Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • H3342 יֶקֶב (yeqeb): Refers to a winepress or vat, similar in function to the Greek ὑπολήνιον. It is used in various Old Testament passages to describe the place where grape juice is collected during the winemaking process.
• H1660 גַּת (gat): Another term for a winepress, often used in conjunction with yeqeb to describe the complete winepress system, including both the upper and lower parts.

These entries provide a comprehensive understanding of the term ὑπολήνιον within the context of biblical agriculture and its symbolic significance in Scripture.

Usage: The term ὑπολήνιον is used in the context of winemaking, specifically referring to the collection area for grape juice during the pressing process. It is a term that appears in discussions of agricultural practices in ancient times, particularly in relation to vineyards and wine production.

Context: The term ὑπολήνιον is a specific term used to describe the lower part of a winepress system in ancient viticulture. In biblical times, winepresses were essential for the production of wine, a staple in the diet and culture of the ancient Near East. The winepress typically consisted of two main parts: the upper vat, where grapes were trodden, and the ὑπολήνιον, the lower vat, where the juice flowed and was collected.

The process of winemaking began with the harvesting of grapes, which were then placed in the upper vat. Workers would tread the grapes, and the juice would flow down into the ὑπολήνιον. This juice was then collected and stored for fermentation. The ὑπολήνιον was crucial for ensuring that the juice was gathered efficiently and without contamination.

While the term ὑπολήνιον itself does not appear frequently in the New Testament, the imagery of the winepress is significant in biblical literature, symbolizing judgment and the outpouring of God's wrath, as seen in passages like Revelation 14:19-20. The winepress metaphor underscores the themes of harvest, judgment, and the fullness of time.