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.

KJV (with Strong's)

All the days {H3117} of his separation {H5145} shall he eat {H398} nothing that is made {H6213} of the vine {H3196} tree {H1612}, from the kernels {H2785} even to the husk {H2085}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As long as he remains a nazir he is to eat nothing derived from the grapevine, not even the grape-skins or the seeds.

Berean Standard Bible

All the days of his separation, he is not to eat anything that comes from the grapevine, not even the seeds or skins.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 6:4 delineates a foundational restriction for the Nazirite, an individual who voluntarily consecrated themselves to the Lord for a specific period. This verse mandates complete abstinence from all products derived from the vine, ranging from the smallest kernel to the outermost husk. This comprehensive prohibition underscored the Nazirite's radical separation from common life and their unwavering commitment to a heightened state of ritual purity and devotion to God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers chapter 6 introduces the unique institution of the Nazirite vow, immediately following the detailed instructions for priestly service and the blessings of the Aaronic priesthood in [Numbers 5](/numbers/5 "Numbers 5 - Laws of Jealousy and Restitution") and [Numbers 6:1-27](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Nazirite Vow and Priestly Blessing"). Unlike the hereditary priesthood, the Nazirite vow was a voluntary act of personal devotion, open to both men and women who wished to "separate themselves unto the Lord" ([Numbers 6:2](/numbers/6-2 "Numbers 6:2 - The Purpose of the Nazirite Vow")). The chapter outlines three primary prohibitions: abstinence from all products of the vine (vv. 3-4), not cutting their hair (v. 5), and avoiding contact with any dead body (vv. 6-7). Numbers 6:4 specifically elaborates on the first of these, emphasizing the absolute nature of the dietary restriction related to the vine.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, wine was a common beverage, integral to daily life, social gatherings, and religious celebrations, including offerings and festivals (e.g., [Deuteronomy 14:26](/deuteronomy/14-26 "Deuteronomy 14:26 - Tithe and Celebration")). The Nazirite's complete abstinence from all vine products, therefore, represented a profound and visible act of self-denial and separation from ordinary societal norms. This was not merely about avoiding intoxication, but about a total disassociation from the vine in all its forms, symbolizing a higher level of consecration. This voluntary separation highlighted the individual's dedication to a heightened state of holiness, mirroring, in a personal capacity, the broader call for Israel to be a holy nation set apart for God ([Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - God's Call to Holiness")). The Nazirite vow allowed any Israelite, regardless of tribe or social standing, to express an extraordinary level of devotion, demonstrating that profound spiritual commitment was accessible beyond the priestly class.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Separation (Hebrew, _nazar'_):** This root word (נָזַר) is central to the concept of the Nazirite vow, meaning "to separate," "to consecrate," or "to dedicate." It implies a deliberate withdrawal from the common or profane into a state of holiness or special devotion to God. The Nazirite was literally "one who is separated."
* **Vine tree (Hebrew, _gefen'_):** The Hebrew term (גֶּפֶן) refers to the grapevine itself and, by extension, all its products. This broad term encompasses grapes, raisins, grape juice, wine, and even vinegar made from wine. Its use here underscores the comprehensive nature of the prohibition.
* **Kernels (Hebrew, _charstannim'_):** This word (חַרְצַנִּים) refers to the seeds or pits of the grape.
* **Husk (Hebrew, _zagh'_):** This word (זָג) refers to the skin or outer covering of the grape. The phrase "from the kernels even to the husk" is an idiom signifying the absolute totality of the prohibition, leaving no part of the vine or its produce exempt.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All the days of his separation":** This phrase emphasizes the temporal commitment of the Nazirite vow. The restrictions were not for a single moment or an occasional practice, but for the entire duration of the vow, whether it was for a set number of days, weeks, or even a lifetime in rare cases. It speaks to sustained discipline and unwavering dedication.
* **"shall he eat nothing that is made of the vine tree":** This is the core prohibition. It extends beyond just alcoholic wine to include any and all derivatives of the grape. This meant no fresh grapes, no dried grapes (raisins), no grape juice, no grape vinegar, and certainly no wine. The intent was not merely to prevent intoxication but to enforce a complete disassociation from the vine.
* **"from the kernels even to the husk":** This highly specific and exhaustive phrase serves to eliminate any ambiguity. It means every single part of the grape, from its innermost seed to its outermost skin, was forbidden. This meticulous detail highlights the uncompromising nature of the Nazirite's commitment and the strictness of God's command for their consecrated state.

#### Literary Devices
The language of Numbers 6:4 employs several literary devices to convey the absolute nature of the Nazirite's commitment. **Merism** is prominently featured in the phrase "from the kernels even to the husk." This figure of speech uses two contrasting or extreme parts to represent the whole, effectively communicating that absolutely no part of the vine or its products was permitted. This serves as a form of **hyperbole** or **emphasis**, underscoring the severity and comprehensiveness of the restriction. Furthermore, the prohibition carries significant **symbolism**. The vine, a common element of daily life and celebration in ancient Israel, becomes a symbol of the ordinary world. By abstaining from it entirely, the Nazirite visibly demonstrated their radical **separation** and distinctness, symbolizing a life set apart for God's exclusive purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The Nazirite vow, and specifically the prohibition against the vine, deeply connects to broader biblical themes of holiness, consecration, and voluntary sacrifice. It illustrates God's call for His people to be set apart, not merely by ritual, but by intentional choices that demonstrate devotion. This voluntary self-denial for a higher spiritual purpose foreshadows the New Testament call to live lives of sanctification, where believers are set apart for God's use. It emphasizes that true dedication often involves abstaining from things that are otherwise permissible, but which might hinder a deeper relationship with God or compromise one's witness.

