Winefat
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Winefat in the Bible?
A winefat is a large vat used for pressing and storing grapes, identified in the Greek New Testament by the term hypolenion, which appears exclusively in the Parable of the Tenants in Mark 12:1.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the specific function of a winefat clarifies the agricultural imagery in Jesus' parable, helping readers visualize the violent rejection of the servants and the owner's ultimate response within the context of first-century Palestinian vineyard management.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Winefat were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Winefat in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Winefat clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Mark 12:1
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Winefat." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/winefat/