Wine: Kept in Jars
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Wine, a significant element in biblical times, was often stored in jars, a practice that reflects both the cultural and religious aspects of ancient life. The use of jars for storing wine is mentioned in various passages throughout the Bible, highlighting its importance in daily life, religious rituals, and as a symbol in teachings and parables.

Cultural and Practical Aspects

In ancient Israel, wine was a staple beverage, commonly consumed and used in various social and religious contexts. The storage of wine in jars was a practical solution to preserve it and maintain its quality. Earthenware jars, often sealed with pitch or clay stoppers, were used to keep the wine from spoiling. This method of storage is evidenced in archaeological findings, which reveal the widespread use of such jars in ancient households and communal settings.

Biblical References

The Bible provides several references to wine being kept in jars, illustrating its role in both everyday life and significant events. In the Old Testament, the account of Abigail and Nabal mentions wine stored in skins and jars, indicating its availability and use in hospitality (1 Samuel 25:18). Similarly, the prophet Jeremiah refers to jars of wine in his prophecies, using them as metaphors for God's judgment and blessings (Jeremiah 13:12).

In the New Testament, the miracle at the wedding in Cana, where Jesus turns water into wine, involves stone jars. John 2:6-10 describes how Jesus instructed the servants to fill the jars with water, which He then miraculously transformed into wine. This event not only underscores the cultural significance of wine but also serves as a sign of Jesus' divine authority and the inauguration of His public ministry.

Symbolism and Teachings

Wine stored in jars also carries symbolic meanings in biblical teachings. In the parable of the new wine and old wineskins, Jesus uses the imagery of wine storage to convey spiritual truths. Luke 5:37-38 states, "And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins; the wine will spill and the wineskins will be ruined. Instead, new wine is poured into new wineskins." This parable illustrates the incompatibility of the old covenant with the new covenant brought by Christ, emphasizing the need for renewal and transformation.

Religious and Ritual Use

Wine was integral to religious rituals, particularly in the context of offerings and feasts. In the Old Testament, wine was part of the drink offerings presented to God, as seen in Exodus 29:40 , which prescribes the use of wine in sacrificial ceremonies. The Passover meal, a central Jewish tradition, included wine as a key element, symbolizing joy and divine provision.

In the New Testament, wine takes on a profound significance in the institution of the Lord's Supper. During the Last Supper, Jesus uses wine as a symbol of His blood, shed for the forgiveness of sins. Matthew 26:27-28 records Jesus saying, "Then He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you. This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'" This act establishes wine as a central element in Christian worship and remembrance of Christ's sacrifice.

Conclusion

The practice of keeping wine in jars, as depicted in the Bible, reflects its multifaceted role in ancient society. From its practical storage to its symbolic and religious significance, wine in jars serves as a testament to the cultural, spiritual, and theological dimensions of biblical teachings.
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Jeremiah 13:12
Therefore you shall speak to them this word; Thus said the LORD God of Israel, Every bottle shall be filled with wine: and they shall say to you, Do we not certainly know that every bottle shall be filled with wine?
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Jeremiah 48:12
Therefore, behold, the days come, said the LORD, that I will send to him wanderers, that shall cause him to wander, and shall empty his vessels, and break their bottles.
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Library

Commandment Twelfth. On the Twofold Desire. The Commandments of ...
... since you have already determined for yourself that these commandments cannot be
kept by man ... When a man has filled very suitable jars with good wine, and a ...
/.../the pastor books first second third/commandment twelfth on the twofold.htm

The Wedding at Cana
... Jesus said, "Fill up the jars with water." So they filled them to the brim ... not so
good after men have drunk freely; but you have kept the good wine until now ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the wedding at cana.htm

The Story of Jesus, the Babe of Bethlehem
... They drew out water from the jars, and saw that it had been turned into wine ... he brings
on wine that is not so good; but you have kept the good wine until now ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of jesus the.htm

At the Marriage Feast
... Beside the doorway stood six large stone water jars, and Jesus bade the ... well drunk,
then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.". ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 15 at the marriage.htm

Jesus Works his First Miracle at Cana in Galilee.
... was no room to add anything whatever to the contents of the jars. ... indulged to excess],
then that which is worse: thou hast kept the good wine until now. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxii jesus works his first.htm

Jesus Answered and Said unto Him, Get Thee Hence...
... purification, such as [28] [Arabic, p.20] would contain two or three jars. ... intoxication
he bringeth what is poor; but thou hast kept the good wine until [32 ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section v jesus answered and.htm

