(5.) ‘Enabh, a grape (Deu 32:14 ). Deuteronomy 32:14 , “Butter of kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the fat of kidneys of wheat; and thou didst drink the pure blood of the grape.” (Comp. Gen 49:11 ; Num 6:3 ; Deu 23:24 , etc., where this Hebrew word is rendered in the plural “grapes.”). This word is used 17 times and translated once only as “wine” in Hosea 3:1 . I all the other 16 occurrences it is translated as “grapes.” This word refers to grapes. In the only exception where it is translated as wine in Hosea, the usage was in the context of a rebuke on Israel. Israel had committed spiritual adultery and as an indictment against Israel, the charge was that she had looked, “to other gods, and love flagons of wine.” It was a condemnation against Israel for drinking even grape juice as she was in idolatry..
The fact that grape juice can be turned into an alcoholic beverage is not denied. Numbers 6:3 , “He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat moist grapes, or dried.” Here the warning is AGAINST the drinking of it rather than allowing or condoning it. This was the requirement for any Israelites who wished to consecrate his life to serve the LORD as a priest. He was called a Nazarite. He must not touch all things related to the fruit of the vine.
(6.) Mesekh, properly a mixture of wine and water with spices that increase its stimulating properties (Isa 5:22 ). Ps 75:8 , “The wine [yayin] is red; it is full of mixture [mesekh];” Pr 23:30 , “mixed wine;” Isa 65:11 , “drink offering”. This is a mixture that was condemned by Isaiah against Israel. Isaiah 5:22 , “Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle (meshek) strong drink:” The Israelites deliberately mixed water and wine with spices to give it an extra “kick”. God condemned such a practice. This is perhaps very much like the modern drinks of today called “cocktails”! God categorically condemns such drinking.
(7.) Tirosh, properly “must,” translated “wine” (De 28:51 ); “new wine” (Pr 3:10 ); “sweet wine” (Mic 6:15 ; R.V., “vintage”). This Hebrew word has been traced to a root meaning “to drive out”. This means that it refers to the freshly squeezed juice. Among the blessings promised to Esau (Gen 27:28 ), mention is made of “plenty of corn and tirosh.” Palestine is called “a land of corn and tirosh” (Deu 33:28 ; comp. Isa 36:17 ). See also Deu 28:51 ; 2Ch 32:28 ; Joe 2:19 ; Ho 4:11 , (“wine [yayin] and new wine [tirosh] take away the heart”). This verse describes freshly squeezed grape juices which is called “must”. It is not alcoholic at all. The text that captures this distinction is Hosea 4:11 , “Whoredom and wine (yayin) and new wine (tirosh) take away the heart.” The word tirosh occurs 38 times in the OT. It is always translated as wine and sometimes as new wine. In these cases it is a reference to the freshly squeezed grapes juices which is what the Israelites were allowed to drink. Numbers 18:12 , “All the best of the oil, and all the best of the wine (tirosh-grape juices), and of the wheat, the firstfruits of them which they shall offer unto the LORD, them have I given thee.”
(8.) Sobhe (root meaning “to drink to excess,” “to suck up,” “absorb”), found only in Isa 1:22 ; Ho 4:18 (“their drink;”), and Na 1:10 (“drunken as drunkards;” lit., “soaked according to their drink;” i.e., according to their sobhe. This word is definitely used to mean an alcoholic beverage. Literally it means to become tipsy! The three occurrences of the word point clearly to that. In Isaiah 1:21-24 , “How is the faithful city become an harlot! it was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers. Thy silver is become dross, thy wine (sobhe) mixed with water: Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them. Therefore saith the Lord, the LORD of hosts, the mighty One of Israel, Ah, I will ease me of mine adversaries, and avenge me of mine enemies:” [emphasis added] This was a condemnation against idolatrous Israel where they will be judged by God who will even dilute their wine i.e. to render that which they loved to enjoy useless. In Hosea’s time the message was the same. Hosea 4:17-19 , “Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone. Their drink (sobhe) is sour: they have committed whoredom continually: her rulers with shame do love, Give ye. The wind hath bound her up in her wings, and they shall be ashamed because of their sacrifices.” Ephraim which represents Israel has lost its goodness. The enemies will be reduced to drunkards as they march against God’s people. God will judge them and protect His own. Nahum 1:9-10 , “What do ye imagine against the LORD? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time. For while they be folden together as thorns, and while they are drunken (sobhe) as drunkards (sobhe), they shall be devoured as stubble fully dry.” The description of the enemies of God behaving like drunkards clearly argues against drinking alcohol.