σίκερα

σίκερα

intoxicating drink

Definition

Sikera is a Greek noun referring to a strong, intoxicating beverage. In the New Testament, it specifically denotes any fermented drink other than wine, such as beer or strong liquor made from grains, dates, or other substances. The word appears only in Luke 1:15, where the angel Gabriel tells Zechariah that his son John (the Baptist) will abstain from both wine and sikera. This distinction highlights that John's Nazirite-like vow involved total abstinence from all intoxicants, not just grape wine.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Luke 1:15. It is paired with 'wine' (oinos, G3631) to create a comprehensive prohibition against all intoxicating drinks for John the Baptist. The usage emphasizes the totality and severity of John's consecrated lifestyle from birth, setting him apart for his prophetic ministry.

Etymology

The word σίκερα (sikera) is a direct borrowing from the Hebrew word שֵׁכָר (shekar, H7941), which means 'strong drink.' It entered Greek through the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament), where it is used to translate the Hebrew term. The Hebrew root suggests the idea of being intoxicated or drunk.

Semantic Range

The term is theologically significant as it underscores the concept of total consecration and separation for God's service. John the Baptist's abstinence from both wine and sikera (Luke 1:15) fulfills a Nazirite-like vow (cf. Numbers 6:3), marking him as a holy figure set apart from birth. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading of Luke 1 by showing that John's asceticism was a complete rejection of worldly indulgence, symbolizing his purity and single-minded devotion to his role as the forerunner of Christ. In the ancient Jewish and Greco-Roman world, 'sikera' referred to any cheap, strong alcoholic drink made from grains, dates, pomegranates, or other materials, consumed commonly by the lower classes. It was distinct from grape wine (oinos) and was often viewed as a more potent and sometimes cruder intoxicant. This cultural distinction makes the angel's command in Luke 1:15 more comprehensive—John was to avoid all forms of fermented beverage, both the common wine and the stronger, alternative drinks. οἶνος (oinos, G3631) — The general Greek word for wine, made from grapes. Sikera specifies other types of intoxicating drink.

Word Details