Numbers 6 4

Numbers 6:4 kjv

All the days of his separation shall he eat nothing that is made of the vine tree, from the kernels even to the husk.

Numbers 6:4 nkjv

All the days of his separation he shall eat nothing that is produced by the grapevine, from seed to skin.

Numbers 6:4 niv

As long as they remain under their Nazirite vow, they must not eat anything that comes from the grapevine, not even the seeds or skins.

Numbers 6:4 esv

All the days of his separation he shall eat nothing that is produced by the grapevine, not even the seeds or the skins.

Numbers 6:4 nlt

As long as they are bound by their Nazirite vow, they are not allowed to eat or drink anything that comes from a grapevine ? not even the grape seeds or skins.

Numbers 6 verses

Numbers 6 4 Meaning

Numbers 6:4 describes a specific and strict dietary restriction for a person undertaking a Nazirite vow. During the entire period of their separation, they were absolutely forbidden from consuming anything at all derived from the grapevine. This prohibition was comprehensive, encompassing every single part of the vine's produce, from the smallest seeds within the grapes to their very outer skins, and by extension, any product like wine, vinegar, or fresh/dried grapes. This complete abstention underscored their unique and total consecration to the Lord, setting them apart from ordinary consumption.

Numbers 6 4 Context

Numbers chapter 6 introduces the Nazirite vow, a unique institution within Israelite society. Unlike other ritual laws often tied to birth or status (like the priesthood), the Nazirite vow was voluntary. It allowed any Israelite, male or female, to undertake a period of special, intensified dedication and holiness to Yahweh. This devotion was expressed through three distinct disciplines: abstaining from all products of the grapevine, not cutting one's hair, and avoiding contact with any dead body. Verse 4 specifically elaborates on the first of these prohibitions, emphasizing its comprehensive nature. It served to distinctly set apart the Nazirite from the rest of the community, visually and functionally marking their separation for God's purposes during the term of their vow, which could be for a specific duration or, in rare cases (like Samson and John the Baptist), for life. This detailed prohibition highlighted the Nazirite's absolute reliance on God rather than earthly pleasures or strengths symbolized by wine.

Numbers 6 4 Word analysis

• All the days: (כֹּל יְמֵי - kol yĕmê)
  • kol (כֹּל): "All," "every," "the whole." This emphasizes the complete and continuous nature of the prohibition. It means not just "on some days" or "mostly," but truly for the entire duration of the vow.
  • yĕmê (יְמֵי): "Days of." Combined with `kol`, it stresses that this rule applies without interruption or exception throughout the designated period of separation. It signifies a sustained commitment.
• of his separation: (נִזְרוֹ - nizro)
  • nizro (נִזְרוֹ): "His separation" or "his Nazirite state." This word is derived from the root `nazar` (נזר), meaning "to separate," "to consecrate," or "to dedicate." It implies a state of being set apart, hallowed, and consecrated for a divine purpose. This "separation" isn't merely physical abstinence but a spiritual condition. It links the person's identity during the vow directly to their state of special holiness unto God.
• he shall eat nothing: (לֹא יֹאכַל כֹּל - lō yōʾḵal kol)
  • lōʾ (לֹא): A strong negative particle, meaning "not" or "no." It creates an absolute prohibition.
  • yōʾḵal (יֹאכַל): "He shall eat." This refers to consumption.
  • kol (כֹּל): Here again, "all" or "everything." Used with `lo yochal`, it forms a sweeping exclusion, leaving no room for exceptions concerning what is consumed.
• that is produced by the grapevine: (מִגֶּפֶן הַיַּיִן אֲשֶׁר יֵעָשֶׂה - ʾăšer yēʿāśeh miggep̱en hayyayin)
  • ʾăšer yēʿāśeh (אֲשֶׁר יֵעָשֶׂה): "Which is made from," "that which is produced from." This passive verb emphasizes anything derived from the source.
  • miggep̱en (מִגֶּפֶן): "From the vine." `Gep̱en` (גֶּפֶן) is the general Hebrew word for a grape vine. It's the source.
  • hayyayin (הַיַּיִן): "Of the wine." While `yayin` usually refers to wine, in this phrase `gep̱en hayyayin` ("vine of wine") it signifies the specific type of vine that produces grapes for wine. This isn't just a generic vine, but one recognized for its fruit's common use.
• from the seeds even to the skins: (מֵחַרְצַנִּים וְעַד זָג - mêḥarṣannîm wĕʿaḏ zāg)
  • mêḥarṣannîm (מֵחַרְצַנִּים): "From the seeds/pips." `Ḥarṣannîm` (חַרְצַנִּים) refers to the small, hard grape seeds within the fruit. Including these signifies meticulousness; even the seemingly inedible parts are forbidden, preventing any potential derivative.
  • wĕʿaḏ (וְעַד): "And even to," "until." This phrase acts as a definitive boundary marker, encompassing the entire range.
  • zāg (זָג): "Skins," "husk," or "pulp." This refers to the outer membrane or even the internal fleshy pulp of the grape. By prohibiting even the outer skin, the instruction leaves no ambiguity or loophole. This combination ("from the seeds to the skins") is a merism, meaning it covers every single part of the grape and, by extension, all products made from it (fresh grapes, dried raisins, wine, grape juice, grape vinegar, etc.). This underscores the absolute and comprehensive nature of the prohibition.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "All the days of his separation he shall eat nothing": This entire phrase conveys absolute and complete abstinence throughout the vow. The commitment is unwavering and applies to the person's identity as consecrated (`nizro`).
• "that is produced by the grapevine, from the seeds even to the skins": This detailed qualification illustrates the strictness and totality of the dietary restriction. It prevents any possible way of partaking of the grape, underscoring the deep commitment required. The Nazirite was not to rely on or enjoy anything that typically represented pleasure or strength (wine) but to find their sustenance and joy solely in the Lord.

Numbers 6 4 Bonus section

The voluntary nature of the Nazirite vow itself, especially this stringent dietary requirement, reveals a powerful principle in God's relationship with His people: He desires not just external obedience to mandatory laws, but heartfelt devotion and a yearning for deeper intimacy and separation for Him. The detail "from the seeds even to the skins" may have also served as a practical guard against even incidental or accidental consumption of grape products, minimizing the chance of breaking the vow and potentially leading to intoxication or merely indulging the desire for wine. It provided a stark contrast to the surrounding pagan cultures often associated with excess revelry and drink, thus setting the Nazirite as a counter-cultural sign of devotion to Yahweh. While temporary for most, the radical commitment displayed anticipated later calls for believers to live separated and disciplined lives, fully relying on God's Spirit.

Numbers 6 4 Commentary

Numbers 6:4 establishes the rigorous dietary requirement of the Nazirite vow, specifically demanding complete abstinence from all products of the grapevine. This meticulous detail, spanning from "seeds to skins," highlights the comprehensive nature of the Nazirite's separation unto God. The grapevine and its fruit were common symbols of joy, prosperity, and human provision (Ps 104:15; Isa 65:21). By forsaking them, the Nazirite signaled a profound dedication, stepping away from ordinary earthly pleasures and reliance on typical sustenance to cultivate an extraordinary reliance solely on divine provision and the Spirit. This self-denial wasn't about the inherent evil of grapes or wine, but about a radical act of spiritual devotion and self-mastery. It taught that true satisfaction and strength come from God alone, preparing the individual for a heightened sense of holiness and spiritual alertness.