John Chapter ii. 11-Jan
... good wine"namely, the gospel"Christ has kept until now. ... that the water may be turned
into wine, Christ must ... measures, as if he should say jars, flasks, or ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate ix john chapter ii.htm

Journey to Evora
... inn by the wood's side, which he kept; indeed a ... and olives, and drink the muddy but
strong wine of the ... by it, seething, were several large jars, which emitted ...
//christianbookshelf.org/borrow/letters of george borrow/journey to evora.htm

The Gifts to the Flock
... And so, kept safe from each danger and in each moment of ... else water be turned by
His touch and blessing into wine that shall fill the great jars to the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the gifts to the flock.htm

He Proceeds Again to Discuss the Impassibility of the Lord's ...
... God on either side, and let them, that the Father may be kept safely beyond ... discordancy,
but they are carried about by their ears like wine-jars, borne around ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 4 he proceeds again.htm

Resources
What does the Bible say about drinking alcohol / wine? Is it a sin for a Christian to drink alcohol / wine? | GotQuestions.org

What is consubstantiation? | GotQuestions.org

Why did Jesus choose the wedding at Cana for His first miracle? | GotQuestions.org

Wine: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Alcohol

Alcoholism

Wine

Wine in Bottles

Wine in Excess: Forbidden

Wine in Excess: Impairs the Health

Wine in Excess: Impairs the Judgment and Memory

Wine in Excess: Inflames the Passions

Wine in Excess: Infuriates the Temper

Wine in Excess: Leads to Remorse

Wine in Excess: Leads to Sorrow and Contention

Wine in Skins (Rv)

Wine in Times of Scarcity, Was Mixed With Water

Wine of Abominations

Wine of Staggering (Rv)

Wine of the Abominations of the Apostasy

Wine of the Blessing of the Gospel

Wine of the Blood of Christ

Wine of the Divine Judgments

Wine of the Joy of Wisdom

Wine of the Joys of Spiritual Matters

Wine of the Wrath and Judgments of God

Wine of Violence and Rapine

Wine Press

Wine Press in Vineyards

Wine Press of the Judgments of God

Wine Press: General Scriptures Concerning

Wine Press: Treading The, of the Sufferings of Christ

Wine Press: Trodden With Joy and Shouting

Wine used at Meals

Wine was Kept in Bottles

Wine was Made of The Juice of the Grape

Wine was Made of The Juice of the Pomegranate

Wine was Stored in Cellars

Wine was Used for Drink offerings in Idolatrous Worship

Wine was Used for Drink offerings in the Worship of God

Wine was Used: As a Beverage from the Earliest Age

Wine was Used: As a Medicine

Wine was Used: At all Feasts and Entertainments

Wine with Corn and Oil, Denoted all Temporal Blessings

Wine: Abstinence from of Daniel

Wine: Abstinence from of the Courtiers of Ahasuerus

Wine: Abstinence from of Timothy

Wine: Admonitions Against the Use of

Wine: An Article of Extensive Commerce

Wine: Banquets of

Wine: Cellars For

Wine: Cheap Wine (Like Vinegar) Given to Jesus at the Crucifixion

Wine: Cheering God and Man

Wine: Commerce In

Wine: Consequence of Putting (When New), Into Old Bottles

Wine: Custom of Giving to Persons in Pain or Suffering, Mixed With

Wine: Custom of Presenting to Travellers

Wine: Denied to the Israelites in the Wilderness, So That They Could Know That the Lord Was Their God

