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H2561 · Hebrew · Old Testament
חֶמֶר
chemer
Noun, masculine
wine (red, foaming)

Definition

Wine, specifically red or foaming wine — wine at its most potent and intoxicating. Distinguished from yayin (general wine) by its emphasis on the wine's strength and color.

Usage & Theological Significance

Wine in Scripture carries dual symbolism: joy and judgment. At Cana, Jesus turned water into the finest wine — a sign of messianic abundance. But the 'wine of God's wrath' (Rev 14:10) represents undiluted judgment. Chemer, as strong red wine, appears in contexts of both celebration and warning. The cup of blessing and the cup of judgment both involve wine — what determines the outcome is our relationship to the One who pours.

Key Bible Verses

Deuteronomy 32:14 You drank the foaming wine [chemer] of the blood of the grape.
Isaiah 27:2 In that day: 'A pleasant vineyard — sing of it! I, the LORD, am its keeper; I water it every moment.'
Psalm 75:8 In the hand of the LORD there is a cup with foaming wine, well mixed.
Ezra 6:9 Whatever is needed — young bulls, rams, lambs... wheat, salt, wine, oil.
Daniel 5:1 King Belshazzar made a great feast... and drank wine [chamar] before the thousand.

Related Words

External Resources

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