Topical Encyclopedia Wine, a fermented beverage made from grapes, holds significant cultural, religious, and symbolic importance throughout the Bible. In ancient times, wine was a staple in the diet and a key element in social and religious practices. The Bible references wine in various contexts, illustrating its role in daily life, worship, and moral teachings.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, wine is frequently mentioned as a symbol of blessing and abundance. Genesis 27:28 records Isaac's blessing over Jacob, saying, "May God give to you the dew of heaven and the richness of the earth—an abundance of grain and new wine." Here, wine represents prosperity and divine favor. Wine also played a role in religious rituals and offerings. In Exodus 29:40, God commands the Israelites to include wine in their daily offerings: "With the first lamb, offer a tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with a quarter of a hin of oil from pressed olives, and a quarter of a hin of wine as a drink offering." This inclusion underscores wine's sacred significance in worship. However, the Old Testament also warns against the dangers of excessive wine consumption. Proverbs 20:1 cautions, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise." This verse highlights the potential for wine to lead to moral and social downfall when consumed irresponsibly. New Testament References In the New Testament, wine continues to hold symbolic and practical importance. Jesus' first miracle, as recorded in John 2:1-11, involves turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana. This act not only demonstrates Jesus' divine power but also signifies the joy and celebration associated with wine. Wine is also central to the Last Supper, where Jesus uses it as a symbol of His blood in the institution of the Lord's Supper. In Matthew 26:27-28, Jesus says, "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.'" Here, wine becomes a profound symbol of the new covenant and the sacrificial atonement of Christ. The New Testament, like the Old, advises moderation in wine consumption. Ephesians 5:18 instructs, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." This admonition reflects the early Christian emphasis on self-control and spiritual focus. Cultural and Symbolic Significance Throughout biblical history, wine is associated with joy, celebration, and divine blessing. It is often used metaphorically to describe spiritual truths and eschatological hope. For instance, in Isaiah 25:6, the prophet envisions a future banquet prepared by the Lord, featuring "a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine—the best of meats and the finest of wines." Wine's dual nature as both a blessing and a potential source of moral failure serves as a reminder of the need for discernment and moderation. Its presence in both daily life and sacred rituals underscores its integral role in the biblical narrative and its enduring theological significance. Nave's Topical Index Luke 5:39No man also having drunk old wine straightway desires new: for he said, The old is better. Nave's Topical Index Library The Parable of the New Patch on the Old Garment, and of the New ... The Call of Levi the Publican Christ in Relation to the Baptist. ... The Old and the New. Matthew's Feast. Discourse on Fasting. The Old Testament Scriptures, and those Written by Moses in ... The Publicans' Friend The First Miracle in Cana --The Water Made Wine The Old Store an the New Jesus Finds Joy in all his Work A Teacher with Authority Resources What does the Bible say about drinking alcohol / wine? Is it a sin for a Christian to drink alcohol / wine? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is consubstantiation? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus choose the wedding at Cana for His first miracle? | GotQuestions.org Wine: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics 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 Times of Scarcity, Was Mixed With Water Wine of the Abominations of the Apostasy Wine of the Blessing of the Gospel Wine of the Joys of Spiritual Matters Wine of the Wrath and Judgments of God 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 was Made of The Juice of the Grape Wine was Made of The Juice of the Pomegranate 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: 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: Cheap Wine (Like Vinegar) Given to Jesus at the Crucifixion 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: First Fruits of, to be offered to God Wine: First Mode of Making, Notice 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: 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: 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: Nabal Wine: Made by Jesus at the Marriage Feast in Cana Wine: Often Spiced to Increase Its Strength 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: Samson's Mother Forbidden to Drink Wine: Sometimes Mixed With Milk As a Beverage 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 |
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