### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term οἰνοπότης (oinopótēs), `{{G3630}}`, is a compound noun derived from οἶνος (oinos), meaning "wine," and a derivative of the verb πίνω (pinō), meaning "to drink." Etymologically, it denotes "one who drinks wine." However, its semantic range is not neutral; it carries a distinctly pejorative connotation, signifying a "winebibber" or "tippler." This implies not merely one who consumes wine, but one who does so habitually and excessively, often leading to drunkenness or a reputation for intemperance and idleness. It suggests a lack of self-control and an indulgence that deviates from societal norms of moderation and sobriety. The term is inherently critical, used to describe someone perceived as spending too much time drinking and potentially neglecting responsibilities or exhibiting immoral behavior.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term οἰἰνοπότης (oinopótēs), `{{G3630}}`, appears exclusively twice in the New Testament, both times in the Synoptic Gospels and in parallel contexts: [[Matthew 11:19]] and [[Luke 7:34]]. In both instances, it is part of a severe accusation leveled against Jesus by His critics, primarily the Pharisees and scribes.
The full accusation is "Behold, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!" (ἴδε ἄνθρωπος φάγος καὶ οἰνοπότης, τελωνῶν φίλος καὶ ἁμαρτωλῶν). This charge is presented by Jesus Himself as a reflection of the perverse judgment of "this generation" regarding both John the Baptist and Himself. John the Baptist, who came "neither eating nor drinking" (i.e., living an ascetic lifestyle), was accused of having a demon. In stark contrast, Jesus, who came "eating and drinking" (i.e., participating in normal social life, including meals), was slandered as a "glutton and a winebibber."
The accusation highlights the hypocrisy and spiritual blindness of Jesus' detractors. They were unwilling to accept divine wisdom in either its ascetic or its socially engaged manifestation. The charge of being a "winebibber" was not an objective description of Jesus' habits, but a calumny designed to discredit Him by associating Him with disreputable characters and behavior. Jesus' willingness to fellowship with tax collectors and sinners, a core aspect of His redemptive mission, was misinterpreted and weaponized by His enemies to paint Him as morally lax and indulgent. The context clearly indicates that this was a false accusation, revealing more about the accusers' hardened hearts and judgmental spirit than about Jesus' actual conduct.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of excessive drinking and its associated behaviors is addressed throughout Scripture using various terms and ideas.
* **οἶνος (oinos), `{{G3631}}`**: The base word for "wine," which in itself is neutral and can be used for good (e.g., in celebrations, for medicinal purposes, or as a symbol of blessing) or ill (when abused).
* **φάγος (phagos), `{{G5314}}`**: "Glutton," the companion accusation to οἰνοπότης (oinopótēs), `{{G3630}}`, emphasizing excessive indulgence in food. The pairing "glutton and winebibber" was a common pejorative stereotype for an unrestrained, dissolute person.
* **μέθη (methē), `{{G3178}}`**: "Drunkenness," referring to the state of being intoxicated.
* **οἰνοφλυγία (oinophlygia), `{{G3632}}`**: "Drunken revelry" or "excessive wine-drinking," often linked with debauchery (e.g., [[1 Peter 4:3]]).
* **πάροινος (paroinos), `{{G3943}}`**: "Addicted to wine" or "given to wine," used in a negative sense, particularly concerning qualifications for church leadership (e.g., [[1 Timothy 3:3]], [[Titus 1:7]]).
* **κῶμος (kōmos), `{{G2970}}`**: "Carousing" or "orgies," often associated with drunkenness and revelry (e.g., [[Romans 13:13]], [[Galatians 5:21]]).
The biblical witness consistently warns against drunkenness and gluttony, portraying them as vices that lead to poverty, folly, and alienation from God (e.g., [[Proverbs 23:20-21]], [[Isaiah 5:11-12]], [[Romans 13:13]], [[Galatians 5:21]], [[Ephesians 5:18]]). In contrast, believers are called to sobriety (νηφάλιος, `{{G3524}}`), self-control (ἐγκράτεια, `{{G1466}}`), and moderation in all things.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of οἰνοπότης (oinopótēs), `{{G3630}}`, primarily lies in its role as a false accusation against Jesus Christ.
1. **Revealing Human Blindness and Opposition to God's Wisdom:** The charge exposes the deep-seated spiritual blindness and perversity of Jesus' critics. They rejected John the Baptist for his asceticism and then rejected Jesus for His engagement with humanity. This demonstrates an unwillingness to accept divine wisdom in any form that challenged their preconceived notions or self-righteousness. Jesus concludes this section by stating, "Wisdom is justified by her deeds" ([[Matthew 11:19]]) or "by all her children" ([[Luke 7:35]]), implying that the truth of His mission and character would be evident to those with spiritual discernment, despite the slander.
2. **Affirming Jesus' Sinlessness and Mission:** By presenting this accusation as a calumny, the Gospels implicitly affirm Jesus' sinless character. He was not a glutton or a winebibber, but perfectly temperate and holy. The accusation serves to highlight the radical nature of Jesus' ministry: His willingness to associate with "tax collectors and sinners" was not due to a shared sinful lifestyle but to His redemptive mission to call them to repentance. He entered their world to transform it, not to conform to its vices.
3. **A Pattern of Persecution and False Witness:** The use of οἰνοπότης (oinopótēs), `{{G3630}}`, exemplifies the pattern of false witness and slander that Jesus endured throughout His ministry, culminating in His crucifixion. It underscores the reality that those who walk in truth and righteousness may be maligned by those who cling to darkness or self-righteousness. This provides a theological framework for understanding persecution faced by believers who follow Christ's example.
### Summary
The Greek term οἰνοπότης (oinopótēs), `{{G3630}}`, literally "wine-drinker," carries a strong pejorative sense, meaning "winebibber" or "tippler"—one who drinks excessively and habitually, implying a lack of self-control and often idleness. Its only two occurrences in the New Testament (in [[Matthew 11:19]] and [[Luke 7:34]]) are profoundly significant, as it is used as a false accusation against Jesus Christ by His critics. This slander, paired with the charge of being a "glutton," served to discredit Jesus by associating Him with dissolute behavior. Theologically, this usage reveals the spiritual blindness and hypocrisy of those who rejected both John the Baptist's asceticism and Jesus' engaged ministry. It underscores Jesus' sinless character, His unwavering commitment to His mission among sinners despite calumny, and foreshadows the pattern of false witness and persecution faced by the righteous. The term, therefore, serves not as a description of Jesus, but as a poignant illustration of the world's misunderstanding and rejection of divine wisdom.
TRV