂהתָּמִים (H8549) 'complete, unblemished, whole'; here feminine, describing the ewe-lamb as ritually flawless and fit for sacrifice.
לְחַטָּ֑אתas a sin offeringprep לְ + N f sg abs · חַטָּאת (H2403)Prepositional phrase of purpose/resultחַטָּאת (H2403) 'sin offering, purification offering', from חטא 'to sin, miss the mark'; here with prep לְ, 'for a sin offering', classifying the ewe-lamb.
וְאַֽיִלand a ramconj וְ + N m sg abs · אַיִל (H352)Coordinate apposition, third itemאַיִל (H352) 'ram'; the larger animal designated for the peace offering, matching the standard well-being sacrifice.
אֶחָ֥דonenum m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Numeral modifying אַיִלאֶחָד (H259) 'one' masc., from the root אחד; numbers the ram brought for the peace offering.
תָּמִ֖יםwithout blemishadj m sg abs · תָּמִים (H8549)Attributive adjective modifying אַיִלתָּמִים (H8549) 'complete, unblemished, whole'; here masculine, describing the ram as ritually flawless.
לִשְׁלָמִֽיםas a peace offeringprep לְ + N m pl abs · שֶׁלֶם (H8002)Prepositional phrase of purpose/resultשֶׁלֶם (H8002) 'peace/well-being offering', plural form; the third and final animal offering, whose meat is shared and eaten (vv. 17-20).
15
וְסַ֣ל מַצּ֗וֹת סֹ֤לֶת חַלֹּת֙ בְּלוּלֹ֣ת בַּשֶּׁ֔מֶן וּרְקִיקֵ֥י מַצּ֖וֹת מְשֻׁחִ֣ים בַּשָּׁ֑מֶן וּמִנְחָתָ֖ם וְנִסְכֵּיהֶֽם
And a basket of unleavened bread: cakes of fine flour mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers spread with oil, along with their grain offering and their drink offerings.
Verse 15 lists the required cereal accompaniments — a basket of two kinds of unleavened bread (oil-mixed cakes and oil-brushed wafers) plus the standard grain and drink offerings — completing the full array the Torah elsewhere requires alongside animal sacrifices (Num 15:1-10).
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וְסַ֣לand a basket ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · סַל (H5536)Coordinate apposition, fourth item accompanying the offeringsסַל (H5536) 'basket'; introduces the grain component accompanying the peace offering.
מַצּ֗וֹתunleavened breadN f pl abs · מַצָּה (H4682)Genitive completing the construct chainמַצָּה (H4682) 'unleavened bread'; required for the accompanying grain offering.
סֹ֤לֶתfine flour ofN f sg constr · סֹלֶת (H5560)Construct head in apposition to מַצּוֹתסֹלֶת (H5560) 'fine flour', the premium grain product used in cultic offerings.
חַלֹּת֙cakesN f pl abs · חַלָּה (H2471)Apposition to סֹלֶת, specifying the formחַלָּה (H2471) 'ring-cake'; with בְּלוּלֹת בַּשֶּׁמֶן, the classic grain-offering cake (Lev 2:4).
בְּלוּלֹ֣תmixedQal pass ptc f pl abs · בָּלַל (H1101)Attributive participle modifying חַלֹּת→ Passive participle: describes the prepared state of the cakesבָּלַל (H1101) Qal passive participle 'mixed, mingled'; the flour mixed with oil before baking, per the standard grain-offering recipe (Lev 2:4).
בַּשֶּׁ֔מֶןwith the oilprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · שֶׁמֶן (H8081)Prepositional phrase, instrumentשֶׁמֶן (H8081) 'oil', typically olive oil, the standard grain-offering ingredient.
וּרְקִיקֵ֥יand wafers ofconj וְ + N m pl constr · רָקִיק (H7550)Coordinate construct headרָקִיק (H7550) 'thin wafer'; the second grain-offering form (cf. Lev 2:4).
מַצּ֖וֹתunleavenedN f pl abs · מַצָּה (H4682)Genitive completing the construct chainמַצָּה (H4682) 'unleavened bread/cake'; here plural, part of the fixed basket of bread accompanying the Nazirite's completion offerings.
מְשֻׁחִ֣יםspread [with oil]Qal pass ptc m pl abs · מָשַׁח (H4886)Attributive participle modifying רְקִיקֵי→ Passive participle: describes the prepared state of the wafersמָשַׁח (H4886) Qal passive participle 'anointed, spread (with oil)'; wafers brushed with oil rather than mixed, distinguishing the two grain forms.
בַּשָּׁ֑מֶןwith the oilprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · שֶׁמֶן (H8081)Prepositional phrase, instrumentשֶׁמֶן (H8081) 'oil', almost always olive oil; here definite with prep בְּ, 'with the oil', describing the unleavened cakes as mixed/anointed with oil.
וּמִנְחָתָ֖םand their grain offeringconj וְ + N f sg constr + 3mp sfx · מִנְחָה (H4503)Coordinate appositionמִנְחָה (H4503) 'grain offering, tribute'; the accompanying cereal offering required with the burnt and peace offerings (cf. Num 15:1-10).
