Wine holds a unique and multifaceted place in the Bible, representing various aspects of life, culture, and spirituality. From joyous celebrations to solemn warnings, wine appears throughout scripture as both a blessing and a caution. In biblical times, wine was a common beverage, deeply integrated into social, religious, and economic practices. It served as a symbol of joy, abundance, and covenant blessings, often used in celebrations, rituals, and feasts.
However, the Bible also provides numerous warnings about the potential dangers of excessive drinking and drunkenness. This duality reflects a balanced understanding of wine’s role in human life, acknowledging its benefits while cautioning against its misuse.
In this article, we will explore 55 Bible verses about wine, offering insights into its significance in scripture and how these teachings apply to our lives today. By examining these verses, we will gain a deeper understanding of wine as it relates to themes of joy, moderation, spiritual awakening, and community.
Wine as a Symbol of Joy and Celebration
1. Psalm 104:14-15
“He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and vegetation for the labor of man, that he may bring forth food from the earth, and wine that makes glad the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread which strengthens man’s heart.”
This passage highlights wine as a source of joy, a gift from God meant to bring gladness to the heart, symbolizing His abundant provision.
2. Ecclesiastes 3:13
“And also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God.”
Here, enjoying wine (and food) is seen as a divine gift, suggesting that these pleasures are to be appreciated in the context of hard work and God’s blessings.
3. John 2:3-5
“And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, ‘They have no wine.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Whatever He says to you, do it.'”
In the account of the wedding at Cana, Jesus turns water into wine, demonstrating the joy and celebration of a wedding feast. This miracle signifies not only His divinity but also His desire to bless joyful occasions.
4. Proverbs 3:5-10
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones. Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.”
This passage connects trusting in God with blessings, including overflowing wine, which signifies abundance and joy.
5. Isaiah 25:6
“And in this mountain, the Lord of hosts will make for all people a feast of choice pieces, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow. Of well-refined wines on the lees.”
This prophetic vision describes a future feast hosted by God, illustrating the joyous abundance and celebration of His kingdom, where wine symbolizes richness and blessing.
Wine in Ritual and Worship
6. Exodus 29:40-41
“And with the one lamb shall be one-tenth of an ephah of flour mixed with one-fourth of a hin of pressed oil, and one-fourth of a hin of wine as a drink offering. The other lamb you shall offer at twilight; as the grain offering of the morning and as the drink offering, you shall offer it, an offering made by fire, a sweet aroma to the Lord.”
Wine was used as a drink offering in the Old Testament, signifying dedication and worship to God during sacrifices and rituals.
7. Leviticus 23:13
“And its grain offering shall be two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil, an offering made by fire to the Lord, for a sweet aroma; and its drink offering shall be of wine, one-fourth of a hin.”
Similar to the previous verse, this reinforces the significance of wine in worship and the rituals of the Israelites, highlighting its sacred role.
8. Matthew 26:27-29
“Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink of 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 uses wine as a symbol of His blood, establishing the New Covenant and incorporating wine into Christian worship and communion.
9. Mark 14:25
“Assuredly, I say to you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
This verse emphasizes the significance of wine in communion and the hope of future celebration with Christ in His kingdom.
10. 1 Corinthians 11:25
“In the same manner, He also took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.'”
Paul reaffirms Jesus’ teaching about wine during the Lord’s Supper, linking it to remembrance and worship.
Warnings Against Excess and Drunkenness
11. Proverbs 20:1
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”
This verse serves as a caution, reminding us that while wine can bring joy, it can also lead to foolishness and destruction if abused.
12. Ephesians 5:18
“And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.”
Paul contrasts drunkenness with spiritual fullness, indicating that one can either seek the pleasures of wine or the deeper joy found in the Holy Spirit.
13. 1 Peter 4:3
“For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.”
Peter warns against a lifestyle of excess and drunkenness, urging believers to leave behind such behaviors.
14. Isaiah 5:11-12
“Woe to those who rise early in the morning, that they may follow intoxicating drink; who continue until night, till wine inflames them! The harp and the strings, the tambourine and flute, and wine are in their feasts; but they do not regard the work of the Lord, nor consider the operation of His hands.”
