Quote:
Originally Posted by MysticCat
Kevin -- There are about 10 different Hebrew words and 4 different Greek words that are typically translated into English as "wine," "new wine," "strong drink," or the like. Use of these words is not limited to warnings against drunkenness -- think of the wedding at Cana, for example.
The argument that some people make is that some of those 14 terms may not necessarily refer to fully-fermented wine, but may instead refer to the juice of grapes (or other fruits, like pomegaranites) that either has not begun fermenting or is only slightly fermented. Most scholars disagree with that argument.
I've never heard anybody suggest that all of the wine mentioned in the Bible was non-alcoholic. (I have, however, heard suggestions that Jesus would only partaken of the "not-yet-fermented" wine.  )
/detour |
He was the Vegan of his time. You know, those annoying buggers who insist that everything be made special for them. (I keed, I keed)