10 Biblical Reasons We Should Appreciate Wine

49 Comments

1. Valeria

   July 30, 2012 at 11:14 AM

   I enjoy your blog and especially this article because I too enjoy a glass of wine once in a while

   • Luke Gilkerson

     July 30, 2012 at 11:02 PM

     Thanks for the encouraging word, Valeria!

2. Robert Parker

   July 31, 2012 at 9:18 PM

   Luke, as I mentioned my blog article about this topic (http://parker-house.net/?p=35), I totally agree with you. You did nice work!

   • Luke Gilkerson

     September 9, 2015 at 10:36 PM

     Thanks, Robert!

3. Kristen @ Trial and Error Homemaking

   August 3, 2012 at 3:35 PM

   Great work! This is something I never fully understood or was prepared to defend. Thanks for the insight!

4. Corinna

   August 6, 2012 at 9:14 PM

   My husband recently discovered sets of 4 little bottles of Moscato and brought it to a concert last month. They’re the perfect size and so refreshing since the wine’s a sweet and light summery drink. I think they’re my favorite find of the summer.

   • Luke Gilkerson

     August 7, 2012 at 8:52 AM

     Nice choice, Corinna.

5. Kate C.

   August 21, 2012 at 6:01 PM

   Very interesting, and I really appreciate all the Biblical references you included. I think you did an excellent job presenting this.

6. Marianne

   November 6, 2012 at 6:05 PM

   My husband makes wine too, Luke. I would love to try your Melbac. Guy makes Cabernet Souvignon and Merlot.

   • Luke Gilkerson

     February 12, 2013 at 8:33 AM

     Hi Marianne. Glad you liked this post! I’ll definitely have to try Guy’s wine sometime

7. Shannon

   March 5, 2014 at 11:53 PM

   I love this! Thank you for sharing!

   • Luke Gilkerson

     March 8, 2014 at 8:32 AM

     You’re welcome!

8. Tim Ragsdale

   January 26, 2015 at 10:55 PM

   Luke–Thanks so much for writing this. You just saved me some work. 🙂

   • Luke Gilkerson

     January 26, 2015 at 11:34 PM

     Thanks, Tim.

     Nice website, by the way. I enjoyed reading through some of your articles.

9. Elizabeth

   May 31, 2015 at 5:46 PM

   Very disappointing! Your site name is interesting – especially given your stand on this issue – and that a person is considered inTOXICated upon consuming excessive alcoholic beverages. Yet, even small amounts of alcohol are actually poisonous to our bodies. (www.theguardian.com/science.2011/march/07/safe-level-alcohol-consumption)
   As Christians, we should understand that our Creator does not condone willful intake of what we know to be very hazardous to our health. Furthermore, ever notice that the English word ‘juice’ is nowhere to be found in scripture? The implication here is not that people in biblical times never drank the liquid from fresh-pressed grapes. The obvious conclusion one should draw is instead that the term ‘wine’ referred to juice in some references and fermented drinks in others. There were actually several different words for bible wine in the original languages. It is terribly sad that most people have no idea about these facts. Many lives have been shattered to this very day because of persistent drinking – even among so-called Christians. However, King Solomon warned us in Proverbs 23:31 “Do not look upon the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly.” This clearly describes a fermented beverage – as opposed to juice directly from the fruit. Even on the occasion of Passover, the children of Israel were forbidden from consuming yeast – a symbol for sin. Therefore, that necessarily unfermented wine was actually juice. Most importantly, the beverage Jesus Christ drank and made at the Cana wedding feast must certainly have been the same – otherwise his willingness to make more would surely have indicated that He endorsed the sinful behavior which would inevitably be the result of its continued consumption. (The term ‘drunkeness’ in scripture does not always refer to intoxication, but most often merely to excessive drinking – correlative to ‘gluttony’ as with food.) Please read the following link for more explanations of why drinking alcohol is definitely NOT pleasing to God. http://www.letgodbetrue.com/bible/heresies/did-jesus-make-wine.php.

   • Luke Gilkerson

     May 31, 2015 at 6:34 PM

     Hey Elizabeth,

     I appreciate your position on the matter, but I will have to respectfully disagree with a number of points you are making.

     1. While people in biblical times probably drank juice from freshly squeezed grapes, it cannot be sustained that all biblical references to “wine” that seem positive must therefore be references to unfermented juice. The link I provide in the article for Kenneth Genry’s article more than demonstrates this. I know of no bible translation in any language that translate biblical terms this way. Yes, there are several words translated “wine” in the Bible, and the Gentry article discusses these term at length.

     Were there points in his article you took issue with?

     2. Your reference to Proverbs 23:31 is fitting, and I discussed this in my article as well. I wrote, “Everywhere the Bible speaks negatively of drunkenness. Examples of this are abundant…Proverbs 23:29-35 vividly paints the life of an alcoholic.” I have no doubt the Bible speaks negatively of the abuse of alcohol. But I fail to see why this therefore means the consumption of any alcohol is displeasing to God.

     3. The wedding at Cana likely lasted many days, perhaps even a week, and likely most or all of the village was invited. For Jesus to make the volume of wine he did was not necessarily the condoning of drunkenness since the wine He created had to last a lengthy period of time and for a considerably large crowd. Furthermore, just because Jesus creates an abundance of something does not mean He is endorsing overconsumption of that substance. The overabundance of wine at the wedding was not an invitation to drunkenness anymore than an overabundance of fish and bread was an invitation to gluttony.

