There are two main views on whether or not wine in the Bible was intoxicating or not intoxicating: This preposition is based mostly on the following arguments: (a) The wine of the First Century was watered down (i.e. Christians who like the mood altering effects of alcohol like to use a proof-texting Scripture to justify their use of intoxicating beverages. He describes the alcoholic content in wine stating that it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder, which strongly indicates alcoholic content. 2007 Artists of previous centuries often depicted biblical figures wearing the fashions and using the technology of the artists own time rather than those of the actual biblical world (see Gerbrand van den Eeckhouts painting, Vision of Cornelius the Centurion or Rembrandts The Prodigal Son in the Brothel). Wine and Alcohol in the Bible by R.A. Baker | Early Church History 101 - Was the wine in the ancient world alcoholic? The new wine is pressed from the grapes and put into new bottles. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Those that cannot think correctly are not going to act correctly. There are two types of Kosher wine: Mevushal and non-Mevushal. Wine production on Israeli lands began thousands of years ago, perhaps even prior to the Biblical era. All rights reserved. Again, there can be no argument about whether the ancients diluted their wine; there are innumerable examples from ancient writers to verify this fact. One would have to drink large amounts to get drunk on a 3% mix. That would be about three times the alcohol contained in an 8 ounce cup of diluted wine in Bible times. The scripture is consistent on this point. I will seek it yet again. No, the wine in Bible times contained enough alcohol to cause people to get drunk, which would have been more than "a little" alcohol. No one does these things with new and old wine. The party is winding down, and maybe theyre trying to get people to go home. This was the view I was taught growing up. Ironically, one popular abstentionist argues that the burden of proof should fall on those who claim that Biblical wine contained alcohol. Photo credit: Getty Images/Katarzyna Bialasiewicz. 2. Specifically, regarding Jesus drinking wine, what do we see in the Gospels? Thisfruit of the vine means wine. We are only given two options, neither of which is to drink alcoholic wine in any appreciable way. On this point there can be little argument; it is certain that people in the ancient world drank grape juice, and oinos was sometimes used to refer to fresh, non-alcoholic wine. At times and places of poor public sanitation (such as Medieval Europe), the consumption of alcoholic drinks was a way of avoiding water-borne diseases such as cholera. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them. John 6:53-56, Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, Two pounds of wheat for a days wages, and six pounds of barley for a days wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine! (For other food symbolism in the Bible, see these posts: Milk in the Bible and Bread in the Bible). Therefore, we get several occasions where the drinking of alcohol is addressed. In ancient times there were not many beverages that were safe to drink. Both the production and the quality of wine declined steadily in Europe during the early Middle Ages. 2 Maccabees 15:39 states, It is harmful to drink wine alone, or again, to drink water alone, while wine mixed with water is sweet and delicious and enhances ones enjoyment.. Additionally, God created wine and the vine and placed His parameters, through scripture around the use of wine. Typically women and children were not allowed to drink fermented wine, but were instead given grape juice. In a recent letter, a visitor to the Biblical Studies Foundation web site asked, "Could you help explain whether the Bible promotes drinking alcohol or whether it condemns it." . Drunkeness is described as tarrying a very long time at the wine, not merely taking a few drinks. Isaiahs description confirms a very low alcoholic content in the wine in Bible times. High priest of God Melchizedek (who was actually Jesus) brought wine to a victorious Abraham. The use of wine is not the same today as it was in ancient times. A second important difference is the purpose for using alcoholic . However, Scripture does not necessarily forbid a Christian from drinking beer, wine, or any other drink containing alcohol. Both Pliny and Plato refer to the "legendary" aspects of Homer's wine. Do you remember hearing your grandmother talk about bloody flux that children in her day died of? It took literally more than all day to get drunk. Ancient People of Teotihuacan Drank Alcohol as Nutrient Booster Mood swings. Drunkenness leads to bad decisions that have consequences. Around 10% of wine content was considered alcoholic in biblical times. Wine in the Bible has many forms of symbolism and significance as well as numerous references. God made grass for the cattle and plants for man to cultivate into three types of food: wine, bread, and oil. The relatively little that was produced was consumed locally, and because wine was needed for Christian sacraments, it was for the most part the produce of ecclesiastical foundations. Lack of sound judgement. We. Well water was common, the collection of rain water for drinking was common - the Bible has numerous examples of people drinking water. The word translated wine cannot, however, with any degree of certainty, be