Lexical Summary gleukos: Sweet wine, new wine Original Word: γλεῦκος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance new wine, sweet wine Akin to glukus; sweet wine, i.e. (properly) must (fresh juice), but used of the more saccharine (and therefore highly inebriating) fermented wine -- new wine. see GREEK glukus NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom glukus Definition sweet new wine NASB Translation sweet wine (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1098: γλεῦκοςγλεῦκος, γλεύκους, τό, must, the sweet juice pressed from the grape; Nicander, alex. 184, 299; Plutarch, others; Job 32:19; sweet wine: Acts 2:13. (Cf. BB. DD. under the word Topical Lexicon OverviewGleukos (Strong’s Greek 1098) designates very sweet, freshly pressed wine that has begun to ferment yet has not aged. Its single New Testament appearance provides a vivid backdrop for the inauguration of Spirit-empowered ministry at Pentecost. Biblical Occurrence Acts 2:13: “But others mocked them and said, ‘They are drunk on new wine!’ ”. The scoffers attribute the disciples’ supernatural speech to early-morning indulgence in gleukos, rather than recognizing the promised outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Old Testament and Septuagint Background While gleukos is absent from the Hebrew text, the concept of “new wine” (Hebrew tirosh) signifies covenant blessing and festal joy (Joel 3:18; Proverbs 3:10). In the Septuagint the same Greek term occasionally renders Hebrew expressions for sweet wine (for example, Deuteronomy 32:14), linking Old Testament imagery of abundance with the New Testament scene of spiritual fullness. Historical and Cultural Setting 1. Production. Grapes crushed at harvest immediately begin fermentation. Within a few days the must bubbles, retains high sugar, and develops moderate alcohol—qualities prized in ancient sweet wine. Theological Significance in Acts 2 1. Flesh versus Spirit. Luke contrasts the accusation of physical intoxication with genuine spiritual filling. Peter dismisses the charge, citing the early hour (Acts 2:15) and attributing the phenomenon to Joel’s prophesied outpouring (Acts 2:16-18). Comparison with Other Greek Terms for Wine • Oinos – general wine, fermented or unfermented. Gleukos is marked by its sweetness and nascent fermentation, fitting the taunt of uninformed observers. Moral and Pastoral Considerations Scripture commends joy yet condemns drunkenness (Proverbs 20:1; Ephesians 5:18). Pentecost models Spirit-borne exuberance that surpasses any worldly stimulant. Believers are urged to exercise discernment, maintain sobriety, and manifest the fruit of the Spirit, thereby silencing accusations through holy conduct. Practical Ministry Implications • Explanation of Spiritual Phenomena: As Peter clarified the source of the disciples’ behavior, modern believers must ground extraordinary experiences in Scripture. Summary Gleukos, though mentioned only once in the New Testament, sharpens the contrast between carnal intoxication and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Historically describing sweet, lightly fermented wine, it becomes a foil that highlights the reality of the new covenant: the fullness of God’s Spirit, foretold by the prophets, now poured out upon all who call on the name of the Lord. Forms and Transliterations Γλευκους Γλεύκους γλυκάζον γλυκανθή γλύκασμα γλυκάσματα γλυκασμοί γλυκασμόν γλυκερού εγλύκανας εγλυκάνθη εγλυκάνθησαν Gleukous GleúkousLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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