### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word staphylḗ (`{{G4718}}`) denotes "a cluster of grapes," emphasizing the collective, intertwined nature of the fruit rather than individual berries. Its proposed etymological link to stéphanos (`{{G4735}}`), meaning "a crown" or "wreath," reinforces this sense of something bound together or intertwined, perfectly describing the natural formation of a grape cluster. The semantic range of staphylḗ is quite narrow, specifically referring to this particular fruit in its clustered form. It is distinct from the vine itself (ampelos, `{{G288}}`) or the wine produced from it (oinos, `{{G3631}}`).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Staphylḗ appears in the New Testament in two primary contexts, offering significant theological insights:
1. **Discerning True Nature (Matthew and Luke):**
In [[Matthew 7:16]] and [[Luke 6:44]], Jesus uses the imagery of grapes in a parabolic teaching on discerning true prophets and, by extension, true character. "Do men gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles?" ([[Matthew 7:16]]). The rhetorical question underscores a fundamental principle: a good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree bad fruit. Grapes, being a desirable and expected fruit from a vine, serve as a clear example of natural, good produce. The impossibility of gathering staphylḗ from thorns or thistles highlights that one's true nature, whether of a teacher or an individual, is revealed by the fruit (actions, character) they bear. This implies that spiritual authenticity cannot be faked; it will be evident in one's life.
2. **Divine Judgment (Revelation):**
The most dramatic use of staphylḗ occurs in [[Revelation 14:18-19]]. Here, an angel, coming out from the altar, commands another angel to "gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for her grapes are ripe." These "grapes" are then cast into "the great winepress of the wrath of God." In this eschatological vision, staphylḗ symbolizes the full measure of human wickedness and rebellion against God, which has reached its ripeness, signifying the appointed time for divine judgment. The imagery of harvesting and treading grapes into a winepress is a powerful Old Testament metaphor for God's wrath poured out on unrighteous nations (e.g., [[Isaiah 63:3]], [[Joel 3:13]]). The "clusters" emphasize the totality and overwhelming abundance of this ripened evil.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Ampelos (`{{G288}}`), "Vine":** Staphylḗ is the fruit of the vine. The vine itself is a rich biblical metaphor for Israel, Christ, and believers (e.g., [[John 15:1-8]]).
* **Oinos (`{{G3631}}`), "Wine":** Grapes are the source of wine. Wine is used symbolically for joy, blessing, and also, significantly, for God's wrath.
* **Karpos (`{{G2590}}`), "Fruit":** Staphylḗ is a specific type of karpos. The broader concept of "fruit" in the New Testament often refers to the outcome of one's life, actions, or the work of the Spirit (e.g., "fruit of the Spirit" in [[Galatians 5:22-23]]).
* **Akantha (`{{G173}}`), "Thorn" / Tribolos (`{{G5146}}`), "Thistle":** These are contrasted with the grape vine in the Synoptics, representing barrenness or harmfulness, highlighting the source from which no good fruit can come.
* **Old Testament Imagery:** The concept of grapes and winepresses for judgment is deeply rooted in the Old Testament prophetic tradition, providing a crucial interpretive lens for the Revelation passage.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of staphylḗ is primarily twofold, reflecting its usage:
1. **The Principle of Discernment and Authenticity:** Jesus' use of staphylḗ underscores the profound truth that genuine spiritual life and teaching are evidenced by their observable effects. Just as one cannot logically expect grapes from a thorn bush, one cannot expect righteous behavior or true spiritual fruit from a corrupt heart or false doctrine. This emphasizes the importance of examining the "fruit" of individuals and movements to determine their true nature and origin. It calls believers to a life that consistently bears good fruit, demonstrating their connection to the "true vine" ([[John 15:1]]).
2. **The Culmination of Sin and Inevitable Judgment:** In Revelation, staphylḗ becomes a terrifying symbol of the ripened wickedness of humanity. The "grapes of wrath" signify that human rebellion and sin have reached their full measure, and the time for God's righteous, decisive judgment has arrived. This imagery conveys the absolute certainty and severity of divine justice. It serves as a stark reminder that prolonged rejection of God's grace leads to a state where the "harvest" of sin is ripe for divine reckoning.
### Summary
The Greek word staphylḗ (`{{G4718}}`), meaning "a cluster of grapes," functions as a potent symbol in the New Testament. In the teachings of Jesus (e.g., [[Matthew 7:16]], [[Luke 6:44]]), it illustrates the principle of discernment: authentic character and teaching are revealed by the good fruit they naturally produce, just as grapes come only from a vine and not from thorns. In the apocalyptic vision of Revelation (e.g., [[Revelation 14:18-19]]), staphylḗ dramatically represents the full measure of human sin, ripened for the outpouring of God's just wrath. Thus, staphylḗ encapsulates both the expectation of genuine spiritual fruitfulness from believers and the grim reality of divine judgment awaiting those whose wickedness has reached its culmination.