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Wednesday, January 04, 2012

How does the Bible define drunkenness?

The thoughts on this post began with a pastor asking the question, "Would you mind telling me how I as a pastor can know when a member of my flock is guilty of drunkenness?" The Bible-believing Christian must answer this the same way regardless of his or her position on drinking in moderation or abstention. Go to the Bible and find out what it says about drunkenness. We won't find a fine dividing line that we can determine with a breathalyzer. That is a secular and legal approach. In our state we legally define that point with blood alcohol level -- 0.08 blood alcohol concentration (at least while driving).1 BUT the question now before us is how the Bible, our rule of faith and practice, defines it. There we will find guidance. Inspired, inerrant guidance at that!

Please consider the following points from Scripture.

There is a point at which one passes from "drinking wine" to drunkenness; that is, these are two different states. For examples, Genesis 9:21 "And he drank of the wine, and was drunken..." Deuteronomy 29:19 "And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst:"

The Bible speaks of "drunken" but also of an exceeding state of that: 1 Samuel 25:36 "And Abigail came to Nabal; and, behold, he held a feast in his house, like the feast of a king; and Nabal's heart was merry within him, for he was very drunken" The "very drunken" state is most obvious, but drunken might not be quite as readily observable.

Certain actions, states or physical signs are often associated with drunkenness in the Bible, such as staggering, shaking and vomiting. Psalm 107:27 They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit's end. (Cf. Jer. 23:9, Isa. 19:14; Prov. 23:29). [We understand other things can also cause these signs, such as sickness.]

Actions or states unrelated to alcohol sometimes are mistaken for drunkenness. 1 Samuel 1:13 "Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken." (Cf. Acts 2:15)

Drunkenness is associated with loss of control of one's senses or actions. Sometimes "loss of control" can be in a good way -- being controlled by the Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;" There are also other figures in the Bible that speak of being "drunk" on something other than wine/strong drink that seem to generally share the meaning of not being in control or possession of one's faculties. (Cf. Job 12:24-25; Lam. 4:21; Rev. 17:2)

Drunkenness is caused by an excess of wine. Compare Eph. 5:18 and I Peter 4:3. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

This may be simplistic. Perhaps it does not draw as exact a line as you may want. But looking at these verses are a starting place for a BIBLICAL definition of drunkenness.


1. I'm not sure if it is proper to say this defines drunkenness legally so much as to say it is the point where driving becomes illegal. For example, I don't think BAC has anything to do with "public intoxication" in Texas, which appears to be at a law officer's discretion.

34 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is an incomplete thought! You had me. You spoke to me spiritually. But then you just quit.... Please pray on this and follow Gods will and complete this thought... God bless you! Please

R. L. Vaughn said...

Anonymous,

I apologize for overlooking a response to your comment until now. I do realize the incompleteness of this, but I had to speak from the light I had and go no further. Shall I receive more light, I will return to the subject.

Anonymous said...

If u look at Ecclesiastes 9:7 and 1corinthians 10:31 drinking w proper mature motivation is an ok thing. But we must not let higher leavels of truth be stumbling blocks to babes in christ. We must be built in the spirit seeking him first in all things not a drink in troubled times. Look at eccentric 9:7 in the amplified version it all about a joyful heart not drinking to dround your sarows. But always keep in mind that this walk w christ is individual so one may be convicted by there concance so we musk not go against that. I hope this helps some. Seek him first and he will answer what's right for you at this stage in your walk. And be incorraged by u reading this is mature in its self longing for truth and clarity.

Anonymous said...

U must also consider if we decide to drink what do u drink and were do u do it. If 1cor15:33 says bad company corrupts good caricter than the bar isn't the place to partake. There's alot more to consider than just if its lawful. Now don't get confused w what seem to be stipulations there just to protect ourselves form evil. We are also called to be set apart from this world. The more unlike the world we become the more christ like we become. So we must keep that in mind too. But what is lawful isn't always expedient as the Bible also stated. So even if we pin down the exact amount to drink and what to drink and were to drink it there's still more to consider like are we calls to preach because were not to partake in any wine then and if were decons than we shouldn't partake in much wine as the apostle Paul writes. It all boils down to your level of maturity and understanding of god's truths. And I don't want to sound like I have it all figured out because I don't and I sertinly don't want to cause any one to fall because teachers of the word of God are held to a higher level of accountability. I'm just sharing what I know and were I am w my walk In Seeking the trough. So please reply and correct any thoughts I've placed if need be.

Anonymous said...

