A Critical Study of Wine in the Bible: Old Testament and New Testament Perspectives
Introduction
The issue of wine in the Bible has long been a subject of debate, particularly with regard to its nature, its consumption, and the potential spiritual and moral implications surrounding its use. The Bible’s treatment of wine, as well as its effects on the human body and mind, has been interpreted in various ways by different religious communities. In this study, we aim to critically examine the mention of wine in both the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) and the New Testament, considering the historical and cultural contexts, without relying on Christian theological interpretations, but instead focusing on the original texts themselves. Given that Jesus was a Jew who adhered to the commandments of God, we will explore whether the use of intoxicating wine could be in alignment with the divine will as expressed in the Torah and the moral teachings of the prophets, especially considering the broader implications on human behavior and well-being.
Wine in the Old Testament
In the Old Testament, wine is mentioned frequently, but the context often distinguishes between fermented wine (alcoholic) and unfermented wine (grape juice). The concept of wine in the Old Testament was multi-faceted: it was used in sacrificial rituals, as an offering to God, as well as for medical and social purposes. The Bible also warns against overindulgence, particularly drunkenness, which is clearly condemned as a sin.
1. Wine as a Symbol of Joy and Blessing
Wine is often associated with joy, celebration, and the blessings of God. For instance, in Psalm 104:14-15, wine is described as a gift from God that brings joy to the heart of man:
“You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth and wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread to strengthen man’s heart.”
Wine here is portrayed as a good gift that enhances life’s enjoyment. Similarly, the book of Ecclesiastes (3:13) notes that “everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man.” These references show wine as something to be enjoyed, yet there is an underlying restriction when it comes to its excessive consumption.
2. Wine and the Prohibition of Drunkenness
The Old Testament is also very clear in its prohibition of drunkenness, emphasizing the idea that wine should never be consumed in excess to the point of loss of control. In Proverbs 20:1, it is stated:
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”
This verse is a warning that alcoholic drinks can lead a person astray, impairing their judgment and leading them into sin. Proverbs 23:29-35 contains a more detailed warning, describing the destructive effects of drunkenness:
“Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.”
This passage paints a vivid picture of the consequences of overindulgence, including sorrow, strife, and physical harm. The message is clear: excessive drinking leads to negative consequences, and the Bible consistently warns against intoxication.
3. Wine and the Nazarite Vow
In the Old Testament, the Nazarite vow (Numbers 6:1-21) is a key example of abstinence from alcohol as part of a holy vow to God. Those who took this vow were forbidden from drinking fermented wine or even eating grapes. This highlights that not all use of wine was considered permissible, even in a religious context. The Nazarite vow symbolized a state of consecration and separation for God’s service, with abstinence from strong drink being a central feature of the vow.
4. Old Wine and New Wine: A Metaphorical Distinction
The phrase “old wine” and “new wine” appears several times in the Bible, such as in Isaiah 65:8 and Luke 5:37-39. The idea of new wine as unfermented grape juice that had not yet been allowed to ferment, contrasting with old wine, which had undergone fermentation and was intoxicating, is a significant point of discussion. Isaiah 65:8 says:
“Thus says the Lord: As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one says, ‘Do not destroy it, for there is a blessing in it,’ so I will do for my servants’ sake, and not destroy them all.”
This suggests that new wine was seen as pure, potentially beneficial, and non-intoxicating. Therefore, new wine might have been grape juice that was preserved for medicinal or celebratory purposes. The use of old wine, on the other hand, was more likely to be intoxicating, and its consumption could lead to drunkenness.
Wine in the New Testament
The New Testament records the life and teachings of Jesus, the Apostles, and the early Christian community. While the Old Testament lays out the commandments and laws of God regarding wine, the New Testament brings a shift in the focus and theological interpretation of these laws, especially in light of Jesus’ role as the Messiah. The New Testament views wine more from a symbolic and sacramental perspective, with a focus on the Kingdom of God and spiritual truths.
1. Jesus and the Wine at the Wedding in Cana
The most famous wine-related event in the New Testament is the miracle performed by Jesus at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11), where he turns water into wine. The text does not specify whether the wine was fermented or not, but the quantity (approximately 120 gallons) suggests it was an abundance for a large group. Some have argued that Jesus’ act was to support the celebration and that it is unthinkable for Jesus to provide intoxicating wine for a group already potentially drunk from earlier wine. Given the clear Biblical prohibition against drunkenness, it would seem highly unlikely that Jesus would have contributed to a situation where intoxication was encouraged.
Thus, it is more plausible that the wine was non-fermented grape juice, which would not have led to drunkenness and could have been used to refresh and sustain the guests. Jesus’ miracle here can be understood as one that provided joy and refreshment, consistent with the biblical understanding of wine as a symbol of blessing, but not of intoxication.
2. Jesus’ Teaching on Wine and New Wine
In Matthew 9:16-17, Jesus speaks about the incompatibility of new wine and old wineskins:
“No one puts a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out, and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”
This metaphor is often interpreted to signify the newness of Jesus’ teaching and the incompatibility of his message with the old Jewish traditions. While this may be the primary theological message, it is also significant that Jesus uses the imagery of new wine as a non-intoxicating, preserved substance that does not have the corrupting effect of old wine.
Modern Alcoholic Beverages: A Departure from Biblical Wine
While the Bible’s references to wine generally fit within the context of moderation and restraint, modern-day alcohol consumption has become vastly different from the biblical model. Today, the term wine is applied to many types of alcoholic beverages, many of which are far more potent than the wine that would have been consumed in ancient times. The wines today are fermented to a much higher alcohol content, and the array of spirits (such as whiskey, vodka, and rum) bears no resemblance to the natural, low-alcohol content grape wine of biblical times. These strong alcoholic drinks are explicitly intended to intoxicate quickly, often with the goal of altering a person’s consciousness, rather than the moderate consumption encouraged in ancient texts.
Nowhere in the Bible are these modern strong liquors, which have a high percentage of alcohol, mentioned or condoned. The Bible speaks primarily of wine as a fermented beverage, not the highly potent spirits and liquors consumed today. Furthermore, the Bible never advocates the use of alcohol in excess or supports the consumption of substances that lead to intoxication, addiction, and social harm.
It is also significant that the Bible condemns drugs and substances that harm the body. If alcohol is permitted in moderation, why then would the use of drugs—which similarly impair judgment and body function—be prohibited, unless we interpret the Bible’s stance on alcohol as being based on moderation, not intoxication?
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bible’s references to wine need to be understood in their historical, cultural, and scriptural context. The use of wine in biblical times was generally moderate and carefully regulated, with an emphasis on the dangers of drunkenness and the importance of self-control. The current consumption of high-alcohol beverages in modern times does not align with the biblical warnings against excess or the moral teachings found in the Old and New Testaments. The Bible does not condone the use of alcoholic beverages with the intended purpose of intoxication or impairment, and certainly does not sanction the variety of alcoholic drinks now commonly consumed, many of which are designed to get people drunk as quickly as possible.
It is likely that the biblical concept of wine has been misinterpreted and corrupted over time, with modern alcohol consumption being an exaggeration of the original biblical stance on the use of wine. The original context suggests that moderation, restraint, and the avoidance of drunkenness were the key principles. Given that God’s wisdom is all-encompassing, it seems inconsistent that He would permit intoxicating substances that lead to addiction, violence, family destruction, and health issues, as seen in the modern abuse of alcohol. Thus, it is reasonable to conclude that God’s commandments were always meant to protect human dignity and well-being, and the use of strong drink as seen in today’s society does not align with His divine purpose for mankind.