What does wine symbolize in the Bible (Symbolism and Meaning)?

Ever since I was born again and joined the ministry, I have had a soft spot for new Christians who want to accept Jesus Christ just like I did. These Christians usually come to Jesus Christ with heavy burdens that must be settled. Some have narrated their tough experiences outside the world while facing challenges such as drunkenness. Some days ago, a newcomer confessed to me that he was still struggling with drunkenness, but he has now shifted to wine because he has heard it is acceptable in the Bible. I told him that, in some instances, the wine had been used symbolically in the Bible. He thus wanted to know, what does wine symbolize in the Bible?

I welcome you to join me as we delve into this article to discuss the symbolism of wine in the Bible. We will also discuss what the Bible says about alcoholic drinks and how wine has been used in the Bible. We will further discuss the meaning of dreaming about wine and the purpose of new wine in the Bible. Read to the end to learn more about wine and what the Bible says about the drink.

What does the Bible say about alcoholic drinks?

Alcoholic drinks like wine have been mentioned several times in the Bible. The New and Old Testament have mentioned wine, some mentioning beer and other fermented beverages. Deuteronomy 7:13 says new wine is part of the blessings God prepared for the Israelites. God had promised the Israelites several blessings, and wine was mentioned to show it was an important drink to the traditional Israelites.

The same blessing of wine is further noticed in Proverbs 3, where God is said to bless those who honor Him with blessings such as those of wine. In Numbers 15:7, the Lord accepts an offering of a third of a hin of wine. The verse further explains that this offering is acceptable to God because of its sweet aroma that pleases Him.

Genesis 9:20-27 tells us of Noah’s story, who got extremely drunk from wine and naked. His son Ham got a curse for seeing his father naked. Proverbs 20:1 talks of wine as a mocker and beer as a brawler while warning Christians to be aware of the drinks. 1 Timothy 5:23 talks of a little wine not being bad for the stomach and can cure some specific ailments.

Ephesians 5:18 warns Christians about getting drunk on wine and instead getting filled by the Holy Spirit. 1 Timothy 3 warns church elders not to indulge in too much wine as they lead the flock of God. John 2:1-10 Jesus made some very good wine at the Cana wedding that was better than the wine they had before. People drank the wine and enjoyed the occasion.

Wine has therefore been mentioned in both the New and Old Testaments and portrayed as a valued drink for the ancient Israelite community. Despite ridiculing the glass in some verses, it has been described as useful to the people.

How is wine used in the Bible?

Numbers 15:7 shows wine being used as an offering to God. The verse quotes God asking for a third hin of wine to be given to Him as an offering. The aroma of the wine is quoted as being pleasing to God.

In Deuteronomy 7:13, wine is used to show the abundance of the blessings of God. As the blessings of God are mentioned to the children of Israel, wine is also included in the list.

1 Timothy 5:23 shows wine being used for the treatment of some ailments. In this verse, Paul writes to Timothy and encourages him to stop using water but instead use some little wine to cure his diseases.

John 2:1-10 portrays wine as a festivity drink. During the wedding in Cana, Jesus enters the marriage and is signaled that the wine has been exhausted. He makes great wine whose quality surpasses the wine made at the wedding. Wine is therefore used as a ceremonial or festival drink for the people’s enjoyment.

These four different uses of wine have been portrayed in the Old and New Testaments that prove how important the drink was to the Israelites.

Types of wine in the Bible

Genesis 40:11 explains that wine is made from grapes when squeezed to extract their juice. The alcoholic content of the drink depends on the number of days it would take to ferment it.

Proverbs 23:31-33 mentions the sparkling red wine. In verse, we are warned about admiring the sparkling red wine in our glasses and how smoothly it can be taken. This is because wine is known to impair Christians’ judgment, leading to them judging situations and uttering obscenities that can destroy our relationship with God.

Isaiah 5:2 mentions sweet wine made from overripe grapes left in the vineyard for too long. For the wine to be fine, the grapes must be good and well taken care of.