וְנִסְכֵּיהֶֽםand their drink offeringsconj וְ + N m pl constr + 3mp sfx · נֶסֶךְ (H5262)Coordinate apposition, closing the listנֶסֶךְ (H5262) 'libation, drink offering'; typically wine, poured out alongside the burnt/peace offerings (Num 15:5, 7, 10).
16
וְהִקְרִ֥יב הַכֹּהֵ֖ן לִפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה וְעָשָׂ֥ה אֶת חַטָּאת֖וֹ וְאֶת עֹלָתֽוֹ
And the priest shall present them before YHWH and shall offer his sin offering and his burnt offering.
The priest takes over the ritual action begun by the nazirite's presentation (v. 14), performing the sin and burnt offerings 'before YHWH' — the peace offering and its distinctive rites follow in vv. 17-20.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וְהִקְרִ֥יבand he shall presentconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 3ms · קָרַב (H7126)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Weqatal: prescriptiveקָרַב (H7126) Hiphil, repeating v. 14's verb; the priest now handles the presentation.
הַכֹּהֵ֖ןthe priestart + N m sg abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Subject of וְהִקְרִיבכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'; here definite, 'the priest', who oversees the Nazirite's purification after corpse-contamination.
לִפְנֵ֣יbeforeprep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase, locativeפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; לִפְנֵי, 'before, in the presence of', the standard formula for sanctuary proximity.
יְהוָ֑הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of the preposition לִפְנֵייְהוָה (H3068), the covenant Name (YHWH); the divine recipient before whom the priest presents the Nazirite's offerings.
וְעָשָׂ֥הand he shall offerconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Weqatal: prescriptiveעָשָׂה (H6213), technical 'to offer', as in v. 11.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
חַטָּאת֖וֹhis sin offeringN f sg constr + 3ms sfx · חַטָּאת (H2403)Direct object of וְעָשָׂהחַטָּאת (H2403), the animal designated in v. 14.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker
עֹלָתֽוֹhis burnt offeringN f sg constr + 3ms sfx · עֹלָה (H5930)Coordinate direct objectעֹלָה (H5930), the animal designated in v. 14, now formally offered.
17
וְאֶת הָאַ֜יִל יַעֲשֶׂ֨ה זֶ֤בַח שְׁלָמִים֙ לַֽיהוָ֔ה עַ֖ל סַ֣ל הַמַּצּ֑וֹת וְעָשָׂה֙ הַכֹּהֵ֔ן אֶת מִנְחָת֖וֹ וְאֶת נִסְכּֽוֹ
And the ram he shall offer as a sacrifice of peace offerings to YHWH, together with the basket of unleavened bread; the priest shall also offer its grain offering and its drink offering.
The ram becomes the זֶבַח שְׁלָמִים proper, offered together with the bread basket; the priest then completes the required grain and drink offerings, finishing the sacrificial sequence before the nazirite's own distinctive rite — shaving — in v. 18.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (fronted object)
הָאַ֜יִלthe ramart + N m sg abs · אַיִל (H352)Fronted direct object of יַעֲשֶׂהאַיִל (H352), now definite, the ram of v. 14 designated for the peace offering.
יַעֲשֶׂ֨הhe shall offerQal impf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: prescriptiveעָשָׂה (H6213), technical 'to offer'; subject is the priest, resumed explicitly below.
זֶ֤בַחa sacrifice ofN m sg constr · זֶבַח (H2077)Object of יַעֲשֶׂה, apposition to הָאַיִלזֶבַח (H2077) 'sacrifice, slaughtered offering'; construct with שְׁלָמִים.
שְׁלָמִים֙peace offeringsN m pl abs · שֶׁלֶם (H8002)Genitive completing the construct chainשֶׁלֶם (H8002), naming the offering-type, whose meat is shared between altar, priest, and offerer (vv. 19-20).
לַֽיהוָ֔הto YHWHprep לְ + N proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Prepositional phrase, recipientיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant Name (YHWH); here with prep לְ, 'to/for YHWH' — the Nazirite vow is made specifically to him.
עַ֖לtogether withprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase governing סַל הַמַּצּוֹתעַל (H5921) here 'in addition to, along with', joining the bread basket to the ram offering.
סַ֣לthe basket ofN m sg constr · סַל (H5536)Object of the preposition עַלסַל (H5536) 'basket'; here construct, 'the basket of...', holding the unleavened bread offered alongside the animal sacrifices.
הַמַּצּ֑וֹתthe unleavened breadart + N f pl abs · מַצָּה (H4682)Genitive completing the construct chainמַצָּה (H4682), definite, referring back to the basket of v. 15.
וְעָשָׂה֙and he shall offerconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Weqatal: prescriptiveעָשָׂה (H6213), repeated with explicit subject הַכֹּהֵן.
הַכֹּהֵ֔ןthe priestart + N m sg abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Subject of וְעָשָׂהכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'; here definite, 'the priest', who oversees the Nazirite's purification after corpse-contamination.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
מִנְחָת֖וֹits grain offeringN f sg constr + 3ms sfx · מִנְחָה (H4503)Direct object of וְעָשָׂהמִנְחָה (H4503), the grain offering of v. 15, now formally offered alongside the ram.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker
נִסְכּֽוֹits drink offeringN m sg constr + 3ms sfx · נֶסֶךְ (H5262)Coordinate direct objectנֶסֶךְ (H5262), the libation of v. 15, closing the sequence of completion offerings.
