Alcoholism In The Bible


Alcoholism in the Bible: A Biblical and Cultural Examination

Introduction

Alcohol is one of the oldest substances known to man, mentioned throughout the Bible. While Scripture does not explicitly forbid the use of alcohol, it clearly and repeatedly warns against abuse—especially drunkenness (alcoholism). In this paper, we will examine the biblical view of alcohol, show how alcoholism is portrayed as sinful and ungodly, and address confusing passages that some may wrongly interpret as allowing unrestricted drinking. We will also contrast the biblical cultural context with contemporary attitudes toward alcohol.

1. Defining Alcoholism Biblically

The Bible does not use the modern word alcoholism, but it describes the behavior and its effects. In Scripture, drunkenness refers to the state of being controlled or impaired by wine or strong drink. The modern term alcoholism refers to habitual and uncontrolled drinking that impairs judgment, destroys health, and leads to sinful behavior. In biblical language, it is drunkenness—and it is always condemned.

“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.”
(Ephesians 5:18, KJV)

2. Biblical Examples Condemning Drunkenness

✅ Noah – Genesis 9:20–21

Noah, a righteous man, became drunk and lay uncovered in his tent. This led to shame and a curse upon his grandson, Canaan. The first mention of drunkenness in Scripture results in dishonor, not blessing.

✅ Lot – Genesis 19:30–36

Lot’s daughters got him drunk and committed incest with him. Alcohol impaired his judgment, leading to grave sin. This again shows drunkenness as a path to moral ruin.

✅ Nabal – 1 Samuel 25:36–38

Nabal, a rich but foolish man, was "very drunken." His heart was hardened, and he died shortly after. Alcohol was part of his folly and judgment.

✅ Belshazzar – Daniel 5:1–4

The king of Babylon drank wine with his nobles, mocked God by using temple vessels, and that night he was judged and killed. Alcohol here was associated with pride and blasphemy.

✅ Drunkards in Judgment Lists

Drunkenness is listed among the sins that exclude one from the kingdom of God:

“Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards... shall inherit the kingdom of God.”
(1 Corinthians 6:10, KJV)

3. Clarifying Confusing Passages

Some passages in the Bible mention wine positively or suggest that wine was used by godly people. Here is how to understand them properly:

🔹 Jesus turned water into wine – John 2:1–11

This miracle does not promote drunkenness. There is no indication anyone got drunk. The wine was likely mild and diluted, as was culturally common. The purpose was to manifest His glory, not endorse intoxication.

🔹 Paul advised Timothy to use wine – 1 Timothy 5:23

Paul said, "Use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake..." This was for medicinal use, not pleasure or intoxication. Ancient water sources were often unsafe, and wine had purifying properties.

🔹 Wine as a blessing in Psalms and Proverbs

Wine is sometimes mentioned as a symbol of God’s provision (Ps. 104:15). However, it is always accompanied by strong warnings against abuse (Prov. 20:1, 23:29–35). Wine could be good in moderation, but dangerous when misused.

4. Biblical Warnings and Principles Against Alcoholism

Even if alcohol itself is not always forbidden, the principles of Scripture clearly forbid alcoholism and intoxication:

⚠️ Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit

“But the fruit of the Spirit is... temperance.” (Galatians 5:22–23)
Alcohol removes self-control, therefore it opposes the Spirit.

⚠️ Drunkenness leads to sin

“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” (Proverbs 20:1)
Scripture links drunkenness to foolishness, immorality, poverty, and violence.

⚠️ Avoid what causes others to stumble

“It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine... whereby thy brother stumbleth...” (Romans 14:21)
Even if one claims liberty, love for others and holiness require caution.

⚠️ God requires a sober mind

“Be sober, be vigilant...” (1 Peter 5:8)
Satan attacks those who are spiritually careless. Alcohol dulls the mind and opens the door to temptation.

5. Cultural View: Then and Now

🔄 Biblical Culture

  • Wine was part of daily life but was often diluted with water (up to 3:1 or more).
  • Strong drink (undiluted alcohol) was rare and usually discouraged (Prov. 31:4–5).
  • Social shame surrounded drunkenness. Drunkards were not respected.

🔄 Contemporary Culture

  • Alcohol today is much stronger and more accessible.
  • Drunkenness is often celebrated in media and social settings.
  • Addiction is widespread, destroying families and lives.

The cultural shift has made alcohol more dangerous than in biblical times. What may have been occasional and moderate in Bible days is now commercialized, addictive, and socially normalized.

6. Conclusion: Alcoholism Is Sinful and Ungodly

The Bible may not explicitly ban all use of alcohol, but it is unambiguous in its condemnation of drunkenness (alcoholism). The consistent message of Scripture is:

  • Drunkenness is shameful, dangerous, and sinful.
  • Alcoholism destroys self-control, purity, and sobriety, all of which are required of believers.
  • God calls His people to be holy, sober-minded, and examples to others.

Alcohol may exist as part of culture, but believers are not to be controlled by it. We are to be filled with the Spirit, not enslaved by drink.

“Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness... but put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh...”
(Romans 13:13–14, KJV)

Final Plea

As ministers and Christians, we must warn, teach, and counsel with grace and truth. While not condemning all who use alcohol, we must affirm strongly that alcoholism is incompatible with godly living. May the Lord give His church boldness and wisdom to stand apart from the world and shine the light of holiness.

By Kenneth Malenge 

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