Wine: Fermented

Wine: First Fruits of, to be offered to God

Wine: First Mention of

Wine: First Mode of Making, Notice

Wine: Forbidden to Kings

Wine: Forbidden to Nazarites

Wine: Forbidden to Nazarites During Their Separation

Wine: Forbidden to Priests While on Duty

Wine: Forbidden to the Priests While Engaged in the Tabernacle

Wine: from Pomegranates

Wine: Generally Made by Treading the Grapes in a Press

Wine: Given by Melchizedek to Abraham

Wine: Given in Abundance to the Jews when Obedient

Wine: Gladdening the Heart

Wine: Improved by Age

Wine: Inflames the Eyes

Wine: Intoxication from the Use of

Wine: Intoxication From: Ahasuerus

Wine: Intoxication From: Amnon

Wine: Intoxication From: Falsely Charged Against the Disciples

Wine: Intoxication From: Joseph and his Brothers

Wine: Intoxication From: Kings of Israel

Wine: Intoxication From: Lot

Wine: Intoxication From: Nabal

Wine: Intoxication From: Noah

Wine: Kept in Jars

Wine: Made by Jesus at the Marriage Feast in Cana

Wine: Made from Grapes

Wine: Making Mirthful

Wine: Many Kinds of

Wine: Medicinal Use of

Wine: New

Wine: Offered With Sacrifices

Wine: Often Spiced to Increase Its Strength

Wine: Old

Wine: Places Celebrated For: Assyria

Wine: Places Celebrated For: Canaan in General

Wine: Places Celebrated For: Helbon

Wine: Places Celebrated For: Lebanon

Wine: Places Celebrated For: Moab

Wine: Places Celebrated For: Possessions of Judah

Wine: Recommended by Paul to Timothy

Wine: Red, Most Esteemed

Wine: Refined

Wine: Refining of, Alluded To

Wine: Sacramental Use of

Wine: Samson's Mother Forbidden to Drink

Wine: Sometimes Mixed With Milk As a Beverage

Wine: Strengthening

Wine: Sweet, Esteemed for Flavour and Strength

Wine: Symbolical of the Blood of Jesus

Wine: The Jews Frequently Deprived of, As a Punishment

Wine: The Jews Frequently Drank, to Excess

Wine: The Love of Christ to be Preferred To

Wine: The Rechabites Never Drank

Wine: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To

Wine: Water Miraculously Turned Into

Related Terms

Wine-skins (7 Occurrences)

Wine-press (11 Occurrences)

Wine-servant (8 Occurrences)

Wine-vat (7 Occurrences)

Wine-drinking (4 Occurrences)

Wine-presses (4 Occurrences)

Wine-vats (2 Occurrences)

Wine-vine (2 Occurrences)

Wine-servants (2 Occurrences)

Wine-bottles (2 Occurrences)

Wine-crusher (2 Occurrences)

Wine-drinker (2 Occurrences)

Wine-tank (1 Occurrence)

Wine-store (1 Occurrence)

Wine-flasks (1 Occurrence)

Wine-offerings (1 Occurrence)

Wine-cup (1 Occurrence)

Wine-bibber (2 Occurrences)

Wine-cellars (1 Occurrence)

Wine-fat (1 Occurrence)

Wine-crushing (1 Occurrence)

Wine-cakes (1 Occurrence)

Wine-bibbers (1 Occurrence)

Wine-skin (2 Occurrences)

Bottles (12 Occurrences)

Vat (7 Occurrences)

Burst (33 Occurrences)

Beer (15 Occurrences)

Skins (27 Occurrences)

Vinegar (11 Occurrences)

Pours (21 Occurrences)

Presses (12 Occurrences)

Strong (736 Occurrences)

Bottle (28 Occurrences)

Stagger (20 Occurrences)

Safe (388 Occurrences)

Spilled (6 Occurrences)

Bacchus

Saved (183 Occurrences)

Spice (25 Occurrences)

Vintage (14 Occurrences)

Preserved (27 Occurrences)

Plentiful (17 Occurrences)

Bunches (7 Occurrences)

Addicted (9 Occurrences)

Scent (6 Occurrences)

Split (36 Occurrences)

Sour (15 Occurrences)

Spilt (2 Occurrences)

Awaking (24 Occurrences)

Pouring (21 Occurrences)

Bitter (203 Occurrences)

Agape

Vine-gardens (41 Occurrences)

Quarter (33 Occurrences)

Bowls (47 Occurrences)

Shouts (34 Occurrences)

Poured (155 Occurrences)

Appetite (22 Occurrences)

Victuals (32 Occurrences)

Summer (28 Occurrences)

Younger (39 Occurrences)

Pomegranate (11 Occurrences)

Mirth (18 Occurrences)

Bread-maker (8 Occurrences)

Brawler (3 Occurrences)

Clusters (12 Occurrences)

Contributions (19 Occurrences)

Cracked (6 Occurrences)

Adulteries (10 Occurrences)

Storerooms (10 Occurrences)

Cana (4 Occurrences)

Asses (68 Occurrences)

Vineyards (55 Occurrences)

Basins (33 Occurrences)

Vines (39 Occurrences)

Soothing (40 Occurrences)

Kine (24 Occurrences)

Provisions (41 Occurrences)

Wine: Intoxication From: Noah
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