Brief Overview of Γλεῦκος (G1098: gleukos)

Transliteration and Meaning:
The Greek word γλεῦκος (transliterated as gleukos and pronounced as “glew-kos”) refers to “sweet wine” or “new wine.” The term is derived from the root word γλυκύς (glykys), which means “sweet.” The primary meaning of gleukos is wine that is freshly pressed and not yet fully fermented, retaining much of the natural sugars from the grapes, thus making it sweet to the taste. Unlike fully fermented wine, gleukos is often associated with the early stages of wine production.

Lexical Insights and Biblical Usage:
In lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, and Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, gleukos is consistently defined as “sweet wine” or “new wine.” BDAG emphasizes that gleukos refers to wine that is still in the process of fermentation, often characterized by its sweet flavor due to the presence of unfermented sugars. Thayer’s Lexicon also highlights that gleukos could be consumed shortly after the grape harvest, before the fermentation process was complete.

The word gleukos appears in the New Testament in Acts 2:13, where the onlookers accuse the apostles of being drunk on gleukos after witnessing them speak in various tongues on the day of Pentecost. This context suggests that gleukos was known for having a mildly intoxicating effect, though it was not as potent as fully fermented wine.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature:
In classical Greek literature, gleukos was recognized as a beverage that retained the natural sweetness of grapes. It was commonly consumed in the early stages of fermentation, often associated with harvest festivals and celebrations. For example, in the works of Theophrastus, gleukos is mentioned as a sweet drink made from grapes, enjoyed in the immediate post-harvest period. Similarly, in the writings of Athenaeus, gleukos is discussed as a preferred drink during certain festive occasions due to its pleasant taste.

Aristotle also refers to gleukos in his “Meteorology,” where he distinguishes between gleukos and fully fermented wine, noting the differences in their production processes and effects on the body. These references highlight that gleukos was a well-known and appreciated drink in ancient Greek society, valued for its sweetness and freshness.

Summary:
The word γλεῦκος (G1098), transliterated as gleukos, refers to “sweet wine” or “new wine,” characterized by its natural sweetness from unfermented sugars. Derived from the root word γλυκύς (glykys), meaning “sweet,” gleukos is associated with the early stages of wine production. Lexicons such as BDAG and Thayer’s highlight that gleukos is partially fermented wine, often consumed shortly after the grape harvest. In the New Testament, gleukos is mentioned in Acts 2:13, where the apostles are accused of being drunk on sweet wine after the Pentecost event. Classical Greek literature, including the works of Theophrastus, Athenaeus, and Aristotle, also references gleukos as a sweet, freshly pressed wine enjoyed during festivals and celebrations. Overall, gleukos represents a beverage that was both culturally and socially significant in ancient Greek society, appreciated for its sweetness and freshness.