We also must consider what wine was in Biblical days. It wasn't what it is today were man has added sugars and different ways to inhance the alcohol content greatly. Because Paul warns us on not partaking in strong drink. So I just thought I'd add those thoughts to the other comments made.

Anonymous said...

the bible also states to give those who are about to perish and those who are troubled strong drink,so they may forget their wows

Anonymous said...

Deuteronomy 14:26 says regarding the Feast of Tithes to buy "oxen or sheep or wine or strong drink, whatever your appetite craves. And you shall eat there before the Lord your God and rejoice." I do not think it is a question whether alcohol in biblical times was less strong than modern alcohol or not, clearly drunkenness was possible and frequent. And in my opinion the Bible and Jesus clearly condone drinking alcohol in moderation, but never drunkenness.
My question is ... what is the difference between drinking while rejoicing, and drunkenness? As others have stated, we will not find a BAC level to reference in the Bible. :) I agree with others, I think this is something we should seek God first. God is always working to grow us and he puts the Holy Spirit in our hearts so we don't need to be consumed with legalism, but we should seek the Holy Spirit's direction in all things. But here's a "rule-of-thumb" I apply to myself regarding alcohol ... If you ever feel ashamed or convicted with how much you drink or drank, you had too much. And then I learn from that. And what the Lord convicts us about may change over time as we continue to grow in our walk.

Unknown said...

I believe if we are of the House Hold of Faith,Jesus Chirst. We need to ask ourselves some questions, one why do I drink,at one time I drink to get drunk,and then I started to justify myself with these words. I need it to calm my nerves, to relax. But the Holy Spirit being to deal with me,and tell me, Jesus died on the cross for all of those things u go through and deal with.Give it to Him in Faith and Believe that He Will. When I drink or smoke,I was telling God Jehovah, that. Your Sons death and resurrection was not good enoughfor me,and I need additional help,which made that a idol god. The Holy Spirit also enlightened me,that who is better to calm you,then He who made the nerves. May God Bless u all

Unknown said...

Anonymous,

Although I agree with much of what you wrote, how much did you have to drink when you wrote your post? Your spelling and grammar are horrible. ;)

Anonymous said...

So u think if a person knows how to speak or write. They r better then other,well sir if u agree with what was said. Then does it matter about grammar. Just as long as their is understanding to better the people in information and do God's Will. O yea,do u think it's the Will of God to agree with someone,then try to put them down. Hmmm.... may God bless you in humbleness!

Anonymous said...

To MJ Phillips, it is unkind to criticize the written comment of anyone and that saddened me for you to do that. As Gods children we should not belittle another. I understood clearly what the person you are referring too very well. Some people may not have achieved well in school and may have a a disability to learning or he could have been rushed to express his feelings in words,it doesn't matter. But I ask God to bless the person your referred to because his comment was heart felt and meaningful and well presented and I respect his contribution. Thank you

Anonymous said...

So often in the bible there is a physical connection to spirituality. The drunkenness that relates to drinking too much alcohol is obvious. This is not good or God's way. The drunkenness in the spiritual sense relates to what we have put in our hearts that we set our sights on or get to wrapped up in ourselves, or anti-spiritual habits that resist the forming of good character. God urges us to be alert in mind and be aware of our surroundings, to not fall into the intoxicating thoughts that we all are prone too, because of what we set our hearts on that will bring us nothing but misery. We are told to set our hearts on the kingdom of God, therefore our thoughts will always be focused and sober. If we are prone to excess, drinking, eating or over indulgence on any worldly charm whether it be physical or not, taxes the spirit. Moderation is the key, don't let anything or anyone beside God control you. If it does, you become dull, slow and useless, just like a DRUNK

Anonymous said...

Also remember, THE BODY IS A TEMPLE.
Excess alcohol destroys your body. Overtime, too much will eventually kill you. If we treat our bodies as temples, intaking enough alcohol to make us physically hurt (hungover) is a violation of that principle.

Anonymous said...

If we say "our body is a temple" then it is also true that we shouldn't be going to McDonalds, over eating, etc. Making sure that everything that touches or goes into our bodies should be pure and the best. We should be exercising regularly, etc. Unless we are doing that, we have do business condemning another's freedom.

Anonymous said...

Thanks everyone for your comments I have been worried about will I ever stop I don't drink much but if I go out sometimes I over do it so reading these comments has build up my confidence level to help me out with what's on my heart bless everyone and Thank You Jesus !!!

Anonymous said...

