Ephesians 5:18

KJV

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} be {G3182} not {G3361} drunk {G3182} with wine {G3631}, wherein {G1722}{G3739} is {G2076} excess {G810}; but {G235} be filled {G4137} with {G1722} the Spirit {G4151};

Complete Jewish Bible

Don’t get drunk with wine, because it makes you lose control. Instead, keep on being filled with the Spirit —

Berean Standard Bible

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

American Standard Version

And be not drunken with wine, wherein is riot, but be filled with the Spirit;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 5:18 delivers a powerful and pivotal command for Christian living, directly contrasting the destructive nature of worldly indulgence with the life-giving empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Paul exhorts believers to abstain from drunkenness, which leads to profligacy and a loss of self-control, and instead to seek a continuous, dynamic filling by the Spirit, leading to wisdom, spiritual vitality, and a life that honors God. This verse serves as a foundational principle for the practical outworking of Christian faith within the community and in individual conduct.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ephesians 5:18 is situated within a broader section of Paul's letter (Ephesians 4:17-5:21) that transitions from theological doctrine to practical exhortations for Christian conduct. Having previously urged believers to "walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called" ([Ephesians 4:1](/ephesians/4-1 "Ephesians 4:1 - Walking Worthy")), Paul provides specific instructions on how to live out their new identity in Christ. The immediate context of chapter 5 begins with a call to "walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us" ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Walk in Love")), followed by warnings against immorality and covetousness. He then contrasts the "unfruitful works of darkness" with "walking as children of light" ([Ephesians 5:8](/ephesians/5-8 "Ephesians 5:8 - Children of Light")), emphasizing discernment and wisdom in a fallen world. Verses 15-17 specifically counsel believers to "walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil" ([Ephesians 5:15-17](/ephesians/5-15-17 "Ephesians 5:15-17 - Walk Wisely")), setting the stage for the direct command of verse 18 as a primary means of living wisely and redeeming the time. The filling of the Spirit then naturally leads into the subsequent instructions on Spirit-empowered worship, submission, and relationships within the church and family (Ephesians 5:19-6:9).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world of Paul's time, drunkenness was a common and often accepted part of social and religious life, particularly in pagan cults where intoxication was sometimes seen as a means to achieve spiritual ecstasy or communion with deities. Feasts and banquets frequently devolved into excessive drinking, leading to widespread moral degradation and public disorder. The city of Ephesus itself was a prominent cultural and religious center, home to the Temple of Artemis, where various forms of revelry and pagan worship were prevalent. Against this backdrop, Paul's command stands in stark contrast to the prevailing culture, calling believers to a distinct way of life that reflects their new identity in Christ. The "excess" (Greek: *asōtía*) mentioned in the verse would have been a recognizable consequence of such rampant intemperance, leading to profligate spending, moral looseness, and a general lack of discipline. Paul's exhortation was a radical call for Christians to differentiate themselves from the surrounding pagan society by embodying a higher standard of conduct, empowered not by external substances but by an internal divine presence.
* **Key Themes:** Ephesians 5:18 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Paul's letter. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Christian Transformation and New Identity**, emphasizing that believers are no longer to live according to their former pagan ways but are to be renewed in their minds and conduct ([Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - New Self in Christ")). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Wisdom and Discernment**, building on the preceding verses that urge believers to "understand what the will of the Lord is" ([Ephesians 5:17](/ephesians/5-17 "Ephesians 5:17 - Understanding God's Will")). Being filled with the Spirit is presented as the pathway to true spiritual wisdom, enabling believers to navigate a fallen world effectively. Thirdly, the verse is central to the theme of **Spiritual Empowerment and God's Indwelling Presence**. It reveals that Christian living is not achieved through human effort alone but through the continuous enabling power of the Holy Spirit, who indwells every believer from the moment of conversion ([Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - Sealed with the Holy Spirit")). Finally, it lays the groundwork for the theme of **Community and Worship**, as the subsequent verses describe how being filled with the Spirit manifests in corporate worship through "speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs" ([Ephesians 5:19](/ephesians/5-19 "Ephesians 5:19 - Speaking in Psalms and Hymns")) and mutual submission within the body of Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Drunk (Greek, _methýskō'_):** A prolonged (transitive) form of *methýō*, meaning "to intoxicate" or "to be drunken." This verb, in the present imperative, implies a continuous state or ongoing process of becoming intoxicated. The negative command ("be not drunk") therefore prohibits both the act of getting drunk and the state of being drunk, emphasizing a complete abstinence from such a condition. It speaks to a loss of self-control and rational faculties, which is antithetical to Spirit-filled living.
* **Excess (Greek, _asōtía'_):** From a compound of *A* (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of *sōzō* (to save); properly, "unsavedness," but by implication, "profligacy," "wastefulness," or "riot." This term describes a dissolute, uncontrolled, and extravagant lifestyle, often associated with reckless spending and moral abandon. In the context of drunkenness, it points to the ruinous and unrestrained behavior that results from impaired judgment and the disregard for moral boundaries. It signifies a life lived without restraint or concern for consequences, leading to spiritual and material impoverishment.
* **Filled (Greek, _plēróō'_):** From *plērēs* (full); meaning "to make replete," "to cram," "to level up," or figuratively, "to furnish," "to imbue," "to diffuse," "to influence," "to satisfy," or "to fulfil." In this verse, it is used in the present imperative passive voice, indicating a continuous command ("keep on being filled") and an action performed upon the believer by an external agent (the Holy Spirit). It signifies being continually pervaded, controlled, and empowered by the Spirit, much like a sail is filled by the wind, enabling movement and direction. It implies a complete saturation and dominance by the Spirit's presence and influence, leading to a life characterized by His fruit and power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And be not drunk with wine":** This is a direct, negative command (present imperative, active voice) prohibiting the act and state of intoxication. The use of "wine" is metonymy for any intoxicating substance that leads to a loss of control. The emphasis is not merely on the substance itself but on the condition of being controlled by it, which renders one incapable of rational thought or godly conduct. It is a call to sobriety and self-mastery, contrasting sharply with the pagan practices of the time.
* **"wherein is excess":** This clause explains the inherent danger and negative consequence of drunkenness. The Greek term *asōtía* (excess/profligacy) highlights the moral degradation, wastefulness, and uncontrolled behavior that inevitably accompany intoxication. It is not just a physical state but a spiritual and moral one, leading to a dissolute lifestyle that squanders resources, relationships, and spiritual potential. This clause serves as a warning against the destructive path of worldly indulgence.
* **"but be filled with the Spirit;":** This is the positive, contrasting command (present imperative, passive voice). "But" (Greek: *allá*) introduces a stark alternative. Instead of being controlled by wine, believers are commanded to be continually controlled, influenced, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. The passive voice indicates that this is not something believers achieve by their own effort but rather something they allow God to do in them as they yield to His presence and leading. It signifies a dynamic, ongoing process of surrender and reception, resulting in a life overflowing with the Spirit's power, wisdom, and fruit.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Ephesians 5:18 is **Antithesis**, a rhetorical device that juxtaposes two contrasting ideas to highlight their differences. Here, Paul directly contrasts "being drunk with wine" with "being filled with the Spirit." This stark opposition emphasizes that these two states are mutually exclusive and represent fundamentally different sources of control and influence in a person's life. Drunkenness leads to "excess" (profligacy and ruin), while Spirit-filling leads to wisdom, self-control, and righteous living. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Imperative Mood** in both commands ("be not drunk" and "be filled"), conveying a direct, authoritative instruction that demands immediate and continuous obedience from the believers. The use of **Metonymy** is also present, where "wine" stands in for any intoxicating substance that leads to the undesirable state of drunkenness and its associated "excess." This concise yet powerful contrast serves to underscore the radical call to a Spirit-controlled life as opposed to a world-controlled one.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 5:18 is a cornerstone verse for understanding the practical outworking of the Christian life, emphasizing that true spiritual vitality and moral conduct stem not from human effort or external regulations, but from the indwelling and empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. It highlights a fundamental theological truth: the believer's life is meant to be Spirit-controlled, a stark contrast to being controlled by worldly influences or sinful desires. This filling is not a one-time event but a continuous process of yielding to God's Spirit, allowing Him to saturate every aspect of one's being, leading to a life that produces the fruit of righteousness and glorifies God. The Spirit's filling enables believers to live wisely, discern God's will, and engage in authentic worship, transforming them from within to reflect Christ's character.

