The term "intoxicating" in the context of the Bible primarily refers to substances, particularly alcoholic beverages, that have the potential to impair judgment, alter consciousness, and lead to behavior that is contrary to the teachings of Scripture. The Bible addresses the consumption of intoxicating substances in various passages, offering guidance and warnings about their use.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, wine and strong drink are frequently mentioned. While wine is often depicted as a blessing from God, it is also associated with potential misuse. Proverbs 20:1 warns, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise." This verse highlights the deceptive nature of intoxicating beverages and the folly of being led astray by them.

The account of Noah in Genesis 9:20-21 illustrates the dangers of intoxication: "Now Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded to plant a vineyard. But when he drank some of its wine, he became drunk and uncovered himself inside his tent." Noah's drunkenness led to shameful behavior, serving as a cautionary tale about the consequences of overindulgence.

Similarly, in Leviticus 10:9 , God commands Aaron and his sons, "You and your sons are not to drink wine or strong drink when you enter the Tent of Meeting, or else you will die. This is a permanent statute for the generations to come." This directive underscores the importance of sobriety, especially in the service of God.

New Testament References

The New Testament continues to address the issue of intoxication, emphasizing moderation and self-control. Ephesians 5:18 advises, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." This passage contrasts the effects of intoxication with the spiritual fullness that comes from living a life guided by the Holy Spirit.

In 1 Timothy 3:2-3 , the qualifications for church leaders include being "temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness." This requirement reflects the expectation that leaders in the Christian community should exemplify a lifestyle of moderation and discipline.

Cultural and Historical Context

In biblical times, wine was a common beverage, often consumed with meals. It was also used in religious ceremonies and as a symbol of joy and celebration. However, the potential for abuse was recognized, and the Scriptures provide numerous warnings against excessive consumption.

The Bible's teachings on intoxicating substances are rooted in the broader principle of living a life that honors God. Believers are called to exercise wisdom and self-control, avoiding behaviors that could lead to moral compromise or harm to oneself and others.

Practical Implications

For Christians, the biblical perspective on intoxicating substances calls for careful consideration of their use. While the Bible does not prohibit the consumption of alcohol outright, it clearly condemns drunkenness and encourages believers to be mindful of their actions and their impact on their spiritual lives and communities.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Intoxicate.

2. (a.) Producing intoxication; fitted to intoxicate; as, intoxicating liquors.

4608. sikera -- fermented liquor
... liquor. Part of Speech: Noun, Indeclinable, Other Type Transliteration: sikera Phonetic
Spelling: (sik'-er-ah) Short Definition: intoxicating drink Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4608.htm - 6k

3525. nepho -- to be sober, to abstain from wine
... 3525 -- properly, to be sober (not drunk), not intoxicated; (figuratively) free
from illusion, ie from the intoxicating influences of sin (like the impact of ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3525.htm - 7k

1594. eknepho -- to become sober (after drunkenness)
... awakened) out of the stupor of spiritual delusion (apathy); "to to one's senses" (,
1, 30.26); sober-minded because "snapped " the intoxicating influence of ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1594.htm - 7k

7941. shekar -- intoxicating drink, strong drink
... 7940, 7941. shekar. 7942 . intoxicating drink, strong drink. Transliteration:
shekar Phonetic Spelling: (shay-kawr') Short Definition: drink. ...
/hebrew/7941.htm - 6k

7937. shakar -- to be or become drunk or drunken
... to be or become drunk or drunken NASB Word Usage became drunk (1), become drunk
(5), drank freely (1), drunk (5), imbibe deeply (1), intoxicating (1), made him ...
/hebrew/7937.htm - 6k

The Larger Part of Womankind, However, have had to Fight for ...
... Chapter 19 The larger part of womankind, however, have had to fight for
things slightly more intoxicating? The larger part of ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 19 the larger part.htm

Sikera, a Manufactured and Spurious Wine, yet Intoxicating; Things ...
... Chapter VI."Sikera, a Manufactured and Spurious Wine, Yet Intoxicating; Things Which
are Akin to Sins are to Be Avoided by a Virgin; The Altar of Incense (a ...
/.../chapter vi sikera a manufactured and.htm