* [Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [2 Corinthians 6:17](/2_corinthians/6-17 "2 Corinthians 6:17 - Come Out From Among Them")
* [Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1-12 - Living Sacrifice and Transformed Mind")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific Nazirite vow is not practiced by believers today, the underlying principles of Numbers 6:4 offer profound spiritual lessons for contemporary Christian living. This verse challenges us to consider what "vine products"—that is, what otherwise common or even good things—we might need to voluntarily abstain from or limit in our lives to cultivate a deeper, more focused relationship with God. It encourages a spirit of intentional consecration, where we actively choose to set aside time, resources, or even certain habits, not out of legalism, but out of a desire for wholehearted devotion. This ancient regulation reminds us that spiritual discipline and self-denial, when motivated by love for God, can be powerful tools for spiritual growth, helping us to prioritize divine purposes above worldly comforts or distractions, and to live a life truly set apart for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "vine products" in my life (symbolic of common pleasures, distractions, or comforts) might I need to abstain from or limit to draw closer to God?**
* **How can I cultivate a spirit of "wholehearted commitment" and "intentional consecration" in my daily walk with God, moving beyond mere obligation to genuine devotion?**
* **In what specific areas of my life am I called to be "set apart" for God's purposes, even if it means going against cultural norms or personal preferences?**

### FAQ
**Why was the vine specifically prohibited for Nazirites, beyond just avoiding intoxication?**

Answer: The prohibition against all vine products was much more than a simple command against drunkenness. It symbolized a radical separation from common life and its enjoyments. Wine was a staple in ancient Israelite society, associated with celebration, daily sustenance, and even religious offerings. By abstaining from every part of the vine, "from the kernels even to the husk," the Nazirite demonstrated an extreme level of self-denial and devotion. This comprehensive abstinence served as a visible sign of their unique consecration to God, setting them apart from the ordinary and emphasizing their commitment to a heightened state of ritual purity and spiritual focus, as outlined in [Numbers 6:2](/numbers/6-2 "Numbers 6:2 - The Purpose of the Nazirite Vow").

**Were all Nazirites lifelong, or could the vow be for a limited time?**

Answer: Most Nazirite vows were for a set, limited period, often specified by the individual taking the vow. The text in [Numbers 6:5](/numbers/6-5 "Numbers 6:5 - The Nazirite's Hair") speaks of "the days of the vow of his separation," implying a defined duration. Upon completion of the vow, specific rituals and sacrifices were performed to mark its end ([Numbers 6:13-21](/numbers/6-13 "Numbers 6:13-21 - The End of the Nazirite Vow")). However, there were rare instances of lifelong Nazirites, such as Samson ([Judges 13:5](/judges/13-5 "Judges 13:5 - Samson's Nazirite Vow")) and Samuel (implied from [1 Samuel 1:11](/1_samuel/1-11 "1 Samuel 1:11 - Hannah's Vow for Samuel")), whose vows were typically initiated by their parents or by divine decree from birth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Nazirite vow, with its stringent requirements for separation and self-denial, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Jesus did not take a Nazirite vow in the Mosaic sense (He famously drank wine, as seen in [Matthew 11:19](/matthew/11-19 "Matthew 11:19 - Jesus, a Friend of Sinners")), He embodies the spiritual essence of the Nazirite's consecration in a far more profound way. Jesus was the truly "separated one"—holy, undefiled, and set apart for God's singular purpose of redemption ([Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Jesus, Our Holy High Priest")). His entire life was one of perfect self-denial and obedience to the Father's will, culminating in His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, where He "gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good" ([Titus 2:14](/titus/2-14 "Titus 2:14 - Jesus' Purpose for Us")). Through His atoning work, believers are now consecrated and set apart, not by external regulations like abstaining from the vine, but by the indwelling Spirit and their union with Christ ([1 Corinthians 6:11](/1_corinthians/6-11 "1 Corinthians 6:11 - Washed, Sanctified, Justified")). We become a "royal priesthood, a holy nation" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")), called to live lives of dedication and holiness, not through legalistic adherence to shadows, but through the glorious reality of His finished work, where the "wine" of the New Covenant—His shed blood—is the very means of our eternal communion with God ([Matthew 26:27-28](/matthew/26-27 "Matthew 26:27-28 - The Cup of the New Covenant")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 6:5

All the days of the vow of his separation there shall no razor come upon his head: until the days be fulfilled, in the which he separateth [himself] unto the LORD, he shall be holy, [and] shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow.

Numbers 6:18

And the Nazarite shall shave the head of his separation [at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall take the hair of the head of his separation, and put [it] in the fire which [is] under the sacrifice of the peace offerings.

Numbers 6:19

And the priest shall take the sodden shoulder of the ram, and one unleavened cake out of the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and shall put [them] upon the hands of the Nazarite, after [the hair of] his separation is shaven:

Numbers 6:21

This [is] the law of the Nazarite who hath vowed, [and of] his offering unto the LORD for his separation, beside [that] that his hand shall get: according to the vow which he vowed, so he must do after the law of his separation.

Numbers 6:8

All the days of his separation he [is] holy unto the LORD.

Numbers 6:9

And if any man die very suddenly by him, and he hath defiled the head of his consecration; then he shall shave his head in the day of his cleansing, on the seventh day shall he shave it.

Numbers 6:12

And he shall consecrate unto the LORD the days of his separation, and shall bring a lamb of the first year for a trespass offering: but the days that were before shall be lost, because his separation was defiled.