γλεῦκος

sweet wine

Definition

γλεῦκος refers to sweet, new wine, specifically the unfermented or lightly fermented juice of freshly pressed grapes. In contrast to the more common word for wine (οἶνος), γλεῦκος emphasizes the wine's sweetness and freshness, often consumed soon after the harvest. Its single New Testament occurrence in Acts 2:13 describes the substance that onlookers mockingly accused the disciples of being drunk on at Pentecost. This context highlights its intoxicating potential, as even new, sweet wine contains some alcohol, though it was distinct from aged, fully fermented wine.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 2:13. Here, it is employed in a context of mockery, where bystanders accuse the disciples, who are speaking in tongues, of being filled with 'sweet wine' (γλεῦκος) rather than the Holy Spirit. The usage contrasts the natural, intoxicating effect of wine with the supernatural empowerment from God, serving Peter's subsequent rebuttal that it was too early in the day for such drunkenness.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek γλεῦκος itself, related to the adjective γλυκύς (glykys), meaning 'sweet.' It directly denotes the sweet taste of fresh grape juice. The term is a native Greek word, not a borrowed term, emphasizing its long-standing cultural association with the product of the vine in its most immediate, unaged form.

Semantic Range

The use of γλεῦκος in Acts 2:13 is theologically significant. It sets up a stark contrast between a natural, physical explanation for the disciples' behavior (drunkenness on new wine) and the true, supernatural cause (the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost). Understanding this specific term enriches the reading by highlighting the absurdity of the accusation—sweet new wine was not typically associated with early morning revelry—and thus underscores the miraculous nature of the event that inaugurated the church.

In the ancient Mediterranean world, γλεῦκος was the sweet, frothy juice from the first pressing of grapes. It could begin fermenting quickly but was less alcoholic than aged wine. It was a seasonal delicacy enjoyed after the harvest. The mockery in Acts 2:13 leverages this understanding, as being drunk on such wine early in the day (9 a.m.) would have been seen as particularly shameful and gluttonous, amplifying the contrast with holy inspiration.

οἶνος (oinos, G3631) — The general Greek term for wine, which could be fermented or aged, unlike γλεῦκος which specifies new, sweet wine.

Word Details

Scripture References