Lexical Summary
oinos: Wine
Original Word: οἶνος
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: oinos
Pronunciation: oy'-nos
Phonetic Spelling: (oy'-nos)
KJV: wine
NASB: wine
Word Origin: [a primary word (or perhaps of Hebrew origin (H3196 (יַיִן - wine)))]
1. wine
{literally or figuratively}
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
wine.
A primary word (or perhaps of Hebrew origin (yayin)); "wine" (literally or figuratively) -- wine.
see HEBREW yayin
HELPS Word-studies
3631 oínos – wine made from grapes.
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origina prim. word
Definitionwine
NASB Translationwine (33), wine* (1).
Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 3631: οἶνοςοἶνος,
οἴνου,
ὁ (from
Homer down), the
Sept. for
יַיִן, also for
תִּירושׁ (must, new wine),
חֶמֶר, etc.;
wine;
a. properly: Matthew 9:17; (xxvii. 34 L text T Tr WH); Mark 15:23; Luke 1:15; John 2:3; Romans 14:21; Ephesians 5:18; 1 Timothy 5:23; Revelation 17:2, etc.; οἴνῳ προσέχειν, 1 Timothy 3:8; δουλεύειν, Titus 2:3.
b. metaphorically: οἶνος τοῦ θυμοῦ (see θυμός, 2), fiery wine, which God in his wrath is represented as mixing and giving to those whom he is about to punish by their own folly and madness, Revelation 14:10; Revelation 16:19; Revelation 19:15; with τῆς πορνείας added (cf. Winers Grammar, § 30, 3 N. 1; B. 155 (136)), a love-potion as it were, wine exciting to fornication, which he is said to give who entices others to idolatry, Revelation 14:8; Revelation 18:3 (here L omits; Tr WH brackets οἴνου), and he is said to be drunk with who suffers himself to be enticed, Revelation 17:2.
c. by metonymy, equivalent to a vine: Revelation 6:6.
Topical Lexicon
Viticulture and First-Century Context The vineyards of Judea and the wider Mediterranean enjoyed long, sun-filled growing seasons, yielding grapes that were pressed, fermented, and stored in clay jars or skins. Wine was a staple at meals, a required element in Temple offerings, and a principal trade commodity (Revelation 18:13). Daily tables commonly saw a light, diluted beverage, while uncut wine was reserved for feasts and religious ceremonies.
Wine as Covenant Blessing
Scripture consistently places wine among the tangible gifts of God for His people’s joy and sustenance (cf. Psalm 104:15). When Jesus turned water into wine at Cana (John 2:3-10), He signaled messianic abundance: “You have saved the fine wine until now!” (John 2:10). The miracle inaugurated a ministry that would culminate in the promised wedding supper of the Lamb, where every provision is perfect and overflowing.
Social and Familial Celebrations
Weddings (John 2), Sabbaths, and harvest festivals routinely featured wine. In the parable of new wine in new wineskins (Matthew 9:17; Mark 2:22; Luke 5:37-38), Jesus used the familiar process of fermentation to illustrate the incompatibility of His new covenant with rigid traditionalism. The daily culture of viticulture thus became a living classroom for kingdom truths.
Medicinal and Practical Uses
Wine’s antiseptic properties were employed compassionately: the Good Samaritan “bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine” (Luke 10:34). Paul counseled Timothy, “Use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses” (1 Timothy 5:23). Such passages affirm legitimate therapeutic value while discouraging excess.
Ethical Boundaries and Warnings
Scripture never glamorizes intoxication. “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion” (Ephesians 5:18). Spiritual leaders must not be “given to much wine” (1 Timothy 3:8; Titus 2:3). Christian liberty is circumscribed by love: “It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything to cause your brother to stumble” (Romans 14:21).
Pastoral Guidelines for Moderation
Elders, deacons, and older women receive explicit instruction because their example powerfully shapes congregational life. Temperance protects credibility, fosters self-control, and keeps the church’s witness clear before a watching world.
Wine in the Passion Narrative
At Golgotha soldiers offered Jesus “wine mixed with myrrh, but He did not take it” (Mark 15:23). The refusal highlights His resolve to drain instead the appointed cup of suffering. Conversely, the Last Supper cup—though “wine” is not named explicitly—became the memorial emblem of the new covenant in His blood, building on centuries of Passover practice.
Apocalyptic Symbolism: Cup of Wrath
Revelation sharpens the metaphor. The world system “has made all the nations drink the wine of the passion of her immorality” (Revelation 14:8). Those who follow the beast “will drink the wine of God’s anger, poured undiluted into the cup of His wrath” (Revelation 14:10). The Messiah alone “treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God” (Revelation 19:15). Thus wine can signify either covenant joy or irrevocable judgment, depending on one’s relationship to Christ.
Implications for Christian Liberty
Scripture presents wine as a good creation gift that can be abused. The believer’s mandate is sobriety, love, and Spirit-filled joy. Where cultural or personal histories complicate its use, voluntary abstinence honors both conscience and community.
Eschatological Fulfillment
Prophets foresaw a banquet of “well-aged wine” (Isaiah 25:6, cf. Cana). The final panorama of Revelation confirms that every legitimate delight finds completion in Christ’s kingdom. Until then, the church lives between cups—the remembered cup of redemption and the anticipated cup of consummation—bearing witness through temperate, grateful use of God’s provision.
Forms and Transliterations
οίνοις οινον οίνον οίνόν οἶνον οινος οίνος οἶνος οινου οίνου οἴνου όινου οινοφλυγεί οινοφλυγήσωμεν οινω οίνω οἴνῳ οίνων oino oinō oínoi oínōi oinon oînon oinos oînos oinou oínou
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