The Greek word methýskō, represented by G3182, is a verb meaning to intoxicate or to be drunk(-en). This prolonged form of a related word appears 4 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. It specifically describes the action or resulting state of becoming intoxicated.
In its biblical usage, G3182 serves as a consistent warning against indulgence. The Apostle Paul issues a direct command in Ephesians 5:18, stating, "be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess," contrasting this state directly with being filled with the Spirit. In a parable, the unfaithful servant's decline is marked when he begins to "eat and drink, and to be drunken" Luke 12:45, showing a clear link between intoxication and unfaithfulness. The term is also used to characterize those who belong to the "night," noting that "they that be drunken are drunken in the night" 1 Thessalonians 5:7.
Several related words help define the context of G3182:
- G3184 methýō (to drink to intoxication, i.e. get drunk): Used in close parallel with G3182, this word describes those who "are drunken in the night" 1 Thessalonians 5:7 and is also used figuratively, as in being "made drunk with the wine of her fornication" Revelation 17:2.
- G3631 oînos (wine): The agent of intoxication explicitly mentioned in the command not to be drunk with wine Ephesians 5:18. It is also used symbolically to refer to "the wine of the wrath of God" Revelation 14:10.
- G4095 pínō (to imbibe): This general verb for drinking often precedes the state of intoxication, as seen in the servant who begins to eat and drink, and then to be drunken Luke 12:45.
- G810 asōtía (excess, riot): This term defines the consequence of being drunk with wine in Ephesians 5:18. It connects intoxication with profligacy and an "unsavedness" of lifestyle.
The theological weight of G3182 is significant in its portrayal of a spiritual condition to be avoided.
- Opposition to Spiritual Fullness: The word's use in Ephesians 5:18 establishes a clear dichotomy: one can either be drunken with wine or filled with the Spirit, but not both. Intoxication is presented as a fleshly state antithetical to a life led by the Spirit.
- Sign of Unfaithfulness: Being drunken is a primary behavior of the wicked servant who has lost sight of his master's impending return Luke 12:45. It symbolizes a life of carnal indulgence and neglect of spiritual duty.
- An Activity of Darkness: The state of being drunken is explicitly associated with the "night" 1 Thessalonians 5:7, which stands in contrast to the "day" to which believers belong. This reinforces the need for spiritual alertness and sobriety.
In summary, G3182 is more than a simple description of intoxication; it is a spiritual warning sign. It is consistently used to illustrate a state of being that is incompatible with spiritual alertness, faithfulness, and a life filled with the Spirit. The term serves as a call to reject worldly indulgence in favor of a sober and watchful spiritual posture.
TRV