18
וְגִלַּ֣ח הַנָּזִ֗יר פֶּ֛תַח אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵ֖ד אֶת רֹ֣אשׁ נִזְר֑וֹ וְלָקַ֗ח אֶת שְׂעַר֙ רֹ֣אשׁ נִזְר֔וֹ וְנָתַן֙ עַל הָאֵ֔שׁ אֲשֶׁר תַּ֖חַת זֶ֥בַח הַשְּׁלָמִֽים
And the nazirite shall shave his consecrated head at the entrance of the tent of meeting, and shall take the hair of his consecrated head and put it on the fire that is under the sacrifice of peace offerings.
The chapter's most vivid ritual gesture: the nazirite personally shaves the head that has carried his נֵזֶר and places the hair — not discarded, but consecrated — on the altar fire specifically under the peace offering, physically joining the votary's own body to the sacrifice that concludes his vow.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וְגִלַּ֣חand he shall shaveconj וְ + Piel weqatal 3ms · גָּלַח (H1548)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Weqatal: prescriptive — the nazirite's own culminating actגָּלַח (H1548), repeating v. 9's verb, now for the vow's normal (not defiled) completion.
הַנָּזִ֗ירthe naziriteart + N m sg abs · נָזִיר (H5139)Subject of וְגִלַּחנָזִיר (H5139) 'Nazirite, consecrated one', from נזר 'to separate, consecrate oneself'; here definite, 'the Nazirite', the vow-taker whose hair is shaved at the tent entrance.
פֶּ֛תַחthe entrance ofN m sg constr · פֶּתַח (H6607)Temporal/locative accusativeפֶּתַח (H6607) 'opening, entrance', from פתח 'to open'; here construct, 'the entrance of...', locating where the Nazirite presents the offerings.
אֹ֥הֶלthe tent ofN m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Construct continuing the chainאֹהֶל (H168) 'tent'; here construct in the fixed phrase אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד, 'tent of meeting', completing 'the entrance of the tent of meeting'.
מוֹעֵ֖דof meetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Genitive completing the construct chainמוֹעֵד (H4150) 'appointed time/place, meeting'; here completing the fixed phrase 'the entrance of the tent of meeting' in the shaving instruction.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
רֹ֣אשׁthe head ofN m sg constr · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Direct object of וְגִלַּחרֹאשׁ (H7218), construct with נִזְרוֹ, the site of the culminating shave.
נִזְר֑וֹhis consecrationN m sg constr + 3ms sfx · נֵזֶר (H5145)Genitive completing the construct chainנֵזֶר (H5145), the completed vow now physically removed.
וְלָקַ֗חand he shall takeconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Weqatal: prescriptiveלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; the nazirite personally handles his own shorn hair.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
שְׂעַר֙the hair ofN m sg constr · שֵׂעָר (H8181)Direct object of וְלָקַחשֵׂעָר (H8181), now removed from the head, object of consecrated disposal.
רֹ֣אשׁthe head ofN m sg constr · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Construct continuing the chainרֹאשׁ (H7218) 'head'; here construct, 'the head of his consecration' (רֹאשׁ נִזְרוֹ), i.e. the consecrated hair on his head.
נִזְר֔וֹhis consecrationN m sg constr + 3ms sfx · נֵזֶר (H5145)Genitive completing the construct chainנֵזֶר (H5145) 'consecration, separation, crown', from נזר 'to separate, consecrate'; here construct with 3ms suffix, 'his consecration' — the hair symbolizing the vow, given to the fire under the peace-offering sacrifice.
וְנָתַן֙and he shall putconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Weqatal: prescriptiveנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, put, place'; the hair is deliberately committed to the altar fire, not discarded.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase governing הָאֵשׁ
הָאֵ֔שׁthe fireart + N c sg abs · אֵשׁ (H784)Object of the preposition עַלאֵשׁ (H784) 'fire'; the altar fire consuming the peace offering, now also receiving the votive hair.
אֲשֶׁרthatrel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a clause qualifying הָאֵשׁ
תַּ֖חַתis underprep · תַּחַת (H8478)Prepositional phrase, locative predicate of the relative clauseתַּחַת (H8478) 'under, beneath'; locates the fire specifically at the peace-offering altar.
זֶ֥בַחthe sacrifice ofN m sg constr · זֶבַח (H2077)Object of the preposition תַּחַתזֶבַח (H2077) 'sacrifice, slaughter-offering', from זבח 'to slaughter'; here construct, 'the sacrifice of the peace offering(s)', under which the shaved hair is placed.
הַשְּׁלָמִֽיםthe peace offeringsart + N m pl abs · שֶׁלֶם (H8002)Genitive completing the construct chainשֶׁלֶם (H8002), definite, resuming the peace offering of v. 17 — the hair is burned specifically under this sacrifice, symbolically joining the votary's body to the offering.
19
וְלָקַ֨ח הַכֹּהֵ֜ן אֶת הַזְּרֹ֣עַ בְּשֵׁלָה֮ מִן הָאַיִל֒ וְֽחַלַּ֨ת מַצָּ֤ה אַחַת֙ מִן הַסַּ֔ל וּרְקִ֥יק מַצָּ֖ה אֶחָ֑ד וְנָתַן֙ עַל כַּפֵּ֣י הַנָּזִ֔יר אַחַ֖ר הִֽתְגַּלְּח֥וֹ אֶת נִזְרֽוֹ
And the priest shall take the boiled shoulder of the ram, and one unleavened cake from the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and put them on the palms of the nazirite after he has shaved his consecration.