proven to be either intoxicating or not intoxicating. However, in truth, we will probably never know and, along these lines, we really shouldnt need to: when it comes down to it, a persons faith is based on much bigger things than their opinion of alcohol. Mix it half and half, and you get madness; unmixed bodily collapse.. To be considered legally drunk in most states in U.S.A you must have a blood alcohol concentration, BAC of 0.08%. Third Century . The problem is one of emphasis and implication. (John 2:1-3). Certainly, it was fermented and had a modest alcohol content. And I definitely tried to stay away from the girls who did that stuff. How strong an alcoholic content was the Old Wine of the Old and New Testaments? Joy and gladness are gone from the orchards and fields of Moab. Interestingly, in several cases, Jesus uses wine to make a point about the new covenant and Gods work. B. Shabbath 77a says that wine that does not mix well with three parts water is not true wine. We should be sensitive to diverse perspectives, remembering not to judge Gods servants if they differ on food and drink details (Romans 14:17). Most people know that chlorine bleach can be used to help purify water, but I do not think it is commonly thought of to use wine to do so. It was also the most widely consumed beverage in the Mediterranean world. This means that first-century wine was never stronger than 6% alcohol, and often was only 3% or less. 16. Jesus said to them, Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Contact CH101 Absolutely right! White, dry. Didnt he instruct people at the Passover to drink wine? The history of Israeli wine is unique in that it also involves the history of Christ. to do in Grand Junction, Colorado :: Wine & Bike Tours :: Raft Tours :: Vineyard Tours, Colorado: Not Just for Beer Again Stein uses the same citation from Homer's Odyssey. * (*download the PDF version of this article for footnotes and references) 4. Some teach that what is referred to as wine in the Bible is actually grape juice that is unfermented. As mentioned above, alcohol causes sorrow, contention, babbling, wounds, straying eyes, perverse hearts, as well as devastating physical effects. Some texts reference ratios. But, those who take an opposing stance state that there are too many Biblical references warning against excessive use of wine. If it was just grape juice, or a wine with virtually no alcohol content, there would be no need for precautions. I want to point out one more problem I find with these various wine articles - the idea that the water was typically unsafe for drinking is another argument for diluting wine with water. And no one, having drunk old wine, immediately desires new; for he says, The old is better. (Luke 5:37-39). 0.31-0.40 Loss of temperature regulation and loss of bladder control. Working and Keeping: Seasonal Lessons in my Life as a Flower Farmer. Anyone who thinks "normal" wine could withstand this kind of dilution should take the best grape juice on the market and dilute it with 2 parts water. This may not be a New Testament command today but who would deny that it is the wisdom of God? He distinguishes between wine and strong drink. Do not even eat with such people. 1 Corinthians 5:11, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. With the exception of the sweet wines referred to above, fermentation continues until all sugar in the juice has been converted to alcohol. 1 We know the fermentation process stopped after a short time, for the skins would be burst after the hardened if it had not. Through Christ, our very natures can be redeemed, and God has saved the best for lastHis Son and His kingdom. However, many scholars believe that the wines of that era were probably around 14-16% alcohol by volume, which is slightly higher than the average wine today . It also documents that he approved of its moderate consumption (Matthew 15:11). The yeast added to ancient wines produced between 4-11% alcohol." (bing.com) Of the 23 times the word shekar appears in the Hebrew Bible, in all but two passages, it is combined with yayin, "wine," either as a word pair or in poetic parallelism. Scripture warns us to avoid drunkenness, the danger of living for our own pleasure in drunken parties (Romans 13:13-14). I have searched the internet and read several sites where water purification is discussed - none of them ever mention using any kind of alcohol to make water drinkable. History also shows that fermented drinks were common in most ancient cultures for one simple reason: they couldnt trust the water. While some people insist that Jesus drank wine, others insist that he didnt, and, of course, a few Bill Clinton fans insist that he drank, but didnt inhale. [] a previous article, we examined the ancient practice of winemaking. 1. This position is based primarily on the following arguments: (a) While it is true that wine during biblical times was normally watered down (if it wasnt, it was called strong drink Deuteronomy 14:26), that which was consumed was nevertheless intoxicating if one consumed a sufficient amount. You might not agree with his views, but he knows more than I will ever know about how to stay alive during a natural disaster - this includes how to get drinkable water, how to purify water, and how to safely store water for later consumption. Revolution Every person is unique and must be free to have their own convictions regarding the matter. Brewery - the smallest commercial brewery in Colorado, takes "Best Pale Ale" honors at Crested Butte's Fall This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 3:3, 8; 5:23; Titus 2:3). It could also be that by the time they were drinking at 20:1 they were so drunk that they could not taste/notice the dilution (cf. Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. After the flood, Noah grows a vineyard, makes wine, and gets drunk. The first thing Noah does post-flood . The juice would be collected in a special treading floor that would lead to a collecting vat. Wine in the Bible has many forms of symbolism and significance as well as numerous references. Wine History Answer (1 of 7): The alcoholic content of the wine is only half of the story. Bible, wine is referred to as the "wine of life" (Leviticus 19:18), and it is also mentioned as a drink for the dead . One method was boilingThe safest and easiest method of making the water safe to drink, however, was to mix it with wine. He created many good things for us to enjoy within the parameters He set (for example, sex and marriage). Offer it as an aroma pleasing to the Lord. Numbers 15:4-6. Rather, it means we must choose what is most important for us to focus on: what makes us feel good for a little while, or what gives us eternal life? The Old Testament Apocrypha also documents the practice of diluting wine with water. Memory loss. Many Christians have strong convictions about drinking alcohol, with a wide and varied spectrum in different traditions and denominations. This bold claim is precisely the opposite of . He blessed the wine and instructed the men to drink from it. If the wine was in fact wine and not grape juice, then it obviously had some sort of alcohol content. This is answered in the description the Lord gives on what it took to become drunk. However, other texts show that the New Testament authors approved the use of wine in moderation (1 Tim. Questions/Answers But what about alcohol? Your branches spread as far as the sea they reached as far as Jazer. There are a few problems with this citation: first, the characters in Homer's narrative begin by drinking the wine unmixed, then (apparently to make it last longer) they begin diluting it with increasingly greater volumes of water until they reach 20:1. [2] [3] [4] Additionally, the inhabitants of ancient Israel drank beer, and wines made from fruits other than grapes, and references to these appear in scripture. Note how long it took. The issue of alcohol content in wine is an important one. Furthermore, Falernian was exclusive to the elite and certainly not a "typical" ancient wine. For wine to be non-Mevushal, which is the basic form of Kosher, the preparation of it must follow a regime of specific rules. Learn how your comment data is processed. The article goes on to argue that the most likely water to wine dilution rate of Jews in the New Testament period was 3:1, which was equivalent to a beverage that is only 3% alcoholic. But whether we drink moderately or abstain entirely is not the point. We arent free if we allow any substance, alcohol included, to have power over us. His resulting nakedness needs to be covered, and Hams family is summarily cursed when Ham looks at the shame (Genesis 9). We should dream now about the missional opportunities that are coming. His current research focuses on the Gospel of Matthew, New Testament textual criticism, and the biblical theology of the work of Christ. Can Christians drink alcohol? As an Amazon Associate, as well as an affiliate of other programs, this means if you purchase something using these links, I will receive a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you! And, the Good Samaritan used wine to cleanse the wound of the traveler. How does the Bible speak of wine and alcohol? Todays alcoholic content does not require anyone tarrying more than a few drinks to get drunk. While one reason for this was the addition of water, another reason was naturally fermented wine (wine that does not have additives) was the only wine available during this time. I have an explanation, but that will have to wait for "Wine in the Ancient World, Part II." However, the ancients were virtually unanimous that a dilution rate of at least two parts water to one part wine was necessary. Therefore, strong drink is not 150 proof Whiskey. #8. Virtually every scholar agrees that the alcohol content of wine during Biblical times was usually between 5-20%, which is enough to intoxicate. The leadership of this church repeatedly tell the Americans, "Do not drink the water." People routinely died from bad water. 0.11-0.20 Reasoning, depth perception, inappropriate behavior. There is but one conclusion. At the same time, the Bible tells us to live soberly (Titus 2:11-13) and to have self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Stein comments on this. Being apathetic to the apathetic will cause more harm than good. Wine can represent love between neighbors and the good of faith. The scriptures leave no doubt about the alcoholic content in Bible wine. 13. Strong drink is full strength wine with an alcohol content of, at most, 12-15%. Some of the statistics from Mazak, who was one of my professors, are dubious at best. The world drinks to get drunk, forget its problems and satisfy its own lusts. While I do have an opinion on this issue, my first intention is not to engage in this dispute here. When they read the New Testament, they naturally imagine that things there and then must have been very much like they are here and now. 11.0. who hath babbling? Britt Mooney (with his amazing wife, Becca) has lived as a missionary in Korea, traveled for missions to several countries, and now lives in Suwanee GA as a church planter that works bi-vocationally with Phoenix Roasters, a missional coffee company. Important for the discussion is the example of Jesus. History and archeology also show that in ancient times alcoholic wines were commonly diluted before drinking. "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit . Thus the fermentation process must come to a halt or the skins would burst. We party differently than the world. 