What Does the Bible Teach About Drinking Alcohol? Fermented or Faithful
- White Stone
- Jun 11
- 4 min read
In today’s world, alcohol is often seen as a harmless social beverage—something to relax with at dinner or celebrate a special occasion. But what many don’t realize is that alcohol, at its core, is the product of fermentation—a process that transforms wholesome, God-given fruit into a mind-altering substance. Grapes, when fermented, become something entirely different: wine that dulls the senses, impairs judgment, and deadens spiritual awareness.
The Fruit vs. the Ferment
When God created the grapevine, He called it good (Genesis 1:12). Fresh grape juice—often referred to as “new wine” in the Bible—is rich in antioxidants and nutrients. But once those grapes ferment, the transformation is not only physical—it’s spiritual and mental as well. The fermentation process produces ethanol, a toxic substance that alters the brain, reduces inhibitions, and opens the door to sin.
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”— Proverbs 20:1
Alcohol, even in small amounts, clouds reason and spiritual sensitivity. Long-term use is now medically linked to liver disease, mental health issues, and multiple types of cancer.
Jesus the Nazarene: Faithful to His Vow
Jesus is often called a “Nazarene,” and while this refers to His hometown of Nazareth, we also see parallels between His life and the Nazarite vow described in Numbers 6. A Nazarite was someone consecrated to God—set apart for holy purposes—and part of that vow included complete abstinence from wine and all products of the grapevine (Numbers 6:1–4).
Jesus’ life was one of total surrender and obedience. Even in His darkest hour, He kept His vow. At the cross, He was offered vinegar—a sour, fermented wine mixed with gall:
“They gave Him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when He had tasted thereof, He would not drink.”— Matthew 27:34
Why did He refuse it? Because it was fermented. Jesus chose to keep a clear mind and fulfill His mission faithfully to the end. He did not numb His senses—He bore the full weight of suffering with complete spiritual clarity.
This example shows us that Christ, our perfect example, chose faithfulness over fermentation, sobriety over sedation.
What About Paul’s Words in 1 Timothy 5:23?
“Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.”— 1 Timothy 5:23
Some cite this verse to justify moderate drinking. But it’s important to understand that in biblical times, the word “wine”referred to both fermented and unfermented grape juice.
The context here is clearly medicinal—not social or recreational. Given the health purpose and the known dangers of alcohol, it is far more likely that Paul was referring to pure grape juice, commonly used in the ancient world for digestive health. Paul, a man who preached self-control and spiritual alertness, would never encourage something that dulls the mind or contradicts the Spirit’s call to holiness.
Proverbs 23:29–32 — A Clear Warning
“Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.”— Proverbs 23:29–31
This passage is a vivid depiction of the dangers of wine—not just drunkenness, but the deceitful nature of the drink itself.
The Health Crisis: Alcohol and Cancer
Modern science has caught up with ancient wisdom. Here are just a few health risks associated with alcohol:
Breast Cancer – Even moderate drinking increases risk in women.
Colorectal Cancer – Alcohol use is strongly linked with higher incidence.
Esophageal Cancer – Heavy drinking, especially with smoking, is a major cause.
Liver Cancer – Chronic alcohol use leads to cirrhosis, then liver cancer.
Head and Neck Cancers – Alcohol significantly increases risk, especially when combined with tobacco.
The World Health Organization has classified alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen—the same category as tobacco and asbestos.
Doesn’t Psalm 104:14–15 Approve of Wine?
“... and wine that maketh glad the heart of man...”— Psalm 104:15
This verse speaks of God's blessings, including wine, oil, and bread. But again, the Hebrew word used here (“yayin”) can refer to either fermented or unfermented wine. The joy from wine doesn’t require fermentation—fresh grape juice was (and still is) a symbol of God’s abundance and joy.
Ephesians 5:18 — Be Filled with the Spirit
“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.”— Ephesians 5:18
Paul calls believers to spiritual sobriety. Instead of seeking comfort, courage, or escape in wine, we are invited to be filled with the Holy Spirit—the true source of peace, clarity, and joy.
Clear Minds for Holy Living
As followers of Christ, we are called to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world (Titus 2:12). Alcohol numbs the conscience, deadens spiritual discernment, and disconnects us from God’s purposes. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), and we are responsible for what we consume.
Why put something into our bodies that poisons, impairs, and destroys? Let us reclaim what God gave in its purest form. Let us choose grape juice over fermented wine, clarity over confusion, and the Spirit over spirits.
A Closing Thought
If you're looking for peace, joy, or rest, turn to the Living Water, not the fermented fruit. What God offers is far more satisfying—and doesn’t come with a hangover.
“Be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.”— Ephesians 5:18
Let us be filled—mind, body, and soul—with what brings life, not decay.
What are your personal beliefs about alcohol in the life of a Christian?
0% I believe Christians should completely abstain from alcohol
0%I think moderate drinking is acceptable in social or cultura
0%I’m still studying and praying about this issue.
0%I didn’t know the Bible had so much to say about it—this was
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