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Wine, Strong Drink, Right or Wrong

(Lev 10:9 KJV) Do not drink[1] wine[2] nor strong drink[3], thou, nor thy sons[4] with thee, when ye go[5] into[6] the tabernacle[7] of the congregation[8], lest[9] ye die[10]: it shall be a statute[11] for ever[12] throughout your generations[13]:

1 "DRINK": 8354. shathah, shaw-thaw'; a prim. root; to imbibe (lit. or fig.):-- X assuredly, banquet, X certainly, drink (-er, -ing), drunk (X -ard), surely. [Prop. intensive of H8248.]

2 "WINE": 3196. yayin, yah'-yin; from an unused root mean. to effervesce; wine (as fermented); by impl. intoxication:--banqueting, wine, wine [-bibber].

3 "DRINK": 7941. shekar, shay-kawr'; from H7937; an intoxicant, i.e. intensely alcoholic liquor:--strong drink, + drunkard, strong wine.

.7 "TABERNACLE": 168. 'ohel, o'-hel; from H166; a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance):--covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent.

9 "LEST": 3808. lo', lo; or low', lo; or loh (Deut. 3 : 11), lo; a prim. particle; not (the simple or abs. negation); by impl. no; often used with other particles (as follows):-- X before, + or else, ere, + except, ig [-norant], much, less, nay, neither, never, no ([-ne], -r, [-thing]), (X as though . . . , [can-], for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, + of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.

10 "DIE": 4191. muwth, mooth; a prim. root; to die (lit. or fig.); causat. to kill:-- X at all, X crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy (-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro [-mancer], X must needs, slay, X surely, X very suddenly, X in [no] wise.

11 "STATUTE": 2708. chuqqah, khook-kaw'; fem. of H2706, and mean. substantially the same:--appointed, custom, manner, ordinance, site, statute.

13 "GENERATIONS": 1755. dowr, dore; or (short.) dor, dore; from H1752; prop. a revolution of time, i.e. an age or generation; also a dwelling:--age, X evermore, generation, [n-]ever, posterity.

(Ezek 44:21 KJV) Neither shall any priest drink wine, when they enter into the inner court.

(Num 6:3 KJV) He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat moist grapes, or dried.

(Deu 14:26 KJV) And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household,

• Under the law it was O.K. to drink wine but not in excess, It was used as a drink offering unto the Lord so long as it was not done in the tabernacle. This dose not make it O.K. to day, it was O.K. under the law to have more than one wife, it was O.K. to say an eye for an eye, one had to do many things under the law and many things were O.K. that are not under the internal leadership of Christ. For remember the law did not abolish sin but grace did. It is also interesting that the Nazarite was the group in the old testament that was called out to be separate to God and were told not to drink wine are strong Drink. In the New Testament who was called out to be separate to God?

(Dan 1:8 KJV) But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

• Dan 1:8: Daniel's determination to remain undefiled by not eating the king's food, which may have included ceremonially unclean meats as well as meats offered to idols, bears eloquent testimony to the fruitlessness of the Babylonian efforts to induct the Hebrews into Babylonian religion. The steward (v. 11) was reluctant to cooperate, but because of a friendship God had produced between him and Daniel (v. 9), he substituted water to drink and vegetables to eat (v. 12). The results of the ten-day experiment demonstrated God's approval of Daniel's courage and conviction. Even Nebuchadnezzar found the four Hebrews to be not only healthy, but also wise in giving counsel (Dan. 1:19).

(2 Cor 6:17 KJV) Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

(Neh 13:12 KJV) Then brought all Judah the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the oil unto the treasuries.

• Some students of the Bible say that the reference to new wine here is just juice, others say that it is the fermented wine of the new season or harvest.

• Prov 20:1: The term "mocker" suggests the character of the drink itself because it promises pleasure but produces intoxication through dulling the senses. The "strong drink" (produced from the fermentation of grain) was even more potent than the "wine" (Lev. 10:9; Deut. 14:26) and produced "a brawler," one who was loud and boisterous and without self-control. The words "led astray" refer to the physical effects of overindulgence in the alcoholic beverage (cf. 23:20-21, 29-35, notes). Surely no other single vice has done more harm through misery and suffering than the drinking of alcohol. Scripture recognizes its medicinal value (1 Tim. 5:23), but how easily it moves to become a snare and a destructive force (cf. 23:29-35; Gen. 9:20, 21; 19:30-36).
• This appears to be the first place in the Bible where a strong stand begins to take effect that The use of alcohol (wine / strong drink) is not a wise choice in life, through it does not call it sin it certainly is a strong warning.

