Bible Word Study
חַרְצַן
chartsan · a sour grape (as sharp in taste)
חַרְצַן
a sour grape (as sharp in taste)
Definition
חַרְצַן refers specifically to a sour grape or a grape kernel, emphasizing its sharp, unripe, or bitter taste. It appears only once in the Old Testament in Numbers 6:4, where it is listed among the forbidden items for a Nazirite during their vow of separation. The term highlights something that is not fully developed or is harsh in flavor, derived from a root meaning 'to be sharp.' While its primary sense is literal, its singular biblical usage gives it a specific ritual context.
Biblical Usage
This word is used exclusively in Numbers 6:4, within the laws governing the Nazirite vow. It is prohibited alongside wine, vinegar, and other grape products, emphasizing total abstinence from anything related to the grapevine. The context is legal and ritual, focusing on purity and separation for a sacred purpose.
Etymology
Derived from the root חָרַץ (charats, H2782), meaning 'to be sharp' or 'to pierce.' This root conveys the idea of sharpness, which relates to the sour, biting taste of an unripe grape. The noun form חַרְצַן thus directly connects to the sensory experience of sharpness in flavor.
Semantic Range
Though a simple noun, חַרְצַן gains theological significance through its role in the Nazirite vow (Numbers 6:1-21). It underscores the concept of complete consecration and separation unto God, where even the smallest grape kernel was forbidden. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by highlighting the thoroughness of Old Testament ritual purity and the seriousness of voluntary devotion. In ancient Israelite culture, grapes were a staple crop, and their products (wine, raisins, vinegar) were common. The prohibition of חַרְצַן for Nazirites would have been culturally noticeable, as it extended abstinence beyond obvious grape products to include even the sour, unripe kernels, emphasizing a radical departure from normal consumption for a sacred purpose. עֵנָב (enav, H6025) — general term for grape; בֹּסֶר (boser, H1155) — unripe or sour grape, often used metaphorically.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB, 1906, public domain). Concordance and morphology data are from the OSHB (Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible).
Full methodology & sources →References
- Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Tyndale Brief lexicon of Extended Strongs for Greek (TBESG). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Formatted full LSJ (TFLSJ). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Thayer, J.H. (1889) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. [Public Domain]
- Gesenius, W. (1846) Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament. [Public Domain]
- Dodson, J. (2010) Greek Lexicon. Biblical Humanities. [CC0]