In the Bible, a wine press is a device used for extracting juice from grapes in order to make wine. The process of winemaking in ancient times involved a series of steps, and the wine press played a crucial role in this process.
The wine press mentioned in the Bible consisted of two main parts: a trough and a vat. The trough, also known as the gath or lenos, was a large receptacle where the grapes were placed. This trough was typically made of stone or wood and was designed to hold a significant amount of grapes.
Once the grapes were placed in the trough, they would be trodden upon and bruised. This step involved people stomping on the grapes with their feet to release the juice. This method of pressing the grapes was labor-intensive but effective in extracting the desired juice. The act of treading on the grapes is often mentioned in biblical passages, highlighting the importance of the wine press in ancient winemaking practices.
After the grapes were trodden upon and the juice was released, it would flow into the vat, which was positioned below the trough. This vat, also made of stone or wood, served as a collection point for the extracted juice. From here, the juice would be transferred to fermentation vessels or barrels for the next stage of winemaking.
The use of a wine press was not only significant for winemaking but also had symbolic and metaphorical connotations in biblical contexts. The image of the wine press was often used to represent judgment, destruction, or purification. In several passages, the act of treading grapes in the wine press was used as a metaphor for God's judgment on the wicked or for the suffering endured by the people.
For example, in the book of Isaiah, it says, “For the winepress is full; the vats overflow, for their evil is great” (Isaiah 63:6). Here, the overflowing wine press symbolizes the overflowing judgment upon the wicked. Similarly, in the book of Joel, the prophet describes a time of judgment, saying, “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. The sun and moon will be darkened, and the stars no longer shine. The LORD will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem; the earth and the heavens will tremble. But the LORD will be a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the people of Israel. ‘Then you will know that I, the LORD your God, dwell in Zion, my holy hill. Jerusalem will be holy; never again will foreigners invade her. In that day the mountains will drip new wine, and the hills will flow with milk; all the ravines of Judah will run with water. A fountain will flow out of the LORD's house and will water the valley of acacias'” (Joel 3:14-18).
In this passage, the abundance of wine flowing from the mountains and hills signifies a time of restoration and blessing after the judgment. The wine press serves as a symbol of God's provision and abundance.
Personal experiences with wine presses may not be common in modern times, as technology and machinery have replaced the traditional method of treading grapes. However, visiting vineyards and wineries that still utilize traditional winemaking techniques can provide a glimpse into the ancient practices and the significance of the wine press.
A wine press in the Bible was a device used for extracting juice from grapes for winemaking. It consisted of a trough where grapes were trodden upon and a vat where the juice would collect. The wine press played a vital role in ancient winemaking practices and had symbolic meanings related to judgment, destruction, and abundance.