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Numbers 6:4 - Nazir's vine abstinence vow

Numbers 6:4 - במדבר 6:4

Hebrew Text

כֹּל יְמֵי נִזְרוֹ מִכֹּל אֲשֶׁר יֵעָשֶׂה מִגֶּפֶן הַיַּיִן מֵחַרְצַנִּים וְעַד־זָג לֹא יֹאכֵל׃

English Translation

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

Transliteration

Kol yemei nizro mikol asher ye'aseh migeffen hayayin mechartzanim ve'ad-zag lo yochal.

Hebrew Leining Text

כֹּ֖ל יְמֵ֣י נִזְר֑וֹ מִכֹּל֩ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יֵעָשֶׂ֜ה מִגֶּ֣פֶן הַיַּ֗יִן מֵחַרְצַנִּ֛ים וְעַד־זָ֖ג לֹ֥א יֹאכֵֽל׃
כֹּ֖ל יְמֵ֣י נִזְר֑וֹ מִכֹּל֩ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יֵעָשֶׂ֜ה מִגֶּ֣פֶן הַיַּ֗יִן מֵחַרְצַנִּ֛ים וְעַד־זָ֖ג לֹ֥א יֹאכֵֽל׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 6:4) is part of the laws pertaining to the nazir (נזיר), an individual who takes a vow of abstinence for a specified period. The nazir must refrain from consuming any grape products, including wine, grape seeds (charatzanim), and grape skins (zag). This prohibition extends to all forms of grape derivatives, emphasizing the strictness of the nazir's vow.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bamidbar 6:4) clarifies that the phrase "from the kernels even to the husk" includes all parts of the grapevine, whether fresh or processed. He explains that the nazir must avoid not only wine but also any food or drink derived from grapes, such as vinegar or raisins. This interpretation is based on the Talmud (Nazir 34b), which expands the prohibition to include all grape products, even if they are not intoxicating.

Rambam's Perspective

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchos Nezirus 5:1), the Rambam codifies this law, stating that the nazir is forbidden from consuming anything that originates from the grapevine, whether in liquid or solid form. He emphasizes that the prohibition applies regardless of whether the product is fit for consumption or not, reinforcing the absolute nature of the nazir's commitment.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 10:8) connects the nazir's abstinence from grape products to the broader theme of avoiding excess and worldly pleasures. By refraining from wine—a symbol of indulgence—the nazir elevates their spiritual focus. The Midrash also notes that this prohibition serves as a safeguard, preventing the nazir from any potential contact with wine, which could lead to intoxication and compromise their vow.

Halachic Implications

  • The prohibition includes all parts of the grapevine, whether edible or not (Talmud, Nazir 34b).
  • Even trace amounts of grape-derived products are forbidden (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah 203:1).
  • The nazir must be vigilant to avoid accidental consumption, such as in cooked dishes or medications containing grape extracts (Rambam, Hilchos Nezirus 5:3).

Symbolic Meaning

The Sforno (Bamidbar 6:4) suggests that the nazir's avoidance of grape products symbolizes a withdrawal from physical pleasures to achieve greater spiritual purity. By distancing themselves from wine—a substance often associated with celebration and indulgence—the nazir demonstrates their dedication to holiness and self-discipline.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Nazir 38b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws of a Nazirite, particularly regarding the prohibition of consuming any grape products.
📖 Sotah 5a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the severity of vows and the commitment of a Nazirite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 6:4 mean for a Nazirite?
A: Numbers 6:4 states that a Nazirite (someone who takes a special vow of dedication to Hashem) must abstain from all grape products—including wine, grape seeds (charitzanim), and grape skins (zag). This is part of their vow of holiness, as explained in the Talmud (Nazir 34b) and Rashi's commentary.
Q: Why can't a Nazirite eat anything from the grapevine?
A: The Torah prohibits a Nazirite from consuming any grape products to distance them from worldly pleasures and emphasize their spiritual commitment. The Rambam (Hilchos Nezirus 5:1) teaches that wine often leads to frivolity, so abstaining reinforces discipline and holiness.
Q: What is the difference between 'charitzanim' (kernels) and 'zag' (husk) in this verse?
A: According to Rashi on Numbers 6:4, 'charitzanim' refers to grape seeds, while 'zag' means the grape skins. The verse emphasizes that a Nazirite must avoid every part of the grape, even byproducts that are not intoxicating, to fully separate from vine-related indulgence.
Q: Does the Nazirite prohibition on grapes apply today?
A: While the laws of Nazirite vows still apply halachically (Jewish law), taking such a vow today is rare. The Talmud (Nedarim 10a) advises caution before making a Nazirite vow, as it requires strict discipline. A rabbi should always be consulted before undertaking such a commitment.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the Nazirite's restrictions in Numbers 6:4?
A: The Nazirite's abstinence teaches the value of self-control and elevating one’s spiritual focus. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 10:8) compares the Nazirite to a holy offering, showing that temporary separation from physical pleasures can bring a person closer to Hashem.