The Greek word gleûkos, represented by G1098, refers to new wine. It is defined as sweet wine or must, specifically a more saccharine and therefore highly inebriating fermented wine. This term is highly specific, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible.
The single biblical appearance of G1098 occurs at a pivotal moment in the book of Acts. On the day of Pentecost, as the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in other tongues, some observers were confounded. In response, a cynical portion of the crowd used this term to mock them, saying, "These men are full of new wine" Acts 2:13. The word is thus used within an accusation of public drunkenness, attributing a supernatural event to a natural, earthly cause.
Several related words from its only context help frame the meaning of G1098:
- G5512 chleuázō (mocking): This word, meaning to "jeer at," establishes the hostile and dismissive intent behind the accusation involving the new wine Acts 2:13.
- G3325 mestóō (full): Defined as to replenish or, by implication, to "intoxicate," this term describes the state the disciples were accused of being in. It is directly paired with G1098 to mean filled with and intoxicated by new wine Acts 2:13.
- G2087 héteros (others): This term, meaning "other or different," distinguishes the group of mockers from the rest of the amazed crowd, isolating the cynical accusation Acts 2:13.
- G3004 légō (said): Meaning to "relate in words," this is the verb used for the act of uttering the derisive charge against the apostles Acts 2:13.
The theological significance of G1098 is derived entirely from its unique contextual use.
- Misinterpretation of the Divine: The accusation involving new wine serves as a stark example of humanity's tendency to rationalize or belittle what it does not understand. The crowd explains the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit as mere drunkenness Acts 2:13.
- A Vehicle for Mockery: The term is employed by those who were mocking G5512 the disciples. This connects the concept of new wine directly to the theme of the world's scorn for the work of God.
- Juxtaposition with the Holy Spirit: The use of G1098 creates a powerful contrast. While mockers accused the disciples of being full of new wine, they were in fact "filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other G2087 tongues" Acts 2:4. This highlights the difference between earthly intoxication and divine empowerment.
In summary, G1098 is a precise term for new wine whose meaning is defined by its solitary appearance in scripture. Used in an accusation at Pentecost, it illustrates a moment of cynical disbelief in the face of a divine miracle. While an exceedingly rare word, its appearance in Acts 2:13 serves a crucial narrative and theological purpose by contrasting the intoxicating effects of wine with the profound and authentic power of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
TRV