Numbers 6:4

Authorized King James Version

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

Original Language Analysis

כֹּ֖ל H3605
כֹּ֖ל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 1 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יְמֵ֣י All the days H3117
יְמֵ֣י All the days
Strong's: H3117
Word #: 2 of 13
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
נִזְר֑וֹ of his separation H5145
נִזְר֑וֹ of his separation
Strong's: H5145
Word #: 3 of 13
properly, something set apart, i.e., (abstractly) dedication (of a priet or nazirite); hence (concretely) unshorn locks; also (by implication) a chapl
מִכֹּל֩ H3605
מִכֹּל֩
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 4 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁ֨ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 5 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יֵֽעָשֶׂ֜ה nothing that is made H6213
יֵֽעָשֶׂ֜ה nothing that is made
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 6 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
מִגֶּ֣פֶן tree H1612
מִגֶּ֣פֶן tree
Strong's: H1612
Word #: 7 of 13
a vine (as twining), especially the grape
הַיַּ֗יִן of the vine H3196
הַיַּ֗יִן of the vine
Strong's: H3196
Word #: 8 of 13
wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication
מֵֽחַרְצַנִּ֛ים from the kernels H2785
מֵֽחַרְצַנִּ֛ים from the kernels
Strong's: H2785
Word #: 9 of 13
a sour grape (as sharp in taste)
וְעַד H5704
וְעַד
Strong's: H5704
Word #: 10 of 13
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
זָ֖ג even to the husk H2085
זָ֖ג even to the husk
Strong's: H2085
Word #: 11 of 13
the skin of a grape
לֹ֥א H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 12 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יֹאכֵֽל׃ shall he eat H398
יֹאכֵֽל׃ shall he eat
Strong's: H398
Word #: 13 of 13
to eat (literally or figuratively)

Analysis & Commentary

The prohibition extended even to grape seeds and skins, demonstrating total separation from anything associated with the vine. This comprehensive avoidance teaches that genuine consecration affects every detail of life. The Hebrew emphasis on completeness ('all the days of his separation') shows that half-hearted devotion contradicts the nature of the vow.

Historical Context

Grapes were one of Canaan's primary crops, making this restriction particularly challenging. The Nazirite had to remain vigilant, as grape products were ubiquitous in Israelite society, much like smartphone use today.

Questions for Reflection

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