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Biblical Answer

What Does the Bible Say About Drinking Alcohol?

What the Bible teaches about wine, alcohol consumption, and drunkenness.

5 verses

Quick Answer

What does the Bible say about drinking alcohol? Discover KJV scriptures about wine, moderation, and drunkenness.

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

The Bible's stance on alcohol is more nuanced than many realize. Scripture doesn't forbid all alcohol consumption — wine was a common part of ancient culture and is even used as a symbol of blessing. However, the Bible strongly and repeatedly condemns drunkenness and warns about the dangers of excess.

Key Scriptures About Drinking Alcohol

Ephesians 5:18

"And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit."

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Proverbs 20:1

"Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise."

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Proverbs 23:20-21

"Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags."

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1 Timothy 5:23

"Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities."

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Romans 14:21

"It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak."

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Drunkenness Is Clearly Sinful

The Bible leaves no ambiguity about drunkenness. Ephesians 5:18 commands believers not to be drunk with wine but to be filled with the Spirit. Galatians 5:21 lists drunkenness among the 'works of the flesh.' Proverbs 20:1 warns that those deceived by strong drink are 'not wise.' Being drunk impairs judgment, damages relationships, and dishonors God.

Moderation and Conscience

Paul advised Timothy to use 'a little wine' for his health (1 Timothy 5:23), and Jesus turned water to wine at a wedding (John 2:1-11). However, Romans 14:21 teaches that believers should avoid alcohol if it causes a weaker brother to stumble. The principle is liberty tempered by love and wisdom.

A Prayer About Drinking Alcohol

Lord, help me to be wise in all my choices. Whether I drink or abstain, let my decisions honor You and protect those around me. Fill me with Your Spirit rather than any earthly substitute. Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drinking Alcohol

Quick answers to the most common questions about what the Bible says on drinking alcohol.

Is it a sin to drink alcohol?

The Bible does not forbid all alcohol consumption. Jesus made wine (John 2), and Paul recommended a little wine for health (1 Timothy 5:23). However, drunkenness is clearly sinful (Ephesians 5:18, Galatians 5:21). Christians should exercise wisdom, moderation, and sensitivity to others.

Didn't Jesus drink wine?

Yes. Jesus drank wine and made it at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11). He also used wine at the Last Supper (Matthew 26:29). This shows that wine itself is not sinful, though drunkenness and excess always are.

What is the main Bible verse about drinking alcohol?

Ephesians 5:18 is one of the clearest scriptures on drinking alcohol: "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit." (KJV). It anchors the broader biblical teaching summarized on this page.

How many Bible verses talk about drinking alcohol?

Scripture addresses drinking alcohol in dozens of passages across the Old and New Testaments. We've curated 5 of the most directly relevant KJV verses on this page, drawn from Ephesians, Proverbs, 1 Timothy, Romans.

Where does the Bible first mention drinking alcohol?

The earliest passage on this list is Ephesians 5:18, in the book of Ephesians. Scripture's full teaching on drinking alcohol unfolds across both testaments — see all 5 verses above for the broader picture.

Is drinking alcohol a sin according to the Bible?

What does the Bible say about drinking alcohol? Discover KJV scriptures about wine, moderation, and drunkenness. The verses above lay out exactly what the KJV teaches so you can weigh the question for yourself in light of Scripture.

Common Bible Questions About Drinking Alcohol

Specific questions Christians ask about drinking alcohol — each answered with KJV scripture.