Luke 5:37-39 talks about a new wine. In verse, we are told that new wine cannot be put into old wineskins, for it will burst. The verse explains that new wine will most definitely make the old wineskins explode and thus should be placed in new wineskins.

Luke 5:39 tells us about the old wine. The verse tells us that anybody who takes new wine does not desire to have new wine, for they feel like the old wine is good enough for them.

Numbers 6:3 talks of fermented wine, also referred to as vinegar. This wine is made from grapes, sometimes fresh, sometimes dried.

The Bible has given us several types of wines and described them uniquely. These kinds of wines have been quoted to result from unique processes and function differently.

5 symbolic meanings of wine in the Bible

Mocker

Proverbs 20 1 symbolizes wine as a mocker. In this verse, wine is credited with mocking those taking it and impairing their judgment. The verse warns Christians against showing their love for wine as it can turn against them, embarrassing them or causing them to make judgments they would regret.

Doctrines

Luke 5:37-39 talks of new wine burst the old wineskins. The new wine has been symbolically translated to mean the new doctrines that Jesus Christ came with that cannot be mixed with the old ones represented by the old wineskins.

Blessings

The wine was also used as a symbol of blessings when Isaac blessed Jacob; he asked God to bless him with new wine in Genesis 27. Melchizedek also blesses Abrahams’s army with the refreshment of bread and wine. Consequently, Jacob used wine to symbolize the prosperity of his son Judah when he was blessing his 12 sons, who represented the 12 tribes of Israel.

Abundant wine was promised to the children of Israel if they kept the commandment of God, and if they failed to keep the covenant, their wine would be taken away as a curse.

The Messianic age is believed by some Christians to be ushered in by the Day of the Lord. This was when Christians were promised abundant blessings symbolized by the new wine to flow from all the hills and mountains.

New Covenant

During the last Supper in Matthew 26:27-29, Jesus Christ used wine to symbolize the New Covenant of blood that he would sign with the Christians.

Healing

The wine was also a symbol of healing as it was believed to cure some illnesses. It was also supposed to cleanse wounds and ease the pain of those who had suffered some injuries as they were being taken care of.

These are some of the symbolisms of wine quoted in the Bible by some scholars.

What is the spiritual meaning of wine?

Some people spiritually associate wine with being a joy bringer. Taking wine is believed to bring the partakers joy, so some have labelled it a joy bringer.

Wine is also spiritually labelled a long-life giver by some people. They believe that taking some good wine increases their lifespan.

Others spiritually associate wine with healing. They believe that some stomach ailments can be cured by taking some wine.

Others spiritually associate the drink with blessings and prosperity. They believe that wine spiritually denotes blessings of wealth from God.

What does a dream about wine mean?

Some people believe that a dream about wine could symbolize the blessings that are about to come into your life. In the Bible, wine has been used to illustrate blessings, and they believe it could signify the same in a dream.

Some believe that a dream about wine could mean that you are experiencing massive happiness in your life. Wine uplifts the mood of those who take it, which could signify your joy.

A dream about wine could also mean that you are about to experience some renewal or revival in your life. Something new could be bound to happen in your life.

What does new wine mean in the Bible?

Luke 5:33-39 gives the parable of new wine, which cannot be put in the old wineskins because it will ferment more and tear the old wineskins. The new wine is assumed to mean the new faith people acquired in Jesus Christ. This new faith must be distinct from the ancient religion and rituals that used to take place before Jesus Christ came. The new wine signifies new life in Jesus Christ, where the old lifestyle is completely shunned.

What does wine symbolize in the Bible?

The wine in Psalms 75:8 symbolizes the wrath of God upon the wicked. The verse talks about a cup of well-mixed foaming wine in God’s hands, from which he pours, and the evil on the earth takes it to the last drop.

In Proverbs 9:2, the mixed wine that has been mentioned is used as a symbol of the blessings of wisdom from God.

In Isaiah 55:1, the wine mentioned has been used to symbolize the Gospel of Jesus Christ that was given freely to us.

Matthew 26:27-29 also mentions the wine Jesus Christ shared with his disciples during the Last Supper. The wine symbolizes the blood of the new covenant that Jesus poured on the cross to save humanity.