Wine as a Symbol in the Intertestamental Period and in the NT - Isaiah 1:8

The vine remained an important symbol in Intertestamental Judaism (e.g., 2 Esdr. 5:23). An abounding vineyard was the symbol of the goodness of the eschaton or Day of the Lord (2Apoc. Bar. 29:5). In Sirach wisdom is described as a vine glorious with abundant fruit (Sir. 24:17–22).

In the Roman period even Herod the Great’s rebuilt temple adopted the image. Between the porch and the holy place was a golden gate on which was affixed a gold vine. Clusters of gold grapes hung from it, and wealthy families would give gold tendrils, berries, and leaves as gifts so the vine might always grow larger (Josephus BJ v.5.4 [120]; Mishnah Mid. iii.8).

It comes as no surprise that Jesus would imply the symbolism of the vine in his ministry. In two parables he uses the well-known context of vineyard labor to illustrate God’s grace to all who are sent into the “vineyard” (Matt. 20:1–16) and to explain the nature of true obedience (21:28–32). His most important parable is found at Mark 12:1–11, where he sweeps up the prophetic rebuke and criticizes the Jewish leadership as unrighteous tenants of God’s vineyard. Here, however, the tenants (rather than the vineyard) will be destroyed and the vineyard passed on to others.[1]

Jesus further alluded to His relationship with His followers by referring to Himself as the vine and to them as the branches (John 15:5-8).

5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

The fruit of the vine symbolized Jesus’ shed blood (Matt. 26:27–29).

27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”

He also used the vineyard in many of His parables (Matt. 9:17; 20:1–6; 21:28–32; Luke 13:6–9).[2]

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[1] Myers, A. C. (1987). The Eerdmans Bible dictionary. Rev., augm. translation of: Bijbelse encyclopedie. Rev. ed. 1975. (1038). Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans.

[2] Youngblood, R. F., Bruce, F. F., Harrison, R. K., & Thomas Nelson Publishers. (1995). Nelson's new illustrated Bible dictionary. Rev. ed. of: Nelson's illustrated Bible dictionary.; Includes index. Nashville: T. Nelson.