The priest assembles the boiled shoulder and two bread items and places them directly in the nazirite's own hands — a hand-filling gesture performed only after the shaving, so the now-shorn votary himself presents the final portions for the priest's wave-offering in v. 20.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
וְלָקַ֨חand he shall takeconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Weqatal: prescriptiveלָקַח (H3947), now the priest's action, taking the specified portions for the hand-filling rite.
הַכֹּהֵ֜ןthe priestart + N m sg abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Subject of וְלָקַחכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'; here definite, 'the priest', who oversees the Nazirite's purification after corpse-contamination.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַזְּרֹ֣עַthe shoulderart + N c sg abs · זְרוֹעַ (H2220)Direct object of וְלָקַחזְרוֹעַ (H2220) 'arm, shoulder (foreleg)'; a priestly portion also legislated in Deut 18:3.
בְּשֵׁלָה֮boiledadj f sg abs · בָּשֵׁל (H1311)Attributive adjective modifying הַזְּרֹעַבָּשֵׁל (H1311) 'boiled, cooked'; distinguishes this shoulder-portion from the raw right thigh of the ordinary peace offering (Lev 7:32).
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase, source
הָאַיִל֒the ramart + N m sg abs · אַיִל (H352)Object of the preposition מִןאַיִל (H352) 'ram, male sheep'; here definite, 'the ram', the peace-offering animal whose boiled shoulder the priest waves with the bread.
וְֽחַלַּ֨תand a cake ofconj וְ + N f sg constr · חַלָּה (H2471)Coordinate direct objectחַלָּה (H2471), the ring-cake from the basket of v. 15.
מַצָּ֤הunleavenedN f sg abs · מַצָּה (H4682)Genitive completing the construct chainמַצָּה (H4682) 'unleavened bread/cake'; here singular, one more of the fixed unleavened items placed in the priest's hands for the wave offering.
אַחַת֙onenum f sg abs · אַחַת (H259)Numeral modifying חַלַּת מַצָּהאַחַת (H259) 'one' fem., from the root אחד; numbers a single female animal (ewe-lamb) in the completion offerings.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase, source
הַסַּ֔לthe basketart + N m sg abs · סַל (H5536)Object of the preposition מִןסַל (H5536), definite, referring back to v. 15.
וּרְקִ֥יקand a wafer ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · רָקִיק (H7550)Coordinate direct objectרָקִיק (H7550), the second bread-form from the same basket.
מַצָּ֖הunleavenedN f sg abs · מַצָּה (H4682)Genitive completing the construct chainמַצָּה (H4682) 'unleavened bread/cake'; here singular, one more of the fixed unleavened items placed in the priest's hands for the wave offering.
אֶחָ֑דonenum m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Numeral modifying רְקִיק מַצָּהאֶחָד (H259) 'one' masc., from the root אחד; numbers the ram brought for the peace offering.
וְנָתַן֙and he shall putconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Weqatal: prescriptiveנָתַן (H5414); the priest places the portions in the nazirite's own hands for the wave-rite of v. 20.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase governing כַּפֵּי
כַּפֵּ֣יthe palms ofN f dual constr · כַּף (H3709)Object of the preposition עַלכַּף (H3709) 'palm, hand'; dual form — the nazirite's own two hands receive the portions before the priest waves them (v. 20).
הַנָּזִ֔ירthe naziriteart + N m sg abs · נָזִיר (H5139)Genitive completing the construct chainנָזִיר (H5139) 'Nazirite, consecrated one', from נזר 'to separate, consecrate oneself'; here definite, 'the Nazirite', the vow-taker whose hair is shaved at the tent entrance.
אַחַ֖רafterprep · אַחַר (H310)Temporal prepositional phraseאַחַר (H310) 'after'; sequences the hand-filling rite strictly after the shaving of v. 18.
הִֽתְגַּלְּח֥וֹhis shavingHitpael inf constr + 3ms sfx · גָּלַח (H1548)Infinitival genitive completing אַחַר (temporal clause)→ Infinitive construct, reflexive stem: nominal use — 'after his shaving himself'גָּלַח (H1548) Hitpael, reflexive 'to shave oneself'; the same root as v. 9's Piel, now stressing the nazirite's own agency in the act.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
נִזְרֽוֹhis consecrationN m sg constr + 3ms sfx · נֵזֶר (H5145)Object of the infinitive הִתְגַּלְּחוֹנֵזֶר (H5145), the object shaved off — closing the ring of vv. 18-19 with the vow's central term.
20
וְהֵנִיף֩ אוֹתָ֨ם הַכֹּהֵ֥ן תְּנוּפָה֮ לִפְנֵ֣י יְהוָה֒ קֹ֤דֶשׁ הוּא֙ לַכֹּהֵ֔ן עַ֚ל חֲזֵ֣ה הַתְּנוּפָ֔ה וְעַ֖ל שׁ֣וֹק הַתְּרוּמָ֑ה וְאַחַ֛ר יִשְׁתֶּ֥ה הַנָּזִ֖יר יָֽיִן
And the priest shall wave them as a wave offering before YHWH; it is holy for the priest, together with the breast of the wave offering and the thigh of the contribution. And after this the nazirite may drink wine.
