### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word πότος (pótos, `{{G4224}}`) is derived from the verb πίνω (pinō, `{{G4095}}`), meaning "to drink." While its etymological root simply denotes the act of drinking, its semantic range in the New Testament and Koine Greek context extends beyond this simple action. It specifically refers to a "drinking-bout," "carousal," or "revelry," carrying a strong connotation of excessive or unrestrained consumption of alcohol, often within a festive but potentially dissolute social setting. The English translation "banqueting" (KJV, NKJV) captures the social gathering aspect but may not fully convey the negative implication of intemperance inherent in the Greek term. It describes not merely a meal, but a gathering centered on immoderate drinking.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word πότος (pótos, `{{G4224}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in [[1 Peter 4:3]]: "For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banqueting, and abominable idolatries."
In this verse, Peter is exhorting believers to live a life consistent with their new identity in Christ, contrasting it with their former ungodly ways. πότος (pótos, `{{G4224}}`) is listed as one of the vices characteristic of the "will of the Gentiles." Its placement alongside "excess of wine" (οἰνοφλυγίαι, oinophlygiai, `{{G3632}}`) and "revellings" (κῶμοι, kōmoi, `{{G2970}}`) firmly establishes its negative connotation. This grouping indicates a lifestyle marked by self-indulgence, lack of control, and activities that are contrary to spiritual discipline and the will of God. The context highlights a past life of sensuality and idolatry from which believers have been delivered, emphasizing the need for a transformed way of living.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root verb πίνω (pinō, `{{G4095}}`), "to drink," which forms the basis of πότος (pótos, `{{G4224}}`).
Other terms frequently associated with πότος (pótos, `{{G4224}}`) or found in similar vice lists include:
* οἰνοφλυγίαι (oinophlygiai, `{{G3632}}`): "excess of wine," "drunkenness." This term directly points to the quantity and effect of alcohol consumption.
* κῶμοι (kōmoi, `{{G2970}}`): "revellings," "orgies," "carousing." This word often appears alongside πότος (pótos, `{{G4224}}`) or in similar catalogues of vices (e.g., [[Romans 13:13]], [[Galatians 5:21]]). It emphasizes the boisterous, often licentious and immoral, atmosphere of such gatherings.
* ἀσέλγεια (aselgeia, `{{G766}}`): "lasciviousness," "sensuality," "wantonness." This term frequently accompanies descriptions of excessive drinking and revelry, as such activities often lead to a lowering of moral inhibitions and engagement in immoral behavior.
The antithesis to the practices denoted by πότος (pótos, `{{G4224}}`) and its related terms are Christian virtues such as sobriety (νηφαλιότης, nēphaliotēs, `{{G3568}}`), self-control (ἐγκράτεια, enkrateia, `{{G1466}}`), and a life lived in accordance with God's Spirit rather than the desires of the flesh.
### Theological Significance
The inclusion of πότος (pótos, `{{G4224}}`) in a list of vices in [[1 Peter 4:3]] carries significant theological weight. It underscores the New Testament's consistent condemnation of excessive indulgence, drunkenness, and the type of ungodly revelry often associated with such practices. This word contributes to the broader biblical teaching that believers are called to a life of holiness and separation from the sinful patterns of the world.
The passage in [[1 Peter 4:3]] highlights the radical transformation that occurs when one comes to faith in Christ. The "time past" characterized by πότος (pótos, `{{G4224}}`) and other vices is to be left behind, and believers are to live according to the "will of God." This implies that even social gatherings and leisure activities are subject to divine scrutiny and should reflect Christian values of moderation, self-control, and godliness ([[Romans 13:13-14]], [[Galatians 5:19-21]]). The emphasis is not merely on abstaining from alcohol, but on avoiding the *spirit* of the "drinking-bout"—a spirit of excess, sensuality, and disregard for spiritual discipline.
### Summary
The Greek word πότος (pótos, `{{G4224}}`) denotes a "drinking-bout" or "carousal," signifying excessive and often unrestrained feasting and drinking. Its singular New Testament occurrence in [[1 Peter 4:3]] places it firmly within a catalogue of sinful practices characteristic of an unredeemed, Gentile lifestyle, explicitly linking it with "excess of wine" and "revellings." This inclusion underscores the biblical condemnation of such indulgent and potentially immoral gatherings. The term serves as a stark reminder of the profound contrast between the former life of sin and the new life of holiness, self-control, and obedience to God's will to which believers are called. It emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct and spiritual discernment in all aspects of life, including social interactions and leisure.
TRV