Numbers 6:3 - Nazir's sacred wine abstinence vow

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Hebrew Text

מִיַּיִן וְשֵׁכָר יַזִּיר חֹמֶץ יַיִן וְחֹמֶץ שֵׁכָר לֹא יִשְׁתֶּה וְכָל־מִשְׁרַת עֲנָבִים לֹא יִשְׁתֶּה וַעֲנָבִים לַחִים וִיבֵשִׁים לֹא יֹאכֵל׃

English Translation

he shall abstain from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, nor shall he drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat moist grapes, or dried.

Transliteration

Miyayin veshechar yazir chometz yayin vechometz shechar lo yishteh vechol-mishrat anavim lo yishteh va'anavim lachim viyveshim lo yocheil.

Hebrew Leining Text

מִיַּ֤יִן וְשֵׁכָר֙ יַזִּ֔יר חֹ֥מֶץ יַ֛יִן וְחֹ֥מֶץ שֵׁכָ֖ר לֹ֣א יִשְׁתֶּ֑ה וְכׇל־מִשְׁרַ֤ת עֲנָבִים֙ לֹ֣א יִשְׁתֶּ֔ה וַעֲנָבִ֛ים לַחִ֥ים וִיבֵשִׁ֖ים לֹ֥א יֹאכֵֽל׃

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bamidbar 6:3) outlines the restrictions for a Nazir—an individual who takes a vow of nezirut to abstain from certain worldly pleasures for a period of time. The Torah specifies that a Nazir must refrain from all grape-derived products, including wine, vinegar, and even fresh or dried grapes.

Prohibitions of the Nazir

Wine and Strong Drink (יַיִן וְשֵׁכָר): Rashi explains that "strong drink" refers to intoxicating beverages made from barley or other grains, not just grape wine. The prohibition extends to any intoxicating drink that could impair judgment.
Vinegar of Wine or Strong Drink (חֹמֶץ יַיִן וְחֹמֶץ שֵׁכָר): The Rambam (Hilchot Nezirut 5:3) clarifies that even though vinegar is a spoiled form of wine, it remains forbidden because it originates from grapes.
Liquor of Grapes (מִשְׁרַת עֲנָבִים): The Talmud (Nazir 34b) defines this as grape juice that has been cooked or concentrated, which retains the essence of the grape.
Fresh or Dried Grapes (עֲנָבִים לַחִים וִיבֵשִׁים): The Sifrei notes that even eating a single grape—whether fresh or dried—violates the Nazir’s vow, emphasizing the strictness of the prohibition.

Spiritual Significance

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 10:8) teaches that the Nazir’s abstention from wine symbolizes a higher level of kedushah (holiness), distancing oneself from physical indulgence to focus on spiritual growth. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 377) adds that this restriction serves as a safeguard against frivolity and improper behavior, as wine can lead to moral laxity.

Halachic Implications

According to the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 203), the prohibition applies only to grape-derived products, not to other fruits or beverages. The Mishnah (Nazir 6:1) further discusses cases where a Nazir inadvertently consumes these items, requiring atonement and, in some cases, restarting the nezirut period.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Nazir 4b

The verse is discussed in the context of the laws of a Nazirite, particularly regarding the prohibitions on consuming grape products.

📖 Nazir 5a

Further discussion on the specifics of what a Nazirite is forbidden to consume, referencing the verse to clarify the prohibitions.

📖 Nazir 37a

The verse is cited in a broader discussion about the vows and restrictions of a Nazirite, emphasizing the strictness of the prohibitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 6:3 mean?
A: Numbers 6:3 lists the restrictions for a Nazirite (someone who takes a special vow of dedication to Hashem). A Nazirite must avoid all grape products, including wine, vinegar made from wine, grape juice, and even fresh or dried grapes. This abstinence symbolizes self-discipline and separation for spiritual purposes.

Q: Why can't a Nazirite drink wine or eat grapes?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Nazir 4a), grapes and wine are associated with indulgence and worldly pleasures. By abstaining, the Nazirite elevates themselves spiritually, focusing entirely on their connection to Hashem. The restrictions also serve as a reminder to avoid excess and maintain holiness.

Q: What can we learn from the Nazirite's restrictions in Numbers 6:3?
A: The Nazirite's vow teaches the value of self-control and setting boundaries for spiritual growth. Rambam (Hilchot Nezirut) explains that while not everyone needs to take a Nazirite vow, the lesson applies to all: we should sometimes limit permissible pleasures to strengthen our dedication to Torah and mitzvot.

Q: Does the Nazirite prohibition apply today?
A: While the formal Nazirite vow is rare today, the principle remains relevant. The Talmud (Ta’anit 11a) discusses temporary abstention from wine or luxuries as a form of spiritual discipline. Many Jews, for example, avoid wine or meat during periods of mourning or the Three Weeks leading up to Tisha B’Av.

Q: Why does the verse mention vinegar and grape juice?
A: The Torah includes all grape derivatives (vinegar, juice, etc.) to emphasize the completeness of the Nazirite’s commitment. As the Midrash (Sifrei Bamidbar) explains, even small traces of grape products could weaken their vow. This teaches that spiritual dedication requires attention to details.