Wine in the Bible

Wine is a significant element in biblical narratives, symbolizing both blessing and judgment. It is often associated with joy, celebration, and abundance, as well as with moral and spiritual lessons. The Hebrew word for wine, "yayin," and the Greek "oinos" are frequently mentioned throughout the Scriptures.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, wine is depicted as a gift from God that brings joy and gladness. Psalm 104:14-15 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." Wine is also a symbol of prosperity and divine blessing, as seen in Genesis 27:28, where Isaac blesses Jacob with "an abundance of grain and new wine."

However, the misuse of wine is cautioned against. Proverbs 20:1 warns, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise." The account of Noah (Genesis 9:20-21) and Lot (Genesis 19:30-36) illustrate the potential for wine to lead to moral failure when consumed excessively.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, wine continues to hold symbolic significance. Jesus' first miracle at the wedding in Cana involved turning water into wine (John 2:1-11), demonstrating His divine authority and the joy of the new covenant. Wine is also central to the Last Supper, where Jesus uses it as a symbol of His blood, shed for the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:27-28).

The Apostle Paul advises moderation in the consumption of wine. In Ephesians 5:18 , he instructs, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." Paul also advises Timothy to use a little wine for medicinal purposes (1 Timothy 5:23), indicating its accepted use in moderation.

New Wine

The term "new wine" refers to freshly pressed grape juice that has not yet fully fermented. In biblical times, new wine was often associated with the harvest and was a symbol of God's provision and blessing. Joel 2:24 promises, "The threshing floors will be full of grain, and the vats will overflow with new wine and oil."

In the New Testament, "new wine" is used metaphorically by Jesus to illustrate the transformative power of the Gospel. In Mark 2:22 , He states, "And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. Instead, new wine is poured into new wineskins." This parable highlights the incompatibility of the old covenant with the new covenant brought by Christ.

Cultural and Religious Context

Wine played a central role in the cultural and religious practices of ancient Israel. It was used in offerings and sacrifices, as seen in Exodus 29:40, where wine is part of the drink offering. The abundance of wine was a sign of God's favor, while its absence was seen as a curse or judgment (Deuteronomy 28:39).

In summary, wine and new wine in the Bible are rich in symbolism, representing both the blessings of God and the potential for human folly. The Scriptures advocate for the responsible enjoyment of wine, recognizing it as a gift from God while warning against its abuse.