### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἄκρατος (ákratos), `{{G194}}`, is a compound term derived from the privative alpha (α-, indicating negation or absence) and a presumed root related to κεράννυμι (keránnymi, `{{G2767}}`), which means "to mix" or "to mingle." Thus, its core meaning is "unmixed," "undiluted," or "pure." In ancient contexts, particularly concerning beverages, it referred to wine that had not been diluted with water, a common practice to reduce its potency. Therefore, ἄκρατος implies a state of full strength, intensity, or purity, unadulterated by any foreign element. Its semantic range is narrow, focusing on the absence of mixture, thereby conveying completeness or unmitigated quality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἄκρατος (ákratos), `{{G194}}`, appears only once in the New Testament, found in the book of Revelation:
* **[[Revelation 14:10]]**: "he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out unmixed (ἄκρατος) into the cup of His indignation; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb."
In this singular, highly significant occurrence, ἄκρατος is used metaphorically to describe the "wine of the wrath of God." The imagery is potent and deliberate. While wine was customarily diluted with water before consumption in the ancient world, the "wine of God's wrath" is explicitly stated to be ἄκρατος—unmixed. This signifies that God's wrath will be poured out in its full, undiluted, and unmitigated intensity. There will be no tempering, no lessening, and no softening of this divine judgment. It conveys the absolute and severe nature of the consequences for those who worship the beast and its image, emphasizing the unadulterated justice and indignation of God.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **κεράννυμι (keránnymi, `{{G2767}}`)**: The verb "to mix" or "to mingle," from which ἄκρατος derives its meaning of "unmixed." The absence of this action is central to the word's force.
* **οἶνος (oinos, `{{G3631}}`)**: "Wine." This is the primary substance that is described as ἄκρατος in its literal sense, and metaphorically in [[Revelation 14:10]].
* **ὀργή (orgē, `{{G3709}}`)**: "Wrath," "indignation," "anger." This is the core concept that is described as "unmixed" in [[Revelation 14:10]], highlighting its intense and complete nature.
* **θυμός (thymos, `{{G2372}}`)**: "Passion," "hot anger," "indignation." Often used alongside ὀργή in Revelation to describe divine wrath, θυμός conveys a more immediate and intense outburst, aligning with the "unmixed" quality of the wrath.
* **πλήρης (plērēs, `{{G4134}}`)**: "Full," "complete." While not etymologically related, the concept of "unmixed" wrath implies a "full" or "complete" expression of divine judgment, without any diminution.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἄκρατος in [[Revelation 14:10]] is profound and serves as a stark warning. It underscores the absolute and unmitigated nature of God's final judgment against those who persist in rebellion and idolatry. The imagery of "unmixed wine" of wrath stands in stark contrast to the common understanding of divine patience and long-suffering, which often involves a measure of mitigation or delayed judgment. Here, there is no such tempering; the judgment is pure, potent, and without any element that might dilute its severity.
This single use of ἄκρατος powerfully communicates the unwavering justice of God. It signifies that for those who definitively reject God and embrace evil, the consequences will be full, direct, and without any alleviation. It highlights the extreme seriousness of apostasy and rebellion against the Creator, indicating that His wrath, when finally unleashed, will be complete and utterly devastating to those upon whom it falls. It marks the termination of divine forbearance for such individuals, leading to an unadulterated experience of divine indignation.
### Summary
The Greek word ἄκρατος (ákratos), `{{G194}}`, meaning "unmixed" or "undiluted," holds a singular yet potent significance in the New Testament, appearing exclusively in [[Revelation 14:10]]. Its etymology points to an absence of mixture, implying purity or full strength. In its sole biblical occurrence, it describes the "wine of the wrath of God" as being "poured out unmixed," conveying that divine judgment will be administered in its full, unmitigated, and undiluted intensity. This powerful imagery underscores the absolute severity and uncompromising nature of God's final retribution against those who oppose Him, emphasizing that there will be no tempering or alleviation of His righteous indignation. The term thus serves as a solemn warning, highlighting the complete and devastating consequences of rejecting God's authority.
TRV