The meaning of “ἄμπελος”
Understanding ámpelos reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
probably from the base of ἀμφότερος and that of ἅλων vine. - a vine (as coiling about a support)
ἄμπελος
probably from the base of ἀμφότερος and that of ἅλων vine. - a vine (as coiling about a support)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 26:29 | “But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” Word: ἄμπελος (ámpelos) | |
| Mark 14:25 | “Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” Word: ἄμπελος (ámpelos) | |
| Luke 22:18 | “For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.” Word: ἄμπελος (ámpelos) | |
| John 15:4 | “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.” Word: ἄμπελος (ámpelos) | |
| James 3:12 | “Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.” Word: ἄμπελος (ámpelos) |
Theological Word Study: Vine
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Vine, grapevine
The Hebrew gephen (גֶּפֶן) means vine—symbolizing Israel as God's vineyard (Isaiah 5:1-7). The vine represented blessing and peace, and required careful cultivation to bear fruit.
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Vine
The Greek ampelos (ἄμπελος) denotes a vine. Jesus declared 'I am the true vine' (John 15:1), with believers as branches who must abide in Him to bear fruit. Apart from Christ, we can do nothing.