This passage condemns excessive drinking that distracts from God’s work and purposes, highlighting the dangers of drunkenness.
15. Galatians 5:19-21
“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Paul lists drunkenness among the works of the flesh, stressing its spiritual consequences.
Wine as a Blessing
16. Deuteronomy 7:13
“And He will love you and bless you, and multiply you; He will also bless the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your land, your grain and your new wine and your oil, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flock, in the land of which He swore to your fathers to give you.”
In this passage, new wine is included in God’s blessings for His people, highlighting its positive significance.
17. Psalm 4:7
“You have put gladness in my heart, more than in the season that their grain and wine increased.”
This verse expresses joy and satisfaction that comes from God, surpassing even the joy found in the abundance of wine.
18. Proverbs 9:2
“She has slaughtered her meat, she has mixed her wine, she has also furnished her table.”
In this metaphor, wisdom is depicted as a gracious host, providing wine and sustenance, representing the blessings of living wisely.
19. Isaiah 55:1
“Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.”
This invitation symbolizes the free and abundant grace of God, where wine represents spiritual sustenance.
20. Joel 2:19
“The Lord will answer and say to His people, ‘Behold, I will send you grain and new wine and oil, and you will be satisfied by them; I will no longer make you a reproach among the nations.'”
This promise from God reassures His people of His provision, with wine signifying restoration and satisfaction.
Wine in Metaphors and Parables
21. Matthew 9:17
“Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins, or else the wineskins break; the new wine bursts the wineskins; and both are preserved.”
In this metaphor, Jesus illustrates the incompatibility of His new teachings with old traditions, emphasizing the transformative power of His message.
22. Luke 5:37-38
“And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine will burst the wineskins and be spilled, and the wineskins will be ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”
This reinforces the concept of renewal and the necessity of adaptation in spiritual growth.
23. Matthew 26:39
“He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, ‘O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.'”
Here, the cup symbolizes Jesus’ impending sacrifice, which is connected to the wine of communion, representing His blood.
24. John 15:1
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.”
Jesus uses the imagery of the vine to describe His relationship with His followers, emphasizing the nurturing nature of God.
25. Revelation 14:10
“He himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.”
This verse depicts the serious consequences of rejecting God, using wine as a metaphor for divine judgment.
The Transformative Power of Wine
26. 1 Timothy 5:23
“No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.”
Paul advises Timothy to drink wine for medicinal purposes, indicating its benefits when consumed in moderation.
27. Luke 7:34
“The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!'”
Jesus’ association with wine highlights His willingness to engage with society, despite criticism, showing that He enjoyed life and fellowship.
28. Philippians 1:19
“For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.”
Paul emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in his life, paralleling the way wine can enliven and uplift spirits.
29. Luke 10:34
“So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.”
In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, wine symbolizes healing and compassion, illustrating its positive use in caring for others.
30. 1 Corinthians 10:31
“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
This passage serves as a reminder that all actions, including drinking wine, should be done in a way that honors God.
Wine as a Source of Division
31. Romans 14:21
“It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak.”
Paul warns against causing others to stumble through one’s drinking habits, promoting a spirit of unity over personal freedom.
32. 1 Corinthians 11:21-22
“For in eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and another is drunk. What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you.”
Paul addresses issues of division within the church related to drinking, emphasizing the need for consideration of others.
33. Proverbs 23:30-31
“Those who linger long at the wine, those who go in search of mixed wine. Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly.”
This warning against excess illustrates the danger of becoming entangled in the allure of wine, urging caution and mindfulness.
34. Isaiah 28:7
“But they also have erred through wine, and through intoxicating drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through intoxicating drink. They are swallowed up by wine, they are out of the way through intoxicating drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment.”
The prophet Isaiah warns that leaders can fall into error through excessive drinking, which impacts their ability to guide others.
35. Galatians 5:15
“But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!”
While not directly about wine, this verse warns against divisiveness, which can be exacerbated by irresponsible drinking.
The Role of Wine in Hospitality
36. Proverbs 9:5
“Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine I have mixed.”
This invitation to share wine emphasizes the importance of hospitality and community, where wine facilitates connection and fellowship.
37. Luke 12:36
“And you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately.”