• Prov 21:17: The way to enjoy pleasure is not to seek and love pleasure but to be right with God (Matt. 6:19-21, 33; 16:24-26). The drinking of wine and the pouring of fragrant oil upon head and clothes were associated with feasting (23:20, 21, 29-35; 27:9). Such extravagance and luxury might well bring a man to poverty.
• Once again one can see that a leson is being learned, Christians ought to separate themselves not because it's a law but because it's expedient.

1 Cor 10:23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

(1 John 2:15 KJV) Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

• 1 John 2:15: (vv. 15-17) The encouragement of vv. 12-14 is balanced by a warning against worldliness. In this context, "world" (kosmos, Gk.) does not describe a physical entity; rather, it portrays the created order in rebellion against God. The command not to love the world is supported by two points: (1) love for the world is incompatible with love for God (v. 15), and (2) the world is only temporary (v. 17). The author depicts three facets of worldliness (v. 16): (1) "the lust of the flesh," (2) "the lust of the eyes," and (3) "the pride of life." These areas are appeals to misuse the appetites, to misapply the sense of beauty (aesthetics), and to fall prey to the peril of inordinate ambition. Note the same general areas of appeal to Eve in Gen. 3:6 and to the Lord Jesus in Matt. 4:1-11.

• Prov 23:29: (vv. 29-35) This is a vivid picture of a drunkard. Drunkenness is supposed to be characterized by joy and merriment, but this is overshadowed by problems, heartaches, quarrels (Dan. 5:4), or anxiety, violence (2 Sam. 13:28), and poor health (cf. 20:1, note). The warning is to avoid even looking at the alluring wine (v. 31), which is like the subtle poison of a serpent, entering a small opening but affecting the entire body with its deadly consequences (v. 32). Drunkenness prepares the way for other lusts (v. 33). Even the victim's senses are so distorted that he is void of control over his faculties (vv. 34, 35; 1 Sam. 25:36-38).
• Again we see that drink does not go consistent we the scripture teaching the need to be sober, a little intoxication is like a little sin.

(Isa 5:12 KJV) And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands.

• It is quite plain that the use of wine in parties and feasts were not pleasant to God. This looks a lot like a social drink to me.

(Isa 28:7 KJV) But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment.

1 Cor 5:6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?

1 Cor 5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us:

2 Cor 5:13 For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.

2 Cor 5:14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

2 Cor 5:15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

1 Th 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

1 Th 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

1 Th 5:10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

1 Th 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

1 Pet 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

• What I do not for myself but that I might lead us to a holy life in serving Christ. Again it may not be a sin to take a little drink but then again it might not hurt me to drink a glass of water which has urine mixed with it but I won't do it knowingly. Why would I willing be unwise and tempt God.

(Prov 23:31 KJV) Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.

(Prov 23:32 KJV) At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.

(Prov 31:4 KJV) It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

• We are made heirs and joint heirs with Christ that seems to me that makes us Princes.

• Gods word still made exception for medical use, after all in this day they didn't have morphine or aspirin.

• 1 Tim 5:23: The water was often contaminated. Wine was one of the few medicinal aids available. Timothy, who apparently suffered frequent bodily illness, is instructed to take a little wine for medicinal purposes, indicating that he was an absolute abstainer who had to be advised to take wine at all.

(Eccl 9:7 KJV) Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.

• Eccl 9:7: The Preacher admonishes his readers to look on the bright side of life (cf. 2:24-26; 3:12, 13, 22; 5:18-20; 8:15) and to enjoy the blessings of God. The bread and the fruit of the vine were to be taken not only as sustenance for life but also for "joy" and a "merry heart." "Your works" are the eating and drinking just mentioned, which were to be received as God's gifts so that, in turn, the receiver is pleasing to God. I agree with the commentator that this was not giving an O.K. to drink wine but was a spiritual representation that to be glad in the things God uses us for and the items he allows us to have in the flesh like tv's etc. This is no diffrent the spiritual meaning used in the last supper where the wine was the blood. This would also be true of several verses in Song 5:1 etc.

