יֶקֶב

a trough (as dug out); specifically, a wine-vat (whether the lower one, into which the juice drains; or the upper

Definition

The Hebrew word יֶקֶב (yeqeb) refers to a trough or vat, specifically one used in winemaking. In its primary sense, it denotes the winepress system, which often consisted of two parts: an upper vat where grapes were trodden or crushed (e.g., Isaiah 63:2-3 alludes to this imagery), and a lower vat into which the juice would drain. In some biblical passages, the term can refer to the entire installation or to either component, depending on context. For example, in Numbers 18:27, 30, it is part of the tithe offering, representing the processed wine itself, while in Judges 7:25, it is a location ('the winepress of Zeeb') likely named after such a facility.

Biblical Usage

יֶקֶב appears 16 times in the Old Testament, primarily in legal, narrative, and wisdom contexts. In the Torah (Numbers 18:27, 30; Deuteronomy 15:14; 16:13), it is associated with agricultural tithes and festival offerings, symbolizing abundance. In historical books (Judges 7:25; 2 Kings 6:27), it can denote a physical location or a pressing installation. The wisdom literature uses it metaphorically for divine blessing (Proverbs 3:10) or human oppression (Job 24:11, where the wicked tread the יֶקֶב but go thirsty). Its usage consistently ties to viticulture, harvest, and economic or ritual life.

Etymology

Derived from an unused root meaning 'to excavate' or 'to hollow out,' יֶקֶב literally describes something dug into the ground, typically rock, to create a basin. This root idea connects to the common ancient practice of carving winepresses directly out of limestone. Cognates appear in other Semitic languages, like Ugaritic *yqb*, also relating to wine production. The word's development reflects the technology of the time, where a 'yeqeb' was a permanent, excavated agricultural fixture rather than a portable container.

Semantic Range

יֶקֶב holds theological significance as a symbol of God's provision, judgment, and covenant blessings. In tithe laws (Numbers 18), it represents the fruit of the land that God gives and expects to be honored. Proverbs 3:10 uses it to depict the overflowing abundance that comes from honoring God with wealth. Most powerfully, the imagery of the winepress becomes a metaphor for divine wrath and judgment in prophetic literature (e.g., Isaiah 63:3; Lamentations 1:15; Revelation 14:19-20), where God treads the nations like grapes. Understanding this concrete object enriches reading of both blessings and judgments tied to the vineyard motif in Scripture.

In ancient Israel, a יֶקֶב was a crucial part of village and agricultural life, typically hewn from bedrock. The winemaking process involved treading grapes in the upper vat, with the juice flowing through a channel into a lower collecting vat. This was a communal, seasonal activity central to the economy (wine was a staple drink and trade good) and religious festivals (like Tabernacles in Deuteronomy 16:13). Unlike modern mechanical presses, the biblical winepress required significant labor and was often located in vineyards. Its mention implies themes of harvest, joy, toil, and sometimes violence, as treading grapes could symbolize conquest (Isaiah 63:3).

גַּת (gat, H1660) — Often a broader term for a winepress or olive press, sometimes used interchangeably with יֶקֶב, but can specifically denote the treading floor. פּוּרָה (purah, H6333) — A winepress or more specifically the wine vat; appears less frequently, as in Isaiah 63:3.

Word Details

Scripture References