     • Elizabeth

       May 31, 2015 at 11:08 PM

       Gentry’s article slightly touched on (yet dismissed) an important point about ‘yayin’ – which in many cases throughout the OT scriptures was certainly unfermented juice. The various terms for wine throughout the Bible are generic – meaning the context determines whether it was fermented. The word ‘tirosh’ literally translates as ‘grape’ and the Greek word ‘oinos’ means ‘grape juice’. Many references include phrases which mention the forbidding of “wine and strong drink”. The former clearly indicates juice – which though not toxic like alcohol, is high glycemic and interferes with concentration. Please do read my link to ‘The Guardian’ article – as it is excellent for demonstrating the harm of alcohol even in moderation. Of course, in the NT account of Jesus at Cana – the additional beverage He made would have likely been for that particular day – therefore if fermented, would cause much inebriation and immorality. Furthermore, in Rev. 1:6, the angel calls Christians ‘kings and priests’ – which have always been biblically instructed to abstain from alcohol. Obviously, then, the drink in a Communion Service should not be fermented – contrary to Gentry’s point of view. Following is another exceptional link that clarifies the translational disputes and sums up my position very well. Beyond reading it, if you continue to disagree – we should simply agree to pray that God Almighty will lead us both into the complete truth on this important issue! http://www.jimmcguiggan.com/reflections3.asp?status=The+Bible+and+Wine&id=1026

       • Luke Gilkerson

         June 1, 2015 at 12:18 AM

         I’m going to have to disagree with you.

         If I understand you correctly, you think grape juice is forbidden by God because of its glycemic index.

         – First, I see no reference to such glycemic language in the Bible itself.
         – Second, this is false since God encourages the consumption of tirosh (what you call grape juice) in Deuteronomy 14:23—specifically inviting Israel to drink it in His very presence. Why did God say this if he hates the glycemic index of grape juice so much?
         – Third, God treats the loss of this drink as a curse (Hag. 1:11) and its overflowing presence as a blessing (Prov. 3:10; Jer. 31:12; Joel 2:19). Why is this?
         – Fourth, when one cherishes tirosh this is said to “take away understanding” the way cherishing whoredom and wine (yayin) can do (Hos. 4:11)—are we to believe the glycemic index of grape juice robs consumers of understanding the way promiscuous sex and alcoholic beverages do?

         I see no evidence for why the wine Jesus produced at Cana would have to be consumed the day in which he made it—why do you think this is true? Furthermore, Jesus’ creation of the wine was not an indication He intended it all to be consumed anymore than the creation of the overabundant fish and loaves was an indication he intended all of it to be consumed. Did Jesus intend any of the 5000 to gorge themselves on the leftover baskets of food simply because it was there?

         Using your logic that Christians are “kings and priests” would mean a whole lot of other regulations for Christians today. All Christians would have to be between 30 and 50 years old (Num. 4:3), be unblemished (Lev. 21:16-23), kill their daughters if they become prostitutes (Lev. 21:9), marry only virgins (Lev. 21:14), and never have leprosy (Lev. 22:3-9). None of these things are requirements for New Testament believers.

         You seem fairly firm in your beliefs, and I agree we should probably leave the matter to prayer. All the same, I’d love to know how you would answer my questions above. I really want to learn more about your position on these matters.

     • Britton Redline

       January 10, 2017 at 9:24 AM

       Hi Luke,

       I am so glad I read your article. I’ve been doing a personal Bible study on wine and it being used in the Bible. Below is the documentation I’ve found from a minister in my Church, who did a study on it, too, as well as the Hebrew words translated wine in the Old Testament.

