Cider, a fermented alcoholic beverage made from apples, is not specifically mentioned in the Bible. However, there are references to apples and other alcoholic beverages in the scriptures.
In the Bible, apples are mentioned several times, but they are not directly associated with cider production. For example, in the Song of Solomon 2:5, the bride says, “Sustain me with raisins, refresh me with apples, for I am faint with love.” Here, apples are simply mentioned as a refreshing fruit.
As for alcoholic beverages, there are several references throughout the Bible. In the Old Testament, wine is frequently mentioned as a common drink. It was considered a blessing and a symbol of abundance. In Proverbs 20:1, it says, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” This verse suggests that excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to foolishness and poor decision-making.
While cider itself is not mentioned in the Bible, the process of fermentation and the production of alcoholic beverages using fruits, including apples, can be inferred from biblical references. In Genesis 9:20-21, Noah is said to have planted a vineyard and became drunk from the wine he produced. This indicates that the ancient people were familiar with the process of fermenting fruits to create alcoholic beverages.
It is also worth noting that the earliest written reference to cider is found in the Wycliffe “Cider Bible,” printed in the 15th century. This Bible, translated into Middle English, contains a passage in Luke 15:23 that reads, “And bring forth that fat calf, and kill him; and let us eat and make merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.” In this context, the phrase “make merry” could refer to the consumption of cider or other alcoholic beverages as part of the celebration.
While cider may not have been explicitly mentioned in the Bible, the references to apples and the production of alcoholic beverages suggest that cider-making practices were likely known during biblical times. It is interesting to consider how cider, a beverage enjoyed by many today, has a long history rooted in ancient traditions and cultural practices.