What the Bible Says about Alcohol (Strong Drink) and Drunkenness

What the Bible Says about Alcohol (Strong Drink) and Drunkenness

Wine in the Bible

In the Bible, the Hebrew word most commonly translated as "wine" is יַיִן (yayin) and the Greek word is οἶνος (oinos). These words generally refer to fermented grape juice, which can include either alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages made from grapes.

The Bible does not universally condemn the consumption of wine or alcohol. While it does provide warnings about the potential dangers and consequences of excessive drinking, it also depicts wine as a blessing from God and encourages moderate and responsible consumption. The Bible portrays wine as a part of certain religious rituals (Deuteronomy 14:26) and celebrations (Psalm 104:14-15), and it is mentioned in positive contexts, such as rejoicing and gladness (Ecclesiastes 9:7, Psalm 104:15). In the New Testament, Jesus Christ performed his first miracle by turning water into wine at a wedding feast (John 2:1-11), indicating his acceptance of its presence and use.

The Apostle Paul also advised Timothy to drink wine in moderation for health reasons (1 Timothy 5:23). Studies in the sociocultural background of Paul's Epistle to Timothy revealed that Ephesus had bad water and Timothy was advised to use wine as either a substitute or a supplement for water or as a curative agent. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks have medicinal effect and a substitute for water when we don't have access to portable water like Timothy. Hence alcohol is one of the raw materials for the production of some medical and pharmaceutical products in modern time. 

That being said, the Bible does caution against the abuse of wine, drunkenness, and the negative effects it can have on one's judgment and behavior (Proverbs 20:1, Ephesians 5:18). It encourages self-control and wisdom in its consumption. This self control is expected to be displayed towards both non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks in particular. There are negative health consequences of excessive intake of either alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. So moderation is the rule. 

According to the Bible, the type of wine Jesus Christ turned water into at the wedding feast in Cana was not stated. In the story found in John 2:1-11, the master of the feast, after tasting the wine produced by Jesus, expressed surprise that the best wine had been saved for last. This has made liberal interpreters to suggests that the wine had the typical qualities and effects of alcoholic beverages. Because of the reactions and comments of those present at the wedding, many have interpreted this to mean that the wine was considered as normal, fermented wine. But the truth is that the Bible does not explicitly state the alcohol content of the wine Jesus created. 

The Sin of Drunkenness 

Drunkenness refers to the state of being intoxicated or excessively under the influence of alcohol or other substances, to the point where it impairs judgment, physical coordination, and normal mental functioning. In the Bible, the term "drunkenness" is translated from various Hebrew and Greek words. Here are a few examples:

1. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word "shakar" (שָׁכַר) is often translated as "drunkenness" or "drunkard." It generally refers to being intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol.

2. In the New Testament, the Greek word "methé" (μέθη) is used to describe drunkenness.

It carries a similar meaning to the Hebrew term and denotes excessive consumption that leads to intoxication. While the Bible warns against drunkenness, it does not categorically condemn the consumption of alcohol. The Bible acknowledges the moderate use of wine and strong drink as acceptable (e.g., for celebrations, medicinal purposes, etc.), but it strongly discourages excessive drinking that leads to drunkenness and associated negative behaviors.

What does the Bible say about wine drinking? 

Does every mention of wine in the Bible mean alcoholic drinks? No, the mention of wine in the Bible does not always mean alcoholic drinks. In biblical times, the term "wine" often referred to grape juice, both fermented and unfermented. The Hebrew word used for wine is "yayin," which has a broad meaning and can refer to both non-alcoholic grape juice and alcoholic beverages. Similarly, the Greek word used in the New Testament for wine is "oinos," which can have a similar ambiguity.

Understanding whether wine mentioned in the Bible refers to alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages requires careful contextual analysis and consideration of the specific passage, historical context, and cultural conventions of the time. While there are instances in the Bible where wine is clearly associated with alcoholic drinks, there are also references to wine that likely indicate non-alcoholic grape juice.

