akin to γλυκύς; sweet wine, i.e. (properly) must (fresh juice), but used of the more saccharine (and therefore highly inebriating) fermented wine:--new wine.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term γλεῦκος (gleûkos, `{{G1098}}`) is derived from γλυκύς (glykys), meaning "sweet." Its primary semantic range encompasses "sweet wine," which can refer to grape "must" (fresh, unfermented grape juice) or, more commonly in its biblical usage, a highly saccharine and thus potent fermented wine. The sweetness indicates a high sugar content, which, upon fermentation, yields a higher alcohol concentration. This "new wine" is characterized by its effervescence and strong intoxicating properties, distinguishing it from aged or less potent wines. It is "new" in the sense of being recently pressed and actively undergoing or having just completed its initial fermentation, rather than referring to its age in storage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term γλεῦκος appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[Acts 2:13]]. In this pivotal passage, during the Day of Pentecost, after the Holy Spirit has descended upon the disciples, enabling them to speak in various tongues, some observers mock them, asserting, "They are filled with new wine" (μεστοί εἰσιν γλεύκους).
The context is crucial. The scoffers attribute the disciples' extraordinary, Spirit-empowered speech to intoxication. This accusation directly supports the definition of γλεῦκος as a highly inebriating substance. The choice of this specific term, rather than a more general word for wine (οἶνος, `{{G3631}}`), likely emphasizes the perceived extreme nature of the disciples' behavior, suggesting an unusual or particularly potent form of drunkenness. Peter immediately refutes this accusation, pointing out that it is only the third hour of the day (approximately 9 AM), an uncharacteristically early time for such a state of inebriation. He then proceeds to explain the phenomenon as the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy concerning the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
### Related Words & Concepts
* γλυκύς (glykys): This is the root word for "sweet," directly informing the core meaning of γλεῦκος and highlighting its characteristic sweetness.
* οἶνος (oinos, `{{G3631}}`): The general Greek term for "wine." γλεῦκος is a specific type of οἶνος, distinguished by its sweetness and its potential for high potency due to active fermentation.
* νέος (neos, `{{G3501}}`): Meaning "new" or "young." While γλεῦκος is translated as "new wine," it's important to note that it's not simply "new" in age, but specifically "new" in its active state of fermentation, leading to its characteristic sweetness and potency. This differentiates it from other "new wines" that might be unfermented juice or wine that has not yet reached its full alcoholic potential.
* Fermentation: The process by which sugars in grape juice are converted into alcohol and carbon dioxide. The intoxicating power of γλεῦκος is directly linked to this active chemical process.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of γλεῦκος in [[Acts 2:13]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a stark contrast between earthly intoxication and divine inspiration. The scoffers' accusation represents a common human tendency to rationalize or dismiss supernatural phenomena through naturalistic, often cynical, explanations. They misinterpret the Spirit's power as mere drunkenness, unable or unwilling to comprehend the divine work.
This incident also underscores the radical and unconventional nature of the Pentecost event. The disciples' Spirit-filled behavior was so extraordinary and outside the norm that some observers could only attribute it to extreme intoxication. Peter's immediate and firm rebuttal not only defends the disciples' sobriety but also reorients the focus from a carnal explanation to the true, divine source of their power—the Holy Spirit. It establishes a clear theological distinction between the effects of earthly substances and the transformative, empowering presence of God. Furthermore, the episode serves as an early illustration of the misunderstanding and opposition the nascent Christian church would face, as the world often misinterprets or mocks the work of God.
### Summary
γλεῦκος (gleûkos, `{{G1098}}`) denotes "sweet wine," specifically referring to grape must or a highly saccharine, potent, and actively fermenting wine. Its etymological root in "sweet" (γλυκύς) emphasizes its defining characteristic. This term appears uniquely in [[Acts 2:13]], where scoffers at Pentecost accuse the Spirit-filled disciples of being "filled with new wine." This accusation highlights the perceived unusual and exuberant behavior of the disciples, attributing it to earthly drunkenness rather than divine inspiration. The use of γλεῦκος underscores the intoxicating nature of the substance, creating a sharp theological contrast with the pure and empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. The passage thus serves to powerfully differentiate between carnal intoxication and spiritual empowerment, illustrating the profound and often misunderstood nature of God's work in the world.
TRV