The word designates the lower receptacle of a winepress where the juice of crushed grapes collects. In the ancient Near East, presses were usually dual-level—an upper treading floor and a lower vat cut into rock or lined with plaster. Careful construction of the vat testified to the owner’s investment, expecting a usable harvest and long-term fruitfulness.

Biblical Occurrence

Mark 12:1 records the sole New Testament use: “A man planted a vineyard, put a wall around it, dug a wine vat, and built a watchtower. Then he leased it to tenant farmers and went abroad.”. The detail underscores thorough provision by the vineyard owner and sets the stage for the parable’s moral.

Agricultural Context

First-century Judea was dotted with private presses. A typical vat might hold several hundred liters, and its integrity was vital—leaking juice meant wasted labor. Its presence in a parable immediately signaled to Jesus’ hearers the seriousness of the owner’s expectations.

Old Testament Background

Although the specific Greek term appears only in Mark, the concept is woven through Scripture:
• Isaiah 5:2 – A “winepress” built by the Lord of Hosts in His vineyard Israel.
• Joel 3:13 – “The winepress is full; the vats overflow,” linking harvest to judgment.
• Isaiah 63:3 – The Holy One “treading” the press alone, portraying divine wrath.

These passages supply the prophetic backdrop that Jesus intentionally echoes.

Exegetical Insights from Mark 12:1

1. Provision: Wall, vat, and tower illustrate God’s complete care (Psalm 80:8–11).
2. Expectation: A vat implies anticipated fruit; God seeks covenant obedience (Matthew 21:43).
3. Accountability: The tenants’ later rebellion contrasts with the owner’s generosity, forecasting judgment on unfaithful stewards.

Typological and Theological Significance

• Covenant Fruitfulness: The vat gathers the vineyard’s yield, picturing spiritual fruit (John 15:5; Galatians 5:22-23).
• Christological Fulfillment: Jesus, the True Vine, yields perfect fruit; His blood “poured out for many” mirrors juice collected in a vat (Matthew 26:28).
• Eschatological Harvest: Revelation 14:18-20 extends winepress imagery to final judgment, reminding believers of ultimate accountability.

Ministry Applications

• Stewardship: Churches should build structures expecting harvest—discipleship pathways ready to receive new believers, as a vat readies for juice.
• Humble Tenancy: Leaders are custodians, not owners; faithful service contrasts with the parable’s violent tenants.
• Balanced Proclamation: Winepress imagery carries both sweetness (blessing) and severity (judgment); preaching should reflect both.

Related Passages for Study

Genesis 49:11; Isaiah 5:1-7; Psalm 80:8-16; Jeremiah 25:30; Hosea 9:2; Micah 6:15; Matthew 21:33-41; Luke 20:9-18; Revelation 14:19-20; Revelation 19:15.