• Dan 1:8: Daniel's determination to remain undefiled by not eating the king's food, which may have included ceremonially unclean meats as well as meats offered to idols, bears eloquent testimony to the fruitlessness of the Babylonian efforts to induct the Hebrews into Babylonian religion. The steward (v. 11) was reluctant to cooperate, but because of a friendship God had produced between him and Daniel (v. 9), he substituted water to drink and vegetables to eat (v. 12). The results of the ten-day experiment demonstrated God's approval of Daniel's courage and conviction. Even Nebuchadnezzar found the four Hebrews to be not only healthy, but also wise in giving counsel (Dan. 1:19).
• Again I find it interesting that Daniel would see taking wine as a defilement. I believe the example comes out time and time again that through the wine it self is not the problem it is the example, it is a separator between man and God. For often what starts as just one drink turns into many. It sort of reminds me of just one lie! which always leads to many lies. Why would any Christian want to defile himself with the things which even the worldly ungodly see as sin. I have often heard remarked about certain denominations which approve of drinking [ by sinners] why would I want what they have, what change or benefit they do exactly what I do, if they go to heaven I believe in God so I'll go too. The wrong message is again preached by the church because God does not want his people being as the world but a Holy Separate People.

(Phil 2:15 KJV) That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

Col 2:21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not;

Col 2:22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?

Col 2:23 Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

2 Pet 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

1 John 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

1 John 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Mat 18:7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

Mat 18:8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.

Mat 18:9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.

Mark 4:19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.

John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

John 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

John 3:21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

John 7:7 The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.

John 9:39 And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.

John 9:40 And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?

John 9:41 Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.

Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

• How could it be said better than this last verse? Be not as the world or don't put on the robes of the world. If you look like the world, talk like the world, act like the world, it seems to me that your fruit would testify that you are the world.

Mat 7:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

Mat 7:19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Mat 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

(Hosea 4:11 KJV) Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart.

(Hosea 7:14 KJV) And they have not cried unto me with their heart, when they howled upon their beds: they assemble themselves for corn and wine, and they rebel against me.

(Hab 2:5 KJV) Yea also, because he transgresseth by wine, he is a proud man, neither keepeth at home, who enlargeth his desire as hell, and is as death, and cannot be satisfied, but gathereth unto him all nations, and heapeth unto him all people:

• Hab 2:5: The Chaldeans' insatiable lust for conquest is compared to death and to hell (she^ol, Heb., "the place of the dead"). They are not satisfied until everyone is subjugated to them (cf. Isa. 5:14 and Prov. 27:20, in which she^ol is translated "hell"; Ps. 6:5, note; Matt. 11:23, note).

(Mat 9:17 KJV) Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.

(Mark 2:22 KJV) And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles.

(Luke 5:37 KJV) And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.

• It is my feeling that what was being said is that no one with any good sense would take fresh grape juice and put it into an old skin bag or even a clay bottle least the old drink that was left would destroy the good wine and as the wine became old the gas off the juice as it fermented would bust the bottle. This in no way was meant to indicate that drinking was O.K.. I might use a example that the blind lead the blind, I'm not saying that we should only follow the blind nor would I be saying that because one is blind they cannot be Christian. In fact what this passage teaches is that once the Holy Sprit cleans you up you would not go back to the sins of the past life least you lose the good Sprit of God and be lost [or a broken bottle].

• Mark 15:23: This stupefying drink was made available to crucified criminals by the women of Jerusalem in order to deaden the pain somewhat. Jesus refuses the drink, choosing to encounter whatever He must meet and experience with a clear mind.

• Here Jesus refused to drink wine that would have been both ferment and mixed but did drink vinegar. I know that earlier Jesus said he would no longer drink from the vine. I feel that Jesus drank new juice or wine and did not drink fermented wine. There is not one verse of scripture which would prove he drank anything else at least this passage could be lead one to believe that he may not have because here he was very thirsty and in a great deal of pain yet he chose to stay in a sober mind. Could a little be in excess?

• A clear statement that old wine will make one feel good and if you drink fermented wine the taste of grape juice would not be very appealing.

