Wine plays a very important role in some religions, especially in Christianity. The mystical connection between wine and God finds its central expression in the Eucharist (thanksgiving) when bread and wine are transformed into Christ's body and blood. This goes back to the Last Supper described in the New Testament. Jesus spoke the praise, broke the bread, handed it to them and said: " Take, this is my body. Then he took the cup, said the prayer of thanksgiving, handed it to the disciples and they all drank from it. And he said to them: This is my blood, the blood of the covenant, which is shed for many (Mark 14:17-25).
Mention of wine in the Bible
Wine and viticulture are referred to directly or indirectly in a total of 979 places in the Bible. Vineyard occurs over 90 times, grapevine (vine) over 60 times and wine press 15 times. Although beer was also a widespread drink at the time, it did not have the same high status. The reformer Martin Luther (1483-1546) categorised the difference as follows: Beer is the work of man, but wine is from God. Bible scholars found eight Hebrew words that were translated as "wine" in the various languages. Not all of them are real wine, but some are syrups, beer-like or other alcoholic drinks made from tree and field fruits:
- Ásis = sweet or vintage wine
- Chemer = strong red wine, mixed with water
- Mimsák = mixed or spicy wine (spiced wine)
- Shékár = strong drink made from barley, honey or dates
- Shemárim = old wine
- Sob'e = strong, intoxicating drink, mixed with water
- Tirósh = young wine
- Yáyin (Jájin) = general term for wine
Viticulture and wine consumption among the Israelites
The importance of viticulture for the Israelite community is illustrated by statements in the Book of Deuteronomy (fifth book of the Pentateuch). This is a collection of sermon-like speeches and laws that Moses announced to the Israelites before they entered the land of Canaan. Regarding participation in an upcoming battle (Deut. 20.6), he says: " Who is the man who has planted a vineyard and has not yet utilised it? Let him arise and return to his house, lest he die in battle and another man use it. The vinedresser was therefore exempt from military service until the maiden harvest, which was a period of three to five years. For the Israelites, securing the vineyard was therefore more important than one more man in battle.
Regulations in the vineyard
There were strict regulations regarding the consumption of grapes in the vineyard. Some examples are (23.35): When you come into your neighbour's vineyard, you may eat grapes as much as you like until you are full, but you must not put anything into your vessel. The time after the grape harvest was also regulated (24.21-22): When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, you shall not glean afterward; it shall fall to the stranger, the fatherless and the widow. Leviticus 19.10 also deals with this topic: Even in your vineyard you shall not glean or pick the fallen grapes. Leave them for the poor and the stranger.
Wine enjoyment as an expression of cheerfulness
Although Judaism affirms frugality and frowns upon all ostentation, it accepts all physicality as God-given. This also includes the enjoyment of wine as an expression of cheerfulness and joie de vivre. Wine is not only permitted, but also delights the heart and fills life with joy. Kosher wine plays an important ritual role on the holy Sabbath. There are warnings against excessive consumption, e.g. of Chemer: this should be drunk mixed with water, because undiluted it confuses the head and brain. The work of the winegrower in the vineyard as well as the wine and vine are also often praised and described as gifts from God.
Old Testament
In the Old Testament of the Bible, wine or the vine or the consumption of wine is often used...
