 Alcohol in the BibleMany Bible texts mention that wine in biblical times contained alcohol. However, that wine contained much less alcohol than wine nowadays.Hebrew words in the Bible for wine and liquor: Jajin This is the most common Hebrew word for wine and liquor. Sjékhár Sjékhár does not mean liquor as we know it but it is an alcoholic drink made of grains and fruit. Liquor did not exist yet. The term indicates being drunk or intoxicated and usually has a negative connotation in the Old Testament. Bible texts: - Genesis 9:20-27 (Noah) - I Samuel 25:36 (Nabal) - II Samuel 13:28,29 (Amnon) - I Kings 16:9 (Elijah) - I Kings 20:16 (Ben Hadad) - Jeremiah 13:13, 25:27, 51:39, 57 - Isaiah 49:26; 63:6 The following texts, however, give a positive connotation: - Genesis 43:34 - Numbers 28:7 - Deuteronomy 14:26 - Proverbs 31:6 - Song of songs 5:1 `Asis This word is mentioned five times in the Old Testament and indicates the intoxicating effect of liquor. In general, this term would indicate the fermented juices of grapes or other fruits. Bible texts: - Joel 1:5, 4:18 - Amos 9:13 - Isaiah 49:26 - Song of songs 8:2 - Isaiah 49:26 - Joel 1:5 Tirosj This term is mentioned 38 times in the Old Testament. It might mean wine made from other fruits than grapes. In any case, it indicates wine with an intoxicating effect. Bible texts: - Judges 9:13 - Hosea 4:11 Chemer This word is mentioned twice and probably indicates 'fermenting'. Bible texts: - Deuteronomy 32:14 - Isaiah 27:2 Mezeg This term is mentioned only once in Song of Songs 7:2. Mimsakh This term indicates wine mixed with herbs. It is mentioned twice in the Bible: - Proverbs 23:30 - Isaiah 65:11 Mesekh This term is mentioned once in Psalm 75:8. In the NIV, it has been translated with 'wine mixed with spices. Nesekh This word is mentioned 64 times. In the NIV, it has been translated into 'drinking offer'. Bible texts: - Genesis 35:14 - Exodus 29:40 - Ezechiel 35:17 Sove This term is mentioned twice in the Bible: - Isaiah 1:22 - Hosea 4:18 Greek words for wine in the Bible: Oinos This is the general word for wine. The bursting of the skins in Matthew 9:17 indicates that this wine is also fermented. Gleukos This word indicates sweet, new wine. The use of this word in Acts 2:13 also indicates fermented wine. |
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