       An examination of Scripture finds several Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek terms referring to grape-derived beverages. An exhaustive listing appears at http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/wine/
       Translated terms in Scripture include “wine” and “new wine.” While some attempt to differentiate “new wine” as grape juice, it was something the apostles were accused of being drunken by (Acts 2:13-15). Some imply that the Hebrew word for “new wine” (tiyrosh/tirosh) refers to grape juice while the word for “wine” (yayin) refers to fermented wine. Most who employ that construct when arguing their opinion also reference certain passages that seem to support their position. Some even go on to infer that “yeast” in winemaking somehow makes it “leavened” and then associate “leavened wine” with sin.
       Before examining the Hebrew words, let’s first consider some references to wine in Scripture.
       Wine was part of the sacrifices offered to God.
       Wine was part of one’s firstfruits offerings to God.
       Priests were not to drink wine when performing their duties.
       Wine was part of God’s blessings to Israel.
       Wine was to be enjoyed at the Feast.
       Deacons and older women are not to be “given to much wine.”
       Wine is prophesied to be a blessing during the Millennium.
       Wine is prophesied to be taken by Christ and His bride in the Kingdom.
       There is no “Feast of Unleavened Wine,” rather of Unleavened Bread.
       Making wine was Jesus’ first miracle.
       Wine making does not require adding yeast. Minute amounts are on the skin of grapes and are present in the air.
       Grapes in Israel are harvested around the time of the Feast of Tabernacles each year. Fresh grapes and grape juice spoil if not used rather quickly.
       Passover occurs approximately six months after grapes are harvested. Wine was part of the daily sacrifice, throughout the entire year.
       Newly made wine age over time and can last a year or so before eventually turning into vinegar.
       Here is some information about those two Hebrew words that some use to argue about wine vs. grape juice.
       Easton’s Bible Dictionary
       yayin – from a root meaning “to boil up,” “to be in a ferment.” Others derive it from a root meaning “to tread out,” and hence the juice of the grape trodden out.
       tirosh – This Hebrew word has been traced to a root meaning “to take possession of” and hence it is supposed that tirosh is so designated because in intoxicating it takes possession of the brain.
       Note that Hosea 4:11 references both Hebrew words as referring to wines with alcoholic content:
       “Harlotry, wine (yayin), and new wine (tirosh) enslave the heart.”
       Finally, Jesus’ and Paul’s words involving the Passover do not include the term “wine.” Instead they used metaphors that were common in that day. People dispute those metaphors in speculating whether or not wine was being used.
       It is when one looks at the context of Paul’s statements about proper Passover observance that an answer can become clear.
       The bread and wine Jesus used for the Passover were part of the Sinai Covenant Passover meal they had shared in advance of His instituting the New Covenant Passover on the night He was betrayed (Luke 22:8, 11). The cup and its contents were associated with that meal (Luke 22:17-18). He later used them as a New Covenant Passover symbol (Luke 22:20).
       The Apostle Paul referenced that event and corrected the Corinthian church for combining a Sinai Covenant Passover meal (“Lord’s Supper”) with a New Covenant Passover service. His criticism included the following:
       “Therefore when you come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper. For in eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and another is drunk” (1 Corinthians 11:20-21).
       As with the meal of Jesus and the disciples, the beverage being used during the Corinthian meal appears the same as that used for their Passover service. When taken in excess it was making people drunk, which indicates it was wine with alcoholic content.
       I hope this information might be helpful in explaining why we use wine as a symbol during the New Covenant Passover service.
       -John Elliott
       Bible Study Tools .com says:
       Wine [N] [T] [B] [S]
       The common Hebrew word for wine is yayin , from a root meaning “to boil up,” “to be in a ferment.” Others derive it from a root meaning “to tread out,” and hence the juice of the grape trodden out. The Greek word for wine is oinos_, and the Latin _vinun . But besides this common Hebrew word, there are several others which are thus rendered.
       • Ashishah ( 2 Samuel 6:19 ; 1 Chronicles 16:3 ; Cant 2:5 ; Hosea 3:1 ), which, however, rather denotes a solid cake of pressed grapes, or, as in the Revised Version, a cake of raisins.
       • ‘Asis, “sweet wine,” or “new wine,” the product of the same year (Cant 8:2 ; Isaiah 49:26 ; Joel 1:5 ; 3:18 ; Amos 9:13 ), from a root meaning “to tread,” hence juice trodden out or pressed out, thus referring to the method by which the juice is obtained. The power of intoxication is ascribed to it.
       • Hometz. See VINEGAR.
       • Hemer, Deuteronomy 32:14 (rendered “blood of the grape”) Isaiah 27:2 (“red wine”), Ezra 6:9 ; 7:22 ; Daniel 5:1 Daniel 5:2 Daniel 5:4 . This word conveys the idea of “foaming,” as in the process of fermentation, or when poured out. It is derived from the root hamar , meaning “to boil up,” and also “to be red,” from the idea of boiling or becoming inflamed.
       • ‘Enabh, a grape ( Deuteronomy 32:14 ). The last clause of this verse should be rendered as in the Revised Version, “and of the blood of the grape [‘enabh] thou drankest wine [hemer].” In Hosea 3:1 the phrase in Authorized Version, “flagons of wine,” is in the Revised Version correctly “cakes of raisins.” (Compare Genesis 49:11 ; Numbers 6:3 ; Deuteronomy 23:24 , etc., where this Hebrew word is rendered in the plural “grapes.”).
       • Mesekh, properly a mixture of wine and water with spices that increase its stimulating properties ( Isaiah 5:22 ). Psalms 75:8 , “The wine [yayin] is red; it is full of mixture [mesekh];” Proverbs 23:30 , “mixed wine;” Isaiah 65:11 , “drink offering” (RSV, “mingled wine”).
       • Tirosh, properly “must,” translated “wine” ( Deuteronomy 28:51 ); “new wine” ( Proverbs 3:10 ); “sweet wine” ( Micah 6:15 ; RSV, “vintage”). This Hebrew word has been traced to a root meaning “to take possession of” and hence it is supposed that tirosh is so designated because in intoxicating it takes possession of the brain. Among the blessings promised to Esau ( Genesis 27:28 ) mention is made of “plenty of corn and tirosh.” Palestine is called “a land of corn and tirosh” ( Deuteronomy 33:28 ; Compare Isaiah 36:17 ). See also Deuteronomy 28:51 ; 2 Chronicles 32:28 ; Joel 2:19 ; Hosea 4:11 , (“wine [yayin] and new wine [tirosh] take away the heart”).
       • Sobhe (root meaning “to drink to excess,” “to suck up,” “absorb”), found only in Isaiah 1:22 , Hosea 4:18 (“their drink;” Gesen. and marg. of RSV, “their carouse”), and Nahum 1:10 (“drunken as drunkards;” lit., “soaked according to their drink;” RSV, “drenched, as it were, in their drink”, i.e., according to their sobhe).
       • Shekar, “strong drink,” any intoxicating liquor; from a root meaning “to drink deeply,” “to be drunken”, a generic term applied to all fermented liquors, however obtained. Numbers 28:7 , “strong wine” (RSV, “strong drink”). It is sometimes distinguished from wine, c.g., Leviticus 10:9 , “Do not drink wine [yayin] nor strong drink [shekar];” Numbers 6:3 ; Judges 13:4 Judges 13:7 ; Isaiah 28:7 (in all these places rendered “strong drink”). Translated “strong drink” also in Isaiah 5:11 ; 24:9 ; 29:9; 56:12 ; Proverbs 20:1 ; 31:6 ; Micah 2:11.
       • Yekebh ( Deuteronomy 16:13 , but in RSV correctly “wine-press”), a vat into which the new wine flowed from the press. Joel 2:24 , “their vats;” 3:13 , “the fats;” Proverbs 3:10 , “Thy presses shall burst out with new wine [tirosh];” Haggai 2:16 ; Jeremiah 48:33 , “wine-presses;” 2 Kings 6:27 ; Job 24:11.
       • Shemarim (only in plural), “lees” or “dregs” of wine. In Isaiah 25:6 it is rendered “wines on the lees”, i.e., wine that has been kept on the lees, and therefore old wine.
       • Mesek, “a mixture,” mixed or spiced wine, not diluted with water, but mixed with drugs and spices to increase its strength, or, as some think, mingled with the lees by being shaken (Psalms 75:8 ; Proverbs 23:30).
       In Acts 2:13 the word gleukos , rendered “new wine,” denotes properly “sweet wine.” It must have been intoxicating.
