Lexical Summary botrus: Cluster (of grapes) Original Word: βότρυς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance cluster, bunch of grapesOf uncertain derivation; a bunch (of grapes) -- (vine) cluster (of the vine). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition a cluster of grapes NASB Translation clusters (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1009: βότρυςβότρυς, βότρυος, ὁ, a bunch or cluster of grapes: Revelation 14:18 (cf. Buttmann, 14 (13)). (Genesis 40:10; Numbers 13:24f. Greek writings from Homer down.) Topical Lexicon Word PortraitStrong’s Greek 1009 depicts a compact “cluster of grapes” hanging together on a single stem. In Scripture such clusters serve as a vivid, concrete picture of abundance, maturity, and—when pressed—of wrath poured out. The word occurs only once in the Greek New Testament (Revelation 14:18), yet its single appearance draws upon a deep reservoir of Old Testament imagery and agricultural life familiar to first-century readers. Usage in Revelation 14:18 “Still another angel, who had authority over the fire, came from the altar and called in a loud voice to the one with the sharp sickle, ‘Take your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of grapes from the earth’s vine, because its grapes are ripe.’” (Revelation 14:18) Here the ripened clusters represent the amassed deeds of an unbelieving world, ready for the vintage of divine judgment. The angel’s command signals that the season of longsuffering has ended; the harvest cannot be postponed. The imagery is sharpened in Revelation 14:19-20, where the trampling in “the great winepress of God’s wrath” produces a river of blood. In this eschatological setting the cluster no longer speaks of blessing but of accountability: corporate rebellion has reached full maturity. Old Testament Background 1. Fruitfulness and Provision 2. Judgment by Harvest Imagery 3. Covenant Expectation of Righteous Fruit Symbolic Trajectory 1. Corporate Fullness A single grape is powerless, but a cluster concentrates many into one. In salvation history collective evil ripens together (Psalm 2:1-3), just as collective righteousness flourishes in the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:16). Revelation 14 portrays the final, irreversible solidarity of humanity’s choices. 2. Ripeness and Irreversibility The cluster metaphor stresses timing; harvest is governed by ripeness, not by whim (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2). Divine patience holds judgment in abeyance until wickedness reaches its appointed measure (Genesis 15:16). 3. Pressing and Outpouring Wine emerges only when grapes are crushed. Likewise, judgment releases consequences stored up by sin (Romans 2:5). The press separates juice from skin, picturing God’s discerning justice that distinguishes between essence and facade. Historical and Cultural Notes • Viticulture dominated ancient Mediterranean agriculture. Harvesting normally occurred in September-October, followed by immediate treading in rock-hewn vats. The pungent odor of fermenting must filled villages, imprinting the winepress image on collective memory. Ministerial Applications 1. Call to Fruitfulness Believers are exhorted to “bear much fruit” (John 15:8). The solitary New Testament use of βοτρυάς warns that fruit will be harvested—whether unto reward or wrath. Examination of one’s “cluster” is therefore vital (2 Corinthians 13:5). 2. Urgency of Evangelism Since the earth’s vine is moving toward inevitable gathering, the church must labor while it is day (John 9:4), proclaiming reconciliation before the sickle is swung (2 Corinthians 5:20). 3. Corporate Discipleship Ministry leaders should foster environments where individual gifts coalesce into a wholesome cluster, reflecting the unity Christ intends (Ephesians 4:11-13). Accountability, like the stem, keeps believers from isolation and spoilage. 4. Assurance of Divine Justice Revelation’s vintage assures the persecuted that evil will not remain unaddressed. The grapes of wickedness will be trodden; every tear will be answered (Revelation 21:4). Conclusion Though βοτρυάς appears but once in the New Testament, its backdrop spans Scripture from the abundance of Canaan to the ultimate winepress of Revelation. The cluster challenges every generation: Will our gathered works be an offering of fragrant praise or a vintage fit only for wrath? Forms and Transliterations βοτρυας βότρυας βότρυες βότρυϊ βότρυν βότρυος βότρυς βότρυσιν βούβαλον βούκεντρα βουκόλια βουκολίου βουκολίων botruas botryas bótryasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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