The Hebrew word ʻâçîyç, represented by H6071, refers to must or fresh grape-juice (as just trodden out), often translated as juice, new (sweet) wine. It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible. This term specifically denotes the freshly pressed juice of the grape, symbolizing intense sweetness and immediacy.
In prophetic literature, H6071 is frequently used to depict eschatological extremes. In promises of future restoration, the mountains will "drop sweet wine" Amos 9:13 and "drop down new wine" Joel 3:18, signifying a time of supernatural abundance. Conversely, it can illustrate divine judgment, as God's enemies will be made "drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine" Isaiah 49:26. The removal of new wine is also a sign of judgment, causing drunkards to weep when it is "cut off" from them Joel 1:5. In a more intimate context, it is offered as "the juice of my pomegranate" as part of a special drink shared between lovers Song of Solomon 8:2.
Several related words help clarify the specific meaning of ʻâçîyç:
- H3196 yayin (wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication; banqueting, wine, wine(-bibber).): This is a general term for fermented wine, often used alongside ʻâçîyç. In Joel 1:5, drinkers of yayin lament the loss of new wine H6071, while in Song of Solomon 8:2, juice H6071 is a component of a special yayin.
- H7937 shâkar (to become tipsy; in a qualified sense, to satiate with a stimulating drink or (figuratively) influence; (be filled with) drink (abundantly), (be, make) drunk(-en), be merry.): This verb describes the state of being drunk. It is used metaphorically in Isaiah 49:26, where oppressors will be made drunken with their own blood as if with sweet wine H6071, highlighting the potent, overwhelming nature of the substance.
- H8354 shâthâh (to imbibe (literally or figuratively); [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely.): As the common verb for "to drink," this word describes the consumption of wine. The "drinkers" of wine mentioned in Joel 1:5 are directly affected by the absence of new wine H6071.
The theological weight of H6071 lies in its powerful, contextual symbolism.
- Sign of Abundant Blessing: In prophetic promises, overflowing new wine H6071 represents a period of extreme, divinely-given prosperity and restoration, where the natural world supernaturally provides for God's people (Amos 9:13, Joel 3:18).
- Metaphor for Judgment: The term is used to describe the totality of God's wrath. Enemies will become drunken on their own blood "as with sweet wine" Isaiah 49:26, implying a swift and disorienting defeat. Its removal is also a form of judgment Joel 1:5.
- Symbol of Intimate Joy: In a personal context, juice H6071 is a component of a precious drink offered between lovers, representing choice fellowship and deep affection Song of Solomon 8:2.
In summary, H6071 ʻâçîyç is more than just a general term for wine; it is the fresh, sweet juice of newly trodden grapes. Its biblical usage is concentrated and potent, serving as a powerful symbol for opposite extremes. It can represent God's overwhelming blessing in an era of peace and supernatural abundance or His complete and disorienting judgment upon His enemies. Its use in Song of Solomon also gives it a dimension of personal intimacy, making it a word rich with contextual meaning.
TRV