The priest waves the hand-filled portions (v. 19) together with the breast and thigh due him from every peace offering, formally closing the sacrificial sequence; the closing clause וְאַחַר יִשְׁתֶּה הַנָּזִיר יָיִן then lifts the wine-prohibition of v. 3, an inclusio marking the vow's completion.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וְהֵנִיף֩and he shall waveconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 3ms · נוּף (H5130)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Weqatal: prescriptive — the priest's wave-gestureנוּף (H5130) Hiphil 'to wave, elevate'; the technical gesture presenting an offering before the altar (cf. Lev 7:30).
אוֹתָ֨םthemobj marker + 3mp sfx · אֵת (H853)Direct object of וְהֵנִיף
הַכֹּהֵ֥ןthe priestart + N m sg abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Subject of וְהֵנִיףכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'; here definite, 'the priest', who oversees the Nazirite's purification after corpse-contamination.
תְּנוּפָה֮as a wave offeringN f sg abs · תְּנוּפָה (H8573)Adverbial accusative of mannerתְּנוּפָה (H8573), from נוף; the elevation-rite that dedicates a portion to YHWH before returning it to the priest.
לִפְנֵ֣יbeforeprep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase, locativeפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; here plural construct with prep לְ in the fixed idiom לִפְנֵי, 'before, in the presence of' — the wave offering performed 'before YHWH'.
יְהוָה֒YHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of the preposition לִפְנֵייְהוָה (H3068), the covenant Name (YHWH); the divine recipient before whom the priest presents the Nazirite's offerings.
קֹ֤דֶשׁa holy thingN m sg abs · קֹדֶשׁ (H6944)Predicate nominative (verbless clause)קֹדֶשׁ (H6944), the sacred status of the waved portions once dedicated.
הוּא֙it (is)pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject/quasi-copula of the verbless clauseהוּא (H1931) 3ms independent pronoun 'he/it'; resumptive, marking the wave offering ('it [is] holy to the priest') as a fixed cultic portion.
לַכֹּהֵ֔ןfor the priestprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Prepositional phrase, dative of possessionכֹּהֵן (H3548), the officiant's rightful priestly portion, as with ordinary peace offerings (Lev 7:31-34).
עַ֚לtogether withprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase governing חֲזֵה הַתְּנוּפָה
חֲזֵ֣הthe breast ofN m sg constr · חָזֶה (H2373)Object of the preposition עַלחָזֶה (H2373) 'breast'; the standard elevation-portion of every peace offering (Lev 7:30-31).
הַתְּנוּפָ֔הthe wave offeringart + N f sg abs · תְּנוּפָה (H8573)Genitive completing the construct chainתְּנוּפָה (H8573), definite, resuming the technical term.
וְעַ֖לand together withconj וְ + prep · עַל (H5921)Coordinate prepositional phrase governing שׁוֹק הַתְּרוּמָה
שׁ֣וֹקthe thigh ofN f sg constr · שׁוֹק (H7785)Object of the second עַלשׁוֹק (H7785) 'thigh, leg'; the second standard priestly portion (Lev 7:32-34).
הַתְּרוּמָ֑הthe contributionart + N f sg abs · תְּרוּמָה (H8641)Genitive completing the construct chainתְּרוּמָה (H8641) 'contribution, raised offering', from רום 'to be high'; the thigh's technical designation, distinct from the breast's תְּנוּפָה.
וְאַחַ֛רand afterconj וְ + adv · אַחַר (H310)Temporal adverb introducing the closing clauseאַחַר (H310) 'afterward'; marks the release from the wine-prohibition of v. 3.
יִשְׁתֶּ֥הhe may drinkQal impf 3ms · שָׁתָה (H8354)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: permissive — the restriction of v. 3 is liftedשָׁתָה (H8354), the same verb negated throughout vv. 3-4, now permitted — signaling the vow's full completion.
הַנָּזִ֖ירthe naziriteart + N m sg abs · נָזִיר (H5139)Subject of יִשְׁתֶּהנָזִיר (H5139) 'Nazirite, consecrated one', from נזר 'to separate, consecrate oneself'; here definite, 'the Nazirite', the vow-taker whose hair is shaved at the tent entrance.
יָֽיִןwineN m sg abs · יַיִן (H3196)Object of יִשְׁתֶּהיַיִן (H3196), the very substance forbidden in v. 3, now the marker of the vow's release — the chapter's prohibition and permission bracket the entire nazirite unit.
21
זֹ֣את תּוֹרַ֣ת הַנָּזִיר֮ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִדֹּר֒ קָרְבָּנ֤וֹ לַֽיהוָה֙ עַל נִזְר֔וֹ מִלְּבַ֖ד אֲשֶׁר תַּשִּׂ֣יג יָד֑וֹ כְּפִ֤י נִדְרוֹ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִדֹּ֔ר כֵּ֣ן יַעֲשֶׂ֔ה עַ֖ל תּוֹרַ֥ת נִזְרֽוֹ
This is the torah of the nazirite who vows his offering to YHWH for his separation, besides whatever else his means afford; according to his vow that he vows, so he shall do, in addition to the torah of his separation.