* [Acts 2:4](/acts/2-4 "Acts 2:4 - Pentecost and the Spirit's Filling"): Describes the initial, powerful filling of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost, demonstrating the Spirit's empowering for witness and worship.
* [Galatians 5:16](/galatians/5-16 "Galatians 5:16 - Walk in the Spirit"): Commands believers to "walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh," directly linking Spirit-control to victory over sin.
* [Colossians 3:16](/colossians/3-16 "Colossians 3:16 - Let the Word Dwell Richly"): Encourages believers to "let the word of Christ dwell in you richly," which is often seen as a parallel or complementary command to being filled with the Spirit, as both lead to spiritual songs and thanksgiving.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 5:18 presents a timeless and profoundly relevant challenge for every believer: What or who controls your life? In a world constantly offering fleeting pleasures, temporary escapes, and various forms of intoxication—whether literal or metaphorical—this verse calls us to a higher, more enduring source of fulfillment and empowerment. It's not merely a prohibition against drunkenness, but a positive command to actively and continually yield to the Holy Spirit's influence. This means cultivating a daily dependence on Him through prayer, immersing ourselves in God's Word, and being quick to obey His promptings. When we are filled with the Spirit, our thoughts, words, and actions are increasingly aligned with God's will, leading to genuine joy, peace, and purpose. This divine filling enables us to live wisely in a foolish world, to redeem our time for eternal purposes, and to bear witness to Christ with power and authenticity. It transforms our relationships, our worship, and our very character, making us living epistles of His grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "wines" of my life—the things I turn to for escape, comfort, or control, rather than seeking the Holy Spirit?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to yield more fully to the Holy Spirit's control and influence?**
* **How does being "filled with the Spirit" practically manifest in my daily interactions, decisions, and worship?**
* **What steps can I take today to cultivate a more continuous and dynamic filling of the Holy Spirit in my life?**

