Vineyard Collection: ὑπολήνιον (Strong’s G5276: hypolēnion) Reveals Kingdom Harvest

Strong’s G5276: A compound noun joining hypo (under) with lēnos (winepress), referring to the vat beneath a winepress that collects the juice. In biblical usage, it appears in the Messiah’s parable of the vineyard, symbolizing spiritual harvest and judgment.

U- Unveiling the Word

ὑπολήνιον (hypolēnion) combines ὑπό (hypo, “under”) with ληνός (lēnos, “winepress”), describing the collection vat beneath a winepress. In Mark 12:1, it appears in Jesus’ parable of the vineyard, representing careful preparation for harvest. The early church saw rich symbolism in this term, connecting it to both divine provision and judgment. Today, it reminds us of God’s careful preparation for spiritual harvest and the accountability of those entrusted with His vineyard.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑπολήνιον, hypolēnion, hoop-o-LAY-nee-on
• Detailed Pronunciation: hoop (as in “hoop”) + o (as in “go”) + lay (as in “lay”) + nee (as in “knee”) + on (as in “on”)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• ὑπό (hypo) – prefix meaning “under”
• ληνός (lēnos) – noun meaning “winepress”
• -ιον (-ion) – diminutive suffix
  Combined to mean “vessel under the winepress”

D – Defining Meanings

• Wine vat
• Collection vessel
• Lower winepress

For compound words:

• ὑπό indicates position under
• ληνός contributes the winepress context
• -ιον makes it a concrete noun

Translation Options:

• “Wine vat” – emphasizes function
• “Collection vessel” – describes purpose
• “Lower winepress” – maintains physical position

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ληνός (lēnos, LAY-nos) – “winepress” – the upper pressing area
  See G3025
• πίθος (pithos, PEE-thos) – “storage jar”
  See G4082
• ἀποθήκη (apothēkē, ap-oth-AY-kay) – “storehouse”
  See G596

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, ὑπολήνιον exhibits these features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, or Accusative
• Number: Singular or Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Second

Examples of morphological changes:

• Nominative/Accusative singular: ὑπολήνιον
• Genitive singular: ὑποληνίου
• Dative singular: ὑποληνίῳ
• Plural forms adjust accordingly

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons provide technical detail about ὑπολήνιον. BDAG emphasizes its specific agricultural function. Thayer’s notes its role in the complete winemaking process. LSJ documents its use in agricultural texts. Vine’s connects it to biblical imagery of harvest and judgment. Strong’s emphasizes its compound nature describing location and function. Moulton and Milligan note its appearance in agricultural documents and property records.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Mark 12:1: “Then He began to speak to them in parables: ‘A man planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it, dug a place for the [ὑπολήνιον] wine vat and built a tower.'”

Additional References:
This word appears only once in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

ὑπολήνιον symbolizes God’s careful preparation for spiritual harvest. In the Messiah’s parable, it represents both divine provision and human responsibility. The good news is that King Jesus has prepared everything necessary for spiritual fruitfulness in His kingdom. Yet this word also reminds us of our accountability as stewards of His vineyard.

D – Did You Know?

• Ancient wine vats were often carved from solid rock
• The design prevented waste of precious grape juice
• Early Christians saw it as a symbol of divine preparation

Strong’s G5276: A compound noun joining hypo (under) with lēnos (winepress), referring to the vat beneath a winepress that collects the juice. In biblical usage, it appears in the Messiah’s parable of the vineyard, symbolizing spiritual harvest and judgment.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: vineyard, harvest, wine making, parables, stewardship, preparation, judgment, agriculture, kingdom of God, responsibility​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​