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 meticulously details a core prohibition for the Nazirite, an individual voluntarily consecrated to the Lord for a specific period. This verse mandates absolute abstinence from all products derived from the vine, encompassing everything from the smallest grape seed to its outermost skin. This comprehensive restriction served to visibly underscore the Nazirite's radical separation from ordinary life and their unwavering, exclusive 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, strategically placed immediately following the detailed instructions for priestly service and the Aaronic blessing in [Numbers 5](/numbers/5 "Numbers 5 - Laws of Jealousy and Restitution") and the preceding verses of [Numbers 6](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Nazirite Vow and Priestly Blessing"). Unlike the hereditary priesthood, the Nazirite vow was a voluntary act of personal devotion, accessible to both men and women who desired 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: complete 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 and exhaustive nature of the dietary restriction related to the vine.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, wine was a ubiquitous beverage, deeply integrated into daily life, social gatherings, and religious celebrations, including its use in 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 highly visible act of self-denial and separation from ordinary societal norms. This prohibition extended beyond merely preventing intoxication; it signified 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, personally mirroring Israel's broader call 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 to all who chose it.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 6:4 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Central among these is the theme of **holiness and separation**, underscoring God's demand for His people to be distinct and set apart for His purposes. The Nazirite vow exemplifies **voluntary consecration**, highlighting that devotion to God is not solely a matter of birthright or priestly office, but a personal choice available to all. This verse also emphasizes **radical obedience and self-denial**, demonstrating that true commitment to God may involve abstaining from otherwise permissible things for a higher spiritual aim. Finally, it speaks to the theme of **purity**, both ritual and spiritual, as the Nazirite's strict adherence to these laws maintained a state of ceremonial cleanness necessary for their dedicated service to the Lord.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Separation (Hebrew, _nezer'_):** From an unused root meaning to set apart, this term denotes something consecrated or dedicated. In the context of the Nazirite, it refers to 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" or "consecrated." This word encapsulates the very essence and purpose of the vow.
* **Vine tree (Hebrew, _gephen'_):** This word refers specifically to the grapevine (as twining) and, by extension, its fruit—the grape. The use of "vine tree" here emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the prohibition, extending to the entire plant and all its derivatives. It is not merely about wine, but about a complete disassociation from anything produced by the vine.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All the days of his separation":** This opening phrase establishes the temporal dimension and unwavering nature of the Nazirite's commitment. The restrictions were not occasional or situational but were to be meticulously observed for the entire duration of the vow, whether it was for a predetermined number of days, weeks, or, in rare cases, a lifetime. It speaks to sustained discipline and an enduring, unwavering dedication to the consecrated state.
* **"shall he eat nothing that is made of the vine tree":** This is the central and most encompassing prohibition of the verse. It extends far beyond merely 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 solely to prevent intoxication but to enforce a complete and visible disassociation from the vine, which was a common element of daily life and celebration in ancient Israel.
* **"from the kernels even to the husk":** This highly specific and exhaustive phrase serves as a powerful idiom, eliminating any potential ambiguity regarding the scope of the prohibition. It means every single part of the grape, from its innermost seed (kernels) to its outermost skin (husk), was strictly forbidden. This meticulous detail underscores the uncompromising nature of the Nazirite's commitment and the absolute strictness of God's command for their consecrated state, leaving no room for partial observance or loopholes.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 6:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey the absolute nature of the Nazirite's commitment and the comprehensive scope of the prohibition. **Merism** is prominently featured in the phrase "from the kernels even to the husk." This figure of speech uses two contrasting or extreme parts (the smallest and outermost) to represent the entire 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, sustenance, and celebration in ancient Israel, becomes a symbol of the ordinary world and its pleasures. By abstaining from it entirely, the Nazirite visibly demonstrated their radical **separation** and distinctness, symbolizing a life set apart for God's exclusive purposes, transcending common societal norms and practices.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The Nazirite vow, and specifically the stringent prohibition against the vine, profoundly connects to broader biblical themes of holiness, consecration, and voluntary sacrifice. It illustrates God's persistent call for His people to be set apart, not merely by ritualistic adherence, but by intentional choices that demonstrate wholehearted 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 holy use. It emphasizes that true dedication to God often involves abstaining from things that are otherwise permissible, but which might hinder a deeper relationship with Him or compromise one's witness in the world. The Nazirite's visible separation served as a living sermon, reminding the community of the possibility and importance of radical devotion.

* [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/12-1-2 "Romans 12:1-2 - Living Sacrifice and Transformed Mind")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific Nazirite vow is not a practice for New Covenant believers today, the underlying principles of Numbers 6:4 offer profound and timeless spiritual lessons for contemporary Christian living. This verse challenges us to thoughtfully consider what "vine products"—that is, what otherwise common, permissible, or even seemingly good things—we might need to voluntarily abstain from, limit, or re-evaluate in our lives to cultivate a deeper, more focused, and undistracted 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 or a desire to earn favor, but out of a fervent love for God and a desire for wholehearted devotion. This ancient regulation reminds us that spiritual discipline and self-denial, when motivated by genuine love for God and a pursuit of His glory, can be powerful tools for spiritual growth, helping us to prioritize divine purposes above worldly comforts, distractions, or even our own preferences, enabling us to live a life truly set apart for His glory and kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "vine products" in my life (symbolic of common pleasures, distractions, or comforts) might I need to voluntarily abstain from or limit to cultivate a more focused and intimate relationship with 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, Spirit-led devotion?**
* **In what specific areas of my life am I called to be distinctly "set apart" for God's purposes, even if it means going against cultural norms, personal preferences, or the expectations of others?**

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

Answer: The prohibition against all vine products was far more profound than a simple command against drunkenness; it symbolized a radical separation from common life and its ordinary enjoyments. Wine was a staple in ancient Israelite society, deeply 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"). It was a tangible expression of their exclusive dedication to the Lord.

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

Answer: The vast majority of Nazirite vows were for a set, limited period, often determined 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," clearly implying a defined duration. Upon completion of the vow, specific rituals and sacrifices were performed to mark its end ([Numbers 6:13-21](/numbers/6-13-21 "Numbers 6:13-21 - The End of the Nazirite Vow")). However, there were rare and notable 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, rather than being self-imposed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Nazirite vow, with its stringent requirements for visible separation and radical self-denial, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound 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 complete and perfect way. Jesus was the truly "separated one"—holy, undefiled, and set apart from sinners, consecrated 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 unwavering obedience to the Father's will, culminating in His ultimate sacrifice on the cross. There, 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 Holy Spirit and their spiritual 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 the shadows of the Old Covenant, but through the glorious reality of His finished work. Indeed, the "wine" of the New Covenant—His shed blood—is the very means of our eternal communion with God and the foundation of our new life in Him ([Matthew 26:27-28](/matthew/26-27-28 "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.