• John for an holy example would not even give occasion to damage his testimony by drinking even grape juice least someone might find cause to condemn his life. And it is also worth to note that he was filled with the Holy Ghost. If we are filled with the Sprit should we have this sour guile in us?

Rom 14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.

Gal 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Gal 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Gal 5:15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

Gal 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

Gal 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

Gal 5:18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

Gal 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

Gal 5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Cor 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

1 Cor 3:17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

(John 2:10 KJV) And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.

• John 2:10: Diluted wine (three parts water to one part wine) was a common beverage with meals in the culture of that day. Our Lord's first miracle in John speaks of the new blessings which come as a result of His presence. Wine typically speaks of the joy of spiritual life. With the coming of Jesus, God's best has arrived at last, and in contrast to Moses, who turned water into blood in judgment (cf. Ex. 7:14-24), Jesus turns water into wine in joyful celebration of a new age.
• I believe that here the wine was a watered down grape juice and that Jesus gave them the sweet juice as if fresh from the vine. I see nothing to indicate otherwise.

• Now it isn't it interesting that the people made fun here using the words they did on the day of Pentecost? These men were known to drink new wine {unfermented grape juice} how could they be drunk, so the people made fun and were looking for an occasion to point a finger and say see they are just hyprocrites. The apostles then said no these men are not drunk as ye suppose... I would that we would all be filled with the Sprit then there is no need for worldly thing to make our heart Glad for God will do it better.

• Here Paul says it better than I ever could it is not good if we live a life which offends, or leads people in a way that they would be made weak. Wine or strong drink, makes one weak, and in fact we don't know who is a potential drunkards or a drunk because of some Christian that said a little is O.K.. Maybe it was for them but it destroyed the listener. The use of wine, beer and other strong drink has destroyed more homes then any sickness, famine, earthquake, it has cost more life than any war. It started with the destruction of Noah, then Lot and how many afterward. What does it take for us to realize and learn from our mistakes that the wages of sin is death.

• Eph 5:18: (vv. 5:18-6:9) The evidence of the Spirit's filling is (1) the spiritual content of one's fellowship with other Christians (5:19a); (2) a private, inward worship (5:19b); (3) an attitude of thanksgiving (5:20); and (4) a willing subjection to one's spiritual head -- e.g., wives to husbands (5:22-33), children to parents (6:1-4), and slaves to masters (6:5-9). The filling of the Spirit results in an absolute control of the believer's life by the Spirit, when that life is yielded to Christ. The filling of the Spirit is to be continually experienced, as the present tense verb would affirm. Special fillings occur in times of need for particular spiritual prowess. "The filling" is to be distinguished from "the baptism" of the Holy Spirit, the latter being a once-for-all gift at the moment of salvation (cf. 1 Cor. 12:13, note).

synonym n. An amount exceeding what is sufficient. fat, glut, nimiety, overabundance, overflow, overkill, plethora, superfluity

superfluousness, surfeit

surplus, antonym deficiency, antonym lack, antonym shortage, antonym scarcity, antonym dearth, antonym paucity

Roget's II: The New Thesaurus © 1980 Houghton Mifflin Co. Electronic version lic'd from and portions © 1994 InfoSoft Int'l, Inc. All rts rsvd.

I believe the word is trying to convey to us that other than in a medical need any use is in excess.

(1 Tim 3:3 KJV) Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

(1 Tim 5:23 KJV) Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.

• 1 Tim 5:23: The water was often contaminated. Wine was one of the few medicinal aids available. Timothy, who apparently suffered frequent bodily illness, is instructed to take a little wine for medicinal purposes, indicating that he was an absolute abstainer who had to be advised to take wine at all.

(Prov 20:1 KJV) Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

(Rom 14:21 KJV) It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

Phil 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Phil 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Phil 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

Phil 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

Phil 2:16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

• AS we look at how we live we must answer a few questions, is this of the light, would this build up my testimony of Chris in us, who benefits me or God, will what I do cause Christ or the church or harm others. What good comes from drinking acholic breavages other than for ones own gratification. Will it send you to hell? It might if your influence caused someone else to fall. One has to decide all things for them selves but I believe there is enough here to at least bring up doubts. And where there is doubt there is the occasion to sin.