A winevat, also referred to as a winepress, is a crucial element in the process of winemaking in biblical times. It is a large container or trough where grapes are crushed to extract their juice, which is then fermented to produce wine. The winevat is often mentioned in the Bible, symbolizing abundance, judgment, and the blessings of God.

Biblical References

The winevat is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of agricultural 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 the winevat as a symbol of prosperity and God's provision for those who honor Him.

In Isaiah 63:2-3 , the imagery of the winevat is used to depict divine judgment: "Why are Your clothes red, and Your garments like one who treads the winepress? 'I have trodden the winepress alone, and no one from the nations was with Me. I trampled them in My anger and trod them down in My wrath; their blood spattered My garments, and all My clothes were stained.'" Here, the winevat symbolizes the wrath of God and the execution of His judgment upon the nations.

The New Testament also alludes to the winevat in the parables of Jesus. In Matthew 21:33 , Jesus tells the parable of the wicked tenants: "Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it, and built a watchtower. Then he rented it out to some tenants and went away on a journey." The winepress in this parable represents the blessings and responsibilities given to the people of Israel, and the subsequent judgment for their unfaithfulness.

Symbolism and Significance

The winevat serves as a powerful symbol in biblical literature. It represents both the blessings of God and the consequences of disobedience. The overflowing winevats signify abundance and the joy of a fruitful harvest, reflecting God's favor and provision. Conversely, the imagery of the winepress in the context of judgment underscores the seriousness of God's wrath against sin and unfaithfulness.

In the broader biblical narrative, the winevat is a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people. It calls believers to honor God with their resources and to live in obedience to His commands, with the assurance of His blessings. At the same time, it serves as a warning of the consequences of turning away from God's ways.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Israel, the process of winemaking was a significant part of daily life and economy. The winevat was typically hewn out of rock or constructed from wood or clay. Grapes were gathered during the harvest and placed in the upper vat, where they were trampled by foot. The juice would flow into a lower vat, where it was collected for fermentation.

The winevat's presence in the biblical text reflects the agrarian society of the time, where vineyards and winemaking were common. It also illustrates the importance of wine in religious and social contexts, being used in offerings, celebrations, and as a symbol of joy and blessing.

Conclusion

The winevat, as depicted in the Bible, is a multifaceted symbol that encompasses themes of abundance, judgment, and covenant faithfulness. Its presence in Scripture serves as a reminder of God's provision and the importance of living in accordance with His will.WINEFAT; WINE PRESS; WINEVAT

win'-fat, win'-pres, win'-vat.

See CRAFTS, II, 19; VINE; WINE.

WINEVAT

See WINEFAT, WINEVAT.

Winevat (3 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia WINEFAT; WINE PRESS; WINEVAT. win'-fat, win'-pres,
win'-vat. See CRAFTS, II, 19; VINE; WINE. WINEVAT. See WINEFAT, WINEVAT. ...
/w/winevat.htm - 7k

Under-winevat (1 Occurrence)
Under-winevat. Underwent, Under-winevat. Underworld . Multi-Version
Concordance Under-winevat (1 Occurrence). Mark 12 ...
/u/under-winevat.htm - 6k

Underwent (22 Occurrences)

/u/underwent.htm - 12k

Wine-vat (7 Occurrences)
Wine-vat. Winevat, Wine-vat. Wine-vats . Multi-Version Concordance Wine-vat
(7 Occurrences). ... (WBS). Winevat, Wine-vat. Wine-vats . Reference Bible.
/w/wine-vat.htm - 8k

Vine-growers (13 Occurrences)
... Mark 12:1 And he began to speak to them in similes: 'A man planted a vineyard, and
put a hedge around, and digged an under-winevat, and built a tower, and gave ...
/v/vine-growers.htm - 9k

Wine-tank (1 Occurrence)
Wine-tank. Wine-store, Wine-tank. Winevat . Multi-Version Concordance
Wine-tank (1 Occurrence). ... (WEY). Wine-store, Wine-tank. Winevat . Reference
/w/wine-tank.htm - 6k

Winefat (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. WINEFAT; WINE PRESS; WINEVAT. win'-fat, win'-pres,
win'-vat. See CRAFTS, II, 19; VINE; WINE. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/w/winefat.htm - 7k

Redness (2 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). Isaiah 63:2 Wherefore is redness in thine apparel,
And thy garments like him that treadeth in the winevat? (DBY). ...
/r/redness.htm - 7k

Pressfat (1 Occurrence)
... PRESSFAT. pres'-fat (Haggai 2:16 in the King James Version, the English Revised
Version "winefat," the American Standard Revised Version "winevat"). See WINE. ...
/p/pressfat.htm - 7k

Press-measures (1 Occurrence)
... Haggai 2:16 Through all that time, when one came to a heap of twenty measures ,
there were but ten; when one came to the winevat to draw out fifty vessels ...
/p/press-measures.htm - 6k

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