Fruit of the land; source of wine

Grapes

Vineyards are everywhere in Scripture, in law, poetry and parable.

Biblical permission← Food Guide

Where it appears in Scripture

The spies bring grapes from Canaan (Numbers 13); Jesus calls himself the true vine (John 15).

What Scripture says

Grapes and the vine are gifts and images of fruitfulness.
Gleaning laws left grapes for the poor and the stranger.

What Scripture does NOT say

Scripture celebrates fruitfulness and provision; antioxidants and the choice between juice and whole fruit belong to present-day health wisdom.

New Testament context

Jesus calls himself the true vine and uses vineyard images for God's kingdom. At the supper, the cup points to the new covenant in his blood.

Common misconceptions

"The vine imagery is a recommendation to drink wine." Its focus is abiding in Christ and bearing fruit.

“And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.”

Genesis 1:29

In context: The first diet described in Scripture, given in the garden before the flood. It is a description of what God gave, not a later command binding all generations.

“He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth; and wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart.”

Psalm 104:14-15

In context: Bread, oil and wine appear as provisions of God's ordinary generosity.