An Analysis of Concluding Verbs in the Priestly Code: A Contextual Grammatical Approach

Abstract

Scholars and translators have traditionally regarded the conclusion of the Nazirite law—“After that the Nazirite may drink wine” (Num. 6.20)—as signalling the completion of the naziriteship, the Nazirite henceforth being permitted to drink wine. Should the clause be read as prescriptive, however, with the Nazirite being required to drink wine to complete his vow? In line with the contextual-grammatical approach prevalent today, this article offers a clear criterion for examining the verbs concluding the various laws in the Priestly code—including that in the Nazirite law. To narrow the discussion, it focuses on precepts whose conclusion opens with ואחר‎ despite possibly not differing from other Priestly laws. While in three places, the injunction is permissive, in the majority of cases, the acts are mandatory.