Lexical Summary methusos: Drunkard Original Word: μέθυσος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance drunkard. From methuo; tipsy, i.e. (as noun) a sot -- drunkard. see GREEK methuo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom methuó Definition drunken NASB Translation drunkard (1), drunkards (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3183: μέθυσοςμέθυσος, μεθύσῃ, μέθυσον, in later Greek also of two terminations (μέθυ, see μέθη), drunken, intoxicated: 1 Corinthians 5:11; 1 Corinthians 6:10. (Phryn.: μέθυσος ἀνήρ, οὐκ ἐρεῖς, ἀλλά μεθυστικός. γυναῖκα δέ ἐρεῖς μέθυσον καί μεθυσην (Aristophanes); but Menander, Plutarch, Lucian, Sextus Empiricus, others (the Sept., Proverbs 23:21, etc.; Sir. 19:1, etc.) use it also of men; cf. Lob. ad Phryn., p. 151.) Topical Lexicon Terminology and UsageThe term μέθυσος designates one whose life is characterized by habitual intoxication. It is not a momentary lapse but an identity formed around the repeated surrender of reason and self-control to alcohol. The concept therefore addresses both a moral disposition and an enslaving practice. Occurrences in the New Testament 1 Corinthians 5:11 and 1 Corinthians 6:10 contain the word’s only New Testament appearances. In both places Paul includes “drunkard” among vices that break fellowship with the church and bar entry to the kingdom of God. His usage parallels other vice lists (Romans 13:13; Galatians 5:21) yet carries special weight for Corinth, a port city notorious for excess. Literary Context In 1 Corinthians 5:11 Paul instructs the assembly to cease table fellowship with a professing believer who remains a drunkard: “But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is … a drunkard … With such a man do not even eat.” (Berean Standard Bible) The exclusion is remedial, intended to awaken repentance (compare 2 Corinthians 2:5-8). In 1 Corinthians 6:10 Paul widens the horizon from church discipline to eternal destiny: “Nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards … will inherit the kingdom of God.” Drunkenness, therefore, stands alongside idolatry and sexual immorality as evidence of a life still ruled by the flesh rather than the Spirit. Old Testament Background Scripture consistently warns against intoxication. Noah’s shame (Genesis 9:20-27), Nadab and Abihu’s presumed inebriation (Leviticus 10:1-10), and the disgrace of Belshazzar (Daniel 5) illustrate its perils. Wisdom literature is explicit: “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise.” (Proverbs 20:1) “Do not gaze at wine when it is red … in the end it bites like a snake.” (Proverbs 23:31-32) These precedents frame Paul’s teaching; the New Testament does not introduce a new ethic but reaffirms an established biblical stance. Cultural and Historical Setting In Greco-Roman society wine was integral to social life, religious festivals, and commerce. Dionysian rites exalted ecstasy through drink, and symposiums often degenerated into debauchery. Corinth, a hub of trade and transient populations, epitomized such revelry. Early Christians therefore faced constant pressure to conform. Paul’s condemnation confronts both the Jewish background that despised drunkenness and the pagan milieu that normalized it. Theological Emphases 1. Holiness of the Body: The believer’s body is “a temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19). Habitual intoxication violates that sacred space. Pastoral and Ministerial Considerations • Church Discipline: Following 1 Corinthians 5, churches maintain purity and protect weaker members by lovingly confronting unrepentant drunkards. Related Greek Vocabulary • μεθύω (to be drunk, become intoxicated) – the verb describing the act. Practical Application for Discipleship 1. Cultivate Self-Control: The Spirit produces “self-control” (Galatians 5:23); believers actively nurture this fruit. Conclusion Μέθυσος identifies a pattern of life incompatible with membership in the body of Christ and inheritance of His kingdom. Scripture’s consistent witness—from the earliest pages of Genesis through Paul’s exhortations—presents drunkenness as folly, bondage, and sin. Yet the gospel offers cleansing, freedom, and a new identity marked by sobriety and joy in the Holy Spirit. Forms and Transliterations μεθυσοι μέθυσοι μεθυσος μέθυσος μεθύσου methusoi methusos methysoi méthysoi methysos méthysosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Corinthians 5:11 N-NMSGRK: λοίδορος ἢ μέθυσος ἢ ἅρπαξ NAS: or a drunkard, or KJV: or a drunkard, or INT: railer or a drunkard or swindler 1 Corinthians 6:10 N-NMP Strong's Greek 3183 |
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