Lexical Summary staphulé: Grape, cluster of grapes Original Word: σταφυλή Strong's Exhaustive Concordance grapes. Probably from the base of stephanos; a cluster of grapes (as if intertwined) -- grapes. see GREEK stephanos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition a bunch of grapes NASB Translation grapes (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4718: σταφυλήσταφυλή, σταφυλῆς, ἡ, from Homer down, the Sept. for עֵנָב, grapes, a bunch of grapes: Matthew 7:16; Luke 6:44; Revelation 14:18 (cf. the Sept. as referred to under the word βότρυς). Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrences Matthew 7:16; Luke 6:44; Revelation 14:18. In every instance the term refers to literal grape-clusters, yet each writer employs the image to communicate spiritual truth—either the discernment of genuine righteousness or the certainty of final judgment. Agricultural Context in Ancient Israel Grapevines flourished on the sun-bathed hills of Judea and Galilee, where terraces captured moisture and protected roots from erosion. Clusters often ripened toward the end of summer; the treading of the winepress marked the completion of the agricultural cycle. Grapes supplied table fruit, raisins, and, most notably, wine—an essential element of daily life and covenant worship (Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 23:13). The bounty of Eshcol (Numbers 13:23) became a standing emblem of the land’s God-given abundance. Symbolic and Theological Significance 1. Fruitfulness and Covenant Blessing. The vine and its clusters symbolize divine provision (Deuteronomy 8:8) and the righteous life that flourishes under God’s favor (Psalm 128:3; John 15:1-8). Usage in the Teaching of Jesus “By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes…?” (Matthew 7:16). Jesus employs the grape-cluster to contrast genuine disciples with false prophets. A profitable plant produces nourishing fruit; a deceptive plant can produce only harm. The repeated question in Luke 6:44 presses the point that true allegiance to Christ inevitably manifests itself in tangible works (James 2:17). Eschatological Imagery in Revelation In John’s vision an angel cries, “Gather the clusters of grapes from the vine of the earth, because its grapes are ripe” (Revelation 14:18). The picture draws on Old Testament winepress metaphors to stress the thoroughness of divine wrath. Just as the vintager severs every ripe cluster, so the Lord will separate every unrepentant sinner for judgment. The passage affirms both the certainty and the righteousness of God’s final intervention. Pastoral and Devotional Insights • Examine fruit. The grape-thorn contrast invites believers to test teachings and lives by scriptural standards (1 John 4:1). Thus Strong’s Greek 4718, though appearing only three times, gathers together themes of authenticity, blessing, and ultimate reckoning, calling God’s people to bear good fruit until the final harvest. Forms and Transliterations σταφυλαι σταφυλαί σταφυλαὶ σταφυλας σταφυλὰς σταφυλή σταφυλην σταφυλήν σταφυλὴν σταφυλής staphulai staphulas staphulen staphulēn staphylai staphylaì staphylas staphylàs staphylen staphylēn staphylḕnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 7:16 N-AFPGRK: ἀπὸ ἀκανθῶν σταφυλὰς ἢ ἀπὸ NAS: them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered KJV: Do men gather grapes of INT: from thorns grapes or from Luke 6:44 N-AFS Revelation 14:18 N-NFP Strong's Greek 4718 |
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