My Journey to Life, Step 26—The Lord’s Supper

9. Was the wine of the Lord’s Supper fermented?

The word “wine” (Greek, oinos) could mean fermented or unfermented juice. However, Christ avoided using oinos. Instead, he used the phrase “fruit of the vine” (Matthew 26:29), which always refers to a nonalcoholic “sweet wine.” This unfermented juice was sometimes made from raisins, or from concentrating grape juice to a syrup, adding water at the time of consumption. When stored in a cool place, this syrup would not ferment. JTL26 11.1

The pure, unfermented juice would be a fitting symbol of the blood of Christ, who calls Himself the “True Vine” (John 15:1). Since alcohol is a product of decay and death, it could not symbolize the redeeming, life-giving blood of Jesus. JTL26 11.2