What does Numbers 6:20 mean?
"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." - Numbers 6:20

Numbers 6:20 (KJV) reads: "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."
This verse comes at the end of the passage in Numbers 6 that outlines the vow of the Nazarite. In this chapter, God instructs Moses on the laws and regulations that those who take a Nazarite vow must abide by. The Nazarite vow was a voluntary vow that a person could take to consecrate themselves to the Lord for a specific period of time. During this time, the Nazarite would abstain from certain things, including cutting their hair, consuming alcohol, and being near a dead body. At the end of the vow period, the individual would bring offerings to the Lord as a sign of their dedication and devotion. This verse specifically details the offerings that the priest would wave before the Lord as part of the Nazarite's consecration.
The theme of consecration and dedication to the Lord is central to this verse. The act of taking a Nazarite vow was a way for individuals to set themselves apart and focus on their relationship with God. By abstaining from things like alcohol and refraining from cutting their hair, the Nazarites were making a physical and spiritual commitment to the Lord. This act of self-sacrifice and dedication is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, as God often calls His people to set themselves apart from the world and focus on Him alone.
The context of this verse is important to understanding its significance. At the time of this passage, the Israelites had just been delivered from slavery in Egypt and were on their journey to the Promised Land. In this transitional period, God was establishing laws and regulations for His people to follow in order to maintain a relationship with Him. The Nazarite vow was just one way for individuals to demonstrate their commitment to God and their desire to live in a way that honored Him.
The symbolism in this verse is also significant. The act of the priest waving the offerings before the Lord was a visual representation of the Nazarite's dedication being presented to God. By lifting up the offerings, the priest was essentially lifting up the commitment and consecration of the Nazarite before the Lord. This act symbolized the sanctification of the individual and their desire to be set apart for God's purposes.
Additionally, the mention of the Nazarite being allowed to drink wine after the priest had presented the offerings is a reminder of the freedom and joy that comes from dedication to the Lord. While the Nazarite had abstained from wine during their vow, now they were free to partake in it as a symbol of celebration and thanksgiving for God's faithfulness.
In conclusion, Numbers 6:20 from the King James Version of the Bible holds deep meaning regarding dedication and consecration to the Lord. The verse speaks to the themes of commitment and sacrifice, as well as the symbolism of offering one's life to God. It serves as a reminder of the importance of setting oneself apart for the Lord and the joy that comes from living in dedication to Him.
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Numbers 6:20 Artwork
Numbers 6:20 - "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."
"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." - Numbers 6:20
Numbers 20:6 - "And Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they fell upon their faces: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto them."
Numbers 20:20 - "And he said, Thou shalt not go through. And Edom came out against him with much people, and with a strong hand."
Numbers 20:7 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Numbers 34:20 - "And of the tribe of the children of Simeon, Shemuel the son of Ammihud."
Numbers 33:20 - "And they departed from Rimmon-parez, and pitched in Libnah."
Numbers 16:20 - "And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,"
Numbers 7:20 - "One spoon of gold of ten shekels, full of incense:"
Numbers 14:20 - "And the LORD said, I have pardoned according to thy word:"
Numbers 10:20 - "And over the host of the tribe of the children of Gad was Eliasaph the son of Deuel."
Numbers 4:20 - "But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered, lest they die."
Numbers 20:2 - "And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron."
Numbers 11. 4 to 6
Putting Aaron’s priestly garment on Eleazar in Numbers 20
Numbers 6:6 - "All the days that he separateth himself unto the LORD he shall come at no dead body."
"And Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they fell upon their faces: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto them." - Numbers 20:6
Numbers 20:9 - "And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him."
Numbers 1:6 - "Of Simeon; Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai."
Numbers 35:20 - "But if he thrust him of hatred, or hurl at him by laying of wait, that he die;"
Numbers 20:13 - "This is the water of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with the LORD, and he was sanctified in them."
Joshua 6:20
Numbers 6:22 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Numbers 27:6 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Numbers 13:6 - "Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh."
Joshua 6:20
Genesis 20-6
Numbers 3:20 - "And the sons of Merari by their families; Mahli, and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to the house of their fathers."
Numbers 6:1 - "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Numbers 6:24 - "The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:"