A second, fuller colophon (זֹאת תּוֹרַת הַנָּזִיר, echoing v. 13) closes the whole unit, explicitly permitting voluntary additions beyond the fixed requirement 'as his means allow' — the chapter's key term, נִזְרוֹ, returns one final time, closing the nazirite law with the root that has organized it throughout.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
זֹ֣אתthisdem pron f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Subject of the verbless clause (cataphoric)זֹאת (H2063), a second, final colophon closing the nazirite legislation.
תּוֹרַ֣תthe torah ofN f sg constr · תּוֹרָה (H8451)Predicate nominative (head of construct chain)תּוֹרָה (H8451) 'instruction, law', from ירה 'to teach, direct'; here construct, 'the law/instruction of the Nazirite', the closing rubric-heading for the whole chapter's regulations.
הַנָּזִיר֮the naziriteart + N m sg abs · נָזִיר (H5139)Genitive completing the construct chainנָזִיר (H5139) 'Nazirite, consecrated one', from נזר 'to separate, consecrate oneself'; here definite, 'the Nazirite', the vow-taker whose hair is shaved at the tent entrance.
אֲשֶׁ֣רwhorel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a clause qualifying הַנָּזִיר
יִדֹּר֒vowsQal impf 3ms · נָדַר (H5087)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: generic/customary — any nazirite who vowsנָדַר (H5087), echoing v. 2's לִנְדֹּר, closing the chapter with the same root that opened it.
קָרְבָּנ֤וֹhis offeringN m sg constr + 3ms sfx · קָרְבָּן (H7133)Direct object of יִדֹּרקָרְבָּן (H7133), summarizing the whole completion sacrifice of vv. 14-20.
לַֽיהוָה֙to YHWHprep לְ + N proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Prepositional phrase, recipientיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant Name (YHWH); here with prep לְ, 'to/for YHWH' — the Nazirite vow is made specifically to him.
עַלforprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase governing נִזְרוֹעַל (H5921) here 'in regard to, concerning'.
נִזְר֔וֹhis separationN m sg constr + 3ms sfx · נֵזֶר (H5145)Object of the preposition עַלנֵזֶר (H5145) 'consecration, separation, crown', from נזר 'to separate, consecrate'; here construct with 3ms suffix, 'his consecration' — the hair symbolizing the vow, given to the fire under the peace-offering sacrifice.
מִלְּבַ֖דbesidesprep מִן + prep לְ + N m sg constr · בַּד (H905)Prepositional phrase introducing an exceptive clauseבַּד (H905) 'separation, apart'; the compound מִלְּבַד, 'apart from, in addition to', introduces the concession for voluntary extras.
אֲשֶׁרthat whichrel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the exceptive clause
תַּשִּׂ֣יגaffordsHiphil impf 3fs · נָשַׂג (H5381)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: potential — describes what one's means allowנָשַׂג (H5381) Hiphil 'to reach, attain, be sufficient'; idiomatic of financial means, 'as his hand can afford' (cf. Lev 5:11; 14:21).
יָד֑וֹhis handN c sg constr + 3ms sfx · יָד (H3027)Subject of תַּשִּׂיגיָד (H3027) 'hand'; idiomatic subject of תַּשִּׂיג, 'what his hand attains' = his financial capacity.
כְּפִ֤יaccording toprep כְּ + N m sg constr · פֶּה (H6310)Prepositional phrase of manner/standardפֶּה (H6310) 'mouth'; כְּפִי idiomatically 'according to, in proportion to' — literally 'according to the mouth of'.
נִדְרוֹ֙his vowN m sg constr + 3ms sfx · נֶדֶר (H5088)Genitive completing the construct chainנֶדֶר (H5088), resuming the chapter's opening term.
אֲשֶׁ֣רthatrel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a clause qualifying נִדְרוֹ
יִדֹּ֔רhe vowsQal impf 3ms · נָדַר (H5087)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: generic — the vow's exact content varies by individualנָדַר (H5087), repeated for emphasis, stressing individual variability in the vow's extras.
כֵּ֣ןsoadv · כֵּן (H3651)Adverb resuming the correlative clauseכֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; correlative with כְּפִי, 'according to... so he shall do'.
יַעֲשֶׂ֔הhe shall doQal impf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: prescriptiveעָשָׂה (H6213), the general verb of ritual performance, closing the correlative clause.
עַ֖לin addition toprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase governing תּוֹרַת נִזְרוֹעַל (H5921) here 'over and above', reinforcing מִלְּבַד.
תּוֹרַ֥תthe torah ofN f sg constr · תּוֹרָה (H8451)Object of the preposition עַלתּוֹרָה (H8451) 'instruction, law', from ירה 'to teach, direct'; here construct, 'the law/instruction of the Nazirite', the closing rubric-heading for the whole chapter's regulations.
נִזְרֽוֹhis separationN m sg constr + 3ms sfx · נֵזֶר (H5145)Genitive completing the construct chain, closing the whole nazirite lawנֵזֶר (H5145), the chapter's key term in its final occurrence, closing the nazirite unit (vv. 1-21) with the same word that has structured it throughout.
