1098. gleukos
Lexical Summary
gleukos: Sweet wine, new wine

Original Word: γλεῦκος
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: gleukos
Pronunciation: GLYOO-kos
Phonetic Spelling: (glyoo'-kos)
KJV: new wine
NASB: sweet wine
Word Origin: [akin to G1099 (γλυκύς - fresh)]

1. sweet wine
2. (properly) fresh, unfermented juice, but used of the more sugary, fermented wine (and therefore highly inebriating)

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 Origin
from glukus
Definition
sweet new wine
NASB Translation
sweet wine (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 1098: γλεῦκος

γλεῦκος, 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
Overview

Gleukos (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.
2. Storage and Use. Gleukos was consumed quickly or sealed in amphorae coated with pitch or resin to retard fermentation. Writers such as Pliny describe sweet, effervescent wines served at banquets or prescribed medicinally.
3. Intoxicating Potential. Though gentler than matured oinos, gleukos could in sufficient quantity produce drunkenness, lending plausibility to the mockers’ charge.

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).
2. Fulfillment of Covenant Promises. The sweet overflow once associated with literal vats now finds fulfillment in the effusion of the Spirit—the “better wine” of the new covenant.
3. Evangelistic Catalyst. The false explanation becomes a springboard for the first apostolic sermon, culminating in the conversion of about three thousand listeners (Acts 2:41).

Comparison with Other Greek Terms for Wine

• Oinos – general wine, fermented or unfermented.
• Sikera – strong drink from grain or fruit other than grapes.
• Oxos – sour wine or vinegar.

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.
• Joyful Witness: The sweetness implied by gleukos points to the gladness produced by salvation (Psalm 51:12); Spirit-filled churches should radiate robust, orderly joy.
• Temperance and Testimony: Liberty regarding alcohol is bounded by love and the example set before weaker brethren (Romans 14:19-21).

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 Gleúkous
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Acts 2:13 N-GNS
GRK: ἔλεγον ὅτι Γλεύκους μεμεστωμένοι εἰσίν
NAS: They are full of sweet wine.
KJV: These men are full of new wine.
INT: said Of new wine full they are

Strong's Greek 1098
1 Occurrence


Γλεύκους — 1 Occ.

1097
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