A wine-tank, often referred to in biblical texts, is a large container or vat used in the process of winemaking, particularly for the fermentation and storage of wine. The wine-tank is an essential component in the ancient practice of viticulture, which was a significant aspect of agricultural life in biblical times.

Biblical References:

The concept of the wine-tank is closely associated with the winepress, a device used to extract juice from grapes. The juice would then flow into the wine-tank for fermentation. This process is vividly depicted in several passages of Scripture, illustrating both the agricultural practices and the symbolic meanings associated with wine.

In Isaiah 63:3, the imagery of the winepress is used to convey divine judgment: "I have trodden the winepress alone, and from the nations no one was with Me. I trampled them in My anger and trod them down in My wrath; their blood spattered My garments, and I stained all My clothes." Here, the wine-tank serves as a metaphor for the outpouring of God's wrath, with the juice of the grapes symbolizing the blood of the nations.

The wine-tank is also mentioned in the context of abundance and blessing. In Proverbs 3:10, the promise of prosperity is linked to the overflowing of wine-tanks: "then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine." This passage highlights the wine-tank as a symbol of God's provision and the fruitfulness of the land when His people live in obedience to His commandments.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance:

In the ancient Near East, wine was a staple beverage and a symbol of joy and celebration. The wine-tank, therefore, not only represents the practical aspects of winemaking but also carries deeper spiritual and cultural meanings. Wine is often associated with covenant blessings, as seen in the institution of the Lord's Supper, where Jesus uses wine as a symbol of His blood, shed for the remission of sins (Matthew 26:27-28).

The wine-tank also serves as a reminder of the transformative power of God. Just as grapes are transformed into wine through the process of fermentation, believers are transformed by the Holy Spirit into new creations in Christ. This transformation is a recurring theme in the New Testament, where the old self is put away, and the new self is embraced (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Archaeological Insights:

Archaeological discoveries in the regions of ancient Israel and surrounding areas have unearthed numerous winepresses and wine-tanks, providing insight into the winemaking techniques of biblical times. These findings reveal that wine-tanks were typically hewn out of rock or constructed from clay, designed to hold large quantities of grape juice during fermentation.

The presence of wine-tanks in ancient Israel underscores the importance of viticulture in the economy and daily life of the people. It also highlights the biblical land's suitability for grape cultivation, as described in Deuteronomy 8:7-8, where the Promised Land is depicted as "a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey."

In summary, the wine-tank is a multifaceted symbol in the Bible, representing both the practical aspects of ancient agriculture and the deeper spiritual truths of God's provision, judgment, and transformative power.Wine-tank (1 Occurrence)

Mark 12:1
Then He began to speak to them in figurative language. "There was once a man," He said, "who planted a vineyard, fenced it round, dug a pit for the wine-tank, and built a strong lodge. Then he let the place to vine-dressers and went abroad.
(WEY)

Wine-tank (1 Occurrence)
Wine-tank. Wine-store, Wine-tank. Winevat . Multi-Version Concordance
Wine-tank (1 Occurrence). Mark 12:1 Then He began ...
/w/wine-tank.htm - 6k

Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences)
... "There was once a man," He said, "who planted a vineyard, fenced it round,
dug a pit for the wine-tank, and built a strong lodge. ...
/v/vine-dressers.htm - 11k

Lodge (64 Occurrences)
... "There was once a man," He said, "who planted a vineyard, fenced it round,
dug a pit for the wine-tank, and built a strong lodge. ...
/l/lodge.htm - 29k

Wine-store (1 Occurrence)
Wine-store. Wine-skins, Wine-store. Wine-tank . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Wine-skins, Wine-store. Wine-tank . Reference Bible.
/w/wine-store.htm - 6k

Winevat (3 Occurrences)

/w/winevat.htm - 7k

Figurative (20 Occurrences)
... "There was once a man," He said, "who planted a vineyard, fenced it round,
dug a pit for the wine-tank, and built a strong lodge. ...
/f/figurative.htm - 12k

Fenced (61 Occurrences)
... "There was once a man," He said, "who planted a vineyard, fenced it round,
dug a pit for the wine-tank, and built a strong lodge. ...
/f/fenced.htm - 27k

Fence (12 Occurrences)
... "There was once a man," He said, "who planted a vineyard, fenced it round,
dug a pit for the wine-tank, and built a strong lodge. ...
/f/fence.htm - 15k

Abroad (120 Occurrences)
... "There was once a man," He said, "who planted a vineyard, fenced it round,
dug a pit for the wine-tank, and built a strong lodge. ...
/a/abroad.htm - 39k

Strong (736 Occurrences)
... "There was once a man," He said, "who planted a vineyard, fenced it round,
dug a pit for the wine-tank, and built a strong lodge. ...
/s/strong.htm - 44k

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