Wine is a common element in the Bible, symbolizing both celebration and caution. Today we will looj into verses that discuss wine in various contexts, examining its symbolic and literal roles in biblical narratives.
We’ll understand the cultural and spiritual significance of wine in the scriptures, exploring its use in rituals, its representation of abundance and joy, and the warnings against excess, providing a balanced view of its place in biblical teachings.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Connection With Others
Bible Verses About Wine
Genesis 9:20-21
Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded to plant a vineyard. When he drank some of its wine, he became drunk and lay uncovered inside his tent.
This story in Genesis serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of excessive drinking. While wine itself is not condemned here, the consequences of Noah’s overindulgence remind us to drink responsibly and avoid the pitfalls of drunkenness.
Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
The book of Proverbs teaches wisdom and discernment, even in our choices of what we consume. This verse warns against the deceptive allure of alcohol, emphasizing the importance of making wise decisions and not allowing ourselves to be led astray by its influence.
Proverbs 23:20-21
Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.
This passage encourages moderation in all aspects of life, including alcohol consumption. It highlights the negative consequences of excessive drinking, such as financial and physical ruin, and encourages self-control and balance in our choices.
Ecclesiastes 9:7
Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.
In contrast to the previous verses, Ecclesiastes offers a balanced view of enjoying food and drink. It acknowledges that God approves of our joyful celebrations and encourages us to find delight in His blessings, including the enjoyment of wine in moderation.
Song of Solomon 1:2
Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth— for your love is more delightful than wine.
Song of Solomon, a poetic book of the Bible, uses wine as a metaphor for the intoxicating and delightful experience of love. This verse captures the passionate and longing desire for the presence and affection of a loved one, likening it to the sweetness and joy of wine.
Isaiah 25:6
On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine— the best of meats and the finest of wines.
Isaiah prophesies about a future time of abundance and celebration, where God Himself will provide a lavish feast that includes aged wine. This verse symbolizes the bountiful blessings and joys that await God’s people in His glorious presence.
Amos 9:14
I will bring my people Israel back from exile. They will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them. They will plant vineyards and drink their wine; they will make gardens and eat their fruit.
Amos speaks of the restoration and blessing of God’s people after a period of exile. As part of their restored prosperity, the imagery of planting vineyards and enjoying the fruit of their labor, including the drinking of wine, represents the richness of God’s provision and abundance in their lives.
Matthew 9:17
Neither do people 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.
In this metaphorical statement, Jesus teaches about the need for flexibility and openness to new ways of thinking and living in the Kingdom of God. Just as new wine must be placed in new wineskins to avoid bursting, we must embrace the fresh work of God and be open to the transformative power of His Spirit in our lives.
Matthew 26:29
I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.
During the Last Supper, Jesus alludes to the future joy and celebration that awaits His followers in the Kingdom of God. By referencing the new wine He will share with them in His Father’s kingdom, He offers a glimpse of the future fulfillment of His redemptive work and the joyful fellowship that will be shared with Him.
John 2:1-11
On the third day, a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
This famous miracle performed by Jesus at the wedding in Cana showcases His divine power and the abundance of His provision. By turning water into high-quality wine, Jesus demonstrates His ability to bring unexpected joy and blessings into our lives. This serves as a reminder that God is not limited by our circumstances but can transform even the ordinary into something extraordinary.
Acts 2:13
Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”
On the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples, some observers misunderstood their joyful and exuberant behavior, attributing it to drunkenness. This verse serves as a reminder that sometimes our experiences with God can be so awe-inspiring and beyond worldly understanding that they may be misconstrued by those who do not share our faith.
Romans 14:21
It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.
In this chapter addressing matters of personal conviction and conscience, the Apostle Paul highlights the importance of considering the spiritual well-being and influence we have on others when making choices. Here, he advises against partaking in anything that may cause a fellow believer to stumble or be led astray from their faith.
1 Corinthians 11:25
In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
During the institution of the Lord’s Supper, Jesus uses the symbolism of wine to represent His blood, which was shed for the forgiveness of sins. This verse reminds us of the significance and purpose of the communion meal, where we remember and celebrate the sacrificial love of Christ.
1 Timothy 3:8
In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.
As Paul provides instructions for church leaders, he advises that deacons should exhibit qualities of self-control and integrity. While not condemning the consumption of wine outright, this verse emphasizes the importance of moderation and avoiding any behavior that may compromise one’s moral character.
1 Timothy 5:23
Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.
In this personal instruction to Timothy, Paul advises him to use a small amount of wine for medicinal purposes. This shows that wine can have practical benefits in certain circumstances, but also implies the importance of using it responsibly and for legitimate purposes.
Titus 2:3
Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good.
Paul’s instructions to Titus include guiding older women to live lives that reflect godly character. This verse advises against excessive drinking, highlighting the importance of being examples of wisdom, self-control, and positive influence.
Hebrews 5:11-14
We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
Here, the author of Hebrews chastises his audience for their spiritual immaturity, comparing it to infants who can only handle milk. The analogy of milk and solid food implies the need for believers to progress in their understanding and application of God’s Word, and to develop discernment between good and evil as they grow in their faith.
1 Peter 4:3-4
For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry. They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.
As Peter exhorts believers to live holy lives, he contrasts the behavior of their former pagan lifestyle, which includes excessive drinking and sinful pleasures, with the transformed life they now lead as followers of Christ. This verse serves as a reminder that our choices and behaviors may be met with opposition and ridicule, but we are called to stand firm in our commitment to live differently.
1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
While not directly about wine, this verse captures the essence of God’s unconditional and perfect love. It reminds us that fear and punishment are incompatible with the love we have received from God. When we fully grasp and experience His love, it casts out our fears and frees us to love Him and others with confidence and security.
Revelation 14:10
they, too, will drink the wine of God’s fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. They will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb.
In this apocalyptic vision, the imagery of wine is used metaphorically to describe God’s wrath and judgment upon the wicked. This verse serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of rejecting God and living in opposition to His will, highlighting the urgency to turn to Him and seek His forgiveness and salvation.
Revelation 19:9
Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”
Finally, in the book of Revelation, the future heavenly celebration is described as a wedding feast, where believers are invited to partake in the joyous union between Christ, the Lamb, and His bride, the Church. This verse affirms the blessedness and privilege of being united with Christ, rejoicing in His presence, and experiencing the ultimate fulfillment of our relationship with Him.
What Does the Bible Say About Wine?
In the Bible, the topic of wine is mentioned numerous times and holds significance in both positive and cautionary contexts. The use of wine is not outrightly condemned in the Bible; rather, it is the misuse or abuse of it that is addressed. The Bible allows for the responsible enjoyment of wine, as seen in passages such as Ecclesiastes 9:7, where it says, “Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.”
However, the Bible also warns against the dangers of excessive consumption of wine. In Ephesians 5:18, it advises, “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” This verse emphasizes the importance of moderation and the avoidance of overindulgence, which can lead to sinful behavior.
Moreover, the Bible discusses the role of wine in the context of the Lord’s Supper, where it symbolizes the blood of Jesus Christ. This is evident in Matthew 26:27-28 and 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, where Jesus instructs His disciples to drink wine in remembrance of Him and the new covenant.
In the Old Testament, wine is also seen as a blessing from God, as indicated in Psalm 104:14-15, which says, “He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate—bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens human hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts.”
Overall, the Bible presents an understanding of wine that encourages responsible consumption, moderation, and the acknowledgment of its potential for both blessing and misuse. It teaches us to be mindful of our actions and to prioritize spiritual sobriety while enjoying the good gifts that God has given us, including the joy of wine in moderation.