### FAQ

**Does Ephesians 5:18 forbid all alcohol consumption?**

Answer: The primary thrust of Ephesians 5:18 is not a blanket prohibition against alcohol itself, but a strong condemnation of drunkenness and the "excess" (Greek: *asōtía*, meaning profligacy or dissolute living) that results from it. The verse contrasts being controlled by wine with being controlled by the Holy Spirit. While some Christian traditions interpret this verse, along with other biblical passages, as a call for total abstinence (teetotalism) to avoid any potential for sin or to set a clear example, the direct command is against the state of being drunk and its destructive consequences. The focus is on the *effect* of wine—loss of self-control and moral decay—rather than the substance in moderation. Therefore, the verse calls believers to sobriety, self-control, and Spirit-led living, which for many, means avoiding alcohol entirely, and for all, means avoiding intoxication. The principle is clear: nothing should control a believer's life except the Holy Spirit.

**What does it mean to "be filled with the Spirit" in a practical sense?**

Answer: To "be filled with the Spirit" (Greek: *plēróō*, present imperative passive) means to be continuously controlled, influenced, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. It's not a one-time event but an ongoing state of surrender and reception. Practically, this involves several aspects:
* **Yielding and Obedience:** Actively submitting your will, thoughts, and desires to the Spirit's leading. This means being sensitive to His promptings and obeying His commands found in God's Word.
* **Abiding in Christ:** Maintaining a close relationship with Jesus, as the Spirit's work is always to glorify Christ and lead us into His truth. Jesus Himself promised the Helper, the Spirit of Truth, who would guide believers into all truth and glorify Him ([John 16:13-14](/john/16-13-14 "John 16:13-14 - The Spirit of Truth")).
* **Immersion in the Word:** Allowing the Word of God to dwell richly within you, as the Spirit often uses the Scriptures to speak, teach, and transform. There's a close parallel between being "filled with the Spirit" in [Ephesians 5:18](/ephesians/5-18 "Ephesians 5:18 - Be Filled with the Spirit") and letting "the word of Christ dwell in you richly" in [Colossians 3:16](/colossians/3-16 "Colossians 3:16 - Let the Word Dwell Richly"), both leading to similar outcomes of worship and spiritual wisdom.
* **Prayer and Worship:** Engaging in consistent prayer, seeking the Spirit's guidance and power, and participating in Spirit-led worship that glorifies God.
* **Manifestation of Fruit and Gifts:** As one is filled with the Spirit, the "fruit of the Spirit" (love, joy, peace, etc., [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - Fruit of the Spirit")) becomes evident, and believers are empowered with spiritual gifts for the edification of the church and witness to the world ([1 Corinthians 12:4-11](/1_corinthians/12-4-11 "1 Corinthians 12:4-11 - Gifts of the Spirit")).
In essence, it means living a life where the Holy Spirit is the dominant, controlling influence, leading to Christ-like character and empowered service.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 5:18 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who perfectly embodied a life completely filled and led by the Spirit, and who promised this same Spirit to His followers. Jesus' entire earthly ministry, from His conception ([Luke 1:35](/luke/1-35 "Luke 1:35 - Conception by the Holy Spirit")) and baptism ([Matthew 3:16-17](/matthew/3-16-17 "Matthew 3:16-17 - Jesus' Baptism")) to His resurrection ([Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - Spirit Raises Christ")), was empowered by the Holy Spirit. He was the quintessential Spirit-filled man, demonstrating what it means to live in perfect obedience and communion with God, never succumbing to worldly excess but always operating under divine control. Furthermore, Christ is the one who, having ascended to the Father, poured out the Holy Spirit upon His church ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - Christ Pours Out the Spirit")), fulfilling His promise to send the Helper ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Helper, the Holy Spirit")). Therefore, to "be filled with the Spirit" is to participate in the very life of Christ, to be conformed to His image, and to be empowered to continue His mission in the world. The Spirit's work is always to glorify Christ ([John 16:14](/john/16-14 "John 16:14 - Spirit Glorifies Christ")), leading believers into deeper intimacy with Him and enabling them to live out the righteous life that Christ exemplified and made possible through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection. Thus, the command to be Spirit-filled is a call to live a Christ-like life, empowered by the same Spirit who indwelt and empowered our Savior.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 20:1

¶ Wine [is] a mocker, strong drink [is] raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

Romans 13:13

Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

Luke 1:15

For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.

Galatians 5:21

Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Galatians 5:25

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Isaiah 5:22

Woe unto [them that are] mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:

Acts 11:24

For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.