Lexical Summary hudropoteó: To drink water Original Word: ὑδροποτέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance drink water. From a compound of hudor and a derivative of pino; to be a water-drinker, i.e. To abstain from vinous beverages -- drink water. see GREEK hudor see GREEK pino NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom hudór and pinó Definition to drink water NASB Translation drink water (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5202: ὑδροποτέωὑδροποτέω, ὑδροπότω; (ὑδροπότης); to drink water, (be a drinker of water; Winer's Grammar, 498 (464)): 1 Timothy 5:23. (Herodotus 1, 71; Xenophon, Plato, Lucian, Athen., others; Aelian v. h. 2, 38.) Topical Lexicon Meaning and Translation The verb ὑδροποτέω portrays the practice of drinking water exclusively, in contrast to consuming even small amounts of wine. English versions generally render it with a phrase such as “drink only water” (Berean Standard Bible) or “be a drinker of water” (literal). The imagery is straightforward: a person who limits himself to water as his sole beverage. Biblical Usage There is a single New Testament occurrence: Because it appears only here, the word’s canonical weight lies entirely in Paul’s pastoral instruction to Timothy. Context in 1 Timothy 1 Timothy is a pastoral letter guiding a younger minister in leading the Ephesian church. Chapter 5 moves from the treatment of widows and elders to practical personal counsel. Verse 23 is parenthetical, suggesting Paul, as a spiritual father, momentarily sets aside ecclesiastical matters to address Timothy’s health. The verb hints Timothy had adopted a habit of total abstinence from wine—possibly as an expression of personal devotion, as a safeguard against potential scandal, or to avoid any resemblance to the drunkenness condemned earlier in the epistle (1 Timothy 3:3, 1 Timothy 3:8). Paul affirms sobriety yet discourages unnecessary asceticism when it harms health. Water and Wine in the Ancient World • Water supplies were often contaminated; wine (frequently diluted) provided a safer alternative due to its antiseptic properties. Health and Pastoral Care Timothy’s “frequent ailments” may have included digestive troubles common to travelers and residents in a port city like Ephesus. Paul’s counsel exemplifies: 1. Concern for the minister’s physical wellbeing—bodily stewardship serves the gospel (cf. 1 Timothy 4:8). Asceticism vs. Sobriety Scripture condemns drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18) but does not command universal prohibition. Early heresies (e.g., certain strands of Gnosticism) exalted extreme asceticism, forbidding marriage and foods (1 Timothy 4:3). By encouraging “a little wine,” Paul distances orthodox Christianity from legalistic extremes while maintaining the call to self-control. The single use of ὑδροποτέω thus guards believers from equating godliness with human rules. Theological Implications 1. Christian Liberty: Believers may abstain or partake within the boundaries of sobriety and love (Romans 14:21). Ministry Applications • Elders and church leaders must avoid both indulgence and ascetic pride. Related Scriptures • John 2:1-11 – Jesus provides quality wine, affirming its rightful place. Forms and Transliterations υδροποτει υδροπότει ὑδροπότει υδροφόροι υδροφόρος υδροφόρου υδροφόρους hydropotei hydropótei udropoteiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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