The very first miracle of CHRIST was at the wedding feast at Caanan. CHRIST made, I believe, 12 vats of superior wine. The headwaiter even remarked that most people give out the good wine first, and when the people have had their fill, then they bring out the inferior brand, as the dull senses will leave them unaware. I don't know how many people were at the wedding, but I'm sure they were sufficiently gassed by the time JESUS honored HIS holy mother and made much more, and much better quality. I may be wrong, but always understood drunkenness in the bible to mean those who lose their moral sense when drinking, perhaps stealing, beating their wives and kids, looking for fights, etc. We've all met these people. Theyre seems to me to be a big difference between them and some old retiree sitting in his favorite tavern and brinking beer all day, just getting relieved of the aches and pains of life, and sharing fun times with his buddies, perhaps numbing his pain. I can't see how that would be sinful. I MAY be wrong, but it seems to make sense. Why would CHRIST HIMSELF, for HIS first miracle, make a product that would lead HIS families friends into sin? This escapes me.

Unknown said...

Hello, let me share with you my experience with Christ Jesus! I could tell you many things about what He has done for me. I will share with you this one. I'm a believer, I believe that Christ Jesus was born of a virgin, I believe He healed,taught and fed many. I believe He was hated of His own people. I believe He still died from them and the entire world. I believe that no man took His Life but He Christ Jesus layed it down. That we might live forever with Him. I believe He sits on the Right Hand of the Father. I believe I was a sinner who needed a Savior. I accept what He did by His Grace,and with Faith I Believe unto Salvation,Amen! One day as usually, I was sitting in my chair. I became frustrated with a person and also my legs where bothering me. So I told myself I would go and purchase some beer and cigarettes. Now I want you to know Ive been raised in the church to do religious things. But never was I taught how to apply and have a relationship with God. So, I'm sitting in this chair and to my surprise. The Holy Spirit begins to talk to me. He told me that every time I drank a beer and smoked a cigarette. I was in other words tell God. His Son Death for my sins wasn't good enough.This hit me So Hard! I was disappointed in myself. See God Love us! He's not the Problem and never will He cause a problem to make us fall. We are the problem and its because we simply won't Believe in What Jesus did for us on the Cross. So I ask for forgiveness and believe that He Christ Jesus forgave me. I also asked for His help to stop those unrighteous things.So back to the Holy Spirit. He spoke to my spirit and explained to me. That I was fooling myself with the world ways. Who was more qualified to fix all my problems but the One who made me. I was saying I needed a drink or cigarette to calm my nerves. The Holy Spirit told me, who can calm your nerves , than the One who made you. So I started to believe and He delivered me from that. Do I still have problem? Yes, we all do , but its about believing in what Christ did on the Cross for us. We are free in Christ, if we are saved. And that only comes by believing that He Paid the Sin debt, acknowledge we r a sinner and ask for forgiveness. And we ask Him to be our Savior. But the biggest problem for man is believing. Because it takes him or her out the way. Its says I need you God. Help me! I hope and believe this will help many who see it. I about to close. I believe someone stated that the word wine is different from then and now. Yes it was, it could have meant jelly, juice ect... But most people who are in and out the gathering building we call church. Make excuses to keep drinking and everything else because some don't want to stop and some just don't understand the True meaning of Gods Words. Which is Christ Jesus! Amen! The Bible is for believers not unbelievers. When we become saved through Grace and Faith. Then we become the True Church. He dwells in Us.Which helps us live a life for him. I asked a man who has the same problem and used the same scripture this. If drinking and smoking is not wrong WHY do people die from it? Some are innocent and they are killed by a drunk driver. If its not wrong then change the laws and let those who have kill many by it go. If you Will read 1 Corinthian CH 6 verse 19 , 20. If you are saved. Part of this verse tells us we should not have the attitude of the world and say I can do what I want. Our main objective should be pleasing to our Savior. May God bless our way Amen!

Unknown said...

Without Faith its impossible to please God!

Anonymous said...

I've been a Christian for 30+ years (some years better than others) and have experienced everything from fundamental Evangelicalism to extreme "charismania" to traditional Lutheranism to the "Progressive Church" movement. I've heard every argument on both sides. I've seen brothers and sisters abuse their liberty in Christ and I've seen the legalistic Pharisees try to impose their man made restrictions on others. In following this interesting yet somewhat boring conversation on alcohol, I couldn't help but wonder; "what would Jesus say about this controversial subject". I'm not sure but I think He'd raise the level beyond the should and should not's to John 21:21-22, or Matt 25:34-46.

