Lexical Summary mishrah: Dominion, rule, government Original Word: מִשְׁרָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance liquor From sharah in the sense of loosening; maceration, i.e. Steeped juice -- liquor. see HEBREW sharah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sharah Definition juice NASB Translation juice (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מִשְׁרָה] noun feminine juice; — construct מִשְׁרֵת עֲנָבִים Numbers 6:3 (P) the juice of grapes (+ יַיִן, שֵׁכָר). III. שׁרה (√ of following; compare Arabic Topical Lexicon Overview מִשְׁרָה (Strong’s 4952) designates the liquid that results from soaking or macerating grapes—commonly rendered “grape juice” or “liquor of grapes.” Scripture places this word inside the legislation for the Nazirite vow, emphasizing a total separation from every stage of grape produce. Old Testament Usage • Numbers 6:3 is the lone occurrence: “He is to abstain from wine and strong drink; he must not drink vinegar made from wine or strong drink. He is not to drink any grape juice or eat grapes or raisins”. The immediate context contrasts mishrah with both fermented wine and unfermented fruit, covering every possible derivative of the vine. By pairing mishrah with vinegar, fresh grapes, and raisins, the text makes clear that no substance—solid or liquid—derived from grapes may pass the lips of the Nazirite for the duration of the vow. Cultural and Ritual Background In ancient Israel, wine was a staple of daily life, symbolizing joy, blessing, and covenant fellowship. The Nazirite abstention from mishrah underscored an exceptional level of consecration. It signaled: 1. Physical separation from a common cultural pleasure. By prohibiting even the steeped juice, the law guarded against both gradual fermentation and casual compromise. The wider fence stressed the seriousness of the vow and protected the worshiper from accidental covenant breach. Theological Significance 1. Holiness Requires Wholeness: The term’s placement highlights that holiness involves comprehensive boundaries, not selective ones. God calls His people to set apart every area of life, including diet and drink. Connections to New Testament Concepts • Vow and Separation: While the Nazarite regulations are ceremonial, their impulse resurfaces in New Testament discipleship (Luke 14:26–33; Romans 12:1). Believers are called to live as “a living sacrifice,” echoing the Nazirite’s total dedication. Ministry Applications 1. Discern Boundaries: Modern believers, like Nazirites of old, benefit from drawing clear lines in areas prone to compromise (alcohol, entertainment, digital consumption). Summary Though מִשְׁרָה appears only once, its strategic placement in Numbers 6:3 amplifies the principle that consecration to God permeates every sphere of life. By barring even the steeped juice of grapes, Scripture teaches a meticulous devotion that safeguards holiness, foreshadows New Covenant discipleship, and challenges believers to embrace joyful, all-encompassing separation unto the Lord. Forms and Transliterations מִשְׁרַ֤ת משרת miš·raṯ mishRat mišraṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 6:3 HEB: יִשְׁתֶּ֑ה וְכָל־ מִשְׁרַ֤ת עֲנָבִים֙ לֹ֣א NAS: any grape juice nor eat KJV: neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, INT: drink any juice grape nor 1 Occurrence |
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