Numbers 6:19-21

New English Translation

Footnotes

1. Numbers 6:19 tn The line does not include the word “head”; it literally has “after the consecrating of himself his consecrated [head].” The infinitive construct is here functioning in the temporal clause with the suffix as the subject and the object following.
2. Numbers 6:20 sn The ritual of lifting the hands filled with the offering and waving them in the presence of the Lord was designed to symbolize the transfer of the offering to God in the sight of all. This concludes the worshiper’s part; the offering now becomes the property of the priest—his priest’s due (or “raised/heave offering”).
3. Numbers 6:20 sn The “wave offering” may be interpreted as a “special gift” to be transferred to the Lord, and the “heave offering” as a “special contribution” to God—the priest’s due. These two offerings have also inspired a good deal of study.
4. Numbers 6:20 tn The imperfect tense here would then have the nuance of permission. It is not an instruction at this point; rather, the prohibition has been lifted and the person is free to drink wine.
5. Numbers 6:21 tn Actually, “law” here means a whole set of laws, the basic rulings on this topic.
6. Numbers 6:21 tn Heb “whatever else his hand is able to provide.” The imperfect tense has the nuance of potential imperfect—“whatever he can provide.”
7. Numbers 6:21 tn Heb “according to the vow that he vows, so he must do.”