Whether Drunkenness is a Mortal Sin?
... First, so that he knows not the drink to be immoderate and intoxicating: and then
drunkenness may be without sin, as stated above [3507](A[1]). Secondly, so ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether drunkenness is a mortal.htm

Whether Sobriety is by Itself a Special virtue?
... it. Now intoxicating drink is a special kind of hindrance to the use of
reason, inasmuch as it disturbs the brain by its fumes. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether sobriety is by itself.htm

The First Miracle.
... The fermented wine, at first mild, and then diluted with water, was a drink as used,
that had no intoxicating power unless used in enormous quantities.2. New ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the first miracle.htm

Visit to Ceylon and Return to Benares.
... The trees are tapped for a juice, which, boiled when fresh, gives what
is called palm-sugar; but when kept, becomes intoxicating. ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter xviii visit to ceylon.htm

The Allies of the Tempter.
... I am not aware of a more enormous public inconsistency than what is termed "the
License System""the system of permitting the sale of intoxicating drinks in a ...
/.../chapin/humanity in the city/discourse vi the allies of.htm

Talmage -- a Bloody Monster
... The Tartars employ murowa; the Mexicans, the agave; the people at Guarapo, an
intoxicating product taken from sugarcane; while a great multitude, that no man ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 8/talmage a bloody monster.htm

The General Conference of 1832
... "The duty and necessity of strict and exemplary abstinence from indulgence in the
use of ardent spirits and intoxicating liquors of every sort, will be found ...
/.../chapter 11 the general conference.htm

Acts II
... others, mocking, said, These men are full of sweet wine." The wine was not new,
as rendered in the common version; for new wine was not intoxicating; but it ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts ii.htm

Intoxicating (1 Occurrence)
... n.) of Intoxicate. 2. (a.) Producing intoxication; fitted to intoxicate; as,
intoxicating liquors. Multi-Version Concordance Intoxicating (1 Occurrence). ...
/i/intoxicating.htm - 7k

Drink (414 Occurrences)
... Drink, strong: (Hebrews shekar'), an intoxicating liquor (Judges 13:4; Luke 1:15;
Isaiah 5:11; Micah 2:11) distilled from corn, honey, or dates. ...
/d/drink.htm - 45k

Strong (736 Occurrences)
... or coffee. 11. (superl.) Full of spirit; containing a large proportion
of alcohol; intoxicating; as, strong liquors. 12. (superl ...
/s/strong.htm - 44k

Wine (282 Occurrences)
... Hebrew word has been traced to a root meaning "to take possession of" and hence
it is supposed that tirosh is so designated because in intoxicating it takes ...
/w/wine.htm - 68k

Intoxication (1 Occurrence)
... substance. 2. (n.) The state of being intoxicated or drunk; inebriation; ebriety;
drunkenness; the act of intoxicating or making drunk. 3 ...
/i/intoxication.htm - 7k

Bottle (28 Occurrences)
... wine" in the Authorized Version of Hosea 7:5 is properly rendered in the Revised
Version by "the heat of wine," ie, the fever of wine, its intoxicating strength ...
/b/bottle.htm - 23k

Press (57 Occurrences)
... Consequently, tirosh came to mean wine that was not fully aged (although with full
intoxicating properties (Judges 9:13 Hosea 4:11; compare Acts 11:13)) or ...
/p/press.htm - 46k

Drunkenness (10 Occurrences)
... were to abstain from all intoxicants during the period of their vows (Numbers
6:3; compare Amos 2:12), yet not on account of the intoxicating qualities of wine ...
/d/drunkenness.htm - 24k

Nip (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A sip or small draught; esp., a draught
of intoxicating liquor; a dram. 2. (vt) To catch and enclose ...
/n/nip.htm - 7k

License (3 Occurrences)
... which without such permission would be illegal; a grant of permission; as, a license
to preach, to practice medicine, to sell gunpowder or intoxicating liquors ...
/l/license.htm - 8k

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