       In addition to wine the Hebrews also made use of what they called debash , which was obtained by boiling down wine to one-half or one-third of its original bulk. In Genesis 43:11 this word is rendered “honey.” It was a kind of syrup, and is called by the Arabs at the present day dibs. This word occurs in the phrase “a land flowing with milk and honey” (debash), EXODUS 3:8 EXODUS 3:17 ; 13:5 ; 33:3 ; LEVITICUS 20:24 ; NUMBERS 13:27. (See HONEY .)
       Our Lord miraculously supplied wine at the marriage feast in Cana of Galilee ( John 2:1-11 ). The Rechabites were forbidden the use of wine ( Jeremiah 35 ). The Nazarites also were to abstain from its use during the period of their vow ( Numbers 6:1-4 ); and those who were dedicated as Nazarites from their birth were perpetually to abstain from it ( Judges 13:4 Judges 13:5 ; Luke 1:15 ; 7:33 ). The priests, too, were forbidden the use of wine and strong drink when engaged in their sacred functions ( Leviticus 10:1 Leviticus 10:9-11 ). “Wine is little used now in the East, from the fact that Mohammedans are not allowed to taste it, and very few of other creeds touch it. When it is drunk, water is generally mixed with it, and this was the custom in the days of Christ also. The people indeed are everywhere very sober in hot climates; a drunken person, in fact, is never seen”, (Geikie’s Life of Christ). The sin of drunkenness, however, must have been not uncommon in the olden times, for it is mentioned either metaphorically or literally more than seventy times in the Bible.
       A drink-offering of wine was presented with the daily sacrifice ( Exodus 29:40 Exodus 29:41 ), and also with the offering of the first-fruits ( Leviticus 23:13 ), and with various other sacrifices ( Numbers 15:5 Numbers 15:7 Numbers 15:10 ). Wine was used at the celebration of the Passover. And when the Lord’s Supper was instituted, the wine and the unleavened bread then on the paschal table were by our Lord set apart as memorials of his body and blood.
       Several emphatic warnings are given in the New Testament against excess in the use of wine ( Luke 21:34 ; Romans 13:13 ; Ephesians 5:18 ; 1 Timothy 3:8 ; Titus 1:7 ).
       These dictionary topics are from
       M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition,
       published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain, copy freely.
       Bible Study Tools .com says:
       Wine [N] [T] [B] [S]
       The common Hebrew word for wine is yayin , from a root meaning “to boil up,” “to be in a ferment.” Others derive it from a root meaning “to tread out,” and hence the juice of the grape trodden out. The Greek word for wine is oinos_, and the Latin _vinun . But besides this common Hebrew word, there are several others which are thus rendered.
       • Ashishah ( 2 Samuel 6:19 ; 1 Chronicles 16:3 ; Cant 2:5 ; Hosea 3:1 ), which, however, rather denotes a solid cake of pressed grapes, or, as in the Revised Version, a cake of raisins.
       • ‘Asis, “sweet wine,” or “new wine,” the product of the same year (Cant 8:2 ; Isaiah 49:26 ; Joel 1:5 ; 3:18 ; Amos 9:13 ), from a root meaning “to tread,” hence juice trodden out or pressed out, thus referring to the method by which the juice is obtained. The power of intoxication is ascribed to it.
       • Hometz. See VINEGAR.
       • Hemer, Deuteronomy 32:14 (rendered “blood of the grape”) Isaiah 27:2 (“red wine”), Ezra 6:9 ; 7:22 ; Daniel 5:1 Daniel 5:2 Daniel 5:4 . This word conveys the idea of “foaming,” as in the process of fermentation, or when poured out. It is derived from the root hamar , meaning “to boil up,” and also “to be red,” from the idea of boiling or becoming inflamed.
       • ‘Enabh, a grape ( Deuteronomy 32:14 ). The last clause of this verse should be rendered as in the Revised Version, “and of the blood of the grape [‘enabh] thou drankest wine [hemer].” In Hosea 3:1 the phrase in Authorized Version, “flagons of wine,” is in the Revised Version correctly “cakes of raisins.” (Compare Genesis 49:11 ; Numbers 6:3 ; Deuteronomy 23:24 , etc., where this Hebrew word is rendered in the plural “grapes.”).
       • Mesekh, properly a mixture of wine and water with spices that increase its stimulating properties ( Isaiah 5:22 ). Psalms 75:8 , “The wine [yayin] is red; it is full of mixture [mesekh];” Proverbs 23:30 , “mixed wine;” Isaiah 65:11 , “drink offering” (RSV, “mingled wine”).
       • Tirosh, properly “must,” translated “wine” ( Deuteronomy 28:51 ); “new wine” ( Proverbs 3:10 ); “sweet wine” ( Micah 6:15 ; RSV, “vintage”). This Hebrew word has been traced to a root meaning “to take possession of” and hence it is supposed that tirosh is so designated because in intoxicating it takes possession of the brain. Among the blessings promised to Esau ( Genesis 27:28 ) mention is made of “plenty of corn and tirosh.” Palestine is called “a land of corn and tirosh” ( Deuteronomy 33:28 ; Compare Isaiah 36:17 ). See also Deuteronomy 28:51 ; 2 Chronicles 32:28 ; Joel 2:19 ; Hosea 4:11 , (“wine [yayin] and new wine [tirosh] take away the heart”).
       • Sobhe (root meaning “to drink to excess,” “to suck up,” “absorb”), found only in Isaiah 1:22 , Hosea 4:18 (“their drink;” Gesen. and marg. of RSV, “their carouse”), and Nahum 1:10 (“drunken as drunkards;” lit., “soaked according to their drink;” RSV, “drenched, as it were, in their drink”, i.e., according to their sobhe).
       • Shekar, “strong drink,” any intoxicating liquor; from a root meaning “to drink deeply,” “to be drunken”, a generic term applied to all fermented liquors, however obtained. Numbers 28:7 , “strong wine” (RSV, “strong drink”). It is sometimes distinguished from wine, c.g., Leviticus 10:9 , “Do not drink wine [yayin] nor strong drink [shekar];” Numbers 6:3 ; Judges 13:4 Judges 13:7 ; Isaiah 28:7 (in all these places rendered “strong drink”). Translated “strong drink” also in Isaiah 5:11 ; 24:9 ; 29:9; 56:12 ; Proverbs 20:1 ; 31:6 ; Micah 2:11.
       • Yekebh ( Deuteronomy 16:13 , but in RSV correctly “wine-press”), a vat into which the new wine flowed from the press. Joel 2:24 , “their vats;” 3:13 , “the fats;” Proverbs 3:10 , “Thy presses shall burst out with new wine [tirosh];” Haggai 2:16 ; Jeremiah 48:33 , “wine-presses;” 2 Kings 6:27 ; Job 24:11.
       • Shemarim (only in plural), “lees” or “dregs” of wine. In Isaiah 25:6 it is rendered “wines on the lees”, i.e., wine that has been kept on the lees, and therefore old wine.
       • Mesek, “a mixture,” mixed or spiced wine, not diluted with water, but mixed with drugs and spices to increase its strength, or, as some think, mingled with the lees by being shaken (Psalms 75:8 ; Proverbs 23:30).
       In Acts 2:13 the word gleukos , rendered “new wine,” denotes properly “sweet wine.” It must have been intoxicating.
       In addition to wine the Hebrews also made use of what they called debash , which was obtained by boiling down wine to one-half or one-third of its original bulk. In Genesis 43:11 this word is rendered “honey.” It was a kind of syrup, and is called by the Arabs at the present day dibs. This word occurs in the phrase “a land flowing with milk and honey” (debash), EXODUS 3:8 EXODUS 3:17 ; 13:5 ; 33:3 ; LEVITICUS 20:24 ; NUMBERS 13:27. (See HONEY .)
       Our Lord miraculously supplied wine at the marriage feast in Cana of Galilee ( John 2:1-11 ). The Rechabites were forbidden the use of wine ( Jeremiah 35 ). The Nazarites also were to abstain from its use during the period of their vow ( Numbers 6:1-4 ); and those who were dedicated as Nazarites from their birth were perpetually to abstain from it ( Judges 13:4 Judges 13:5 ; Luke 1:15 ; 7:33 ). The priests, too, were forbidden the use of wine and strong drink when engaged in their sacred functions ( Leviticus 10:1 Leviticus 10:9-11 ). “Wine is little used now in the East, from the fact that Mohammedans are not allowed to taste it, and very few of other creeds touch it. When it is drunk, water is generally mixed with it, and this was the custom in the days of Christ also. The people indeed are everywhere very sober in hot climates; a drunken person, in fact, is never seen”, (Geikie’s Life of Christ). The sin of drunkenness, however, must have been not uncommon in the olden times, for it is mentioned either metaphorically or literally more than seventy times in the Bible.
       A drink-offering of wine was presented with the daily sacrifice ( Exodus 29:40 Exodus 29:41 ), and also with the offering of the first-fruits ( Leviticus 23:13 ), and with various other sacrifices ( Numbers 15:5 Numbers 15:7 Numbers 15:10 ). Wine was used at the celebration of the Passover. And when the Lord’s Supper was instituted, the wine and the unleavened bread then on the paschal table were by our Lord set apart as memorials of his body and blood.
       Several emphatic warnings are given in the New Testament against excess in the use of wine ( Luke 21:34 ; Romans 13:13 ; Ephesians 5:18 ; 1 Timothy 3:8 ; Titus 1:7 ).
       These dictionary topics are from
       M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition,
       published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain, copy freely.

