Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898)
VIN'EGAR. The Hebrew word denotes a beverage either consisting simply of wine turned sour, and for that reason proscribed to the Nazarite, Num 6:3, or produced artificially. Its excessive acidity, Prov 10:26, made it an unpalatable drink, Ps 69:21; but like the Roman ponea, it was much used for sopping bread. Ruth 2:14. It was this beverage which was offered to our Saviour in his dying moments. Matt 27:48; Mark 15:36; John 19:29.
The effervescence which it produced when poured upon nitre was well known to the Hebrews, and is used to represent in an impressive manner the incongruity of mirth and sorrow. Prov 25:20.
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