Numbers 6:3
A plain-spoken deep dive on this verse. Read the chapter →
he is to abstain from wine and strong drink. He must not drink vinegar made from wine or strong drink, and he must not drink any grape juice or eat fresh grapes or raisins.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
In this chapter we have, I. The law concerning Nazarites, 1. What it was to which the vow of a Nazarite obliged him (Num 6:1-8). 2. A remedial law in case a Nazarite happened to be polluted by the touch of a dead body (Num 6:9-12). 3. The solemnity of his discharge when his time was up (Num 6:13-21). II. Instructions given to the priests how they should bless the people (Num 6:22, etc.).
Open source ↗6:3-4 The law required priests to avoid drinking wine before they served in the Tabernacle (Lev 10:9); the Nazirite vow allowed non-Levites to broaden that law to include all places, all times, and anything that comes from a grapevine.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He shall never take wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb.
Stop drinking only water and use a little wine instead, because of your stomach and your frequent ailments.
“But you made the Nazirites drink wine and commanded the prophets not to prophesy.
“You and your sons are not to drink wine or strong drink when you enter the Tent of Meeting, or else you will die; this is a permanent statute for the generations to come.
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
She must not eat anything that comes from the vine, nor drink any wine or strong drink, nor eat anything unclean. She must do everything I have commanded her.”
But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare.
Abstain from every form of evil.