Vine
“Vine (general term for grape vine)”
Summary
The vine (Vitis vinifera) was one of the most important plants in biblical culture, cultivated extensively for grapes, wine, and raisins, and serving as a rich symbol for Israel and Christ's relationship with believers.
☩Hebrew and Greek Terms
Several Hebrew words designate the vine. Gephen is the general term for the cultivated grape vine, used throughout the Bible. Soreq or soreqah denotes a choice variety with small, dark, nearly stoneless grapes, mentioned in Jeremiah 2:21, Isaiah 5:2, and Genesis 49:11. Nazir refers to an 'undressed vine' left unpruned during sabbatical and jubilee years. The Greek ampelos is the generic term used in the New Testament. Various words describe the grape: eshkol for a cluster, enab for grapes generally, boser for unripe or sour grapes, and semadár for the blossom.
☩Cultivation in Palestine
The grape vine is believed native to the Caspian shores and thrives in the mountain regions of Judea and Samaria. Palestine was a vine-growing country from earliest times, as evidenced by countless ancient wine presses found throughout the land. The spies sent to Canaan brought back a cluster so large it was carried on a staff between two men. Famous vine-growing regions included Eshcol, Sibmah, Heshbon, Elealeh, and Engedi. Vineyards were surrounded by walls or hedges against wild boars, jackals, and foxes, with towers for watchmen. Cultivation required constant care: walls repaired after rains, ground plowed, weeds cleared, and branches pruned in spring to promote fruitfulness.
☩Uses and Products
Every part of the vine was valued. Grapes were eaten fresh or dried as raisins. The juice was drunk as must, fermented into wine, or boiled down into dibs, a thick syrup that served as the chief source of sugar before cane sugar was known. This grape honey (debhash in Hebrew) is likely the 'honey' of many Old Testament references. The vintage in September was a time of great festivity, with families leaving towns to live in lodges and tents among the vineyards. Grape gatherers worked with shouts of joy, and gleanings were left for the poor.
☩Symbolic Significance
The vine provides rich biblical imagery. Every man dwelling under his vine and fig tree symbolized peace and prosperity. Israel is portrayed as a vine brought out of Egypt and planted by God, but becoming degenerate when unfaithful. In Ezekiel 15, God asks what the vine wood is good for besides fruit—nothing, for it cannot even make a peg. If fruitless, God's people are more worthless than worldlings, fit only for burning. The temple featured a magnificent golden vine above a gate seventy cubits high, with wealthy Jews contributing jeweled grapes and leaves. This symbol appeared on Maccabean coins and Jewish tombstones.
☩Jesus as the True Vine
In John 15, Christ calls Himself 'the true vine,' claiming fulfillment of Israel's prophetic calling that Israel itself had failed to realize. The Father is the husbandman who prunes fruitful branches through discipline and removes unfruitful ones entirely. Believers are branches whose sole purpose is bearing fruit through abiding in Christ. Separated from Him, they can do nothing and are fit only for burning. This allegory teaches that the indispensable condition for spiritual fruitfulness is continuous, intimate union with Christ, from whom believers derive all strength and nourishment.
Related Verses70 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Vine," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Vine," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Vine, Allegory of The," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).
- 4.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Vine," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 5.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Vine," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).