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.
