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UTN uW Translation Notes:

Numbers 6 General Notes

Structure and Formatting1. Preparing to leave Sinai (1:1–10:10) * Ceremonies for a jealous husband and for a vow of separation (5:1–6:27)This chapter outlines laws for Nazirites (people who dedicate themselves to Yahweh in a special way and for a specific period of time). These laws indicate what the Nazirites must abstain from, what to do if they become unclean before the end of their time as Nazirites, and the sacrifices they should offer once they complete their time as Nazirites. The chapter ends with a blessing that the priests pronounce over the Israelites.

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

Nazirite vow

The term “Nazirite” refers to someone who has vowed to separate himself or herself to Yahweh for a period of time. This period of time could be the person’s entire life, as in the case of Samson. Nazirites had to avoid three things: (1) eating or drinking anything produced from grapes or with any alcoholic content, (2) cutting their hair, (3) coming into contact with dead bodies. If any Nazirite came into contact with a dead body, he or she had to offer sacrifices and restart the time of separation. Once the time was complete, each Nazirite had to shave off his or her hair and offer a specific set of sacrifices. He or she could also offer more than what was required. (See: nazirite)

Priestly blessing

In [6:24–26](../06/24.md), Yahweh provides a blessing that the priests should speak to the Israelites. This blessing asks Yahweh to protect, care for, and give peace to the Israelites. Yahweh then promises that he will indeed carry out what this blessing asks. Consider how you might express a blessing in your language. (See: bless)

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Gender and number

In [6:2](../06/02.md), Yahweh clearly states that a Nazirite can be a man or a woman. However, the rest of the chapter uses masculine and singular language to refer to each Nazirite. In Moses’ language, masculine and singular language could refer generically to anyone. If masculine and singular language would not refer generically to anyone in your language, consider how you might naturally include anyone who could be a Nazirite. The UST often models how to use plural forms in many verses. You could also consider using the second person to address Nazirites directly in these verses. (See figs-gendernotations and writing-pronouns)

The “separation”

Throughout this chapter, Yahweh refers to Nazirites’ “separation,” which refers to way in which Nazirites avoid certain things as they dedicate themselves to Yahweh. Yahweh uses the word “separation” to refer to the action of separating and to the long hair that they grow during this time. The notes on specific verses will indicate which meaning of “separation” is in view. (See figs-metonymy)