Topical Encyclopedia Wine, a significant element in biblical narratives and practices, is primarily made from the juice of grapes. This beverage holds a prominent place in the cultural, religious, and social life of the ancient Near East, including the context of the Bible.Biblical References and Symbolism The Bible frequently mentions wine, often symbolizing joy, celebration, and blessing. In Genesis 14:18, Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought out bread and wine to Abram, signifying hospitality and covenant. The use of wine in religious rituals is further underscored in Exodus 29:40, where wine is part of the drink offering accompanying sacrifices. Wine also symbolizes abundance and divine blessing. In Proverbs 3:9-10 , it is written: "Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine." This passage highlights wine as a sign of prosperity and God's favor. Production and Consumption The process of making wine in biblical times involved harvesting grapes, treading them in winepresses to extract the juice, and allowing fermentation. Isaiah 5:2 describes this process: "He dug it up, cleared the stones, and planted the finest vines. He built a watchtower in the middle and dug out a winepress as well." Wine was consumed in various settings, from daily meals to special feasts and religious ceremonies. It was a staple in the diet, often mixed with water to purify and enhance the taste. The Bible acknowledges both the benefits and potential pitfalls of wine consumption. Psalm 104:14-15 praises God for providing wine that "gladdens the heart of man," while Proverbs 20:1 warns, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise." Jesus and Wine In the New Testament, wine continues to hold theological significance. Jesus' first miracle, turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11), underscores the importance of wine in celebrations and as a symbol of the new covenant. During the Last Supper, Jesus used wine as a representation of His blood, establishing the sacrament of communion (Matthew 26:27-29): "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.'" Moral and Ethical Considerations While wine is a gift from God, the Bible also cautions against its misuse. Drunkenness is condemned as it leads to moral decay and impairs judgment. Ephesians 5:18 advises, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." This admonition reflects the broader biblical principle of moderation and self-control. In summary, wine made from the juice of the grape is deeply woven into the fabric of biblical history and theology. It serves as a symbol of joy, blessing, and divine provision, while also reminding believers of the importance of moderation and the potential consequences of excess. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 49:11Binding his foal to the vine, and his ass's colt to the choice vine; he washed his garments in wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Whether Wine of the Grape is the Proper Matter of this Sacrament? The First Miracle. The Waterpots at Cana At the Marriage Feast Evil Habits and Injurious Indulgences. Whether Death Will be the Term "Wherefrom" of the Resurrection in ... A Question for Communicants Various Experiences in Gospel Work The Heart: a Gift for God The Remembrance of Christ 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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