He must not eat fresh grapes

Faith – אֱמוּנָה

• Rambam (Hilchot Nezirut 5:1) notes that the Nazir’s abstention from fresh grapes is part of his consecration to Hashem. Faith is shown by accepting even restrictions that extend beyond wine itself.

Reverence – יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם

• Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 369) explains that this prohibition builds a fence of reverence: if the Nazir avoids even grapes, he will not come close to drinking wine and breaking his vow.

Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה

• Talmud (Nazir 34b) teaches that the Nazir’s abstention from grapes reflects a higher standard of kedushah. Holiness is expressed by distancing from the very source of potential indulgence.

Nazir – נָזִיר

• Rambam lists fresh grapes as part of the Nazir’s specific prohibitions, making them one of the visible markers of his separation and consecrated status.

Kashrut – כַּשְׁרוּת

• Normally grapes are kosher and permitted, but for the Nazir they are forbidden. This demonstrates how kedushah can transform even permitted foods into restrictions under special vows.

Speech – דָּבָר

• The Nazir’s restrictions begin with his spoken vow. His words generate a sanctified status that makes even ordinary food forbidden, highlighting the Torah’s principle that speech creates reality.

Vows / Oaths – נְדָרִים / שְׁבוּעוֹת

• Sefer HaChinuch emphasizes that the Nazir’s vow extends prohibition to grapes as part of the Torah’s system of nedarim. It shows the binding power of oaths to elevate ordinary life.

Community – קְהִלָּה

• By refraining from grapes — a staple fruit in the ancient diet — the Nazir publicly signals his consecration. This serves as a communal reminder of holiness and restraint.

Bein Adam L’Makom (between a person and G-d)

• This mitzvah is fundamentally about separation unto Hashem. Avoiding grapes reinforces that the Nazir’s dedication is to G-d alone, removing even the possibility of indulgence.