Numbers 6:3 - he shall separate himself from wine and strong drink. He shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of fermented drink, neither shall he drink any juice of grapes, nor eat fresh grapes or dried.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Numbers 6:3" mean?
Numbers 6:3 is part of the laws concerning the Nazirite vow in the Hebrew Bible. This verse details specific restrictions placed upon a person who takes this vow. Let's break down what each part means:
"He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink." This is the core principle. The Nazirite must abstain from all alcoholic beverages derived from grapes. "Wine" refers to regular wine, and "strong drink" indicates other intoxicating beverages made from grapes.
"He shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of fermented drink." This extends the restriction beyond just pure alcoholic drinks. Even byproducts like vinegar made from wine or other grape-derived fermented drinks are forbidden. Vinegar was often used as a beverage or condiment in ancient times.
"Neither shall he drink any juice of grapes..." This explicitly prohibits even unfermented grape juice.
"...nor eat fresh grapes or dried." This broadens the restriction even further. The Nazirite is not allowed to consume grapes in any form, whether fresh (as fruit) or dried (as raisins).
In essence, this verse commands a complete abstinence from anything related to grapes during the duration of the Nazirite vow. The Nazirite is to completely avoid any product or substance derived from grapes.
Why this restriction?
The reason for this complete abstinence from grapes isn't explicitly stated in the text, but scholars offer several interpretations:
Separation and Dedication: The Nazirite vow was a period of heightened dedication to God. Abstaining from worldly pleasures like wine (associated with feasting and celebration) served to set the person apart and focus their attention on the divine.
Purity and Holiness: Wine, being a product of fermentation, was sometimes associated with a lack of purity. Abstaining from it symbolized a commitment to purity and holiness before God.
Symbolic Representation: The grape vine and its products were sometimes associated with worldly prosperity and enjoyment. Avoiding them could be seen as a rejection of worldly distractions and a focus on spiritual matters.
Important Considerations:
Temporary Vow: The Nazirite vow was temporary, not a lifelong commitment (unless specified). At the end of the vow, specific rituals were performed, and the individual could return to their normal life and diet.
Purpose: The purpose of the Nazirite vow was to dedicate oneself fully to God for a specific period. The restrictions were meant to facilitate that dedication.
In conclusion, Numbers 6:3 is a very specific instruction for those taking the Nazirite vow, requiring complete abstinence from all grape products as a symbol of their devotion and separation for God.
Numbers 6:3 - he shall separate himself from wine and strong drink. He shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of fermented drink, neither shall he drink any juice of grapes, nor eat fresh grapes or dried.
What does "Numbers 6:3" mean?
Numbers 6:3 is part of the laws concerning the Nazirite vow in the Hebrew Bible. This verse details specific restrictions placed upon a person who takes this vow. Let's break down what each part means:
"He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink." This is the core principle. The Nazirite must abstain from all alcoholic beverages derived from grapes. "Wine" refers to regular wine, and "strong drink" indicates other intoxicating beverages made from grapes.
"He shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of fermented drink." This extends the restriction beyond just pure alcoholic drinks. Even byproducts like vinegar made from wine or other grape-derived fermented drinks are forbidden. Vinegar was often used as a beverage or condiment in ancient times.
"Neither shall he drink any juice of grapes..." This explicitly prohibits even unfermented grape juice.
"...nor eat fresh grapes or dried." This broadens the restriction even further. The Nazirite is not allowed to consume grapes in any form, whether fresh (as fruit) or dried (as raisins).
In essence, this verse commands a complete abstinence from anything related to grapes during the duration of the Nazirite vow. The Nazirite is to completely avoid any product or substance derived from grapes.
Why this restriction?
The reason for this complete abstinence from grapes isn't explicitly stated in the text, but scholars offer several interpretations:
Separation and Dedication: The Nazirite vow was a period of heightened dedication to God. Abstaining from worldly pleasures like wine (associated with feasting and celebration) served to set the person apart and focus their attention on the divine.
Purity and Holiness: Wine, being a product of fermentation, was sometimes associated with a lack of purity. Abstaining from it symbolized a commitment to purity and holiness before God.
Symbolic Representation: The grape vine and its products were sometimes associated with worldly prosperity and enjoyment. Avoiding them could be seen as a rejection of worldly distractions and a focus on spiritual matters.
Important Considerations:
Temporary Vow: The Nazirite vow was temporary, not a lifelong commitment (unless specified). At the end of the vow, specific rituals were performed, and the individual could return to their normal life and diet.
Purpose: The purpose of the Nazirite vow was to dedicate oneself fully to God for a specific period. The restrictions were meant to facilitate that dedication.
In conclusion, Numbers 6:3 is a very specific instruction for those taking the Nazirite vow, requiring complete abstinence from all grape products as a symbol of their devotion and separation for God.