       • Luke Gilkerson

         January 12, 2017 at 9:11 AM

         Thanks. So, what would you say is the difference between this summary and the link I provided to Gentry’s article? Could you summarize it for me?

   • ILAITIA

     February 3, 2016 at 2:38 AM

     ELIZABETH.
     WHEN I READ YOUR COMMENT FOR ME ITS MORE ABOUT THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH OR THE DENOMINATION YOU BELONG TO. ITS NOT MORE ABOUT WHAT IS WRITTEN IN THE BIBLE. ALSO, PROVERBS IS MORE LIKE A PARABLE IN THE OLD TESTAMENT. YOU CANT PICK ONLY ONE VERSE FROM THE BIBLE TO CAN MAKE YOUR STATEMENT, YOU NEED OTHER VERSES THAT SUPPORT WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT. FOR WHAT LUKE STATED HERE, ABOUT THE USE OF THE WINE IN THE BIBLE AND DURING JESUS TIME IT IS MORE CLEAR AND ALSO THE PROVE HE BACK IT UP WHAT HE TALKING ABOUT BY EXACTLY WHAT THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT WINE VERSE BY VERSE. THEOLOGY AND CHURCH DOCTRINE IF THEY BASED FROM WHAT PEOPLE THINK IS RIGHT BUT NOT FROM THE BIBLE ITS A LIE.

