Definition and Context:
Fermentation is a natural process through which yeast and bacteria convert sugars into alcohol, gases, or acids. In biblical times, fermentation was primarily associated with the production of alcoholic beverages, such as wine and strong drink. The process of fermentation is significant in the Bible, both in literal and symbolic contexts.

Biblical References:
The Bible contains numerous references to fermented beverages, particularly wine. Wine was a common part of daily life in ancient Israel and was used in various religious and social contexts. It is important to note that the term "wine" in the Bible often refers to a fermented beverage, as opposed to unfermented grape juice.

1. Wine as a Blessing:
Wine is frequently depicted as a blessing from God, symbolizing joy and abundance. In Psalm 104:14-15 , it is written: "He makes the grass grow for the livestock and provides crops for man to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil that makes his face to shine, and bread that sustains his heart."

2. Wine in Religious Rituals:
Wine was used in various religious ceremonies and offerings. In the Old Testament, wine was part of the drink offerings presented to God. Numbers 15:5 states: "With the burnt offering or sacrifice of each lamb, prepare a quarter hin of wine as a drink offering."

3. Warnings Against Excess:
While wine is seen as a gift, the Bible also warns against the dangers of excessive consumption. Proverbs 20:1 cautions: "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise." Similarly, Ephesians 5:18 advises: "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit."

4. Symbolism of Fermentation:
Fermentation, particularly in the context of leaven, is often used symbolically in the Bible. Leaven, which causes dough to rise, is frequently associated with sin and corruption. In the New Testament, Jesus warns His disciples about the "leaven of the Pharisees," referring to their hypocrisy and false teachings (Matthew 16:6).

5. The Last Supper:
The use of wine at the Last Supper is a significant event in the New Testament. Jesus used wine as a symbol of His blood, establishing the practice of Communion. In Matthew 26:27-28 , it is recorded: "Then He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you. This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'"

Cultural and Historical Insights:
In ancient Israel, wine was a staple beverage due to the scarcity of clean water. The fermentation process not only preserved the juice but also made it safer to drink. The production and consumption of wine were integral to the agricultural and social life of the people. Winepresses and vineyards are frequently mentioned in the Bible, indicating the importance of viticulture in the region.

Theological Implications:
The use of fermented beverages in the Bible carries theological significance. Wine is a symbol of joy, blessing, and divine provision, yet it also serves as a reminder of the potential for human excess and moral failure. The dual nature of wine as both a gift and a potential stumbling block reflects the broader biblical theme of human responsibility in the use of God's gifts.(imp. & p. p.) of Ferment.4608. sikera -- fermented liquor
... fermented liquor. Part of Speech: Noun, Indeclinable, Other Type Transliteration:
sikera Phonetic Spelling: (sik'-er-ah) Short Definition: intoxicating drink ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4608.htm - 6k

1098. gleukos -- sweet new wine
... Akin to glukus; sweet wine, ie (properly) must (fresh juice), but used of the more
saccharine (and therefore highly inebriating) fermented wine -- new wine. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1098.htm - 6k

2556. chamets -- to be sour or leavened
... A primitive root; to be pungent; ie In taste (sour, ie Literally fermented, or
figuratively, harsh), in color (dazzling) -- cruel (man), dyed, be grieved ...
/hebrew/2556.htm - 5k

8492. tirosh -- must, fresh or new wine
... Or tiyrosh {tee-roshe'}; from yarash in the sense of expulsion; must or fresh
grape-juice (as just squeezed out); by implication (rarely) fermented wine -- (new ...
/hebrew/8492.htm - 6k

3196. yayin -- wine
... banqueting, wine, winebibber. From an unused root meaning to effervesce; wine (as
fermented); by implication, intoxication -- banqueting, wine, wine(-bibber). ...
/hebrew/3196.htm - 6k

Whether this Sacrament Ought to be Made of Unleavened Bread?
... But Christ appears to have instituted this sacrament in fermented bread, because,
as we have read in Ex.12, the Jews, according to the Law, began to use ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether this sacrament ought to.htm

