What Does the Bible Say About Drinking Alcohol?
What Does the Bible Say About Drinking Alcohol? The Bible does not prohibit alcohol entirely but strongly condemns drunkenness and urges wisdom and self-control.
Key verse: Ephesians 5:18 (KJV)
The Bible does not prohibit alcohol entirely but strongly condemns drunkenness and urges wisdom and self-control.
The Bible does not prohibit alcohol entirely but strongly condemns drunkenness and urges wisdom and self-control.
"And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit." — Ephesians 5:18 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
The Bible presents a nuanced view of alcohol. Wine is mentioned positively in several contexts: Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11), Paul told Timothy to 'use a little wine for thy stomach's sake' (1 Timothy 5:23), and Psalm 104:15 says wine 'maketh glad the heart of man.' However, the Bible consistently and strongly condemns drunkenness: 'And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit' (Ephesians 5:18). Proverbs 20:1 warns, 'Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.' Proverbs 23:29-35 vividly describes alcohol's destructive potential. The principle of Christian liberty applies here, tempered by several considerations: Does it cause a weaker brother to stumble? (Romans 14:21). Does it control you? (1 Corinthians 6:12). Does it glorify God? (1 Corinthians 10:31). Some Christians choose total abstinence for personal conviction or testimony, and both positions — moderation and abstinence — can be held with biblical integrity.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Alcohol & Drinking?
What the Bible teaches about wine, drunkenness, and moderation.
Key Scripture References
"And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit."
"Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise."
"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
Frequently asked questions
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What Does the Bible Say About Self-Control?
Self-control (temperance) is a fruit of the Spirit and essential for living a godly life.
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Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Ephesians. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Ephesians on day 339 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Drinking Alcohol?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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