I've seen a somewhat intoxicated Christian forgive a husband who left her for someone else. I've seen a stone cold sober christian who has "NEVER tasted wine" be absolutely condemning towards a gay man. I've felt the cold shoulders and heard the rebuke of the "church" when my wife had a moral failing that became public but felt the understanding and compassion of friends at a local bar.

If you are getting embarrassingly drunk on a regular basis, get some help. If you have convictions that make you abstain, keep it where it started - between you and God! Anything in between, just my humble suggestion but maybe quit worrying about others and love someone! Offer some unsolicited grace, visit your grandparents, call your mom and tell her you love her, mow that widow's lawn or shovel her driveway, visit a nursing home a hug that smelly old person that has been forgotten. And don't worry, that old person won't care if you had a couple beers before you hugged them and I'm not sure but I tend to think God won't mind either. Let's get our priorities straight!!

~ The JOHN 3:16 Project ~ said...

What if a person is ill? The Bible also states, that a little wine can be good for the body.

What about modern medicine today? If we have diabetes, should we not take doctor prescribed medicine?

~ The JOHN 3:16 Project ~ said...

What if a person is ill? The Bible also states, that a little wine can be good for the body.

What about modern medicine today? If we have diabetes, should we not take doctor prescribed medicine?

R. L. Vaughn said...

Linda,

Wine was used in the Bible for medicinal purposes -- e.g. Paul tells Timothy to use a little wine for his stomach's sake -- and the Bible never condemns the use of doctors or medicine (although we should not depend on them to the exclusion of depending on God).

Anonymous said...

Wow! anonymous 5:36!!! I have had the same insight. A person could be drunk with fame, fortune, or any thought or motive that hinders our walk with God. It makes us "Stagger" like a drunken man, psalm 107. because one who is not focussed on the Lord or things above, tend to start to waver and drown in the storms of this life. We have to put the Full Armour of God on!!!! We should be thankful in all things and understand what the Will of the Lord is. I believe it can mean a symbolic drunkedness, but also a literal drunkedness, that causes us to not obey the Word of God.

Anonymous said...

I just want to add also, that the Bible does not condemn drinking Wine, God weighs the thoughts and intents of the heart. He doesn't look so much at "What"we're doing , but "Why"we're doing it.

Lisa Ramona Girela said...

I believe your statement on drunk is true. There are people that don't drink and have a drunkard mind, causes them to fall into the evils against God Almighty. I have always loved to drink wine. After I was born again I had no desire to drink wine, smoke or anything that was desirable to flesh. Jesus also gave me the experience of drunk in the spirit. Later I had literally stop fellowship with God and Jesus. Something happened and I was so mad at myself, I tools The Holy Spirit to find someone else. Later I think I started drinking more heavy.then ever. Later when I re-repented in my life. It was spiritually hard because satan was mad when I repented. That was 2004, only now in 2015 Jesús delivered me from that stronghold of alcoholism. I was drinking wine since I was 6 years old. Born again at 29 now I am 52. I have drank wine once. Since that deliverance, it was for the wrong reason. I repented and smear the blood of Jesús. And rebuked that demon of alcoholism. That strong hold in Jesús Christ name. But I do believe in scripture what you said. It just depends on our own personal relationship with Jesús Christ.

Lisa Ramona Girela said...

Truth

Lisa Ramona Girela said...

I believe your statement on drunk is true. There are people that don't drink and have a drunkard mind, causes them to fall into the evils against God Almighty. I have always loved to drink wine. After I was born again I had no desire to drink wine, smoke or anything that was desirable to flesh. Jesus also gave me the experience of drunk in the spirit. Later I had literally stop fellowship with God and Jesus. Something happened and I was so mad at myself, I tools The Holy Spirit to find someone else. Later I think I started drinking more heavy.then ever. Later when I re-repented in my life. It was spiritually hard because satan was mad when I repented. That was 2004, only now in 2015 Jesús delivered me from that stronghold of alcoholism. I was drinking wine since I was 6 years old. Born again at 29 now I am 52. I have drank wine once. Since that deliverance, it was for the wrong reason. I repented and smear the blood of Jesús. And rebuked that demon of alcoholism. That strong hold in Jesús Christ name. But I do believe in scripture what you said. It just depends on our own personal relationship with Jesús Christ.

Unknown said...