Jesus was accused of being a winebibber, but He did not indulge in excessive drinking. Luke 7:33-34 says: "For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil. The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!"

Bible verses where wine is mentioned as to non-alcoholic or alcoholic drinks in the original language

There are numerous verses in the Bible where wine is mentioned, and the interpretation can vary. I'll provide a few examples, along with the Hebrew or Greek words used, but please note that the interpretation of these verses may still be debated among biblical scholars:

1. Genesis 27:28 - "May God give you heaven's dew and earth's richness— an abundance of grain and new wine (tirosh)." (Hebrew: תִּירוֹשׁ). In this verse, "tirosh" refers to new wine or grape juice, indicating a non-alcoholic beverage.

Proverbs 23:30 - "Those who linger over wine (yayin), who go to sample bowls of mixed wine." (Hebrew: יַיִן). Here, "yayin" generally refers to an alcoholic drink, as it is associated with excess and unhealthy consumption.

John 2:10 - "Everyone brings out the choice wine (oinos) first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink." (Greek: οἶνος). "Oinos" refers to wine, and although it does not explicitly mention whether it is alcoholic or non-alcoholic, the context of guests getting drunk implies it to be an alcoholic beverage.

1 Timothy 5:23 - "Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine (oinos) because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses." (Greek: οἶνος). Again, "oinos" is used here, and while it is not explicitly specified whether it is referring to alcoholic or non-alcoholic wine, the context of its medicinal use suggests it to be an alcoholic drink.

Psalm 104:14- "He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for man to cultivate— bringing forth food from the earth: wine (yayin) that gladdens the heart of man." (Hebrew: יַיִן). In this verse, "yayin" refers to wine that brings joy and gladness, implying an alcoholic beverage.

Ephesians 5:18 - "Do not get drunk on wine (oinos), which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." (Greek: οἶνος). Here, "oinos" clearly refers to an alcoholic drink, cautioning against excessive consumption leading to immoral behavior.

Isaiah 55:1 - "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine (yayin) and milk without money and without cost." (Hebrew: יַיִן). "Yayin" is used here, indicating a type of wine that can be obtained freely, suggesting a non-alcoholic beverage.

Luke 7:33-34 - "For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine (oinos), and you say, 'He has a demon.' The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard.'" (Greek: οἶνος). In this passage, "oinos" is used to describe both the drink John the Baptist abstained from and the accusation against Jesus. It implies the reference to alcoholic wine since Jesus faced the accusation of being a drunkard.

Proverbs 3:9-10 - "Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine (tirosh)." (Hebrew: תִּירוֹשׁ). In this verse, "tirosh" refers to new wine, which is grape juice that is in the early stages of fermentation. It is a symbol of abundance and blessing.

Matthew 26:27-29 - "Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine (oinos) from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.'" (Greek: οἶνος). Here, Jesus refers to wine as the fruit of the vine, which symbolizes his blood and the covenant of forgiveness. It signifies the Last Supper and the significance of his sacrifice.

John 2:1-11 - This passage recounts the wedding at Cana, where Jesus turned water into wine. The host of the wedding feast was astonished at the quality of the wine, saying, "Everyone brings out the choice wine (oinos) first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now." (Greek: οἶνος). This story showcases Jesus' power and his ability to provide abundance, even in unexpected circumstances.

Deuteronomy 14:22-26 - "Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year... Use the silver to buy whatever you like: cattle, sheep, wine (yayin) or other fermented drink, or anything you wish..." (Hebrew: יַיִן). In this verse, "yayin" is referred to as wine or other fermented drink, indicating that it includes alcoholic beverages. It is a part of the instructions on how to use tithes in ancient Israel.

