Pronunciation Guide: ak’-rat-os (emphasis on first syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G194: ἄκρατος (akratos) refers to unmixed or undiluted wine in its purest form. In ancient culture, wine was typically diluted with water for drinking, making unmixed wine particularly potent. In biblical usage, it specifically symbolizes the full strength of God’s judgment without any mitigation of His wrath.

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Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Root Components: ἀ- (negative prefix) + κεράννυμι (to mix, mingle)
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Prophetic and apocalyptic literature
• Semantic Domain: Substances/Divine Judgment

ἄκρατος Morphology:

• ἄκρατος (nominative singular masculine) – unmixed
• ἀκράτου (genitive singular masculine) – of unmixed
• ἀκράτῳ (dative singular masculine) – in/with unmixed
• ἄκρατον (accusative singular masculine) – unmixed (direct object)

Origin & History

The term ἄκρατος has a rich history in classical Greek literature, where it originally described wine in its pure, undiluted state. In Greek symposia, drinking unmixed wine was considered barbaric and dangerous, as the normal practice was to mix wine with water in specific proportions. Plato, in his “Laws” (637e), discusses the Spartan custom of avoiding ἄκρατος wine, viewing it as a mark of civilized behavior.

The word appears in medical writings of Hippocrates, where he describes certain medicines as ἄκρατος, emphasizing their pure, undiluted nature. This technical usage in medical contexts demonstrates how the word carried connotations of both potency and purity.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Unmixed, undiluted substance in its pure form
• Untempered, unmitigated force or power
• Absolute, complete, without admixture
• Pure, unadulterated essence

ἄκρατος Translation Options:

• “Unmixed” – Emphasizes the lack of dilution or alteration
• “Pure” – Highlights the unadulterated nature of the substance
• “Full-strength” – Captures the potency aspect in modern English
• “Undiluted” – Technically precise but may miss cultural connotations

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἄκρατος appears most notably in Revelation 14:10, where it describes the wine of God’s wrath. This usage draws on the Old Testament imagery of the “cup of wrath” (Jeremiah 25:15-16), but intensifies it by specifying that this wine is unmixed, symbolizing judgment without mercy.

In the Septuagint, while ἄκρατος appears in several contexts, it consistently carries the connotation of something in its most potent form, particularly in contexts of judgment. This usage creates a powerful metaphor: just as unmixed wine was considered dangerous in ancient culture, so the full strength of divine judgment is terrifying in its potency.

• “…who also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed unmixed [ἄκρατος] into the cup of His anger…” Revelation 14:10
• “For in the hand of יהוה (Yahweh) there is a cup, And the wine is red and fully mixed [ἀκράτου]…” Psalm 75:8 (Septuagint 74:9)

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Mediterranean world, wine was almost always mixed with water before drinking, typically in proportions ranging from 1:3 to 1:20 (wine to water). The practice of drinking ἄκρατος wine was associated with barbaric customs and extreme intoxication. This cultural context adds significant weight to the metaphorical use in Revelation, where the wine of God’s wrath is described as ἄκρατος – suggesting judgment that comes with full, unmitigated force.

The Jewish rabbinical tradition also discusses the significance of mixed versus unmixed wine in ritual contexts, particularly regarding the four cups of Passover wine. The ancient Jewish practice of mixing wine with water (typically two parts water to one part wine) makes the use of ἄκρατος in Revelation particularly striking to readers familiar with Jewish customs.

Theological Significance

The use of ἄκρατος in Revelation 14:10 carries profound theological implications. It emphasizes that God’s final judgment comes without dilution or mitigation – it is pure justice without mixture of mercy for those who have ultimately rejected His grace. This serves as both a warning to unbelievers and a comfort to the faithful who suffer persecution.

The term also highlights the absolute nature of God’s holiness and justice. Just as unmixed wine represented the pure essence of the grape, ἄκρατος judgment represents the pure essence of divine justice. This creates a powerful contrast with the “mixed” nature of human justice systems, which often involve compromise and imperfection.

The imagery also connects to the Messiah’s words about drinking the cup of God’s wrath (Matthew 26:39), suggesting that Jesus bore the ἄκρατος judgment so that believers might be spared from it.

Personal Application

Understanding ἄκρατος should prompt serious reflection on the reality of divine judgment and the magnificence of salvation in the Messiah. The fact that Jesus drank the unmixed cup of God’s wrath on our behalf should deepen our gratitude and strengthen our commitment to faithful living.

This word also reminds us that while we live in an age of grace, we should not presume upon God’s mercy or treat sin lightly. The reality of ἄκρατος judgment should motivate us to share the Gospel with urgency and compassion, recognizing that God’s offer of salvation is the only escape from the full strength of divine judgment.

Related Words

• κεράννυμι (kerannymi) – to mix, mingle (pronunciation: ker-an’-noo-mee) – The root word from which ἄκρατος derives its meaning through negation See G2767
• θυμός (thymos) – wrath, intense anger (pronunciation: thoo-mos’) – Often appears with ἄκρατος in judgment contexts See G2372
• ὀργή (orgē) – wrath, anger (pronunciation: or-gay’) – Complements ἄκρατος in describing divine judgment See G3709
• ποτήριον (potērion) – cup (pronunciation: pot-ay’-ree-on) – Often contains the ἄκρατος wine of judgment See G4221

Did you Know?

• In ancient Greek medical texts, ἄκρατος was used to describe pure, undiluted medicines, indicating that the word carried connotations of both potency and therapeutic properties in certain contexts.
• The Romans had a specific government official called the arbiter bibendi who was responsible for deciding the proper mixture of wine and water at feasts, making the concept of ἄκρατος wine particularly meaningful to the original readers of Revelation.
• The practice of mixing wine with water was so ingrained in ancient Mediterranean culture that drinking ἄκρατος wine was associated with barbaric customs and was even considered potentially lethal, adding depth to its use as a metaphor for divine judgment.

Remember This

ἄκρατος represents the awesome reality that while God’s mercy is freely offered today, His final judgment comes undiluted and unmitigated for those who reject His grace.