King James Version

What Does Numbers 6:3 Mean?

Numbers 6:3 in the King James Version says “He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, ne...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Numbers 6:3 · KJV

Context

1

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

2

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall separate themselves to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate themselves unto the LORD: to separate: or, to make themselves Nazarites

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.

4

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

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.

Read Numbers 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. What legitimate pleasures might God call you to temporarily set aside for deeper devotion?
  2. How does self-denial in one area create space for growth in another?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
יַ֛יִן1 of 19

“himself from wine”

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

שֵׁכָ֖ר2 of 19

“and strong drink”

H7941

an intoxicant, i.e., intensely alcoholic liquor

יַזִּ֔יר3 of 19

“He shall separate”

H5144

to hold aloof, i.e., (intransitivey) abstain (from food and drink, from impurity, and even from divine worship (i.e., apostatize)); specifically, to s

וְחֹ֥מֶץ4 of 19

“no vinegar”

H2558

vinegar

יַ֛יִן5 of 19

“himself from wine”

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

וְחֹ֥מֶץ6 of 19

“no vinegar”

H2558

vinegar

שֵׁכָ֖ר7 of 19

“and strong drink”

H7941

an intoxicant, i.e., intensely alcoholic liquor

לֹ֣א8 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִשְׁתֶּ֔ה9 of 19

“and shall drink”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

וְכָל10 of 19
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מִשְׁרַ֤ת11 of 19

“any liquor”

H4952

maceration, i.e., steeped juice

וַֽעֲנָבִ֛ים12 of 19

“grapes”

H6025

a grape

לֹ֣א13 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִשְׁתֶּ֔ה14 of 19

“and shall drink”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

וַֽעֲנָבִ֛ים15 of 19

“grapes”

H6025

a grape

לַחִ֥ים16 of 19

“moist”

H3892

fresh, i.e., unused or undried

וִֽיבֵשִׁ֖ים17 of 19

“or dried”

H3002

dry

לֹ֥א18 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יֹאכֵֽל׃19 of 19

“nor eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 6:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 6:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 1:151 Timothy 5:23Judges 13:14Amos 2:12Leviticus 10:9Ephesians 5:18

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