     IN JOHN 2 STATED THAT JESUS FIRST MIRACLE OF TURNING WATER INTO WINE AT THE WEDDING AT CANA OF GALILEE ALMOST CERTAINLY INVOLVED FERMENTED BEVERAGE. BACK IN JESUS TIME THE JEWISH THEY USE THE FERMENTED WINE AT THE TRADITION WEDDING. THE WORDS FERMENTED IN LATIN IS “FERMENTUM” MEANS “YEAST”. IN THE JEWS CUSTOM AND CULTURE AFTER THE BRIDE AND THE GROOM SAY THEIR VOWS THEY JOINT THEIR GUEST FOR ANOTHER SEVEN DAY. BUT THE BIBLE SAID THEY RUNNING OUT OF WINE IN THE THIRD DAY. SO THAT MEANS JESUS TOOK OVER TO PROVIDE WINE TILL THE SEVEN DAY.

     IN JOHN 2:9-10 STATED “EVERYONE BRINGS OUT THE CHOICE WINE FIRST AND THEN THE CHEAPER WINE AFTER THE GUEST HAVE TOO MUCH TO DRINK;BUT YOU HAVED THE BEST TILL NOW”.
     THE WORDS TOO MUCH TO DRINK THATS MEANS “DRUNK”. THE GREEK WORD FOR “DRUNK” IN JOHN 2:10 IS “METHUO”, WHICH MEANS “TO BE DRUNKEN” OR INTOXICATED. IT IS THE SAME WORD USED IN ACTS 2:15.

     SO THE TESIMONY OF THE MASTER OF THE FEAST IS THAT THE WINE JESUS PRODUCED WAS ABLE TO INTOXICATED.
     ELIZABETH FOR ME IF YOU DID NOT DRINK WINE GOOD FOR YOU.BUT REMEMBER WHAT JESUS SAID IN MATTHEW 15:17-20 “DONT YOU SEE THAT WHATEVER ENTERS THE MOUTH GOES INTO THE STOMACH AND THEN OUT OF THE BODY? BUT THE THINGS THAT COME OUT OF THE MOUTH COME FROM THE HEART, AND THESE MAKE A MAN UNCLEAN. FOR OUT OF THE HEART COME EVIL THOUGHTS,MURDER,ADULTERY,SEXUAL IMMORALITY,THEFT,FALSE TESTIMONY,SLANDER. THESE ARE WHAT MAKE A MAN UNCLEAN”

     SO THAT FOR ME DRINKING WINE ITS NOT MAKE A MAN UNCLEAN.THANK YOU.

10. Elizabeth

    June 1, 2015 at 4:33 PM

    As I mentioned, ‘tirosh’ literally means ‘grape’ – and of course this delicious fruit would have been considered a wonderful gift from God. It was man who invented the fermentation process. Although the LORD tolerated His people partaking of strong drinks, He clearly discouraged it. The toxic effect of alcohol impairs judgment. My reference to grape juice consumption simply pertains to it being high glycemic (very concentrated fruit) and therefore hindering concentration. God apparently preferred the most consecrated Jews to drink pure water in order to best promote mental clarity and wise decision making. The same was true in the NT scriptures – and ultimately to this very day. The exception, of course, would be in Communion services, when the red juice represents the blood of Christ. All in all, born again, mature followers of Jesus should avoid known toxic substances and minimize sugar intake for the most productive lives of Christian service. Please see my personal blog for much more of my ideology. https://heartlight4ever.wordpress.com/

    • Luke Gilkerson

      June 5, 2015 at 2:59 PM

      When you say he tolerated but discouraged drinking strong drinks, I fail to see how this squares with the actually language of Scripture itself: “spend the money for whatever you desire—oxen or sheep or wine or strong drink, whatever your appetite craves. And you shall eat there before the Lord your God and rejoice, you and your household” (Deuteronomy 14:26). This sounds like encouragement, not discouragement.

      You and I already agree that drunkenness is sinful, so there’s no need to rehash that, but this does not mean any and all alcohol consumption is discouraged by God. In my article I talk about the nuances of the wisdom of abstaining from wine altogether: what did you find so disagreeable?

      • Elizabeth

        June 5, 2015 at 11:08 PM

        In the passage and chapter to which you referred, Almighty God was giving general instructions to the nation of Israel concerning places to settle and diet allowances. The segment of Levites, however, were regarded differently and held to higher standards of conduct. Christians today are analogous to them – being considered as “priests” because of having been made worthy of Heaven through the blood of our Savior Jesus.
        There actually are many OT references which fully decry the use of “strong drink” or ‘shekar’ in Hebrew ( Such as Isaiah 5:11; Isaiah 5:22; Isaiah 28:7; Micah 2:11; 1 Samuel 1:15; Proverbs 20:1), because God witnessed how it was very commonly abused.
        In the present day, we have seen the destruction of many lives because of this substance – alcohol. Personally, I can unreservedly attest to the wiser choice of abstinence in illustrating with my very own family. One side has for generations held the policy of ‘moderation’. Among them, there have been multiple incidents of physical abuse, driving mishaps, liver disease, early dementia, and so on. The other side has held the view that alcohol should never be consumed. Not surprisingly, they have had a much more peaceful, safe, and healthy legacy.
        The bottom line is that we, as believers in Christ must pursue what is of utmost purity and nobleness – rejecting any thought, word, or deed that could potentially hinder our productivity or taint our character witness. May we at this point commit these matters to prayer. The LORD bless and keep you!