The way I see it and have experienced it is we all are children and can only grow to adults when we have achieved what God put us here for the debate of right and wrong isnover when Jesus died for us he took the ten commandments with him and left the holy spirit with us to guid us one may be told something different from another neither would be wrong but in that time in there lives it's something thatbwill help them to grow if one is drinking and becomes a drunkerd(alcoholic)then the holy spirit will help you be to on drinking but if your not a drunkard the holy spirit will not say anything on it for the wisdom departed on us is for just us or for just you one of the things that make people fall is trying to push what the holy spirit told you to do onto to someone else's even preachers we as Christians should only be moved by God and not by someone else's not by being segregated or looked down on but by acceptance and understanding with uh is giving to you by the holy spirit if you truly believe then be leave that each of us are guided I ndivually and that if someones hearts closed then only jeasus and God can save then not us a preacher is to preach the word of God for the newly saved but not to preach what they where guided to understand for his revaluation was for him alone all Christian's will have a revaluation while reading or hearing the so Dr d or while watching tv and so on so we shouldn't push what was revealed to us onto them and make them fall it says go out and find them we have done that every newly saved can go to a church and knows where one is so we shouldn't go to them in the physical sense but be there for them and we are to be humble so if as a Christine I'm told to make a cake for a gay couple I would and be friendly with them and respectful because I have more of a chance at helping them be saved by acting that way then by reviewing them and yelling at them and condemning them they will never accept God from someone who does those things as a Christine we need to stay humble and polite and kind and if asked not to talk about it then not talk to them about it but stay friendly and kind then they will think this is a Christian I might have had em wrong I may prolly am ranting now but this is what the Bible has let me know the actions of Christians for generations now has been anything but humble and non judging but pushed them selfs and judged and condemned and generated hate and misry causing an unprecedented amount ofnpeople to turn away modern Christians have done nothing but hurt the image of the church and Christians as a whole we as Christians need to step back and hold to our beliefs and quit trying to shove it down others throats with violence and petty bickering they know we are Christians not by our words but by the light that shines from us I have non Christine friends that would make fun of Christians but I let it go just smiled and let it slide and held my beleife and lived by it now those same friends no longer do that and have begun to learn more about God not from me for I don't talk to em about it but from God himself I opened the door for them by just being there and holding my beliefs not by arguing them and getting offended and not going around them but by placing myself there and smiling and laughing and letting those things go changing there minds about what a true Christians acts like it's easynto let Satan enflame your passion and corrupt your works and this is one of those ways he does it by making us forget to be humble and non pridful

Unknown said...

So CHRIST turning water into wine was for medicinal puposes?

Unknown said...

That's true if its righteous. But its pretty much guaranteed if you commit adultery or things like that. The MOST HIGH GOD will not be looking at your heart to see wether or not you had a good reason. I know this is about drinking wine, however I think you should be clear so someone else does not get the wrong idea.

R. L. Vaughn said...

There is no connection between Christ turning water into wine and medicine given in John 2.

Unknown said...

One thing I have learnt lately is that we are free to do anything except one thing,to sin.Jesus said one time that if ur hand causes you to sin cut it off,it's better to go to heaven with one hand than two hands to hell.He didn't mean physical cutting off but anything that can cause you to sin.did you know that tv,internet,friends etc can cause you to sin?ie throughout what we see,hear,speak.Jesus also said that what defiles a person is not what they eat or drink but what comes out of their mouth coz it's from the heart.what you eat or drink you will pass it out.I used to take alcohol and I could get drunk and start doing nasty things but God helped me n I completely abstained fom it.its of late that I have started drinking some little but still rarely for example on parties.but now I can control my self and I never allow to get drunk coz drunkards won't inherit the kingdom of God.GBU

a7marshal said...

Seems like you have a lot of trolls. Perhaps it's the subject. Your writing is fine--grammar and spelling-wise.

Most want an easy answer to this question, and then the medical establishment recommends no more than one drink per day for women and two for men, but that's a long way from being drunk in any sense. I think of falling down, slurred speech, impaired driving and impaired judgement as signs of drunkenness.

Alcohol has greater effects when a person is tired, hungry, angry, etc. So we don't always feel the same after drinking even if we were to measure out the quantity every time we drank.

Lastly, the Bible often means a pattern of behavior with sinful living. A person who errs once would not be regularly guilty of that behavior. People who get drunk tend to do it over and over, though being drunk even one time could cost a person's reputation, or cause them to make a mistake, or have an accident like a car wreck.

My two cents...

R. L. Vaughn said...

a7marshal, Thanks for stopping by and giving your "two cents". I appreciate your reading and commenting.