What Does the Bible Say About Drinking Alcohol/Wine?
The question of what the Bible says about drinking alcohol, particularly wine, has sparked centuries of debate. Some argue that wine in the Bible was unfermented grape juice, while others insist it was alcoholic. Scripture itself describes wine as both a blessing and a danger. On one hand, wine is seen as a gift from God that brings joy (Psalm 104:15). On the other, it can lead to drunkenness, sin, and destruction (Proverbs 20:1).
Ancient Christian writers like Pachomius and Ephrem the Syrian warned strongly about drunkenness, noting that wine “is a good thing only in moderation” and that it “hates those who are fond of it.” Modern lexical studies confirm that biblical terms such as oinos in the New Testament and shekar (“strong drink”) in the Old Testament referred to genuinely fermented, intoxicating beverages.
The Bible’s teaching is therefore not a denial of alcohol’s existence, but a call to use it wisely in the fear of the Lord.
1. Wine in the Old Testament
From the earliest pages of Scripture, wine plays an important role. Noah planted a vineyard after the flood, and his drunkenness led to family strife (Genesis 9:20–21). Israel’s law made provision for wine as part of feasting before the Lord (Deuteronomy 14:24–26), showing it could be enjoyed in worship and celebration.
Yet the Old Testament repeatedly warns of wine’s dangers:
Proverbs 20:1: “Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler; and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.”
Proverbs 23:29–35 vividly portrays the misery of drunkenness, comparing it to being stung by a serpent.
Wine thus appears as a two-edged gift: it can refresh and gladden, or it can enslave and destroy.
2. Wine in the Teaching of Jesus
Jesus’ ministry directly engaged with wine. His first miracle was turning water into wine at Cana (John 2:1–11). The Greek term oinos used here is consistently defined in lexicons as fermented wine, not grape juice. Even “new wine” (oinos neos) in Acts 2:13 is still fermented, though freshly pressed.
At the Last Supper, Jesus used wine as the covenant sign of His blood (Matthew 26:27–29). This shows wine’s role not only in daily life but also in worship. Still, Jesus also warned of the dangers of overindulgence. Luke 21:34 cautions believers against hearts weighed down “with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life.”
3. Lexical and Cultural Evidence on Biblical Wine
Lexical studies leave little doubt that biblical “wine” refers to an alcoholic beverage.
Hebrew: Yayin (wine) and shekar (strong drink) consistently denote fermented drinks, sometimes even beer-like beverages.
Greek: Oinos (wine) is fermented grape juice. The Greek word for unfermented juice (tryx) never appears in the New Testament.
Cultural evidence adds clarity:
Wine was often diluted with water, usually at a ratio of 2–3 parts water to 1 part wine.
Even watered down, wine carried an alcohol content of around 5%, enough to intoxicate if abused.
This background confirms that Jesus and His disciples drank fermented wine. The biblical concern was not whether wine was alcoholic, but how it was used.
4. The Witness of the Early Church
Early Christian voices often echoed the Bible’s tension between moderation and danger.
Pachomius: “Wine is licentious, drunkenness is bold. The person who indulges in them will not be exempt from sin. Wine is a good thing if you drink it with moderation.”
Ephrem the Syrian: “Wine teaches us in that it makes those who are familiar with it like itself: for it hates those who are fond of it and is intoxicating and maddening and a mocker of them.”
For these early fathers, wine was not forbidden outright, but they warned disciples of Jesus to avoid drunkenness and, in some cases, to abstain completely in the pursuit of holiness.
5. Drunkenness as Sin
Throughout Scripture, drunkenness is treated as a serious sin that damages both body and soul.
Ephesians 5:18 commands, “Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”
Galatians 5:19–21 lists drunkenness among the works of the flesh that exclude people from inheriting the kingdom of God.
Wine is also associated with Bacchus, ecstasy, and excess, and can be closely associated with idolatry.
Drunkenness dulls spiritual vigilance, weakens moral judgment, and endangers both the individual and the community. While the Bible permits the moderate use of alcohol, it utterly condemns drunkenness.
6. Wine, Witness, and the Gospel
Christians are called to consider not only their freedom but also their witness. Paul wrote in Romans 14:21 that it is better not to eat meat or drink wine if it causes a brother to stumble.
The Gospel reframes the question of wine and alcohol. Christ has redeemed His people to live holy, Spirit-filled lives. Wine, like all creation, can be received with thanksgiving and moderation. But when abused, it becomes an idol and a destroyer. Only in Christ can the misuse of wine be overcome, and only by His Spirit can disciples live with self-control (Galatians 5:22–23).
Conclusion
What does the Bible say about drinking alcohol and wine? It affirms wine as part of God’s good creation, capable of bringing joy, fellowship, and even worship. Yet it also warns that wine is dangerous when abused, leading to sin, destruction, and judgment.
The key is moderation, wisdom, and Spirit-filled self-control. Wine in the Bible was real, fermented, and potent. Its use is a matter of freedom, but drunkenness is always forbidden. Above all, the focus of believers must not be on wine itself but on Christ, who calls His people to holiness and eternal joy in Him.
Bible verses about alcohol and wine
Proverbs 20:1 – “Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.”
Proverbs 23:31 – “Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly.”
Ecclesiastes 9:7 – “Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.”
Isaiah 5:11 – “Woe to those who rise early in the morning, that they may run after strong drink.”
John 2:10 – “Everyone serves the good wine first… but you have kept the good wine until now.”
Luke 21:34 – “Watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness.”
Romans 14:21 – “It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.”
Ephesians 5:18 – “Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”
Galatians 5:21 – “…drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you… that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
1 Timothy 5:23 – “No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.”
