### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word μέθη (méthē), Strong's number `{{G3178}}`, is defined as "an intoxicant, i.e. (by implication) intoxication." As a primary word, its core meaning is fundamental and direct, referring to the state of being drunk or the act of drunkenness itself. It denotes the condition of being under the influence of alcohol to the point of impairment, signifying a loss of self-control and clear judgment. Unlike mere drinking, μέθη specifically emphasizes the resultant state of inebriation, consistently carrying a negative connotation in its biblical usage. It is not merely the consumption of wine but the excessive indulgence that leads to a state of stupefaction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term μέθη appears three times in the New Testament, each instance unequivocally condemning the practice:
1. **[[Romans 13:13]]**: "Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy." Here, μέθη (plural μέθαις) is listed alongside κῶμος (kōmos `{{G2970}}`, "orgies" or "revelry"), sexual immorality, sensuality, quarreling, and jealousy. This context places drunkenness squarely within a lifestyle characterized by moral laxity and worldly indulgence, contrasting sharply with the "proper" conduct expected of believers who live in the light of Christ's imminent return. It signifies a behavior antithetical to Christian sobriety and vigilance.
2. **[[Galatians 5:21]]**: "envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." In this pivotal passage, μέθαι (plural) is again paired with κῶμοι (kōmoi, "orgies") and explicitly categorized as "works of the flesh." This places drunkenness in direct opposition to the "fruit of the Spirit" (love, joy, peace, etc.), indicating that it is a manifestation of fallen human nature that is incompatible with a life led by the Holy Spirit. Paul's strong warning underscores its severity as a sin that precludes inheritance in God's kingdom.
3. **[[Luke 21:34]]**: "But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap." Here, μέθῃ is conjoined with κραιπάλῃ (kraipalē `{{G2897}}`, "dissipation" or "hangover") and "cares of this life." Jesus warns His disciples against allowing these worldly entanglements to dull their spiritual senses and render them unprepared for His second coming. Drunkenness, in this context, is not merely a moral failing but a spiritual impediment that hinders vigilance and readiness for the Lord's return, leading to spiritual lethargy and unreadiness.
Across these occurrences, μέθη is consistently presented as a negative state, a vice that embodies a lack of self-control, spiritual dullness, and a lifestyle contrary to God's will for His people. It is frequently associated with revelry and debauchery, highlighting its connection to excessive and immoral behavior.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of μέθη intersects with several other Greek terms and broader biblical concepts:
* **κραιπάλη (kraipalē `{{G2897}}`)**: Often translated as "dissipation" or "hangover," this word appears with μέθη in [[Luke 21:34]], emphasizing the physical and spiritual sluggishness that results from overindulgence. It points to the lingering effects and consequences of drunkenness.
* **κῶμος (kōmos `{{G2970}}`)**: Translated as "orgies" or "revelry," this term is frequently paired with μέθη in [[Romans 13:13]] and [[Galatians 5:21]]. It signifies riotous feasting and carousing, often accompanied by drunkenness and unrestrained behavior.
* **οἰνοφλυγία (oinophlygia `{{G3632}}`)**: Meaning "addiction to wine" or "drunkenness," found in [[1 Peter 4:3]], this term points to a sustained pattern of excessive drinking, indicating a deeper problem of habitual inebriation.
* **πάροινος (paroinos `{{G3943}}`)**: "Given to wine" or "drunkard," used in [[1 Timothy 3:3]] and [[Titus 1:7]] to describe a disqualification for church leadership. This term focuses on the person characterized by drunkenness.
* **νηφαλιότης (nēphaliotēs `{{G3568}}`)** and **νηφάλιος (nēphalios `{{G3565}}`)**: These words denote "sobriety" and "sober-mindedness." They stand as direct antonyms to μέθη, representing the self-control and clear-headedness expected of believers, particularly leaders ([[1 Timothy 3:2]], [[Titus 2:2]]).
* **ἐγκράτεια (enkrateia `{{G1466}}`)**: "Self-control," a fruit of the Spirit ([[Galatians 5:23]]), which is directly violated by drunkenness.
* **Works of the Flesh vs. Fruit of the Spirit**: This overarching theological framework in [[Galatians 5]] positions μέθη firmly as a characteristic of the unregenerate life, contrasting with the Spirit-empowered life of holiness.
* **Old Testament parallels**: The dangers of drunkenness are also extensively warned against in the Old Testament, for example, in Proverbs ([[Proverbs 20:1]], [[Proverbs 23:20-21]], [[Proverbs 23:29-35]]) and Isaiah ([[Isaiah 5:11]], [[Isaiah 28:7]]). While different Hebrew words are used (e.g., יַיִן `{{H3196}}` for wine, שֵׁכָר `{{H7941}}` for strong drink), the moral and social condemnation of intoxication is consistent.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of μέθη is profound and multifaceted:
1. **Moral Transgression**: Drunkenness is consistently identified as a sin and a "work of the flesh" ([[Galatians 5:21]]). It represents a failure of self-control and a departure from the righteous conduct expected of those who bear Christ's name.
2. **Spiritual Impairment**: Beyond its moral aspect, μέθη is a spiritual hazard. It dulls the spiritual senses, making an individual insensitive to divine promptings and unprepared for the Lord's return ([[Luke 21:34]]). It hinders prayer, spiritual discernment, and vigilance.
3. **Loss of Self-Control and Reason**: Drunkenness involves a deliberate surrender of rational faculties and self-control, virtues highly esteemed in biblical ethics. Believers are called to be sober-minded and disciplined, reflecting the mind of Christ.
4. **Contrasted with Spirit-Filling**: The New Testament explicitly contrasts being "drunk with wine" with being "filled with the Spirit" ([[Ephesians 5:18]]). This juxtaposition highlights that true spiritual exhilaration and wisdom come from the Holy Spirit, not from artificial stimulants. The Spirit empowers self-control, while drunkenness leads to a loss of it.
5. **Damaging to Witness**: Drunkenness brings reproach upon the individual believer and the Christian community, undermining their witness to a watching world. It is incompatible with the call to live as lights in darkness.
6. **Idolatry and Worldliness**: In its essence, drunkenness can be seen as a form of idolatry, where pleasure, escape, or worldly revelry takes precedence over devotion to God. It aligns with the "passions of the flesh" and the patterns of the world rather than the transformative power of God's Spirit.
### Summary
The Greek word μέθη (méthē, `{{G3178}}`) denotes the state of intoxication or drunkenness. Throughout the New Testament, it is consistently condemned as a serious moral and spiritual failing. Contextual analysis reveals its frequent pairing with "orgies" (κῶμος `{{G2970}}`) and "dissipation" (κραιπάλη `{{G2897}}`), firmly placing it within a category of unrestrained, worldly, and ungodly behavior. Theologically, μέθη signifies a lack of self-control, a hindrance to spiritual vigilance and readiness for Christ's return, and a manifestation of the "works of the flesh" that are antithetical to a Spirit-filled life. Its presence in the biblical texts serves as a stark warning against indulgence and a powerful call for sobriety, discipline, and a life wholly devoted to God.
TRV