Lexical Summary chartsannim: Grape seeds, kernels Original Word: חַרְצַן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance kernel From charats; a sour grape (as sharp in taste) -- kernel. see HEBREW charats NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom charats Definition probably grape kernels, grape stones NASB Translation seeds (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs חַרְצַנִּים noun masculine plural some insignificant vine-product, usually taken as grape-kernels, grape-stones, from acrid taste, so Thes (after Onk, Mishna), see also זָּג above: וְעַדזָֿג ׳מִגֶּפֶן הַיַּיִן מֵח Numbers 6:4 of the wine-vine, including both חרצנים and זג, he shall not eat. II. חרץ be yellow (probably √ of following: Syriac Topical Lexicon Meaning and UsageChartzan denotes the seed or stone of a grape. Its solitary appearance in Numbers 6:4 intensifies the Nazirite prohibition: “Throughout the days of his separation, he is not to eat anything that comes from the grapevine, not even the seeds or skins”. By naming the least and last edible part, Scripture stresses total exclusion. Context within the Nazirite Vow The Nazirite vow’s threefold abstentions (fermented drink, hair cutting, corpse defilement) establish a symbolic perimeter around consecration. Chartzan sits on the outermost ring of that perimeter, displaying how holiness disregards gradations of “small” or “harmless” when devotion to the LORD is at stake. This precision reflects the broader biblical pattern in which wholehearted obedience is measured not only by major acts but by the treatment of seemingly trivial matters (Leviticus 10:1-3; Luke 16:10). Theological Implications 1. Wholeness of Devotion The seed points to life-potential. By renouncing even the source of future fruit, the Nazirite typifies utter surrender of personal rights and prospects (Romans 12:1). Historical Background Earliest Nazirites: Samson (Judges 13:5), Samuel (1 Samuel 1:11), and John the Baptist (Luke 1:15). Their narratives illustrate both the power of consecration and the peril of compromise. Samson’s downfall began with symbolic infractions before manifest scandal, confirming that ignoring one’s “chartzan” can precipitate greater collapse (Judges 14:8-9; 16:20). Practical Ministry Applications • Personal Sanctification Identify and forsake “small seeds” of carnality that threaten spiritual vitality (Song of Songs 2:15). New Testament Echoes Though the term itself does not recur, its principle appears in exhortations to radical avoidance of stumbling blocks (Romans 14:21), to flee youthful passions (2 Timothy 2:22), and to “come out from among them and be separate” (2 Corinthians 6:17). Complete abstention from the most minute contamination aligns with the Spirit’s sanctifying work (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Key Insights for Discipleship 1. God values meticulous obedience. Further Study Suggestions Numbers 6:1-21; Judges 13:1-25; Amos 2:11-12; Acts 18:18; Acts 21:23-26; Romans 12:1-2; Hebrews 12:14. Forms and Transliterations מֵחַרְצַנִּ֛ים מחרצנים mê·ḥar·ṣan·nîm mechartzanNim mêḥarṣannîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 6:4 HEB: מִגֶּ֣פֶן הַיַּ֗יִן מֵחַרְצַנִּ֛ים וְעַד־ זָ֖ג NAS: vine, from [the] seeds even to [the] skin. KJV: tree, from the kernels even to the husk. INT: vine the grape from seeds even to skin 1 Occurrence |
    |
id. (rare), 
yellow; compare Aramaic חריע safflower, Arabic 
id.: see NöZMG 1886, 728, LöwAramaic Pflanzenn. 218 Köii. l. 137).