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Unveiling the Word

Understanding the nuances of Greek words in biblical texts opens a deeper window into the cultural and theological contexts of the time. The Greek word οἰνοπότης (oinopótēs), found in Matthew 11:19, is particularly significant as it gives insight into the criticism leveled against Jesus by His detractors. In this verse, Jesus is called “a glutton and a winebibber” (oinopótēs), a derogatory term implying excessive drinking. This word reflects cultural perceptions of behavior during the New Testament period and provides a valuable lens through which to understand how Jesus was perceived by those who misunderstood or rejected His ministry.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: οἰνοπότης (oinopótēs), pronounced oy-no-PO-tace.

Etymology: The word οἰνοπότης comes from two Greek roots: οἶνος (oinos), meaning “wine,” and πίνω (pínō), meaning “to drink.” Together, they form a compound word meaning “wine drinker” or “one who drinks wine excessively.”

Part of Speech: Noun. Oinopótēs refers to a person and describes someone characterized by excessive wine drinking, commonly rendered as “winebibber” in many English translations.

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Defining Meanings

1. Wine Drinker: The primary meaning of oinopótēs is a person who drinks wine. In the context of Matthew 11:19, it is used in a negative sense, implying that Jesus was unfairly accused of being a habitual or excessive drinker.

2. Winebibber: A more specific and culturally loaded meaning of the term is “winebibber,” which denotes not just drinking wine but doing so in a way that suggests overindulgence or lack of restraint.

Exploring Similar Words

1. μέθυσος (méthysos) [pronunciation: ME-thoo-sos]: This word means “drunkard” and refers to someone habitually drunk. While oinopótēs refers to a wine drinker, méthysos emphasizes the drunken state, often implying addiction or chronic drunkenness.

2. ποτήρ (potēr) [pronunciation: po-TARE]: This word simply means “drinker” and could refer to anyone who drinks, but without the pejorative or excessive connotation found in oinopótēs.

3. οἶνος (oinos) [pronunciation: OY-nos]: This is the root word for oinopótēs and means “wine.” It is often used neutrally to describe the beverage, while oinopótēs carries the implication of habitual drinking.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Nouns/Adjectives:

• Case, Number, Gender: Oinopótēs is a masculine noun and follows the standard declension pattern of masculine nouns in Greek. In its nominative singular form, as in Matthew 11:19, it appears as οἰνοπότης.

• Declension: The word follows a standard second declension pattern. The nominative plural would be οἰνοπόται.

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

In various lexicons, oinopótēs is consistently defined as “winebibber” or “one given to drinking wine.” It is used as an accusation in Matthew 11:19, where Jesus contrasts the false accusations against Him with the genuine nature of His mission. The term in its cultural context implies a lack of moderation or control over wine consumption, which in the ancient world was often seen as a vice. In classical Greek, the term is used similarly to describe those who indulge excessively in wine, often with moral or social implications.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 11:19: “The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber [οἰνοπότης], a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.”

2. Luke 7:34: Similar to Matthew 11:19, this verse also records the accusation against Jesus, calling Him a “glutton and a winebibber” [οἰνοπότης].

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work English text with the Greek word in parentheses

Aristophanes Clouds “He was a well-known wine drinker [οἰνοπότης], loud and boisterous.”

Plato Symposium “The wine drinker [οἰνοπότης] must moderate his intake, lest he lose control.”

Philo On Sobriety “Avoid being called a winebibber [οἰνοπότης], for it leads to ruin.”

Noteworthy Summary

Oinopótēs is a powerful word in Matthew 11:19, used to describe an unjust accusation against Jesus. The term denotes someone who excessively indulges in wine, often leading to moral judgments. It was intended as an insult but, in context, highlights the misunderstanding of Jesus’ mission. This term carries with it the weight of cultural attitudes toward wine drinking in both Jewish and Greek societies, where excess was often condemned. Its use in the New Testament offers a glimpse into the ways in which Jesus was perceived by His critics, while also reinforcing His message of reaching out to sinners.

Did You Know?

1. Oinopótēs is used only twice in the New Testament, both in contexts where Jesus is accused of being a winebibber.

2. The term is part of the larger critique against Jesus’ association with tax collectors and sinners, reflecting societal norms about propriety and moral conduct.

3. In classical Greek literature, being called an oinopótēs often carried social stigma, implying a lack of self-control or dignity.