22
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה אֶל מֹשֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר
And YHWH spoke to Moses, saying,
The formula repeats verbatim from v. 1, marking a second, distinct divine speech — this one instructing Aaron and his sons rather than Israel directly, introducing the priestly blessing (vv. 23-27).
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֥רand he spokePiel wayyiqtol 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative frame)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — a second, distinct divine speechדָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak, declare'; repeats v. 1's formula verbatim, opening a new speech now addressed through Moses to Aaron.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיְדַבֵּריְהוָה (H3068), the covenant Name (YHWH); the divine recipient before whom the priest presents the Nazirite's offerings.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addressee
מֹשֶׁ֥הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of the preposition אֶלמֹשֶׁה (H4872) 'Moses', the covenant mediator through whom YHWH transmits the Nazirite law and the priestly blessing.
לֵּאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitival complement introducing direct discourse→ Infinitive construct: introduces the verbatim quotation that followsאָמַר (H559), the formulaic לֵאמֹר, here introducing the priestly blessing itself.
23
דַּבֵּ֤ר אֶֽל אַהֲרֹן֙ וְאֶל בָּנָ֣יו לֵאמֹ֔ר כֹּ֥ה תְבָרֲכ֖וּ אֶת בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל אָמ֖וֹר לָהֶֽם
Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying: Thus you shall bless the Israelites; say to them:
Moses is commanded to relay precise instructions to Aaron and his sons: כֹּה תְבָרֲכוּ, 'thus (in these exact words) you shall bless' — establishing that the threefold blessing of vv. 24-26 is a fixed liturgical formula, not an improvised prayer.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
דַּבֵּ֤רspeakPiel impv 2ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (imperative, main clause)→ Volitional: direct command to Mosesדָּבַר (H1696) Piel impv, repeating v. 2's opening command, now directed at the priestly line.
אֶֽלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase, addressee of דַּבֵּר
אַהֲרֹן֙AaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Object of the preposition אֶלאַהֲרֹן (H175), Moses' brother and Israel's first high priest, addressed here as head of the priestly line.
וְאֶלand toconj וְ + prep · אֶל (H413)Coordinate prepositional phrase
בָּנָ֣יוhis sonsN m pl constr + 3ms sfx · בֵּן (H1121)Coordinate object of the prepositionבֵּן (H1121), Aaron's priestly descendants, who will pronounce the blessing after him.
לֵאמֹ֔רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitival complement introducing direct discourse→ Infinitive construct: introduces the verbatim instruction that followsאָמַר (H559), here introducing instructions about how to bless, not the blessing's wording itself yet.
כֹּ֥הthusadv · כֹּה (H3541)Adverb of manner, frontedכֹּה (H3541) 'thus, in this manner'; introduces the exact wording that follows in vv. 24-26 as prescribed, not improvised.
תְבָרֲכ֖וּyou shall blessPiel impf 2mp · בָּרַךְ (H1288)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive — the priests' commanded liturgical actבָּרַךְ (H1288) Piel 'to bless'; the priests are commanded to pronounce, not merely wish, blessing — the chapter's key theological verb, repeated in vv. 24, 27.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct head, direct object of תְבָרֲכוּבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; here masc. plural construct, בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, 'sons/children of Israel' — the recipients of the Aaronic blessing.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478) 'Israel', the nation-name; completes בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, 'the children of Israel', the people the priests are to bless.
אָמ֖וֹרsayQal inf abs (imperatival use) · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive absolute functioning as a further imperative→ Infinitive absolute: reinforcing volitional forceאָמַר (H559) Qal infinitive absolute used imperativally, reinforcing דַּבֵּר — 'say to them' introduces the actual words of blessing in v. 24.
לָהֶֽםto themprep לְ + 3mp sfx · לְPrepositional phrase, indirect object of אָמוֹר
24
יְבָרֶכְךָ֥ יְהוָ֖ה וְיִשְׁמְרֶֽךָ
YHWH bless you and keep you;
The shortest of the three lines (three words in Hebrew: יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ) pairs YHWH's blessing with his guarding care — the oldest attested wording of any biblical text, inscribed on the Ketef Hinnom silver amulets centuries before the earliest Masoretic manuscripts.
Word-by-word analysis· 3 words
יְבָרֶכְךָ֥may he bless youPiel jussive 3ms + 2ms sfx · בָּרַךְ (H1288)Predicate verb (jussive, first line of the blessing)→ Jussive: volitional/optative — the priest invokes YHWH's blessingבָּרַךְ (H1288) Piel jussive; opens the threefold benediction — the shortest and first line (three Hebrew words).
יְהוָ֖הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of יְבָרֶכְךָיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant Name (YHWH); the divine recipient before whom the priest presents the Nazirite's offerings.
וְיִשְׁמְרֶֽךָand keep youconj וְ + Qal jussive 3ms + 2ms sfx · שָׁמַר (H8104)Predicate verb (jussive, coordinate)→ Jussive: volitional/optative — continuing the invocationשָׁמַר (H8104) 'to keep, guard, watch over'; pairs blessing with protective guardianship, the first of the blessing's three parallel couplets.
