Numbers 6:3
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.
Original Language Analysis
יַ֛יִן
himself from wine
H3196
יַ֛יִן
himself from wine
Strong's:
H3196
Word #:
1 of 19
wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication
שֵׁכָ֖ר
and strong drink
H7941
שֵׁכָ֖ר
and strong drink
Strong's:
H7941
Word #:
2 of 19
an intoxicant, i.e., intensely alcoholic liquor
יַזִּ֔יר
He shall separate
H5144
יַזִּ֔יר
He shall separate
Strong's:
H5144
Word #:
3 of 19
to hold aloof, i.e., (intransitivey) abstain (from food and drink, from impurity, and even from divine worship (i.e., apostatize)); specifically, to s
יַ֛יִן
himself from wine
H3196
יַ֛יִן
himself from wine
Strong's:
H3196
Word #:
5 of 19
wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication
שֵׁכָ֖ר
and strong drink
H7941
שֵׁכָ֖ר
and strong drink
Strong's:
H7941
Word #:
7 of 19
an intoxicant, i.e., intensely alcoholic liquor
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
10 of 19
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
13 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Luke 1:15For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.1 Timothy 5:23Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.Ephesians 5:18And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;Amos 2:12But ye gave the Nazarites wine to drink; and commanded the prophets, saying, Prophesy not.Leviticus 10:9Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations:Judges 13:14She may not eat of any thing that cometh of the vine, neither let her drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing: all that I commanded her let her observe.
Historical Context
In ancient Near Eastern culture, wine was a staple beverage and symbol of prosperity. The Nazirite's abstinence was therefore a visible, countercultural statement of devotion that would have been immediately recognizable to observers.
Questions for Reflection
- What legitimate pleasures might God call you to temporarily set aside for deeper devotion?
- How does self-denial in one area create space for growth in another?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Abstinence from wine and strong drink marked the Nazirite's separation from common pleasures. Wine in Scripture often symbolizes joy and celebration, yet the Nazirite's greater joy was found in devotion to God alone. This self-denial wasn't asceticism but focused consecration, prioritizing spiritual discipline over temporal pleasure.