        • Luke Gilkerson

          June 6, 2015 at 9:49 AM

          As I say in my article, I agree there are many examples of people in the Scriptures who abstained from alcohol altogether for specific reasons. I wrote, “Priests who served in God’s tabernacle were forbidden from drinking any wine or strong drink prior to their priestly duties (Leviticus 10:9; Ezekiel 44:21).” So while I agree with you priests were to not even risk intoxication for the purpose of their priestly duties, during other times they were very much allowed to drink—these prohibitions only cover their time of service at the tabernacle, not their lifestyles in general.

          Like I said in a previous comment, “Using your logic that Christians are ‘kings and priests’ would mean a whole lot of other regulations for Christians today. All Christians would have to be between 30 and 50 years old (Num. 4:3), be unblemished (Lev. 21:16-23), kill their daughters if they become prostitutes (Lev. 21:9), marry only virgins (Lev. 21:14), and never have leprosy (Lev. 22:3-9). None of these things are requirements for New Testament believers.” In other words, we need to be careful when we say that since priests weren’t allowed to do something, therefore we aren’t.

          I agree with you that alcoholism is an ugly thing. It can destroy lives and I’ve seen it destroy some people close to me. When you say it is a “wiser” choice to abstain altogether for your family, I celebrate your choice. As I say in my article, there are many reasons why Christians would wisely abstain from alcohol. But as Christians we need to be careful not to turn personal wisdom issues into moral issues. Just because it is wise for you or someone else to abstain from alcohol in a specific circumstance or throughout your life does not mean it is immoral for other Christians to not follow your lead. Given all the positive things the Scriptures say about alcoholic consumption, we want to be careful to not forbid what God allows.

11. Charles

    September 9, 2015 at 7:34 PM

    I have a feeling this issue is connected with a far wider issue of grace and how we live life and deal with our human nature and with each other – how we view holiness in light of our human nature and God’s providence and love for us.

    To put it shortly, much of our Protestant heritage provides us with condemnation, legalism and shame. Then the Greek heritage teaches us to separate everything in life. To evaluate each subject on its own on a one dimensional scale, and then take each issue to an extreme on that scale. While the Hebraic embraces our whole nature and reality; time, change and direction. Ofcourse the Greek is static and dead. And the Hebrew is dynamic and alive!

    So altho my ideas here are a bit nebulous, I do believe this subject is part of a wider issue that is a very important part of the church’s identity.

    –

    “For these men are not drunk as you suppose – it’s only nine in the morning!!!”

    • Luke Gilkerson

      September 9, 2015 at 10:32 PM

      One of my favorite verses. 🙂

      It’s ironic you mentioned “our Protestant heritage,” because most of the early Protestants didn’t have any of these hangups about alcohol. Luther was a big fan of his wife’s home brew. Part of Calvin’s salary as a pastor was barrels of wine. Even the Puritans in America were known for beer brewing. It really wasn’t until the end of the 18th century in America that we started seeing a more active temperance movement.

      • Charles

        September 10, 2015 at 5:06 AM

        great to hear! thanks for your work Luke

12. earle

    October 11, 2015 at 10:01 PM

    hey Luke. You did a good job of presenting a simplistic pro wine argument. There is allot more info on “oinos” from a historical setting however. On the one hand we know it was impossible at that time to halt the fermentation process, so just about all “oinos” was at least slightly alcoholic. On the other hand we have the factor of what the Lord considered “drunk” in His condemnation. Highly recommended that readers do not take your article as a basis to indulge.

    • Luke Gilkerson

      October 12, 2015 at 8:14 PM

      I agree with everything you said, but I’m not sure what about my approach is “simplistic.”

      • earle

        October 13, 2015 at 7:41 AM

        Your article was simplistic because it only presented one side; the “pro-indulgence” side. I gave 2 examples. Add to that, like with any Biblical teaching, we must consider who was being addressed and what the cultural considerations were at that time in comparison to ours. I am not disagreeing with what you wrote as much as discouraging readers from using it as some sort of green light for alcoholic consumption. There is allot more to this. Research beyond your article is required to make an educated choice.

        • Luke Gilkerson

          October 13, 2015 at 10:36 PM

          Did you read the part where I said there are times when its wise to abstain from drinking altogether, giving at least 8 different Scriptural examples of those who have done that? Those are clear examples of non-indulgence.

          I don’t have a problem if people read this as a “green light,” since I also gave many Scriptures about the evils of drunkenness.

          In other words, if someone takes the totality of what I have written and applies it to their lives, drinking and enjoying wine with wisdom, I suppose I would feel quite alright about that (since I think that is the overall attitude the Biblical writers take as well). Of course, if someone only takes part of what I write and then misapplies that part, that would be most unfortunate.

        • Luke Gilkerson

          October 13, 2015 at 10:44 PM

          I guess I’m still not understanding your position on the matter. On one hand, you don’t seem to disagree with the points I’m making. On the other hand you seem to think what God says about drunkenness is somehow the other “side” of this issue—and yet I present information about that as well in my article. What exactly is the problem you’re noticing?

13. earle

    October 13, 2015 at 10:51 PM

    Please allow me to humbly attempt to prime the pump of “in context” research with a simple clue. An enlightening study in this regard is the difference between “Biblical oinos” and what you buy at the wine store in 2015. Please don’t be offended that your position is challenged here but rather be motivated to follow truth wherever it leads.

