Topical Encyclopedia A vat, in biblical terms, refers to a large container or receptacle used for holding liquids, particularly in the processes of winemaking and oil production. The term is often associated with the agricultural practices of ancient Israel and is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Bible. Vats were essential components in the production and storage of wine and olive oil, two significant commodities in the biblical economy and culture.Biblical References: 1. Wine Production: Vats are frequently mentioned in the context of winemaking. Grapes were harvested and placed in a winepress, where they were trodden to extract juice. This juice would then flow into a vat, where it was collected and allowed to ferment into wine. The process is vividly described in the book of Isaiah: "The new wine mourns, the vine withers; all the merry-hearted sigh" (Isaiah 24:7). This passage highlights the importance of wine and, by extension, the vats used in its production. 2. Oil Production: Similarly, vats were used in the production of olive oil. Olives were crushed, and the oil was collected in vats. This process is alluded to in the book of Joel: "The threshing floors will be full of grain, and the vats will overflow with new wine and oil" (Joel 2:24). Here, the abundance of produce, including oil, is a sign of divine blessing and prosperity. 3. Symbol of Abundance and Blessing: Vats are often used metaphorically in the Bible to symbolize abundance and divine blessing. In Proverbs, the promise of plenty is associated with honoring the Lord: "Then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine" (Proverbs 3:10). This imagery conveys the idea that faithfulness to God results in material and spiritual blessings. 4. Judgment and Wrath: Conversely, vats can also symbolize judgment and the outpouring of God's wrath. In the book of Revelation, the imagery of a winepress is used to depict divine judgment: "So the angel swung his sickle over the earth and gathered the grapes of the earth, and he threw them into the great winepress of God's wrath" (Revelation 14:19). Here, the vat becomes a vessel of God's righteous judgment upon the wicked. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Israel, the production of wine and oil was not only a vital economic activity but also held religious significance. Wine was used in various religious ceremonies and offerings, while olive oil was essential for anointing and as a source of light in lamps. The presence of vats in these processes underscores their importance in daily life and worship. Vats were typically constructed from stone or clay and varied in size depending on their intended use. Archaeological discoveries have unearthed ancient winepresses and vats, providing insight into the agricultural practices of biblical times. Theological Significance: The use of vats in biblical narratives and metaphors serves to illustrate broader theological themes. The imagery of overflowing vats as a sign of blessing emphasizes God's provision and faithfulness to His people. Conversely, the use of vats in the context of judgment underscores the seriousness of divine justice. In summary, vats in the Bible are more than mere agricultural tools; they are rich symbols of blessing, abundance, and divine interaction with humanity. Through their use in both literal and metaphorical contexts, vats convey profound spiritual truths about God's relationship with His creation. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A large vessel, cistern, or tub, especially one used for holding in an immature state, chemical preparations for dyeing, or for tanning, or for tanning leather, or the like.2. (n.) A measure for liquids, and also a dry measure; especially, a liquid measure in Belgium and Holland, corresponding to the hectoliter of the metric system, which contains 22.01 imperial gallons, or 26.4 standard gallons in the United States. 3. (n.) A wooden tub for washing ores and mineral substances in. 4. (n.) A square, hollow place on the back of a calcining furnace, where tin ore is laid to dry. 5. (n.) A vessel for holding holy water. 6. (v. t.) To put or transfer into a vat. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia FAT (VAT)WINE, WINE PRESS, II. VAT See WINEVAT. Greek 3025b. lenos -- a trough, ie a (wine) vat ... 3025a, 3025b. lenos. 3026 . a trough, ie a (wine) vat. Transliteration: lenos Short Definition: winepress. Word Origin a prim. word ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3025b.htm - 5k 5276. hupolenion -- a vessel or trough beneath a winepress (to ... 3025. lenos -- receiving Strong's Hebrew 3342. yeqeb -- wine vat... 3341, 3342. yeqeb. 3343 . wine vat. Transliteration: yeqeb Phonetic Spelling: (yeh'-keb) Short Definition: vat. Word Origin from ... /hebrew/3342.htm - 6k 1660. gath -- a wine press Library Vision Second. Again, of his Neglect in Chastising his Talkative ... Vision First. Against Filthy and Proud Thoughts, and the ... Vision Fourth. Concerning the Trial and Tribulation that are to ... Commandment Second. On Avoiding Evil-Speaking, and on Giving Alms ... Commandment Fifth. Of Sadness of Heart, and of Patience. After this Event all the Effects which He had Brought with Him ... Commandment Tenth. Of Grief, and not Grieving the Spirit of God ... No One, However, Has ever Made Such an Unblushing Advance in the ... Commandment Third. On Avoiding Falsehood, and on the Repentance of ... Commandment Twelfth. On the Twofold Desire. The Commandments of ... Thesaurus Vat (7 Occurrences)... 5. (n.) A vessel for holding holy water. 6. (vt) To put or transfer into a vat. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. FAT (VAT). WINE, WINE PRESS, II. VAT. ... /v/vat.htm - 9k Wine-vat (7 Occurrences) Press-vat (1 Occurrence) Press (57 Occurrences) Wine (282 Occurrences) Winevat (3 Occurrences) Fat (150 Occurrences) Presume (10 Occurrences) Vastly (1 Occurrence) Resources Vat: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Vat (7 Occurrences)Mark 12:1 Numbers 18:27 Numbers 18:30 Deuteronomy 15:14 Deuteronomy 16:13 Isaiah 63:2 Haggai 2:16 Subtopics Related Terms |
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