King James Version

What Does Numbers 6:4 Mean?

Numbers 6:4 in the King James Version says “All the days of his separation shall he eat nothing that is made of the vine tree, from the kernels even to the husk. se...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Numbers 6:4 · KJV

Context

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.

6

All the days that he separateth himself unto the LORD he shall come at no dead body.

Read Numbers 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what areas of life do you settle for partial obedience rather than complete consecration?
  2. How might attention to small details reflect the sincerity of your devotion?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
כֹּ֖ל1 of 13
H3605

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

יְמֵ֣י2 of 13

“All the days”

H3117

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

נִזְר֑וֹ3 of 13

“of his separation”

H5145

properly, something set apart, i.e., (abstractly) dedication (of a priet or nazirite); hence (concretely) unshorn locks; also (by implication) a chapl

מִכֹּל֩4 of 13
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֨ר5 of 13
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יֵֽעָשֶׂ֜ה6 of 13

“nothing that is made”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

מִגֶּ֣פֶן7 of 13

“tree”

H1612

a vine (as twining), especially the grape

הַיַּ֗יִן8 of 13

“of the vine”

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

מֵֽחַרְצַנִּ֛ים9 of 13

“from the kernels”

H2785

a sour grape (as sharp in taste)

וְעַד10 of 13
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

זָ֖ג11 of 13

“even to the husk”

H2085

the skin of a grape

לֹ֥א12 of 13
H3808

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

יֹאכֵֽל׃13 of 13

“shall he 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 6:4 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 6:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 6:5Numbers 6:18-19Numbers 6:8-9Numbers 6:12-13Numbers 6:21

Test Your Knowledge

Numbers 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNumbers Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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