    • Luke Gilkerson

      October 14, 2015 at 3:51 PM

      I’m not at all offended. Just trying to follow the trail of breadcrumbs you’re leaving for me. 🙂

      I think the link I left to the Kenneth Gentry article covers this issue pretty well. I’ll quote one of the relevant sections in full, though there are others that are also relevant:

      Not only do we find nothing warning us to avoid certain kinds of wines (i.e. fermented), but we even have passages emphasizing the intentional aging of grape juice in order to promote its fermentation: “And the Lord of hosts will prepare a lavish banquet for all peoples on this mountain; A banquet of aged wine, choice pieces with marrow, And refined, aged wine” (Isa 25:6). “Moab has been at ease since his youth; He has also been undisturbed on his lees, Neither has he been emptied from vessel to vessel, Nor has he gone into exile. Therefore he retains his flavor, And his aroma has not changed” (Jer 48:11). The first reference even symbolizes the coming of the fulness of God‘s redemptive kingdom. Jesus even casually observes (and with no note of denunciation) that “no one, after drinking old wine wishes for new; for he says, ‘The old is better'” (NIV Luke 5:39).

      In other words, grape juice didn’t just happen to age. There was an intentional aging process, and this was understood to produce a good thing. Older, more fermented wine was seen as good. “Strong drink” was seen as a blessing alongside wine in many of these texts.

      Now, if you have some specific information about the alcoholic content of wine from the Bible that either my article or the Gentry study has overlooked, I’m all ears.

14. Josh

    December 30, 2015 at 10:43 PM

    Those who insist on binding abstinence from any and all alcohol used a flawed logic. Your article does a good job of showing the difference in appropriate and inappropriate use of alcohol. The reasoning of those who bind total abstinence due to the potential dangers and warnings in scripture, which you do reference, should take note of the many warnings the Bible presents regarding sex. Most people misuse sex in our society and the Bible is rife with warnings about the potential evils of sex. By the reasoning of the teetotalers, all sex should be abstained from because it has broken many homes, is warned heavily against in scripture, and does most people more harm than good. As I said, flawed reasoning. It is an exact parallel.

    • Luke Gilkerson

      December 30, 2015 at 10:58 PM

      Thanks, Josh. Well said.

15. Jim

    March 13, 2016 at 3:48 PM

    Good article!

    • Luke Gilkerson

      March 22, 2016 at 7:37 PM

      Thanks, Jim.

16. Marla

    April 4, 2016 at 10:46 AM

    Sifting God’s Word for a reason to drink wine is wrong. As an alcoholic in recovery, the same wine that destroyed my life you are advocating. What part of self pleasing is in the Gospel? God’s Word says the days are evil and we need to discern. This article is paving the way for backsliders and people looking for loopholes to hold onto sin. He said be pure, be holy, what part of looking like the world is that? I will be praying for you.

    • Luke Gilkerson

      April 5, 2016 at 9:53 AM

      Hey Marla. I would say the same things about wine even if I was an alcoholic because alcoholism is the prime example of the abuse of what the Bible calls a good gift. The fact that some misuse what God gives does not mean we call those good gifts evil. If there’s something you think is faulty in my analysis of the Bible, please be more specific.

17. Trinity Swander

    August 1, 2016 at 12:17 AM

    Hello Luke,

    Wow, this was an amazing article.

    There are two things that my pastor and I disagree on. One is the issue of tithe, the other is the issue of alcohol.

    Today, he preached the text that you mentioned. Proverbs 23:29-35. And at first, I was starting to understand why some people believe that the Bible teaches total abstinence from alcohol. But I was reading my Bible, and came home, and tonight, I saw your article. I already knew some of the points already, but not all of them! When I read point 6, I was blown away. How can someone read that, and still believe that he Bible condemns alcohol? My pastor has preached from the pulpit that to ever TOUCH a DROP of alcohol is a sin, but after reading that, I can’t believe that someone, especially a man who studies his Bible for a living, could believe that God condemns alcohol. Thank you so much for sharing!!!

    • Luke Gilkerson

      August 1, 2016 at 2:03 PM

      Thanks, Trinity. Pass this article along to your pastor and let me know his response. I would be very interested in hearing what he has to say.

18. Britton Redline

    January 15, 2017 at 1:50 AM

    Hi again Luke,

    In response to your reply post to mine, there is basically no difference at all. I was just trying to support the fact that wine is mentioned in sooo many scriptures in the Bible. I just wanted to show you that I have come to the same conclusion. I hope you have a great day.

    • Luke Gilkerson

      January 15, 2017 at 7:28 PM

      Thanks, Britton!

19. Kristen

    January 20, 2017 at 1:03 PM

    Wow! So much knowledge! What about just following the Holy Spirit. If I believe it is a sin, then for me it is. If I don’t then it isn’t. My conscience will determine that. As A believer He has given me His Spirit. What others do is between them and the Lord. I won’t preach on it one way or another. I have found that I personally have no need for wine because I would rather be drunk (ever filled) with the Holy Spirit. I won’t bother to quote the scripture because most of you reading these comments know exactly where it is in the bible. It seems to me that the issue here is too much logos and not enough rhema. We are each accountable to Him for the revelation He has given us as we allow His Word to have its way.
    For me, if someone is watching my life, I want God to have ALL of the glory. If I have joy, I’d prefer onlookers to know that it comes from His presence and not the glass I’m holding. That’s my personal position, but It’s not for me to judge my brother.
    Now, I do believe it is very clear in His Word not to drink with the drunkards. So if a person is doing this, perhaps he or she may want to examine him/herself in the light of this scripture. After all we are called to come out and be separate. Yet He wants is in the world. We are light, so let’s each shine we He has placed us and stop causing such division amongst ourselves. It’s really unattractive to the world.

20. Rodger

    March 29, 2017 at 6:06 AM

    Cheers!