Topical Bible: Wine: Medicinal Use of

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Wine, a fermented beverage made from grapes, holds a significant place in biblical history and culture, not only as a symbol of joy and celebration but also for its medicinal properties. The Bible provides several references to the use of wine for health and healing purposes, reflecting its role in ancient medical practices.

One of the most direct references to the medicinal use of wine is found in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul advises Timothy, his young protégé, to use wine for health reasons. In 1 Timothy 5:23, Paul writes, "Stop drinking only water and use a little wine instead, because of your stomach and your frequent ailments" . This counsel suggests that wine was considered beneficial for digestive issues and other physical infirmities, likely due to its antiseptic properties and ability to aid digestion.

In the Old Testament, wine is also associated with healing and restoration. Proverbs 31:6-7 states, "Give strong drink to one who is perishing, and wine to the bitter in soul. Let him drink and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more" . Here, wine is depicted as a means of providing temporary relief from suffering and distress, indicating its use as a comfort for those in pain or sorrow.

The parable of the Good Samaritan, found in Luke 10:34, further illustrates the medicinal application of wine. In this account, the Samaritan uses wine and oil to treat the wounds of a man who had been beaten by robbers: "He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine" . The wine likely served as a disinfectant, cleansing the wounds and preventing infection, while the oil soothed and protected the injured skin.

Throughout biblical times, wine was a common element in the pharmacopoeia of the ancient Near East. Its antiseptic qualities, due to the alcohol content, made it a valuable resource for treating wounds and illnesses. Additionally, wine's ability to induce relaxation and alleviate pain contributed to its use as a therapeutic agent.

While the Bible acknowledges the medicinal benefits of wine, it also warns against its excessive consumption. Proverbs 20:1 cautions, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise" . This balance between recognizing wine's health benefits and the potential for abuse underscores the importance of moderation and discernment in its use.

In summary, the Bible presents wine as a multifaceted substance, valued not only for its role in religious and social contexts but also for its medicinal properties. Its use in treating ailments, providing comfort, and promoting healing reflects the broader understanding of wine as a beneficial, albeit potentially dangerous, gift from God.

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Proverbs 31:6,7
Give strong drink to him that is ready to perish, and wine to those that be of heavy hearts.
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Library

The General Conference of 1832
... and denounced in the Bible, that wine, used as a ... a man can indulge in their use at
all ... of spirituous liquors, except for mechanical and medicinal purposes, as a ...
/.../chapter 11 the general conference.htm

In Death and after Death
... contrast favourably even with ourselves"or purely medicinal, or else ... water compresses,
the external and internal use of oil and of wine, baths (medicated ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 10 in death and.htm

Notes
... the sphere) Melted there, As we sugar melt in wine? ... names Omega and Omikron came
into use at a ... crocodile, whose gall was credited with medicinal properties by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/prudentius/the hymns of prudentius/notes.htm

The Germination of the Earth.
... their colours, the peculiar flavour, and the use of each ... How, again, does this water
become wine in the vine ... and their leaves; some to provide medicinal help by ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily v the germination of.htm

A Provision Ground
... delights; and woods, forests, and fields medicinal plants uncounted. ... Nor would any
be of use; for a glance ... market"on flax, for instance, silk, wine, or fruits ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xvi a provision ground.htm

The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly
... Afflictions to the godly are medicinal. ... Here is the water turned into wine. ... Faith
can make use of the waters of affliction, to swim faster to Christ. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the worst things work for.htm

The Form of Concord. AD 1577.
... of justification, and taught instead a medicinal and creative ... redemption; (c) A didactic
or normative use in regulating ... was profaned by a drop of wine; and the ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 45 the form of.htm

The Cocal
... Their bitter anthelminthic oil is said to have medicinal uses; but it will be ...
'Ill-use our slaves ... fall; and all as through an atmosphere of Rhine wine, or from ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xiii the cocal.htm

A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
... and she has administered all sorts of medicinal drinks and ... Let us try to press the
wine of consolation from the ... Let us use much of Scripture, much of the pure ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a mystery saints sorrowing and.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... with the meaning most frequently attached to it, according to the Hebrew use (Gen ...
come down ti us consist of indestructible wells and cisterns, or wine and oil ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm