γλεῦκος
gleûkos
G1098 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Sweet new wine, freshly pressed grape juice that has begun or is in the early stages of fermentation; especially indicates the initial product of grape harvest, characterized by its sweetness and lower alcohol content compared to aged wine. In some contexts, can refer to very sweet fermented wine, noted for higher residual sugars and a more potent intoxicating effect than ordinary wine.
Semantic Range
sweet new wine, freshly pressed grape juice, grape must in initial fermentation, very sweet fermented wine, intoxicating unaged wine
Root / Etymology
Greek γλεῦκος derives from the root γλυκ- ('sweet'), related to the adjective γλυκύς ('sweet'). Reflects a semantic connection to sweetness, with parallels in related ancient Indo-European languages. Cognate with Latin 'mustum' (must, new wine).
Historical & Contextual Notes
γλεῦκος is comparatively rare in Greek literature, found primarily in medical writers (e.g., Hippocrates, Galen) and in biblical sources such as the Septuagint and Acts 2:13. In classical and Hellenistic Greek, it referred to unaged, sweet grape juice, sometimes in the process of fermenting, distinguished from οἶνος (oinos, 'wine'). The term could, however, be used of any especially sweet and intoxicating wine, including certain highly saccharine aged wines. In the New Testament context (Acts 2:13), γλεῦκος is referenced during the Pentecost event to suggest possible drunkenness, implying knowledge of its mildly intoxicating properties. Traditional English translations often render γλεῦκος as 'new wine,' but this does not specify whether fermentation is involved; in historical context, the word likely denoted partially fermented, freshly pressed grape must. Unlike οἶνος, which could denote wine at any stage or variety, γλεῦκος specifically emphasized newness and sweetness. The meaning was stable from late classical through Roman periods.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
akin to γλυκύς; sweet wine, i.e. (properly) must (fresh juice), but used of the more saccharine (and therefore highly inebriating) fermented wine:--new wine.
Root Family
γλεῦκος (gleukos) — sweetness, sweet fruitiness, fermented newness
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1098-01 |
γλεύκους | gleukous | N GEN N SG |
sweet wine | of sweet new wine | of sweet new wine | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1098-01 |
Acts 2:13 | γλεύκους | gleukous | N GEN N SG |
sweet wine | of sweet new wine | of sweet new wine |