The Use of the Verb יַפְלִא in Biblical Hebrew (Numbers 6:2)

Numbers 6:2 in Hebrew

דַּבֵּר֙ אֶל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְאָמַרְתָּ֖ אֲלֵהֶ֑ם אִ֣ישׁ אֹֽו־אִשָּׁ֗ה כִּ֤י יַפְלִא֙ לִנְדֹּר֙ נֶ֣דֶר נָזִ֔יר לְהַזִּ֖יר לַֽיהוָֽה׃

Introduction to יַפְלִא

In Numbers 6:2, the verb יַפְלִא appears in the phrase כִּ֤י יַפְלִא֙ לִנְדֹּר֙ נֶ֣דֶר נָזִ֔יר, meaning “when a man or woman makes a special vow of a Nazirite.” The verb יַפְלִא comes from the root פלא, which is associated with the ideas of “being extraordinary,” “separating,” or “distinguishing.”

Understanding יַפְלִא in Context

יַפְלִא is in the Hifil stem, which typically expresses causative action.
– In this verse, it means “to set apart by making a vow.”
– This suggests that the Nazirite vow is not an ordinary commitment but something distinct, deliberate, and extraordinary.

The Function of the Hifil Stem in יַפְלִא

1. Causative Meaning
– The Hifil form of פלא suggests that the individual is actively choosing to separate themselves through a vow.
– The act is not passive; it is an intentional declaration of consecration.

2. Volitional Action
– The verb indicates a deliberate and voluntary decision rather than something imposed.
– This reinforces the idea that both men and women had the ability to dedicate themselves to a higher spiritual state.

3. Emphasis on Uniqueness
– The root פלא is often used to describe wonderful or extraordinary actions in Biblical Hebrew.
– Here, it highlights that taking a Nazirite vow is not a common religious act but a unique and distinguished commitment to God.

The Meaning of יַפְלִא in Numbers 6:2

The verb יַפְלִא in Numbers 6:2 emphasizes the intentional and extraordinary nature of the Nazirite vow. The use of the Hifil stem shows that the person is not simply making a promise but is actively setting themselves apart in a significant and solemn way.

This grammatical structure reinforces the idea that the Nazirite vow is a sacred act of devotion, demonstrating an individual’s willingness to enter a special state of dedication to God.

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