Drinking Without Drunkenness in the Bible
The Bible addresses the topic of drinking without drunkenness through various passages that distinguish between moderate consumption and excessive drinking. In 1 Timothy 5:23, Paul advises Timothy to "use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities" [3], indicating that moderate wine consumption is permissible for health reasons. This advice is seen as a modification of the preceding instruction to "keep thyself pure," suggesting that ascetic abstinence is not required [7].
The biblical text frequently condemns drunkenness, listing it among the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:21) [10] and warning against its consequences, such as poverty, strife, and sorrow (Proverbs 23:29-30) [4]. However, it also acknowledges the potential benefits of wine, such as gladdening the heart (Psalm 104:15) [9] and providing medicinal value.
In the Old Testament, wine is described as a gift from God, with its production and consumption being a part of everyday life (Genesis 9:20-21; Deuteronomy 14:26) [1, 5]. The Nazirite vow, which included abstaining from wine and strong drink, was a special dedication to God, not a universal requirement (Numbers 6:1-21) [6].
Different traditions interpret these biblical teachings in various ways. For example, some Jewish interpretations, such as those by Rashi and Nachmanides, focus on the specific prohibitions against priests drinking wine while serving in the Temple (Leviticus 10:9) [8]. Christian commentators, like John Chrysostom, emphasize that drunkenness arises from intemperance, not from wine itself, which is given for bodily health [9].
The biblical perspective on drinking without drunkenness is thus nuanced, allowing for moderate consumption while strongly condemning excessive drinking. This balance is reflected in Proverbs 31:6-7, which advises giving wine to those who are perishing, but also warns against its misuse [2].
The early Christian church continued this nuanced view, with some leaders, like Paul, advising moderation for medicinal purposes. The distinction between drinking and drunkenness is a recurring theme, with the Bible promoting responsible behavior and warning against the dangers of excess.
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Drunk — The first case of intoxication on record is that of Noah (Gen. 9:21). The sin of drunkenness is frequently and strongly condemned (Rom. 13:13; 1 Cor. 6:9, 10; Eph. 5:18; 1 Thess. 5:7, 8). The sin of drinking to excess seems to have been not uncommon among the Israelites. The word is used figuratively, when men are spoken of as being drunk with sorrow, and with the wine of God's wrath (Isa. 63:6; Jer. 51:57; Ezek. 23:33). To "add drunkenness to thirst" (Deut. 29:19, A.V.) is a proverbial expression, rendered in the Revised Version "to destroy the moist with th”
- King James Version “[KJV] Proverbs 31:7 — Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.”
- King James Version “[KJV] 1 Timothy 5:23 — Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Drunkenness — Forbidden -- Eph 5:18. Caution against -- Lu 21:34. Is a work of the flesh -- Ga 5:21. Is debasing -- Isa 28:8. Is inflaming -- Isa 5:11. Overcharges the heart -- Lu 21:34. Takes away the heart -- Ho 4:11. Leads to Poverty. -- Pr 21:17; 23:21. Strife. -- Pr 23:29,30. Woe and sorrow. -- Pr 23:29,30. Error. -- Isa 28:7. Contempt of God's works. -- Isa 5:12. Scorning. -- Ho 7:5. Rioting and wantonness. -- Ro 13:13. The wicked addicted to -- Da 5:1-4. False teachers often addicted to -- Isa 56:12. Folly of yielding to -- Pr 20:1. Avoid those given to -- Pr ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Wine — First mention of -- Ge 9:20,21. Was made of The juice of the grape. -- Ge 49:11. The juice of the pomegranate. -- Song 8:2. First mode of making, notice -- Ge 40:11. Generally made by treading the grapes in a press -- Ne 13:15; Isa 63:2,3. Refining of, alluded to -- Isa 25:6. Improved by age -- Lu 5:39. Places celebrated for Canaan in general. -- De 33:28. Possessions of Judah. -- Ge 49:8,11,12. Lebanon. -- Ho 14:7. Helbon. -- Eze 27:18. Assyria. -- 2Ki 18:32; Isa 36:17. Moab. -- Isa 16:8-10; Jer 48:32,33. Many kinds of -- Ne 5:18. Sweet, esteemed for flavour ”
- Luke (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Luke 1:15: 1:15 He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks: In the Old Testament, abstaining from alcohol was part of the Nazirite vow of special dedication to God (see Num 6:1-21). This vow was usually temporary (see Acts 18:18; 21:23, 26); for some individuals such as Samson (Judg 13:4-7), Samuel (cp. 1 Sam 1:11), and John the Baptist, it was a lifelong commitment. • filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth: See Luke 1:41, 44.”
- 1 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Timothy 5:23: no longer--as a habit. This injunction to drink wine occasionally is a modification of the preceding "keep thyself pure." The presbyter and deacon were enjoined to be "not given to wine" (Ti1 3:3, Ti1 3:8). Timothy seems to have had a tendency to undue ascetical strictness on this point (compare Note, see on Ti1 4:8; compare the Nazarene vow, Num 6:1-4; John the Baptist, Luk 1:15; Rom. 14). Paul therefore modifies the preceding words, "keep thyself pure," virtually saying, "Not that I mean to enjoin that kind of purity which consists in asceticism, ”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Kabbalistic/Philosophical)) “Ramban (Nachmanides) on Leviticus 10:9: DRINK NO WINE NOR STRONG DRINK. “[Do not drink] wine to such an extent that it has an intoxicating effect.” This is Rashi’s language. The meaning thereof is that if he paused during the drinking [of a fourth of a log of wine], or if he mixed a little water into it, he is free from punishment. The opinion of the Rabbi [Rashi] is thus that the priests were only prohibited from drinking wine, but not from other intoxicating drinks, the meaning of the term sheichar (strong drink) mentioned here being derived from the law of the Nazirite [where a similar expr”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Galatians–Colossians–Thessalonians: wine unto the bitter in soul.” ( Prov. xxxi. 6 .) And justly, because it can mitigate asperity and gloominess, and drive away clouds from the brow. “Wine maketh glad the heart of man” ( Ps. civ. 15 .), says the Psalmist. How then does wine produce drunkenness? For it cannot be that one and the same thing should work opposite effects. Drunkenness then surely does not arise from wine, but from intemperance. Wine is bestowed upon us for no other purpose than for bodily health; but this purpose also is thwarted by immoderate use. But”
- Galatians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Galatians 5:21: 5:21 Drunkenness has no place in the Christian life (see Luke 21:34; 1 Cor 11:20-22; Eph 5:18). • wild parties: Festivals in honor of pagan gods were often accompanied by drunken orgies (cp. 1 Pet 4:3). • other sins like these: This list is only representative of the vices of the sinful nature (cp. Mark 7:20-23; Rom 1:29-31; 1 Cor 6:9-10; Eph 5:3-5; Col 3:5-8; 1 Tim 1:9-10; 2 Tim 3:2-5; Jas 3:13-18; Rev 21:8). People living that sort of life are not living by the Spirit, and thereby demonstrate no relationship with God by faith. Such people will not inherit the”