from another form of μέθη; to drink to intoxication, i.e. get drunk:--drink well, make (be) drunk(-en).
Transliteration:methýō
Pronunciation:meth-oo'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb μεθύω (methýō), `{{G3184}}`, derives from μέθη (methē), `{{G3178}}`, meaning "drunkenness" or "intoxication." Its core meaning is "to drink to intoxication," or "to get drunk." This word denotes a state of being under the influence of alcohol to the point of impaired judgment, loss of self-control, and altered behavior. It goes beyond merely "drinking" (πίνω, `{{G4095}}`) and specifically emphasizes the *result* of excessive consumption, leading to a state of inebriation. While primarily literal, its semantic range can extend to a metaphorical sense of being overwhelmed or deluded, as seen in the Book of Revelation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term μεθύω appears several times in the New Testament, often in contexts that highlight its negative implications or as a descriptor of a specific state:
* **[[John 2:10]]**: In the account of the wedding at Cana, the master of the feast remarks, "Every man serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely [μεθύω], then the poor wine." Here, μεθύω refers to a state of having drunk sufficiently or to the point of being sated, though not necessarily implying full-blown drunkenness. It describes the typical practice at a feast where discernment might lessen after much consumption.
* **[[Acts 2:13]]**: On the Day of Pentecost, when the disciples spoke in tongues, some mockers accused them, saying, "They are full of new wine [μεθύω]." This is a false accusation, but it demonstrates how the extraordinary behavior of the Spirit-filled believers was misinterpreted as the result of intoxication, underscoring the perceived loss of normal composure associated with drunkenness.
* **[[1 Corinthians 11:21]]**: Paul severely rebukes the Corinthian church for their conduct during the Lord's Supper, stating, "For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal, and one goes hungry and another gets drunk [μεθύω]." This passage vividly illustrates a profound abuse of a sacred meal, where some members were indulging to the point of intoxication, showing a grave lack of reverence, charity, and spiritual understanding.
* **[[1 Thessalonians 5:7]]**: Paul writes, "For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk [μεθύω], get drunk at night." This verse contrasts the "sons of light" with the "sons of darkness," associating drunkenness with the darkness, lack of vigilance, and ungodly behavior characteristic of those who are not spiritually awake.
* **[[Ephesians 5:18]]**: This is a pivotal command: "And do not get drunk [μεθύω] with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit." Here, drunkenness is explicitly prohibited and linked to "dissipation" (ἀσωτία, `{{G810}}`), which implies wastefulness, profligacy, and moral recklessness. The command stands in direct antithesis to being filled with the Holy Spirit.
* **[[Revelation 17:2]]**: Describing "Babylon the Great," the text states that "the kings of the earth have committed immorality with her, and the dwellers on earth have been made drunk [μεθύω] with the wine of her immorality."
* **[[Revelation 17:6]]**: Further describing the great prostitute, "And I saw the woman drunk [μεθύω] with the blood of the saints, and the blood of the martyrs of Jesus." In these Revelation passages, μεθύω is used metaphorically. It signifies being overwhelmed, deluded, and controlled by the intoxicating power of sin, idolatry, and persecution, leading to spiritual and moral corruption.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of μεθύω is enriched by examining its relationship with other Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **μέθη (`{{G3178}}`)**: The noun form, meaning "drunkenness" or "intoxication," from which μεθύω is derived.
* **οἶνος (`{{G3631}}`)**: "Wine," the substance commonly associated with the act of getting drunk.
* **ἀσωτία (`{{G810}}`)**: "Dissipation," "profligacy," or "debauchery." This term is directly linked to μεθύω in [[Ephesians 5:18]], highlighting the moral decay and wastefulness that accompany drunkenness.
* **κῶμος (`{{G2970}}`)**: "Carousing" or "revelry." This often describes drunken feasts and riotous behavior, frequently listed among the "works of the flesh" (e.g., [[Galatians 5:21]]).
* **πίνω (`{{G4095}}`)**: "To drink." This general verb for drinking contrasts with μεθύω by not necessarily implying excess or intoxication.
* **Being filled with the Spirit (πληρόω ἐν πνεύματι, `{{G4137}}` `{{G1722}}` `{{G4151}}`)**: The direct antithesis presented in [[Ephesians 5:18]]. This contrast is crucial for understanding the theological implications of μεθύω. While drunkenness leads to a loss of self-control to a substance, being filled with the Spirit leads to a Spirit-controlled life, characterized by spiritual fruit and godly behavior.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of μεθύω is profound, underscoring New Testament ethics and spiritual discipline:
* **Prohibition and Moral Condemnation**: Drunkenness is consistently presented as a negative state and is explicitly prohibited for believers ([[Ephesians 5:18]]). It is linked to the "works of darkness" ([[1 Thessalonians 5:7]]) and is incompatible with a life of faith and righteousness.
* **Loss of Self-Control and Dissipation**: The primary ethical concern with μεθύω is the loss of self-control it entails. This lack of self-mastery is antithetical to the Christian virtue of self-control (ἐγκράτεια, `{{G1466}}`) and leads to dissipation, poor judgment, and potentially other sins.
* **Profanation of the Sacred**: The condemnation in [[1 Corinthians 11:21]] demonstrates how drunkenness can profane even the most sacred Christian rituals, turning a communal meal of remembrance and fellowship into an occasion for selfish indulgence and division.
* **Antithesis to Spirit-Filling**: The command in [[Ephesians 5:18]] serves as a powerful theological contrast. Drunkenness leads to a false, fleeting sense of exhilaration and a loss of control to an external substance, resulting in spiritual and moral decay. Conversely, being filled with the Spirit leads to true joy, wisdom, and empowerment, resulting in a life controlled by God's presence and producing spiritual fruit ([[Galatians 5:22-23]]). This highlights the source of true spiritual vitality and guidance.
* **Eschatological Awareness**: The association of drunkenness with "night" and "sleep" in [[1 Thessalonians 5:7]] links it to spiritual complacency and unreadiness for the Lord's return. Believers are called to be vigilant and sober-minded.
* **Metaphorical Warning**: In Revelation, μεθύω serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual intoxication by sin, false religion, and rebellion against God, leading to overwhelming delusion and persecution of the righteous. This extends the concept beyond mere physical drunkenness to a deep spiritual corruption.
### Summary
The Greek word μεθύω (`{{G3184}}`) signifies the state of being intoxicated or getting drunk. While it can sometimes describe merely having "drunk freely" at a feast, its predominant use in the New Testament carries strong negative connotations. It is consistently condemned as a behavior incompatible with Christian living, signifying a loss of self-control, spiritual dissipation, and association with the "works of darkness." Crucially, μεθύω stands in direct theological opposition to being "filled with the Spirit," highlighting that believers are to be controlled by God's Holy Spirit rather than by intoxicating substances. Its metaphorical use in Revelation further extends its meaning to describe spiritual delusion and corruption by sin. Thus, μεθύω serves as a clear warning against excess and a call to spiritual sobriety, vigilance, and a life empowered by the Holy Spirit.
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