Numbers 6 3

Numbers 6:3 kjv

He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat moist grapes, or dried.

Numbers 6:3 nkjv

he shall separate himself from wine and similar drink; he shall drink neither vinegar made from wine nor vinegar made from similar drink; neither shall he drink any grape juice, nor eat fresh grapes or raisins.

Numbers 6:3 niv

they must abstain from wine and other fermented drink and must not drink vinegar made from wine or other fermented drink. They must not drink grape juice or eat grapes or raisins.

Numbers 6:3 esv

he shall separate himself from wine and strong drink. He shall drink no vinegar made from wine or strong drink and shall not drink any juice of grapes or eat grapes, fresh or dried.

Numbers 6:3 nlt

they must give up wine and other alcoholic drinks. They must not use vinegar made from wine or from other alcoholic drinks, they must not drink fresh grape juice, and they must not eat grapes or raisins.

Numbers 6 verses

Numbers 6 3 Meaning

Numbers 6:3 outlines the specific dietary restrictions for someone taking the Nazirite vow. The core requirement is complete separation from anything derived from the grapevine, including fermented beverages like wine and strong drink, as well as products that result from their decay (vinegar). It also extends to any liquid extract from grapes, and even the unfermented fruit itself, both fresh grapes and dried raisins. This comprehensive abstinence underscores a radical commitment to set oneself apart for God, demonstrating extreme dedication and self-denial during the period of the vow.

Numbers 6 3 Context

Numbers chapter 6 introduces the "Nazirite vow," a unique and voluntary commitment undertaken by individuals (male or female) who desired to dedicate themselves specifically to the LORD for a set period. Unlike the hereditary priesthood, this vow allowed any Israelite to express a heightened level of consecration and spiritual devotion. The chapter outlines three main prohibitions associated with the Nazirite vow: 1) abstinence from all grape products (wine, strong drink, vinegar, grapes), 2) not cutting one's hair, and 3) avoiding any contact with dead bodies. This verse, Numbers 6:3, details the first and most extensive of these prohibitions, highlighting a radical separation from a common part of the ancient Israelite diet and cultural pleasure, demonstrating total submission and focus on God during their sacred time. Historically and culturally, wine was a significant staple and source of enjoyment, used in meals, celebrations, and even offerings. The Nazirite's total abstinence from it set them apart dramatically from general Israelite society, visually demonstrating their singular commitment to YHWH. This commitment indirectly contrasted with the pursuit of everyday pleasures and common excesses that could distract from devotion.

Numbers 6 3 Word analysis

• he shall separate himself (יַזִּיר, yazzîr, from נָזַר nazár): The verb root means "to set apart," "to consecrate," "to abstain from." This is the foundational concept of the Nazirite (נָזִיר nāzîr) vow. It implies not just avoidance, but an active setting apart of oneself for a holy purpose. This separation is an act of deliberate spiritual discipline and devotion to God.
• from wine (מִיַּיִן, mîyayîn, from יַיִן yayin): Refers to fermented grape juice, a common beverage and intoxicating drink. Its prohibition signifies abstaining from a source of earthly pleasure and potential spiritual compromise.
• and strong drink (וְשֵׁכָר, wəšēḵār, from שֵׁכָר shēḵār): This term generally refers to any intoxicating drink made from grains or other fruits (e.g., beer, date wine), not specifically grape wine. Its inclusion emphasizes total abstinence from any intoxicant, extending beyond the vine itself.
• he shall drink no vinegar of wine (חֹמֶץ יַיִן, ḥōmeṣ yayîn): "Vinegar" (chōmeṣ) is fermented wine that has turned sour. This specifies that even the byproduct of fermented grape products, no longer desirable for consumption by general standards, is forbidden. This demonstrates the radical and comprehensive nature of the separation – even its corrupted or wasted form is to be avoided.
• or vinegar of strong drink (חֹמֶץ שֵׁכָר, ḥōmeṣ šēḵār): Extending the prohibition of vinegar to any other fermented beverage, solidifying the breadth of the abstinence from anything that could cause intoxication or originated from the prohibited fermented substances.
• nor any liquor of grapes (וְכָל־מִשְׁרַת עֲנָבִים, wəḵol-mišrat ‘ănāḇîm): Literally "infusion of grapes" or "liquid steeped from grapes." This covers unfermented grape juice, grape extracts, or any other liquid obtained from grapes that might not yet be wine or strong drink but could potentially ferment or carry the "essence" of grapes. This eliminates any possible loophole for consumption of grape-based liquids.
• nor eat fresh grapes (וַעֲנָבִים לַחִים, wa‘ănāḇîm lāḥîm): Refers to actual, ripe grapes, straight from the vine. This expands the prohibition from processed grape products to the very source fruit itself, emphasizing a complete severance from all forms of grapes.
• or dried (וִיבֵשִׁים, wîḇēšîm): Referring to dried grapes, i.e., raisins. This again reinforces the completeness of the prohibition, including grapes in their raw, natural, or preserved state. The intent is total dissociation from anything related to the vine, regardless of processing or fermentation.

