3178. methé

Lexicon

methé: Drunkenness

Original Word: μέθη
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: methé
Pronunciation: meh-thay'
Phonetic Spelling: (meth'-ay)
Definition: Drunkenness
Meaning: deep drinking, drunkenness.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

drunkenness.

Apparently a primary word; an intoxicant, i.e. (by implication) intoxication -- drunkenness.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
a prim. word
Definition
drunkenness
NASB Translation
drunkenness (3).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 3178: μέθη

μέθη, μέθης, ἡ (akin to μέθυ, wine; perhaps any intoxicating drink, Latintemetum; cf. German Meth (mead)), intoxication; drunkenness: Luke 21:34; plural, Romans 13:13; Galatians 5:21. (Hebrew שֵׁכָר, intoxicating drink, Proverbs 20:1; Isaiah 28:7; and שִׁכָּרון, intoxication, Ezekiel 23:32; Ezekiel 39:19; (Antiphon), Xenophon, Plato, others) (Cf. Trench, § lxi.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb μεθύω (methyō), meaning "to be drunk" or "to drink to intoxication."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent to μέθη, the concept of drunkenness is addressed in the Old Testament. Some related Hebrew words include:
• Strong's Hebrew 7941 (שִׁכָּרוֹן, shikkaron): Refers to drunkenness or intoxication.
• Strong's Hebrew 8358 (שָׁתָה, shathah): A verb meaning "to drink," often used in contexts involving excessive drinking or drunkenness.

This entry provides a comprehensive understanding of the term μέθη, its usage in the New Testament, and its implications for Christian ethics and behavior.

Usage: The term μέθη is used in the New Testament to describe a state of drunkenness, often in a moral or ethical context, warning against the excesses and lack of self-control associated with it.

Context: • Contextual Overview: In the New Testament, μέθη is frequently mentioned in lists of vices or behaviors that are contrary to Christian living. It is often contrasted with sobriety and self-control, virtues that are encouraged among believers.
• Scriptural References:
• Romans 13:13 (BSB): "Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy."
• Galatians 5:21 (BSB): "and envy; drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."
• Ephesians 5:18 (BSB): "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit."
• Theological Implications: The use of μέθη in the New Testament underscores the importance of moderation and the dangers of losing control over one's faculties. Drunkenness is depicted as a behavior that leads to further moral decay and is incompatible with a life led by the Spirit. The call to avoid μέθη is part of a broader exhortation to live a life that reflects the values of the Kingdom of God.
• Moral and Ethical Considerations: The warnings against μέθη serve as a reminder of the need for vigilance and self-discipline. Believers are encouraged to seek fulfillment and joy through spiritual means rather than through temporary and potentially destructive physical indulgences.

Forms and Transliterations

μεθαι μέθαι μεθαις μέθαις μεθη μέθη μέθῃ μέθην μέθης methai méthai methais méthais methe methē méthei méthēi

Englishman's Concordance

Luke 21:34 N-DFS
GRK: κραιπάλῃ καὶ μέθῃ καὶ μερίμναις
NAS: with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries
KJV: surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares
INT: dissipation and drunkenness and cares

Romans 13:13 N-DFP
GRK: κώμοις καὶ μέθαις μὴ κοίταις
NAS: not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity
KJV: and drunkenness, not
INT: in reveling and drinking not in sexual immorality

Galatians 5:21 N-NFP
GRK: φθόνοι μέθαι κῶμοι καὶ
NAS: envying, drunkenness, carousing,
KJV: murders, drunkenness, revellings,
INT: envyings drunkennesses carousing and

Strong's Greek 3178
3 Occurrences

μέθαι — 1 Occ.
μέθαις — 1 Occ.
μέθῃ — 1 Occ.