The Greek word óxos, represented by G3690, refers to vinegar, or sour wine. It appears 7 times across 6 unique verses in the Bible. The term is derived from ὀξύς and is used exclusively within the context of the crucifixion of Jesus.
In the biblical narrative, G3690 is always presented to Jesus during his suffering on the cross. In one instance, they gave G1325 him vinegar to drink G4095 that was mingled G3396 with gall G5521; after he tasted G1089 it, he would not G3756 drink Matthew 27:34. Soldiers also mocked G1702 him by offering G4374 him vinegar Luke 23:36. In the final moments, a vessel G4632 full of vinegar was present, and a spunge G4699 was filled G4130, put on a reed G2563 or hyssop G5301, and put to his mouth G4750 John 19:29.
Several related words clarify the context in which óxos appears:
- G4222 potízō (give to drink): This verb, which means to furnish drink, describes the act of the soldiers offering Jesus the vinegar on the cross Matthew 27:48.
- G4699 spóngos (spunge): This is the specific implement used to administer the vinegar. It was filled G1072 and put on a reed G2563 to reach Jesus's mouth Mark 15:36.
- G5521 cholḗ (gall): This word for bile or a bitter substance describes what the vinegar was mixed with in the initial offering that Jesus refused to drink Matthew 27:34.
- G1089 geúomai (to taste): This verb is used to describe Jesus's action of tasting the vinegar mingled with gall before he refused to drink it fully Matthew 27:34.
The theological weight of G3690 is tied directly to the passion of Christ.
- An Instrument of Mockery: The offering of vinegar is explicitly part of the derision Jesus faced. The soldiers mocked G1702 him while coming G4334 to him and offering G4374 him the sour wine Luke 23:36.
- Fulfillment of Scripture: John's account notes that Jesus knew all things were now G2235 accomplished G5055, and so that the scripture might be fulfilled G5048, he said, "I thirst," which directly led to the offering of vinegar John 19:28-29.
- The Final Consummation: The reception of vinegar is the final act before Jesus's death. When Jesus had received G2983 the vinegar, he said G2036, "It is finished G5055," bowed G2827 his head G2776, and gave up G3860 the ghost G4151 John 19:30.
In summary, G3690 is far more than simple sour wine; its meaning is concentrated entirely within the narrative of the crucifixion. It functions as a symbol of the suffering and mockery Christ endured. Its presentation to Jesus is a critical moment, marking the fulfillment of all things written and serving as the final taste of this world before he declared his mission finished G5055.
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