The term "grape-gatherer" refers to individuals involved in the harvesting of grapes, a significant agricultural activity in biblical times. Grapes were a staple crop in ancient Israel, used for eating, drying into raisins, and most notably, for producing wine. The process of grape gathering is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Bible, symbolizing both abundance and judgment.

Biblical References:

1. Symbol of Abundance and Blessing:
The gathering of grapes is often associated with prosperity and divine blessing. In Leviticus 26:5, the Lord promises the Israelites that their "threshing will continue until grape harvest and the grape harvest will continue until planting," indicating a time of continuous provision and abundance. This imagery underscores the blessings of obedience to God's commandments.

2. Symbol of Judgment:
Conversely, the grape harvest is also used as a metaphor for divine judgment. In Jeremiah 6:9, the Lord says, "This is what the LORD of Hosts says: 'They will glean the remnant of Israel as thoroughly as a vine; pass your hand once more like a grape gatherer over the branches.'" Here, the grape-gatherer represents the thoroughness of God's judgment upon His people for their disobedience.

3. The Role in Society:
Grape-gatherers were essential laborers in the agrarian society of ancient Israel. The process of gathering grapes was labor-intensive and required a coordinated effort, often involving entire families and communities. The Book of Ruth provides insight into the communal nature of harvest time, although it specifically focuses on grain rather than grapes.

4. Prophetic Imagery:
The imagery of grape gathering is also used in prophetic literature to describe the end times. In Revelation 14:18-19, an angel is instructed to "gather the clusters of grapes from the earth’s vine, because its grapes are ripe." This passage uses the grape harvest as a metaphor for the gathering of nations for the final judgment.

5. Cultural and Religious Significance:
Grapes and wine hold significant cultural and religious importance in the Bible. Wine is frequently mentioned in religious rituals and celebrations, such as the Passover meal. The act of grape gathering, therefore, is not only an economic activity but also a preparation for religious observance.

6. Moral and Ethical Teachings:
The Bible also provides moral teachings related to grape gathering. In Deuteronomy 24:21, the Israelites are instructed, "When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, do not go over the vines again. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow." This command reflects God's concern for justice and care for the marginalized, emphasizing the ethical responsibility of landowners to provide for those in need.

In summary, the role of the grape-gatherer in biblical times extends beyond mere agricultural labor. It is rich with symbolic meaning, representing both the blessings of God and His righteous judgment. The activity is woven into the fabric of Israelite society, reflecting cultural, religious, and ethical dimensions that resonate throughout the biblical narrative.1219. batsar -- to cut off, make inaccessible, enclose
... mighty things (1), thwarted (1). cut off, fortify, grape gatherer, mighty
things, restrain, strong, wall up,. A primitive root; to ...
/hebrew/1219.htm - 6k

Of Repentance.
... who take deep and wicked counsel, turn ye, that ye may be saved." [653] And another
prophet, Jeremiah: "Turn to the Lord your God, as a grape-gatherer to his ...
/.../theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/chapter xi of repentance.htm

Cause to be Heard in Thy Grace, the Tidings of Thy Salvation: for ...
... grace! Be the husbandman cheered, by the vine of the grape-gatherer; be
the vinedresser glad, in the corn of the husbandman! 13. ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn v cause to be.htm

That the Same God, by the Same Word, Restrains from Sin by ...
... And, granting pardon to him who has erred, He says, "Turn, turn, as a grape-gatherer
to his basket." [1284] Do you see the goodness of justice, in that it ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter x that the same god.htm

Grapegatherer (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Grapegatherer (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 6:9 Thus
saith the LORD of hosts, They shall throughly glean the ...
/g/grapegatherer.htm - 6k

Grape-gatherer (1 Occurrence)
Grape-gatherer. Grapegatherer, Grape-gatherer. Grapegatherers . Multi-Version
Concordance ... Grapegatherer, Grape-gatherer. Grapegatherers . Reference Bible
/g/grape-gatherer.htm - 6k

Gatherer (5 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 6:9 Thus says Yahweh of Armies, They shall thoroughly glean the remnant
of Israel as a vine: turn again your hand as a grapegatherer into the baskets ...
/g/gatherer.htm - 8k

Grape-cutting (1 Occurrence)
Grape-cutting. Grape-crushing, Grape-cutting. Grapegatherer . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (BBE). Grape-crushing, Grape-cutting. Grapegatherer . Reference ...
/g/grape-cutting.htm - 6k

Glean (12 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 6:9 Thus says Yahweh of Armies, They shall thoroughly glean the remnant
of Israel as a vine: turn again your hand as a grapegatherer into the baskets ...
/g/glean.htm - 11k

Grapegatherers (2 Occurrences)

/g/grapegatherers.htm - 7k

Throughly (10 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 6:9 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, They shall throughly glean the remnant
of Israel as a vine: turn back thine hand as a grapegatherer into the baskets ...
/t/throughly.htm - 9k

Baskets (20 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 6:9 Thus says Yahweh of Armies, They shall thoroughly glean the remnant
of Israel as a vine: turn again your hand as a grapegatherer into the baskets ...
/b/baskets.htm - 12k

Shoots (32 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 6:9 Thus saith Jehovah of hosts, They shall thoroughly glean the remnant
of Israel as a vine: turn again thy hand as a grape-gatherer into the baskets ...
/s/shoots.htm - 15k

Grape (20 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 6:9 Thus says Yahweh of Armies, They shall thoroughly glean the remnant
of Israel as a vine: turn again your hand as a grapegatherer into the baskets ...
/g/grape.htm - 13k

What is the meaning of gleaning in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Should wine or grape juice be used for communion? | GotQuestions.org

Did Jesus change the water into wine or grape juice? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus