Topical Encyclopedia Wine, a fermented beverage made from grapes, holds significant cultural, religious, and symbolic importance throughout the Bible. It is mentioned frequently in both the Old and New Testaments, serving various roles from a symbol of blessing and abundance to a cautionary element against excess and moral decay.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, wine is often associated with joy and celebration. Psalm 104:14-15 (BSB) states, "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." This passage highlights wine as a gift from God, intended to bring joy and sustenance. Wine also plays a role in religious rituals and offerings. In Exodus 29:40 (BSB), wine is included in the drink offerings presented to God: "With the first lamb, offer a tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with a quarter hin of oil from pressed olives, and a quarter hin of wine as a drink offering." This indicates its sacred use in worship and sacrifice. However, the Old Testament also warns against the dangers of excessive wine consumption. Proverbs 20:1 (BSB) cautions, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise." This reflects the potential for wine to lead to moral and social pitfalls when consumed irresponsibly. New Testament References In the New Testament, wine continues to hold a place of importance. One of the most notable references is the miracle at the wedding in Cana, where Jesus turns water into wine (John 2:1-11, BSB). This act not only underscores the celebratory nature of wine but also signifies the inauguration of Jesus' public ministry and the new covenant. Wine is also central to the Last Supper, where Jesus uses it as a symbol of His blood in the institution of the Lord's Supper. In Matthew 26:27-28 (BSB), Jesus says, "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.'" Here, wine becomes a profound symbol of redemption and the new covenant between God and humanity. The New Testament, like the Old, advises moderation. Ephesians 5:18 (BSB) warns, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." This admonition emphasizes the importance of self-control and the pursuit of spiritual fulfillment over physical indulgence. Symbolism and Cultural Context Throughout the Bible, wine symbolizes various spiritual truths. It represents joy, abundance, and divine blessing, as seen in the imagery of the Promised Land flowing with "milk and honey" and abundant vineyards (Deuteronomy 8:7-9, BSB). Wine also serves as a metaphor for God's wrath and judgment, as in Revelation 14:10 (BSB), where those who worship the beast "will drink the wine of God's wrath, poured full strength into the cup of His anger." In biblical times, wine was a staple of daily life, often safer to drink than water due to its fermentation process. It was typically diluted with water for regular consumption, which helped prevent intoxication. This cultural context is essential for understanding the biblical perspective on wine, as it was both a common beverage and a potent symbol. Conclusion Wine in the Bible is a multifaceted element, rich with symbolic meaning and practical significance. It is celebrated as a divine gift and a symbol of joy and covenant, yet it is also approached with caution due to its potential for misuse. The biblical narrative presents wine as a complex and integral part of human experience, reflecting both the blessings and responsibilities bestowed upon humanity by God. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 10:9Do not drink wine nor strong drink, you, nor your sons with you, when you go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest you die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations: Nave's Topical Index Numbers 6:3 Numbers 28:7 Deuteronomy 14:26 Deuteronomy 29:6 Proverbs 23:31,32 Mark 2:22 Greek 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 Strong's Hebrew 3196. yayin -- wine... From an unused root meaning to effervesce; wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication -- banqueting, wine, wine(-bibber). 3195, 3196. yayin. 3197 . ... /hebrew/3196.htm - 6k 8492. tirosh -- must, fresh or new wine Library Evil Habits and Injurious Indulgences. The First Miracle. The Final Disillusion Of the Matter of this Sacrament (Eight Articles) From the Flood to Abraham Annunciation to Zacharias of the Birth of John the Baptist. He that Doubteth is Damned if He Eat, Because He Eateth not of ... In Reply to the Questions as to his Authority, Jesus Gives the ... Women who Witnessed the Fall of Rome the Legendary History of Egypt Resources Did Jesus change the water into wine or grape juice? | GotQuestions.orgDid Jesus drink wine/alcohol? | GotQuestions.org Should wine or grape juice be used for communion? | GotQuestions.org Wine: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Wine in Excess: Impairs the Health Wine in Excess: Impairs the Judgment and Memory Wine in Excess: Inflames the Passions Wine in Excess: Infuriates the Temper Wine in Excess: Leads to Remorse Wine in Excess: Leads to Sorrow and Contention Wine in Times of Scarcity, Was Mixed With Water Wine of the Abominations of the Apostasy Wine of the Blessing of the Gospel Wine of the Joys of Spiritual Matters Wine of the Wrath and Judgments of God Wine Press of the Judgments of God Wine Press: General Scriptures Concerning Wine Press: Treading The, of the Sufferings of Christ Wine Press: Trodden With Joy and Shouting Wine was Made of The Juice of the Grape Wine was Made of The Juice of the Pomegranate Wine was Used for Drink offerings in Idolatrous Worship Wine was Used for Drink offerings in the Worship of God Wine was Used: As a Beverage from the Earliest Age Wine was Used: At all Feasts and Entertainments Wine with Corn and Oil, Denoted all Temporal Blessings Wine: Abstinence from of Daniel Wine: Abstinence from of the Courtiers of Ahasuerus Wine: Abstinence from of Timothy Wine: Admonitions Against the Use of Wine: An Article of Extensive Commerce Wine: Cheap Wine (Like Vinegar) Given to Jesus at the Crucifixion Wine: Consequence of Putting (When New), Into Old Bottles Wine: Custom of Giving to Persons in Pain or Suffering, Mixed With Wine: Custom of Presenting to Travellers Wine: First Fruits of, to be offered to God Wine: First Mode of Making, Notice Wine: Forbidden to Nazarites During Their Separation Wine: Forbidden to Priests While on Duty Wine: Forbidden to the Priests While Engaged in the Tabernacle Wine: Generally Made by Treading the Grapes in a Press Wine: Given by Melchizedek to Abraham Wine: Given in Abundance to the Jews when Obedient Wine: Intoxication from the Use of Wine: Intoxication From: Ahasuerus Wine: Intoxication From: Amnon Wine: Intoxication From: Falsely Charged Against the Disciples Wine: Intoxication From: Joseph and his Brothers Wine: Intoxication From: Kings of Israel Wine: Intoxication From: Nabal Wine: Made by Jesus at the Marriage Feast in Cana Wine: Often Spiced to Increase Its Strength Wine: Places Celebrated For: Assyria Wine: Places Celebrated For: Canaan in General Wine: Places Celebrated For: Helbon Wine: Places Celebrated For: Lebanon Wine: Places Celebrated For: Moab Wine: Places Celebrated For: Possessions of Judah Wine: Recommended by Paul to Timothy Wine: Samson's Mother Forbidden to Drink Wine: Sometimes Mixed With Milk As a Beverage Wine: Sweet, Esteemed for Flavour and Strength Wine: Symbolical of the Blood of Jesus Wine: The Jews Frequently Deprived of, As a Punishment Wine: The Jews Frequently Drank, to Excess Wine: The Love of Christ to be Preferred To Wine: The Rechabites Never Drank Wine: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Wine: Water Miraculously Turned Into Related Terms |