25
יָאֵ֨ר יְהוָ֧ה פָּנָ֛יו אֵלֶ֖יךָ וִֽיחֻנֶּֽךָּ
YHWH make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
The blessing's middle line (five Hebrew words) shifts from the first line's guardianship to the imagery of YHWH's illumined, favorable face — the same idiom used throughout the Psalms for divine favor and answered prayer.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
יָאֵ֨רmay he cause to shineHiphil jussive 3ms · אוֹר (H215)Predicate verb (jussive, second line)→ Jussive: volitional/optativeאוֹר (H215) Hiphil 'to cause to shine, illuminate'; YHWH's shining face is an idiom of favor and presence (cf. Ps 4:7; 31:17).
יְהוָ֧הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of יָאֵריְהוָה (H3068), the covenant Name (YHWH); the divine recipient before whom the priest presents the Nazirite's offerings.
פָּנָ֛יוhis faceN c pl constr + 3ms sfx · פָּנִים (H6440)Direct object of יָאֵרפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; the second line's central image, echoing the blessing's theme of divine presence turned favorably toward the worshiper.
אֵלֶ֖יךָupon youprep אֶל + 2ms sfx · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase, goal
וִֽיחֻנֶּֽךָּand be gracious to youconj וְ + Qal jussive 3ms + 2ms sfx · חָנַן (H2603)Predicate verb (jussive, coordinate)→ Jussive: volitional/optativeחָנַן (H2603) 'to be gracious, show favor'; completes the second couplet — shining face paired with grace, the blessing's middle, five-word line.
26
יִשָּׂ֨א יְהוָ֤ה פָּנָיו֙ אֵלֶ֔יךָ וְיָשֵׂ֥ם לְךָ֖ שָׁלֽוֹם
YHWH lift up his face upon you and grant you peace.
The longest line (seven words) climaxes the tricolon's rising structure (3-5-7 words) with שָׁלוֹם, the blessing's final and most comprehensive term — the lifted face signals full acceptance, and the granted peace names the blessing's ultimate content.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
יִשָּׂ֨אmay he lift upQal jussive 3ms · נָשָׂא (H5375)Predicate verb (jussive, third line)→ Jussive: volitional/optativeנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to lift, carry'; נָשָׂא פָנִים, 'to lift the face', an idiom of favorable regard and acceptance (cf. Gen 4:7).
יְהוָ֤הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of יִשָּׂאיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant Name (YHWH); the divine recipient before whom the priest presents the Nazirite's offerings.
פָּנָיו֙his faceN c pl constr + 3ms sfx · פָּנִים (H6440)Direct object of יִשָּׂאפָּנִים (H6440), resuming the second line's image; 'lifting the face' here intensifies favorable divine attention toward acceptance and peace.
אֵלֶ֔יךָupon youprep אֶל + 2ms sfx · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase, goal
וְיָשֵׂ֥םand grantconj וְ + Qal jussive 3ms · שִׂים (H7760)Predicate verb (jussive, coordinate)→ Jussive: volitional/optativeשִׂים (H7760) 'to put, place, set'; here 'grant, bestow' — the climactic verb setting שָׁלוֹם upon the recipient.
לְךָ֖for youprep לְ + 2ms sfx · לְPrepositional phrase, indirect object of וְיָשֵׂם
שָׁלֽוֹםpeaceN m sg abs · שָׁלוֹם (H7965)Direct object of וְיָשֵׂםשָׁלוֹם (H7965) 'peace, wholeness, well-being'; the blessing's climactic final word — not mere absence of conflict but comprehensive flourishing, the goal toward which the tricolon builds.
27
וְשָׂמ֥וּ אֶת שְׁמִ֖י עַל בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וַאֲנִ֖י אֲבָרֲכֵֽם
So they shall put my name upon the Israelites, and I will bless them.
The chapter's closing statement distinguishes the priestly act (placing YHWH's name on Israel through the spoken formula) from the divine act (YHWH himself performing the blessing) — the fronted, emphatic וַאֲנִי אֲבָרֲכֵם makes clear that the priestly words are efficacious only because God himself stands behind them, closing both the blessing unit and the chapter as a whole.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וְשָׂמ֥וּand they shall putconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3cp · שִׂים (H7760)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Weqatal: prescriptive — the result/purpose of the priestly pronouncementשִׂים (H7760), the verb of v. 26's third line now applied to the priests: by speaking the blessing they 'place' YHWH's name on Israel.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
שְׁמִ֖יmy nameN m sg constr + 1cs sfx · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object of וְשָׂמוּשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; YHWH's own name, placed on Israel through the priestly blessing — the name that later dwells in the chosen sanctuary (Deut 12:11).
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase governing בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct head, object of the preposition עַלבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; here masc. plural construct, בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, 'sons/children of Israel' — the recipients of the Aaronic blessing.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478) 'Israel', the nation-name; completes בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, 'the children of Israel', the people the priests are to bless.
וַאֲנִ֖יand Iconj וְ + pron 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Fronted, emphatic subject of אֲבָרֲכֵםאֲנִי (H589), independent 1cs pronoun, emphatically fronted: YHWH himself, not the priests, performs the actual blessing.
אֲבָרֲכֵֽםI will bless themPiel impf 1cs + 3mp sfx · בָּרַךְ (H1288)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: emphatic future/promissory — YHWH's own guaranteed actionבָּרַךְ (H1288), the chapter's final word, closing the ring with v. 23's תְבָרֲכוּ: the priests speak the words, but YHWH himself is the one who blesses.