Bible Word Study
זָג
zâg · the skin of a grape
זָג
the skin of a grape
Definition
The Hebrew word זָג (zâg) refers specifically to the skin or husk of a grape. In its sole biblical occurrence in Numbers 6:4, it denotes the outer covering that must be avoided by a Nazirite during their vow. This term highlights a part of the grape distinct from the flesh or juice, emphasizing a complete prohibition. No other meanings or senses are attested for this word in the Hebrew Bible.
Biblical Usage
זָג is used only once in the Old Testament, in Numbers 6:4, within the legal instructions for the Nazirite vow. The context is a list of prohibited grape products: '...nor eat fresh grapes or dried grapes. All the days of his separation he shall eat nothing that is produced by the grapevine, from the seeds even to the skin (זָג).' Its usage is purely technical and legal, specifying an element of ritual purity.
Etymology
זָג derives from an unused Hebrew root likely meaning 'to enclose' or 'to cover,' which aptly describes its function as a protective skin. This connection suggests the word's core idea is that of an outer layer. No widely recognized cognates in other Semitic languages are firmly established for this specific term.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it underscores the comprehensiveness and severity of the Nazirite vow described in Numbers 6. By specifying even the grape skin (זָג), the law emphasizes total abstinence from every part of the grapevine, symbolizing complete consecration and separation unto God. Understanding this precise term enriches the reading of Numbers 6 by highlighting the meticulous nature of Old Testament ritual devotion. In ancient Israelite culture, viticulture was central to agriculture and diet. Distinguishing the grape skin (זָג) from the pulp or juice reflects a detailed, practical knowledge of grape processing. For the Nazirite, this distinction was not merely agricultural but carried religious weight, marking a tangible, daily reminder of their sacred vow through the avoidance of a common food item. עֵנָב ('ênâḇ, H6025) — the grape itself, the whole fruit, as opposed to just its skin. חַרְצַן (ḥarṣan, H2782) — the seed or pip of the grape, another specified part forbidden to the Nazirite in the same verse (Numbers 6:4).
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]