8-14%. The Bible never gives a blanket prohibition against alcohol, but drunkenness is a problem. For example, God created sex, and intended for it to be a good thing within marriage. So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Some Scriptures discuss alcohol in positive terms. As we navigate our attitude toward alcohol, we must remember that our freedom is important. Homer was the Star Trek of the ancient world! Water can contain diseases and bacteria. Even when it comes to food. For more detailed information, please visit ourAffiliate Disclaimerpage. Ancient wine was stored undiluted in large jars called amphorae. Ancient wine was massive, round, and juicy in size and shape. www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2005-12-04/ (2005) [2] Moreover, the passage in the nazirite law strongly implies that wine and shekhar must both be grape products, since vv. In the ancient Egyptian religion, both wine and beer played varying roles. Too coarse and too sweet to be consumed, Israeli wine was looked on unfavorably until just a few decades ago. With the adoption of modern equipment, the import of good vine stock, the encouragement given to viticulturists, and the planting of vineyards in mountain ranges, near lakes, and in flat areas, Israel wine has recently become much more appreciated, for its taste and its variety. Learn how your comment data is processed. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc are viewed as particularly good, although Israel also produces several Merlots and other common varieties. If we think a wedding can take a long time in our modern times, the Jewish wedding of Jesus day included days of celebration, dancing, and drinking wine. I weep for you, as Jazer weeps, you vines of Sibmah. (d) God created many things for us that could be abused or misused. For example, Isaiah 16:10 says, "And gladness is taken away, and joy out of the plentiful field; and in the vineyards there shall be no singing . The destroyer has fallen on your ripened fruit and grapes. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God even as I try to please everyone in every way. . 2. The alcohol content of wine in biblical times is difficult to determine, as it is impossible to know the exact processes and ingredients used to produce it. This was very likely the commonly accepted dilution rate among Jews of the NT era as well. When we look at the Greek word for wine oinos; it is a generic term, which designates the juice of the grape in all it stages. Cup of diluted wine in the ancient world both wine and alcohol in the Bible of... Were common in most ancient cultures for one simple reason: they trust... Would deny that it also documents that he approved of its moderate consumption ( 15:11! Mocking said, these men are full of new wine is only half of the wine in moderation 1... Method was boilingThe safest and easiest method of making the water. was on! An aroma pleasing to the Lord gives on what it took literally than! Did that stuff is addressed are dubious at best having drunk old wine where the drinking alcohol. A wide and varied spectrum in different traditions and denominations: wine, wherein is excess ; be! Answered in the Bible and Bread in the juice has been converted to alcohol of rain water drinking... Alcohol content in wine is unique and must be free to have power over us after the,. That wine that does not mix well with three parts water to one Part wine was,... Numerous references description the Lord gives on what it took literally more than all day to get drunk on 3. The orchards and fields of Moab merely taking a few drinks to get,..., to have their own convictions regarding the matter until just a few to. Enough to intoxicate a victorious Abraham drink fermented wine, or any other drink containing alcohol juicy! And easiest method of making the water. it to be consumed, Israeli wine was in fact wine not. And Keeping: Seasonal Lessons in my Life as a Flower Farmer during Biblical times the Bible is actually juice. A few decades ago who did that stuff to get people to go.... Water was common - the Bible ) would be no need for precautions ounce cup diluted... %, which is enough to intoxicate and Keeping: Seasonal Lessons in my as... With three parts water is not 150 proof Whiskey drinking beer, wine, or a wine with alcohol! Would lead to a victorious Abraham likely the commonly accepted dilution rate of at least parts! That what is referred to as wine in Bible times pouring on oil and wine 8 ; 5:23 ; 2:3! %, which is to drink wine and God has saved the best for lastHis Son and his kingdom pleasure... Regulation and Loss of bladder control be redeemed, and maybe theyre trying to get drunk,. The wine is an important one how does the Bible never gives a blanket against... 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Day to get drunk, having drunk old wine, what do we see in the has.