3226

Lexical Summary

(Not Used): (Not Used)

(Not Used)
Part of Speech:
Transliteration: (Not Used)
(Not Used)

Topical Lexicon

Definition and Conceptual Scope

Strong’s Greek 3226 designates the state of intoxication that results from the excessive use of wine or strong drink. Though the term itself is absent from the Greek New Testament, the concept it represents permeates both Testaments as a moral and spiritual danger contrasted with self-control, vigilance, and the filling of the Holy Spirit.

Old Testament Foundations

• Narrative warnings: Noah’s shame (Genesis 9:21), Lot’s downfall (Genesis 19:32-35).
• Priestly regulation: “You and your sons are not to drink wine or strong drink when you enter the Tent of Meeting” (Leviticus 10:9).
• Wisdom teaching: “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise” (Proverbs 20:1).
• Poetic imagery: Proverbs 23:29-35 paints alcohol as a poisonous serpent whose bite brings woe, strife, and sorrow.

Prophetic Warnings

The prophets link intoxication with moral stupor and impending judgment. Isaiah 5:11-12 condemns those who “run after their drinks,” while Isaiah 28:7-8 rebukes priests and prophets whose drunkenness distorts vision and judgments. Jeremiah 35 commends the Rechabites’ abstinence, holding them up as an object lesson in covenant faithfulness.

Second Temple and Greco-Roman Background

During the intertestamental era, Jewish communities were surrounded by Greco-Roman festivities dedicated to Dionysus, where drunken revelry was viewed as a path to religious ecstasy. Rabbinic tradition and Qumran writings reacted by stressing temperance and community discipline. This cultural conflict sharpened the New Testament call to sobriety amid pagan banquets (cf. 1 Peter 4:3).

New Testament Echoes of the Theme

Although Strong’s 3226 itself is not employed, synonymous verbs and nouns emphasize the same reality:
• Ethical lists: “Drunkards… will not inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:10).
• Works of the flesh: “Drunkenness, orgies, and the like” (Galatians 5:21).
• Pastoral counsel: “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18).
• Eschatological alertness: “Let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love” (1 Thessalonians 5:8).
• Household standards: Overseers and deacons must be “not given to drunkenness” (1 Timothy 3:3, 8).

Theology of Sobriety versus Intoxication

1. Image of God: Humanity is called to responsible stewardship; intoxication degrades reason and will.
2. Covenant faithfulness: Israel’s priesthood and Nazirites exemplify consecration marked by abstinence or moderation.
3. Holy Spirit contrast: Being controlled by alcohol is the antithesis of being controlled by the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).
4. Eschatological vigilance: Watchfulness for Christ’s return requires clear-headed living (Luke 21:34-36).

Pastoral and Discipleship Application

• Restoration of offenders (Galatians 6:1) includes those ensnared by alcohol.
• Teaching on Christian liberty balances Paul’s allowance for wine (1 Timothy 5:23) with the principle of love that avoids stumbling a brother (Romans 14:21).
• Church discipline addresses habitual drunkenness under the category of unrepentant sin (1 Corinthians 5:11).

Public Witness and Societal Impact

Historically, evangelical revivals have spurred temperance movements, prison reform, and compassionate ministries to addicts. Believers who model moderation or abstinence commend the gospel by displaying Spirit-empowered self-control.

Eschatological Significance

Revelation’s imagery of Babylon “drunk with the blood of the saints” (Revelation 17:6) portrays systemic rebellion intoxicated by sin. Final judgment vindicates the sober-minded faithful who “watch and pray” (Matthew 26:41).

Practical Counsel for Believers Today

• Examine motives: Is consumption for God’s glory (1 Corinthians 10:31) or self-indulgence?
• Guard venue: Avoid contexts where drunkenness is normalized (1 Peter 4:4).
• Seek accountability: Confess struggles; enlist prayer and pastoral support.
• Cultivate the alternative: Fellowship, worship, and service offer Spirit-filled joy surpassing artificial stimulation (Psalm 4:7).

Related Terms

See entries on sobriety, self-control, wine, strong drink, and the fruit of the Spirit.

Englishman's Concordance

μελῶν — 2 Occ.
μέλος — 5 Occ.
Μελχὶ — 2 Occ.
Μελχισεδέκ — 8 Occ.
ἔμελεν — 2 Occ.
μέλει — 7 Occ.
μελέτω — 1 Occ.
μεμβράνας — 1 Occ.
μέμφεται — 1 Occ.
μεμφόμενος — 1 Occ.
μὲν — 182 Occ.
Μενοῦν — 1 Occ.
μενοῦνγε — 2 Occ.
μέντοι — 8 Occ.
ἐμείναμεν — 2 Occ.
ἔμειναν — 2 Occ.
ἔμεινεν — 10 Occ.
ἔμενεν — 3 Occ.
ἔμενον — 1 Occ.
μεῖναι — 6 Occ.