μεθύσκω

I make drunk

Definition

The verb μεθύσκω means 'to make drunk' or 'to intoxicate' in its active voice. In the passive voice, it means 'to become drunk' or 'to get drunk.' In the New Testament, it is used both literally and metaphorically. The literal sense is seen in the parable of the unfaithful servant who begins to 'get drunk' (Luke 12:45). The metaphorical sense is crucial in Ephesians 5:18, where believers are commanded not to 'get drunk with wine' but to 'be filled with the Spirit,' presenting a stark contrast between physical intoxication and spiritual fullness.

Biblical Usage

This verb appears three times in the New Testament. It is used once in a parable in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 12:45) to describe literal drunkenness as a sign of moral failure. The other two uses are in epistles with strong ethical instruction. In Ephesians 5:18, it is used metaphorically in a negative command to contrast with the positive command of being Spirit-filled. In 1 Thessalonians 5:7, it is used literally to describe the behavior of those 'of the night,' again contrasting with the sober-mindedness expected of believers.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek noun μέθυ (methy), meaning 'wine' or 'strong drink.' The verb form μεθύσκω is a causative or inceptive verb, meaning it denotes the act of causing intoxication or the process of becoming intoxicated. It is related to the more common verb μεθύω (methyō, G3184), which also means 'to be drunk.'

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it is central to a key ethical and spiritual contrast in the New Testament. In Ephesians 5:18, the command against drunkenness is directly paired with the command to be filled with the Holy Spirit, presenting two mutually exclusive states of being—one leading to dissipation and the other to worship and wise living. Understanding this Greek term highlights that Christian sobriety is not merely abstinence but is actively replaced by a divine infilling that governs one's actions and speech.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, drunkenness was a common feature of many social and religious festivals. The New Testament's warnings against it (Ephesians 5:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:7) directly confronted this cultural norm, calling believers to a distinct, self-controlled lifestyle. The metaphorical use in Ephesians would have been striking, as it redefined the concept of being 'under the influence' from wine to the Spirit.

μεθύω (methyō, G3184) — A more general verb meaning 'to be drunk' or 'to get drunk,' often used interchangeably but without the causative nuance of μεθύσκω.

Word Details

Scripture References