He shall not make himself unclean for his father, or for his mother, for his brother, or for his sister, when they die: because the consecration of his God is upon his head.
He must not make himself ceremonially unclean even for his father, mother, brother, or sister when they die, because the sign of his dedication to God is on his head.
This verse shows that someone who has made a special vow to God (a Nazirite) must put their commitment to God above even the most important family obligations.
📚 Historical Context
This verse describes part of the Nazirite vow, a temporary or lifelong commitment where someone dedicated themselves completely to God. In ancient Israel, touching a dead body made someone ceremonially unclean and unable to participate in worship. Even though caring for deceased family members was normally a sacred duty, Nazirites had to maintain their ritual purity as a sign of their total devotion to God.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.