Several Bible verses explicitly condemn the excessive or improper consumption of alcohol

In the Bible, there are several verses that explicitly condemn the excessive or improper consumption of alcohol. Here are a few examples:

1. Ephesians 5:18: "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit."

2. Proverbs 20:1: "Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise."

3. Proverbs 23:20-21: "Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags."

4. Romans 13:13: "Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy."

5. Galatians 5:19-21: "Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."

These verses caution against the negative consequences of excessive drinking, emphasizing the importance of moderation, self-control, and focusing on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Why Alcohol Intake Was Condemned for Certain People in the Bible 

Alcohol consumption is a controversial topic, and while some people can enjoy it in moderation, others should avoid it entirely. The Bible provides guidance on this issue, particularly for certain individuals. There are some examples of people in both the Old and New Testaments who were instructed to avoid alcohol or had issues with alcohol consumption:

Old Testament:

1. Leaders: For leaders and those in positions of authority, alcohol intake is condemned as it can impair judgment and decision-making skills. In Proverbs 31:4-5, it is written, "It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted"

2. Nazarites - They were instructed to abstain from wine and strong drink during their period of consecration. Numbers 6:3-4 says: "He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat moist grapes, or dried."

3. Priests - They were forbidden from drinking wine or strong drink while serving in the tabernacle. Leviticus 10:9 says: "Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations."

4. Kings (Proverbs 31:4-5) - Kings were warned against drinking wine or strong drink, lest they forget the law and pervert justice. Proverbs 31:4-5 says: "It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted."

5. The sons of Jonadab the Rechabite

The sons of Rechabite in Jeremiah 35:1-19 are another great example of people in the Bible who were instructed to avoid alcohol. This is a kind of family value worthy of emulation to the extent that God used them as an example for Israel. The Rechabites were a family who had vowed to abstain from wine and strong drink, as well as other things, in obedience to their father Jonadab's command. When Jeremiah the prophet invited them to drink wine, they refused, citing their father's instructions. 

"The word which came unto Jeremiah from the LORD in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, saying, Go unto the house of the Rechabites, and speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Go and say unto Jonadab the son of Rechab, Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Thou hast obeyed the commandment of thy father Jonadab, and kept all his precepts, and done according unto all that he hath commanded thee. And I set before the sons of the house of the Rechabites pots full of wine, and cups, and I said unto them, Drink ye wine. But they said, We will drink no wine: for Jonadab the son of Rechab our father commanded us, saying, Ye shall drink no wine, ye nor your sons for ever. The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, that he commanded his sons not to drink wine, are performed; for unto this day they drink none, saying, We will drink no wine: for Jonadab our father commanded us"  (Jeremiah 35:1-10). The Rechabites' obedience to their father's instructions and their commitment to abstinence from alcohol were held up as an example by God, who promised to bless them for their faithfulness.

New Testament:

1. John the Baptist - He was filled with the Holy Spirit from birth and did not drink wine or strong drink. Luke 1:15 says: "For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb."

2. Timothy - Paul advised him to drink a little wine for his stomach's sake, but not to excess. 1 Timothy 5:23 says: "Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities."

3. Deacons and Elders - They were required to be temperate and not given to wine. 1 Timothy 3:2-3 says: "A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous." Titus 1:7-8 added: "For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate."

4. The consecrated God seekers: Furthermore, for those who are seeking spiritual growth, a closer relationship with God and consecration, alcohol intake can be a hindrance. As 1 Peter 5:8 advises, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour".

5. Addicts: Similarly, for those who struggle with addiction or have a history of substance abuse, alcohol consumption is discouraged. As 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 states, "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's".

Conclusion

As seen above, there are various references to wine in the Bible. There may be some instances where the context may be open to different interpretations. It is important to consider the context and different interpretations of these verses to gain a deeper understanding of their original meaning. It is clear that while alcohol consumption may be permissible for some, it is condemned for certain individuals, including leaders, those struggling with addiction, and those seeking spiritual growth and consecration which should be the quest of every Christian. By following biblical guidance, we can make informed decisions about our choices and honour God in our lives.