1 Timothy 5:23

1 Timothy 5:23 (KJV): "Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities."

Context of 1 Timothy 5:23

This verse is a highly personal and practical piece of advice from the Apostle Paul to his protégé, Timothy. It appears somewhat abruptly within a broader section of pastoral instructions concerning church leadership, the care of widows, and the proper treatment of elders (see 1 Timothy 5:1-22). Its inclusion highlights Paul's deep concern for Timothy's personal well-being, even amidst weighty theological and administrative counsel. Timothy, possibly a young man (as suggested in 1 Timothy 4:12) and perhaps prone to ascetic practices or suffering from chronic health issues, was evidently experiencing frequent stomach ailments. In ancient times, water quality was often poor, and wine was commonly used, often diluted, for both refreshment and its perceived medicinal properties, including purifying water.

Key Themes and Messages

• Pastoral Care and Concern: Paul's instruction demonstrates a loving and practical concern for Timothy's physical health, indicating that spiritual leaders should also care for their own bodies and those of their flock.
• Health and Practicality: The verse underscores the importance of addressing physical ailments with practical wisdom. It is not an endorsement of indulgence but a specific health recommendation for a specific problem.
• Moderation: The phrase "a little wine" is crucial. It emphasizes temperance and moderation, contrasting with drunkenness which is consistently condemned in Scripture (e.g., Ephesians 5:18).
• Wisdom Over Asceticism: Paul encourages Timothy to use a practical remedy rather than rigidly adhering to a practice (like drinking only water) that was detrimental to his health. This implies that spiritual discipline should not come at the cost of necessary physical well-being.

Linguistic Insights

• "A little wine" (Greek: oligō oinō): The Greek word oligos means "little," "small," or "few," reinforcing the idea of moderation. Oinos is the standard Greek word for wine, typically fermented grape juice. This phrase clearly indicates that the recommendation is for a modest amount, not excessive consumption.
• "Stomach's sake" (Greek: stomachos): Refers to the stomach or digestive system. In a time before modern medicine, digestive issues were common, and wine was sometimes used for its antiseptic or digestive properties.
• "Often infirmities" (Greek: pyknas astheneias): Pyknas means "frequent" or "thick-set," indicating recurring or persistent health problems. Astheneias means "weaknesses," "sicknesses," or "infirmities." This suggests Timothy suffered from chronic health issues, not just a one-off ailment.

Practical Application and Reflection

1 Timothy 5:23 offers several valuable insights for believers today:

• God Cares for Our Physical Health: This verse reminds us that our physical bodies are important and that caring for them is part of our stewardship. It's a testament to God's holistic concern for humanity.
• Wisdom in Health Choices: We should seek wise and practical solutions for our health issues, using the knowledge and resources available to us. This can include medical advice and appropriate remedies.
• The Principle of Moderation: While this verse addresses a specific medical need, the principle of moderation applies to many areas of Christian life. Discretion and temperance are virtues for all believers, as highlighted in passages like Philippians 4:5.
• Not a Universal Command: It is crucial to understand that this is a specific medical recommendation for Timothy, not a general command for all Christians to consume wine. Broader biblical principles concerning alcohol consumption, such as avoiding drunkenness (Galatians 5:21) and not causing others to stumble (Romans 14:21), remain paramount.

Ultimately, 1 Timothy 5:23 serves as a reminder that faith and practicality can coexist, and that even in spiritual leadership, personal well-being is a valid concern.