A plant whose long trunk grows along the ground or fastens itself to other objects by means of tendrils. In biblical usage “vine” is almost always the grapevine. The vine was noted for its luxuriant foliage, intertwining branches, and trailing or climbing shoots (Ps 80:11; Ezek 19:10-11). It was valued for its fruit (Isa 65:8; Matt 26:69), since its wood was useless, fit only for burning (Ezek 15:2-8). Terms for vine, vineyard, or wine are commonly paired with terms for fields or grain, representing the two main types of agricultural production (Exod 22:5; Num 16:14; Deut 33:28; Isa 2:4; Hos 9:2; Hos 9:4). Vineyards required long-term intensive care (Isa 5:1-7; Mark 12:1). Vines required heavy annual pruning (Lev 25:4; John 15:2), hoeing (Isa 5:6), thinning and support of fruit clusters, and sometimes irrigation (Isa 27:3). Deuteronomic law exempted from military service the man who had planted a vineyard but not enjoyed its fruit (Deut 20:6). The vine became a rich source of symbolism in ancient Near Eastern literature, ritual, and art (Song of Sol. 2:13 7:1). Israel itself was likened to a vine, planted and tended by God (Jer 2:21; Ps 80:8-9). The NT applies the image to Jesus and the church (John 15:5).
