Liquor
Biblical Terminology for Alcoholic Beverages
The Old Testament uses two primary terms for alcoholic drinks. The Hebrew word yayin refers specifically to wine made from grapes, while shekar (translated as "strong drink" or "liquor") is a broader term covering all other intoxicating beverages. These two words frequently appear together as a comprehensive category for alcoholic drinks (Leviticus 10:9; 1 Samuel 1:15; Proverbs 20:1). In the New Testament, the Greek word sikera carries the same meaning, appearing in the angel's instruction that John the Baptist should drink neither wine nor strong drink (Luke 1:15).
Types of Strong Drink in the Ancient World
Ancient Israelites and their neighbors produced alcoholic beverages from a variety of sources beyond grapes. Date wine, pomegranate wine, and drinks fermented from barley, honey, and figs were all common in the ancient Near East. Beer made from barley was especially widespread in Egypt and Mesopotamia. The generic term shekar encompassed all of these, making it clear that the biblical writers recognized and categorized the full range of intoxicating beverages available in their world.
Warnings Against Excess
Scripture contains strong warnings about the dangers of strong drink. Proverbs 20:1 declares, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise." Isaiah pronounces woe upon those "who rise early in the morning to run after their drinks, who stay up late at night till they are inflamed with wine" (Isaiah 5:11). The prophets consistently linked excessive drinking with moral failure, poor judgment, and national decline (Isaiah 28:7; Hosea 4:11).
Legitimate Uses
Despite the warnings, the Bible does not impose a blanket prohibition on alcoholic beverages. Wine and strong drink were part of normal social life and even religious observance. Deuteronomy 14:26 instructs the Israelites to use their tithe money to buy "wine or strong drink" for celebration before the Lord. Proverbs 31:6-7 suggests giving strong drink to those who are perishing or in bitter distress. The key biblical distinction is between moderate enjoyment and destructive excess.
Restrictions for Leaders and the Consecrated
Certain groups were held to stricter standards regarding alcohol. Priests were forbidden from drinking wine or strong drink before entering the tent of meeting (Leviticus 10:9). Nazirites were prohibited from all grape products and fermented drinks during their vow (Numbers 6:3). Kings were warned that alcohol impairs judgment and leads to injustice (Proverbs 31:4-5). These restrictions emphasize that those in positions of spiritual or civil leadership bore a higher responsibility for sobriety.
New Testament Perspectives
The New Testament continues the balanced approach. Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11), and Paul advised Timothy to use a little wine for his stomach ailments (1 Timothy 5:23). At the same time, Paul warned against drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18) and listed it among the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:21). The consistent message is that alcohol itself is not sinful, but its abuse leads to destruction.
Biblical Context
References to wine and strong drink appear throughout Scripture. Key passages include the priestly prohibition in Leviticus 10:9, Hannah's defense before Eli in 1 Samuel 1:15, the wisdom warnings in Proverbs 20:1 and 23:29-35, the prophetic condemnations in Isaiah 5:11 and 28:7, the Nazirite regulations in Numbers 6:3, and the angel's instruction regarding John the Baptist in Luke 1:15.
Theological Significance
The Bible's treatment of strong drink illustrates the broader principle of stewardship and self-control. God's gifts can be enjoyed with gratitude but also abused to devastating effect. The restrictions placed on priests, Nazirites, and kings demonstrate that greater responsibility requires greater discipline. The overall biblical message calls for wisdom and moderation rather than either asceticism or indulgence.
Historical Background
Archaeological evidence confirms the widespread production of alcoholic beverages throughout the ancient Near East. Beer production in Egypt and Mesopotamia dates to the third millennium BC, and wine production in the Levant is even older. Ancient wine presses, fermenting vats, and storage jars have been found across Israel. The Hebrew term shekar may be related to the Akkadian word shikaru, which referred to barley beer, highlighting the cultural exchange between Israel and its neighbors.