a prolonged (transitive) form of μεθύω; to intoxicate:--be drunk(-en).
Transliteration:methýskō
Pronunciation:meth-oos'-ko
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb μεθύσκω (methýskō), Strong's `{{G3182}}`, denotes the process of becoming intoxicated or the state of being drunk. It is a prolonged or inceptive form of μεθύω (methýō) `{{G3184}}`, emphasizing the act or progression into drunkenness, though often translated simply as "to be drunk." Its core meaning revolves around the physical and mental impairment caused by excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, particularly wine. The term signifies a loss of self-control, clouded judgment, and often, an alteration of behavior due to the intoxicating effects. While primarily literal, its consistent negative portrayal in the New Testament extends its semantic range into the realm of spiritual and ethical implications, representing a surrender to carnal desires rather than divine influence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of μεθύσκω in the New Testament consistently present drunkenness as a negative, sinful state, incompatible with the Christian life.
* In [[Luke 12:45]], Jesus uses μεθύσκω in the parable of the faithful and unfaithful servant. The unfaithful servant, believing his master is delayed, "begins to eat and drink and get drunk." Here, drunkenness is depicted as a characteristic of moral decay, irresponsibility, and a lack of readiness for the master's return. It signifies a descent into self-indulgence and neglect of duty.
* [[1 Corinthians 11:21]] reveals a lamentable abuse within the Corinthian church during their communal meals, including the Lord's Supper: "for in your eating each one takes his own supper first; and one is hungry and another is drunk." This passage highlights the profound disrespect for the sacred nature of the Lord's Supper and the lack of concern for fellow believers. Drunkenness here is not merely a personal failing but a public scandal that undermines the unity and witness of the church, demonstrating a carnal rather than spiritual approach to worship.
* [[1 Thessalonians 5:7]] contrasts the behavior of those in darkness with believers: "For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night." This verse links drunkenness with night, symbolic of spiritual darkness, unconsciousness, and a lack of vigilance. It underscores the call for believers to live as "children of light and children of the day," characterized by sobriety and watchfulness (νήφω `{{G3525}}`), not by the revelry of the world.
* Perhaps the most theologically significant use is in [[Ephesians 5:18]]: "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit." Here, μεθύσκω is a direct prohibition. The apostle Paul contrasts being "drunk with wine" (leading to ἀσωτία `{{G810}}`, "dissipation" or "debauchery") with being "filled with the Spirit." This antithesis establishes drunkenness as an antithetical state to Spirit-filling, implying that one cannot be truly under the influence of both wine and the Holy Spirit simultaneously. Drunkenness leads to moral degradation, while Spirit-filling leads to spiritual vitality, worship, and ethical conduct.
Across all occurrences, μεθύσκω consistently denotes a state to be avoided by believers, associated with ungodliness, irresponsibility, and a lack of spiritual discernment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of μεθύσκω is enriched by examining its relationship to other Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **μεθύω (methýō) `{{G3184}}`**: The root verb, often used interchangeably with μεθύσκω to describe the state of being drunk. While μεθύσκω can emphasize the process, the two are closely related in meaning and usage.
* **οἶνος (oinos) `{{G3631}}`**: Wine, the primary substance leading to the state of μεθύσκω. The Bible's teachings on wine are nuanced, but its abuse is consistently condemned.
* **κῶμος (kōmos) `{{G2970}}`**: "Carousing" or "revelry," often listed alongside drunkenness as a "work of the flesh" ([[Galatians 5:21]]). This term describes the boisterous, uncontrolled festivities often accompanied by intoxication.
* **κραιπάλη (kraipalē) `{{G2897}}`**: Refers to the "hangover" or "sickness from a debauch," the negative physical aftermath of drunkenness, mentioned in [[Luke 21:34]] in a warning against being weighed down by "dissipation and drunkenness."
* **νήφω (nēphō) `{{G3525}}`**: To be sober, temperate, or alert. This is the direct antithesis to μεθύσκω and μεθύω. Believers are repeatedly exhorted to be sober-minded ([[1 Thessalonians 5:6]], [[1 Peter 5:8]]), contrasting with the spiritual stupor of the world.
* **πληρόω (plēroō) `{{G4137}}`**: To be filled, especially with the Spirit, as the positive alternative to being drunk with wine in [[Ephesians 5:18]]. This highlights the concept of divine indwelling and control versus carnal influence.
* **ἐγκράτεια (enkrateia) `{{G1466}}`**: Self-control, a fruit of the Spirit ([[Galatians 5:23]]) and a virtue strongly contrasted with the lack of control inherent in drunkenness.
Thematically, μεθύσκω is linked to the broader concepts of self-indulgence, ungodliness, spiritual blindness, and a lack of readiness for Christ's return.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of μεθύσκω is profound, touching upon ethics, spiritual life, and communal responsibility.
* **Ethical Condemnation:** Drunkenness is unequivocally condemned as a sin and a vice throughout the New Testament. It is listed among the "works of the flesh" ([[Galatians 5:21]]) that prevent one from inheriting the kingdom of God. This indicates that habitual drunkenness is incompatible with a life transformed by Christ.
* **Spiritual Antagonism:** The pivotal contrast in [[Ephesians 5:18]] between being "drunk with wine" and being "filled with the Spirit" establishes a fundamental spiritual principle. Drunkenness represents a surrender of control to an external, earthly substance that leads to "dissipation" (ἀσωτία), a wasteful and profligate lifestyle. In stark contrast, being filled with the Holy Spirit signifies a surrender to divine influence, leading to a life characterized by worship, wisdom, and righteous conduct. The Spirit provides true joy, power, and guidance, rendering the false euphoria of intoxication unnecessary and spiritually detrimental. It is a choice between two masters, two sources of influence.
* **Communal Impact:** As seen in [[1 Corinthians 11:21]], drunkenness within the Christian community is not merely a private sin but a public offense. It dishonors Christ, disrespects fellow believers, and undermines the unity and sacredness of corporate worship, particularly the Lord's Supper. This highlights the corporate responsibility of believers to live in a manner that edifies the body of Christ.
* **Eschatological Vigilance:** The association of drunkenness with "night" and "sleep" ([[1 Thessalonians 5:7]]) underscores its opposition to vigilance and readiness for Christ's return. Believers are called to be sober and alert, living as "children of light," prepared for the Lord's coming, rather than being caught unaware in the spiritual stupor of the world.
Thus, μεθύσκω serves as a potent theological marker, delineating the boundaries of acceptable Christian conduct and pointing towards the Spirit-filled life as the true path to freedom, joy, and godliness.
### Summary
The Greek verb μεθύσκω (`{{G3182}}`) precisely describes the act or state of being intoxicated by alcohol. In the New Testament, its usage is consistently negative, portraying drunkenness as a grave sin and a characteristic of an ungodly, undisciplined life. From the unfaithful servant in [[Luke 12:45]] to the abuses at Corinth in [[1 Corinthians 11:21]] and the contrast with sobriety in [[1 Thessalonians 5:7]], μεθύskō is associated with moral decay, disrespect for sacred things, and spiritual darkness. Most significantly, [[Ephesians 5:18]] presents a profound theological antithesis: believers are commanded *not* to be drunk with wine, which leads to dissipation, but rather to be filled with the Holy Spirit. This highlights that intoxication by an earthly substance is diametrically opposed to being under the divine influence of the Spirit. The word thus serves as a powerful call to Christian sobriety, self-control, and a life wholly yielded to the indwelling presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit, in contrast to the fleeting and destructive allure of worldly indulgence.
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