Basic HTML Version
It is to be noted that in all but 2 instances of its use in the Old Testament (Job 39:9;
Isa. 1:19), the word is used with a negation, to indicate lack of willingness or consent.
Even in these two positive uses, there seems to be a negative aspect or expectation
implied. Job asks: “Will the unicorn be willing to serve thee …?” (Job 39:9); and Isaiah
seems almost hopeless as he says to Judah: “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the
good of the land” (Isa. 1:19).
WINE
(
, 3196), “wine.” Cognates of this word appear in Akkadian, Ugaritic,
Aramaic, Arabic, and Ethiopic. It appears about 141 times and in all periods of biblical
Hebrew.
This is the usual Hebrew word for fermented grape. It is usually rendered “wine.”
Such “wine” was commonly drunk for refreshment: “And Melchizedek king of Salem
brought forth bread and wine …” (Gen. 14:18; cf. 27:25). Passages such as Ezek. 27:18
inform us that “wine” was an article of commerce: “Damascus was thy merchant in the
multitude of the wares of thy making, for the multitude of all riches; in the wine of
Helbon, and white wool.” Strongholds were supplied with “wine” in case of siege (2
Chron. 11:11). Proverbs recommends that kings avoid “wine” and strong drink but that it
be given to those troubled with problems that they might drink and forget their problems
(Prov. 31:4-7). “Wine” was used to make merry, to make one feel good without being
intoxicated (2 Sam. 13:28).
Second, “wine” was used in rejoicing before the Lord. Once a year all Israel is to
gather in Jerusalem. The money realized from the sale of a tithe of all their harvest was to
be spent “for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for
strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the Lord
thy God, and thou shalt rejoice …” (Deut. 14:26). “Wine” was offered to God at His
command as part of the prescribed ritual (Exod. 29:40). Thus it was part of the temple
supplies available for purchase by pilgrims so that they could offer it to God (1 Chron.
9:29). Pagans used “wine” in their worship, but “their wine is the poison of dragons, and
the cruel venom of asps” (Deut. 32:33)
'
clearly represents an intoxicating beverage. This is evident in its first biblical
appearance: “And Noah began to be a husbandman, and he planted a vineyard: and he
drank of the wine, and was drunken …” (Gen. 9:20-21). The word is used as a synonym
of
, “new wine,” in Hos. 4:11, where it is evident that both can be intoxicating.
is distinguished from
by referring only to new wine not fully fermented;
includes “wine” at any stage. In Gen. 27:28 (the first biblical occurrence of the
word) Jacob’s blessing includes the divine bestowal of an abundance of new wine. In 1
Sam. 1:15
parallels
, “strong drink.”
-
in early times included wine
(Num. 28:7) but meant strong drink made from any fruit or grain (Num. 6:3). People in
special states of holiness were forbidden to drink “wine,” such as the Nazarites (Num.
6:3), Samson’s mother (Judg. 13:4), and priests approaching God (Lev. 10:9).
In Gen. 9:24
means drunkenness: “And Noah awoke from his wine.…”
WING