Evil Habits and Injurious Indulgences.
... soul and body. Alcohols. All whiskies, rums, brandies, and fermented wines
contain a certain amount of alcohol. It consists of hydrogen ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter xiv evil habits and.htm

The First Miracle.
... It must be borne in mind that among the Greeks and Romans and in Palestine there
were three kinds of wine: 1. Fermented wines, which, however, were very unlike ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the first miracle.htm

From the Flood to Abraham
... he planted a vineyard. On one occasion at least he fell under the intoxicating
influence of the fermented wine. This man upon whom ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter iii from the flood.htm

The Leaven.
... A certain chemical change is caused in the first instance by fermentation in the
nature of the fermented substance, and for the sake of that change the process ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/iv the leaven.htm

Leaven
... the transformation of humanity from a dead, lumpish mass into an aggregate
all-penetrated by a quickening influence, and, if I might so say, fermented with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/leaven.htm

Notes
... to enter into a herd of swine, she also saw, on this particular occasion that the
possessed men first overturned a large vat filled with some fermented liquid. ...
/.../emmerich/the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/notes.htm

In Reply to the Questions as to his Authority, Jesus Gives the ...
... juice thus squeezed from them ran through the orifice to the trough below, from
which it was taken and stored in leather bottles until it fermented and formed ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cviii in reply to the 3.htm

On the Fact that those Men are More to be Pitied to whom it is not ...
... the foot unto the top of the head there is no soundness therein: wounds and bruises
and swelling sores: they are not bound up nor dressed nor fermented with oil ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xxxi on the fact.htm

Of the Matter of this Sacrament (Eight Articles)
... sacrament? (3) Whether the matter of this sacrament is wheaten bread? (4)
Whether it is unleavened or fermented bread? (5) Whether ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/of the matter of this.htm

Fermented (23 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Ferment. Multi-Version Concordance
Fermented (23 Occurrences). Luke 1:15 For he will be ...
/f/fermented.htm - 13k

Leaven (24 Occurrences)
... (1.) Hebrews seor (Exodus 12:15, 19; 13:7; Leviticus 2:11), the remnant of dough
from the preceding baking which had fermented and become acid. ...
/l/leaven.htm - 21k

Beer (15 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) A fermented liquor made from any malted grain, but commonly from barley
malt, with hops or some other substance to impart a bitter flavor. ...
/b/beer.htm - 12k

Drink (414 Occurrences)
... The only fermented beverage other than grape-wine specifically named is
pomegranate-wine (Songs 8:2: "the juice of my pomegranate," the Revised Version, ...
/d/drink.htm - 45k

Strong (736 Occurrences)
... The only fermented beverage other than grape-wine specifically named is
pomegranate-wine (Songs 8:2: "the juice of my pomegranate," the Revised Version, ...
/s/strong.htm - 44k

Eating (151 Occurrences)
... 12:15 Seven days ye eat unleavened things; only -- in the first day ye cause leaven
to cease out of your houses; for any one eating anything fermented from the ...
/e/eating.htm - 38k

Wine (282 Occurrences)
... strong drink," any intoxicating liquor; from a root meaning "to drink deeply,"
"to be drunken", a generic term applied to all fermented liquors, however ...
/w/wine.htm - 68k

Vinegar (11 Occurrences)
... He shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of fermented drink, neither shall
he drink any juice of grapes, nor eat fresh grapes or dried. ...
/v/vinegar.htm - 13k

Natives (6 Occurrences)
... Exodus 12:19 seven days leaven is not found in your houses, for any 'one' eating
anything fermented -- that person hath been cut off from the company of Israel ...
/n/natives.htm - 8k

Native-born (16 Occurrences)
... Exodus 12:19 seven days leaven is not found in your houses, for any 'one' eating
anything fermented -- that person hath been cut off from the company of Israel ...
/n/native-born.htm - 11k

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