ἄκρατος (akratos)
akratos
undiluted
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective akratos describes something that is unmixed or pure, specifically referring to wine that has not been diluted with water. In ancient Mediterranean culture, it was customary to mix wine with water before drinking, so this term highlights a state of absolute concentration and strength.
Its meaning relies on the negative prefix a- ("not") combined with krasis ("mixing"). This linguistic structure emphasizes the absence of any foreign element, marking the substance as undiluted and potent. The word appears only once in the New Testament, in Revelation 14:10, where it describes the wine of God’s wrath.
By specifying that this wine is akratos, the text underscores its intense, unadulterated nature. It is not a beverage softened by water but a symbol of complete and undiluted judgment, reflecting the severity of the divine action described in the vision.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word akratos describes wine that has not been mixed with water. In the ancient world, people rarely drank wine straight; they diluted it to make it palatable and safe. To call something akratos meant it was pure, strong, and undiluted. This term appears only once in the New Testament, in Revelation 14:10, where it describes the wine of God’s wrath.
This imagery reminds us that divine judgment is not softened or watered down. It is real and complete. For believers, this highlights the seriousness of sin and the holiness of God. It also underscores the value of Christ’s sacrifice, which alone can cleanse us from such judgment. The purity of the wine reflects the purity of God’s justice.
While the image of undiluted wrath is sobering, it points to the need for a Savior. We find hope not in our own purity, but in Christ’s work on the cross. He took the full cup of judgment so we could drink from the water of life instead. This truth invites us to rest in His grace and live with reverence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- undiluted1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀκράτου1×
Key Verses
-
Revelation of John 14:10
he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is prepared unmixed in the cup of his anger. He will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.
The term akratos emphasizes that God’s judgment is absolute and unmitigated, leaving no room for excuse or dilution.