The imagery of a wedding feast highlights celebration and anticipation, where wine plays a role in joy and community.
38. Matthew 22:2
“The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son.”
This parable of the wedding feast represents God’s invitation to fellowship, with wine symbolizing the joy of the celebration.
39. 1 Peter 4:9
“Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.”
Hospitality often includes sharing food and drink, with wine being a common element of generosity and fellowship.
40. John 2:10
“And he said to him, ‘Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!'”
In this account of the wedding at Cana, the quality of the wine represents the goodness of God’s blessings, enhancing the joy of the celebration.
Theological Reflections on Wine
41. Romans 14:17
“For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
While wine has its place, the focus of the Kingdom is on spiritual matters, reminding us of the higher calling we have as believers.
42. 1 Corinthians 10:16-17
“The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread.”
This theological reflection connects wine with the body of Christ, emphasizing unity and shared experience in faith.
43. Hebrews 9:22
“And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood, there is no remission.”
The blood of Christ, symbolized by wine, is central to the Christian faith, representing redemption and forgiveness.
44. Matthew 26:28
“For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”
Here, wine represents the new covenant and Christ’s sacrifice, which is foundational to Christian belief and practice.
45. Revelation 19:9
“Then he said to me, ‘Write: Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ And he said to me, ‘These are the true sayings of God.'”
The marriage supper of the Lamb symbolizes the ultimate celebration in God’s Kingdom, where wine represents joy and fulfillment.
Cultural and Historical Perspectives on Wine
46. Matthew 15:11
“Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.”
Jesus teaches that true defilement comes from the heart, suggesting that the consumption of wine is not inherently sinful, but our intentions matter.
47. Acts 2:13
“Others mocking said, ‘They are full of new wine.'”
During Pentecost, the apostles are accused of drunkenness, highlighting the cultural perceptions of wine and its effects.
48. 1 Timothy 3:8
“Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money.”
This instruction for church leaders suggests moderation, indicating that responsible behavior regarding wine is essential for leadership.
49. Titus 2:3
“The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things.”
Paul encourages older women to demonstrate self-control and wisdom regarding wine, emphasizing its role in community standards.
50. Proverbs 23:29-30
“Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who linger long at the wine, those who go in search of mixed wine.”
This passage warns of the consequences of excessive drinking, contrasting the joy of moderation with the pains of overindulgence.
Wine as a Symbol of God’s Blessing
51. Psalm 104:14-15
“He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and vegetation for the service of man, that he may bring forth food from the earth, and wine that makes glad the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread which strengthens man’s heart.”
Wine is presented here as a divine blessing, signifying joy and provision from God.
52. Jeremiah 31:12
“Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, streaming to the goodness of the Lord—For wheat and new wine and oil, for the young of the flock and the herd; their souls shall be like a well-watered garden, and they shall sorrow no more at all.”
In this prophecy, wine represents God’s goodness and abundance, bringing joy and fulfillment to His people.
53. Joel 2:24
“The threshing floors shall be full of wheat, and the vats shall overflow with new wine and oil.”
This imagery of abundance signifies restoration and blessing from God after a time of hardship.
54. Proverbs 3:9-10
“Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.”
Here, wine symbolizes the overflow of blessings that come from honoring God with our resources.
55. Amos 9:13
“Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him who sows seed; the mountains shall drip with sweet wine, and all the hills shall flow with it.”
This prophecy of abundance signifies a time of great blessing and restoration for God’s people.
Conclusion
Wine has a multifaceted presence throughout the Bible, symbolizing joy, blessing, judgment, and community. It serves as a metaphor for various aspects of spiritual life, including transformation, the new covenant, and the richness of God’s provision. While the Bible acknowledges the potential dangers of excessive drinking, it also emphasizes the importance of moderation and responsible consumption. In all its forms, wine invites us to reflect on the deeper spiritual truths of our faith, urging us to approach it with reverence and gratitude. The verses about wine remind us of the joy and community it can bring, as well as the responsibility that comes with it. Whether through the celebration of communion or the festive gatherings of life, wine remains a potent symbol of the richness of life in Christ.
Related topics:
- 25 Scriptures on Breaking Yokes
- 20 Bible Verses About Cleaning Your House
- 25 Bible Verses About Waiting