Words-Group analysis:

• "shall separate himself from wine and strong drink": This phrase immediately defines the Nazirite as one committed to radical abstinence from intoxicating substances, symbolizing a mind unclouded by earthly pleasures and fully dedicated to God. It highlights a deliberate act of consecration, making a physical statement about internal devotion.
• "he shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink": This inclusion demonstrates the absolute stringency of the vow. It's not merely about avoiding intoxication, but about abstaining from anything that comes from or is even a byproduct of these substances, regardless of their current state. It reflects a complete disassociation.
• "nor any liquor of grapes, nor eat fresh grapes or dried": This extensive prohibition removes any potential loophole. The Nazirite is cut off from all grape products – fermented, unfermented, processed, fresh, or dried. This total severance from the fruit of the vine marks a highly visible and personal sacrifice, ensuring that nothing related to the source of fermentation enters their body, symbolizing a profound commitment to God alone. It speaks to a level of detail and precision in dedication rarely seen in general Israelite law.

Numbers 6 3 Bonus section

The vine and its fruit often symbolize joy, blessing, and the fullness of life in the Bible (Ps 104:15, Isa 55:1). For the Nazirite to abstain from it was thus a striking act, temporarily renouncing these earthly blessings to find their joy and fulfillment solely in the LORD. This act might also carry a subtle polemical undertone against pagan revelries that often involved drunkenness and promiscuity; the Nazirite vow demonstrated a counter-cultural commitment to holiness. Furthermore, the detailed specificity of the prohibitions (not just wine, but all grape derivatives) prevented any rationalization or circumvention, teaching the Nazirite, and onlookers, the importance of strict obedience and dedication. This profound separation finds resonance in the New Testament concept of Christians being "in the world but not of the world" (Jn 17:16, Rom 12:2), where believers are called to spiritual separation and discipline, though not necessarily through the same external prohibitions.

Numbers 6 3 Commentary

Numbers 6:3 outlines the primary and most expansive dietary restriction of the Nazirite vow: total abstinence from all products of the grapevine. This commandment is comprehensive, forbidding not only intoxicating wine and strong drink but also their fermented byproducts (vinegar) and even unfermented grape juice, fresh grapes, and dried raisins. This wasn't merely a health or temperance rule; it was a profound symbolic act of absolute dedication and purity. By refraining from a common pleasure and staple, the Nazirite demonstrated a singular focus on God, prioritizing spiritual devotion over worldly indulgence. The prohibition against all grape products underscores a commitment to complete separation and signifies that even things typically good and permissible are set aside for the sake of an extraordinary relationship with God. This physical discipline mirrors a spiritual state of self-control and unreserved devotion.

Examples for practical usage:

• Choosing to fast from social media for a period to dedicate more time to prayer.
• Voluntarily giving up a leisure activity to serve in a ministry.
• Exercising self-control in food or spending habits to symbolize a deeper commitment to Christ and reliance on Him.