Numbers 6:19
And the priest shall take the sodden shoulder of the ram, and one unleavened cake out of the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and shall put them upon the hands of the Nazarite, after the hair of his separation is shaven:
Numbers 6:19 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, it is described how the priest is to perform a ritual for a Nazarite who has completed their period of separation. The Nazarite is to bring a ram, unleavened cake, and unleavened wafer as an offering. The ram's shoulder is to be cooked, and along with the unleavened items, placed in the hands of the Nazarite after their hair has been shaved as a sign of the end of their vow. This ritual signifies the completion of the Nazarite's dedication to the Lord and symbolic purification. The act of shaving the hair and offering these specific items shows the importance of following through with one's commitments to God and the significance of purity and consecration in the life of a believer. It serves as a reminder of the importance of fulfilling promises made to the Lord and the spiritual growth that comes from such dedication.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of Numbers, we see a specific ritual involving a Nazarite who has completed their period of separation. The priest is instructed to take a boiled shoulder of a ram, an unleavened cake from a basket, and an unleavened wafer, and place them on the hands of the Nazarite after their hair has been shaved. This ritual signifies the completion of the Nazarite's vow and their return to normal life. The use of unleavened bread symbolizes purity and sincerity in their dedication to God. The shaved hair represents the end of their period of separation and serves as a physical sign of their renewed commitment to God. Through this ritual, the Nazarite is reaffirming their faith and devotion to God, and the priest's role is to act as an intermediary between the Nazarite and God, facilitating the reintegration of the individual back into the community.
Numbers 6:19 in other translations
American Standard Version
And the priest shall take the boiled shoulder of the ram, and one unleavened cake out of the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and shall put them upon the hands of the Nazirite, after he hath shaven [the head of] his separation;
World English Bible
The priest shall take the boiled shoulder of the ram, and one unleavened cake out of the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and shall put them on the hands of the Nazirite, after he has shaved the head of his separation;
Douay-Rheims
And shall take the boiled shoulder of the ram, and one unleavened cake out of the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and he shall deliver them into the hands of the Nazarite, after his head is shaven.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then the Priest shall take ye sodden shoulder of the ramme, and an vnleauened cake out of the basket, and a wafer vnleauened, and put them vpon the hands of the Nazarite, after he hath shauen his consecration.