from an unused root probably meaning to bear fruit; a grape; (ripe) grape, wine.
Transliteration:ʻênâb
Pronunciation:ay-nawb'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H6025}}` (ʻênâb) primarily denotes a "grape." Its etymology traces to an unused root likely conveying the idea of "bearing fruit," underscoring its intrinsic connection to productivity and harvest. The semantic range of ʻênâb extends beyond the individual fruit to encompass the collective "grapes" of a cluster, often implying ripeness and readiness for consumption or processing. Significantly, by metonymy, ʻênâb can also refer to "wine," the fermented product derived directly from grapes, as seen in contexts related to the Nazarite vow or the produce of the land. This range highlights its importance not only as a food source but also as the raw material for a significant beverage in ancient Near Eastern culture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
ʻÊnâb appears throughout the Hebrew Bible, often within agricultural, dietary, and metaphorical contexts.
In the agricultural sphere, it frequently describes the bounty of the Promised Land. The spies sent by Moses famously returned with an ʾeškōl (`{{H811}}`, "cluster") of ʻênāḇîm (grapes) from the Valley of Eshcol, demonstrating the land's fertility ([[Numbers 13:20]], [[Numbers 13:23]]). This imagery recurs in descriptions of divine provision, such as the "blood of the grape" provided by God ([[Deuteronomy 32:14]]).
As a dietary item, grapes were a common food source, both fresh and dried (raisins, `{{H6778}}` ṣimmûq). Ziba brought a supply of ʻênāḇîm to David, indicating their practical use as provisions ([[2 Samuel 16:1]]).
Perhaps most profoundly, ʻênâb is employed metaphorically. The "sour grapes" proverb in prophetic literature ([[Jeremiah 31:29-30]], [[Ezekiel 18:2]]) challenges the concept of intergenerational guilt, asserting individual responsibility for sin. This powerful image depicts the unpleasant consequences of unrighteousness. In other prophetic passages, grapes symbolize the fruitfulness or barrenness of Israel, reflecting their faithfulness or rebellion against God, as seen in the vineyard song of Isaiah ([[Isaiah 5:2]], [[Isaiah 5:4]]). The term also appears in the context of the Nazarite vow, where abstention from all products of the grapevine, including ʻênâb, signified a special dedication to God ([[Numbers 6:3-4]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ʻênâb is enriched by its relationship to several other key Hebrew terms and concepts.
* **`{{H811}}` ʾeškōl (cluster):** Often found in close association with ʻênâb, as in the "cluster of grapes" from Eshcol ([[Numbers 13:23]]).
* **`{{H1612}}` gephen (vine):** The plant from which ʻênâb grows. The vine-and-fruit imagery is a dominant motif for Israel's relationship with God ([[Psalm 80:8-16]], [[Isaiah 5:1-7]]).
* **`{{H3196}}` yayin (wine) and `{{H8492}}` tîrôš (new wine, must):** These terms denote the fermented product of grapes, highlighting the ultimate use of ʻênâb in winemaking. The production of wine from grapes is a recurring theme, symbolizing both blessing and potential for excess.
* **Fruitfulness and Fertility:** ʻÊnâb is a primary symbol of the land's fertility and God's blessing, particularly in the context of the Promised Land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and rich in agricultural produce like grapes ([[Deuteronomy 8:8]]).
* **Judgment and Blessing:** The presence or absence of good grapes often signifies divine favor or judgment, reflecting the spiritual state of the people.
* **Purity and Separation:** The Nazarite's abstinence from all grape products underscores a call to consecrated living and distinction.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻênâb is multifaceted. First, it stands as a powerful symbol of **divine provision and blessing**. The abundance of grapes in the Promised Land was a tangible sign of God's faithfulness to His covenant, providing for His people in a land of plenty ([[Deuteronomy 8:8]]). The "blood of the grape" (wine) is presented as a gift from God, bringing joy and sustenance ([[Psalm 104:15]]).
Second, ʻênâb serves as a profound **metaphor for Israel's spiritual condition**. The imagery of Israel as a vine that yields "wild grapes" or "sour grapes" ([[Isaiah 5:2]], [[Isaiah 5:4]]) illustrates their failure to produce righteousness despite God's diligent care. This highlights the theme of divine expectation and human responsibility.
Third, the proverb of the "sour grapes" ([[Jeremiah 31:29-30]], [[Ezekiel 18:2-4]]) marks a pivotal theological development regarding **individual accountability**. It emphasizes that each person will bear the consequences of their own sin, challenging the earlier notion of corporate or generational guilt and ushering in a stronger emphasis on personal righteousness.
Finally, the prohibition of ʻênâb and its products in the **Nazarite vow** ([[Numbers 6:3-4]]) speaks to themes of holiness, separation, and dedication unto the Lord. Abstaining from this common and often joyful produce symbolized a unique commitment to a life set apart for God's purposes.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H6025}}` (ʻênâb) primarily denotes "grape," extending its semantic range to include "wine" by metonymy. Rooted in the concept of fruitfulness, ʻênâb is central to biblical descriptions of agricultural bounty and divine provision, particularly concerning the Promised Land. Beyond its literal meaning, ʻênâb carries significant theological weight. It serves as a potent symbol of God's blessing and the fertility of the land. More profoundly, it functions as a powerful metaphor for Israel's spiritual state, with "sour grapes" representing unfaithfulness and the consequences of sin. The proverb of the "sour grapes" marks a crucial theological shift towards individual responsibility. Furthermore, its role in the Nazarite vow underscores themes of purity and consecrated living. Thus, ʻênâb is not merely a botanical term but a rich biblical symbol reflecting divine care, human accountability, and the nature of spiritual fruitfulness.
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