### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word σίκερα (síkera, `{{G4608}}`) is a transliteration of the Hebrew word שֵׁכָר (shekar, `{{H7941}}`). Its core meaning denotes an intoxicating, intensely fermented liquor, distinct from grape wine (οἶνος, `{{G3631}}`). While οἶνος refers specifically to fermented grape juice, σίκερα encompasses a broader category of potent alcoholic beverages, which could be derived from various sources such as barley, dates, pomegranates, or honey. The term emphasizes the intoxicating power of the drink, often implying a higher alcohol content or a more pronounced inebriating effect than typical wine. This distinction is crucial for understanding its usage in biblical contexts, where it is frequently paired with wine to denote all forms of alcoholic beverages.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the New Testament, σίκερα (`{{G4608}}`) appears only once, in [[Luke 1:15]], within the angelic prophecy concerning John the Baptist: "for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink (οἶνον καὶ σίκερα), and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb." This single occurrence is profoundly significant, as it immediately links John the Baptist to the Old Testament Nazirite vow (e.g., [[Numbers 6:3]]), which explicitly prohibited the consumption of both wine and "strong drink" (שֵׁכָר).
The pairing of οἶνος (wine) and σίκερα (strong drink) in [[Luke 1:15]] mirrors numerous Old Testament passages where יַיִן (yayin, wine) and שֵׁכָר (shekar, strong drink) are conjoined (e.g., [[Leviticus 10:9]], [[Numbers 6:3]], [[Deuteronomy 14:26]], [[Judges 13:4]], [[Proverbs 20:1]], [[Isaiah 5:11]], [[Isaiah 28:7]]). This consistent pairing underscores a comprehensive prohibition against all intoxicating beverages, particularly for those set apart for sacred service or a life of special devotion. John's abstinence from σίκερα thus highlights his unique consecration and prophetic calling, reminiscent of Old Testament figures like Samson or the Rechabites.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the Hebrew שֵׁכָר (`{{H7941}}`), from which σίκερα (`{{G4608}}`) is directly derived. Understanding שֵׁכָר in the Old Testament is essential for grasping the full semantic weight of σίκερα. שֵׁכָר is often presented alongside יַיִן (yayin, `{{H3196}}`, wine) in contexts of:
* **Nazirite Vows:** As seen in [[Numbers 6:3]], Nazirites were forbidden from consuming any product of the grapevine, including wine, and also שֵׁכָר, signifying a complete abstinence from intoxicants as part of their dedication to God.
* **Priestly Regulations:** [[Leviticus 10:9]] prohibits priests from drinking wine or שֵׁכָר before entering the tent of meeting, lest they die, emphasizing the need for clear judgment to "distinguish between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean."
* **Warnings Against Intoxication:** Wisdom literature and prophetic books frequently condemn excessive consumption of both wine and שֵׁכָר, associating it with folly, poverty, spiritual blindness, and moral decay (e.g., [[Proverbs 20:1]], [[Proverbs 31:4-5]], [[Isaiah 5:11]], [[Isaiah 28:7]]).
* **Offerings:** Interestingly, שֵׁכָר could also be used in certain offerings (e.g., [[Numbers 28:7]]), though this does not negate its primary association with intoxication.
The concept of οἶνος (`{{G3631}}`) (wine) is also intrinsically linked, as σίκερα is consistently presented as its counterpart in the category of intoxicating drinks. The broader theological concepts include temperance, self-control, spiritual purity, and discernment.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of σίκερα (`{{G4608}}`) primarily resides in its association with consecration and spiritual discernment. For John the Baptist, his abstinence from σίκερα (and οἶνος) was a visible sign of his being "set apart" for God's special purpose from birth, a prophetic foreshadowing of his unique role in preparing the way for the Messiah. This act of self-denial underscored his purity and unwavering focus on his divine mission, contrasting with the potential for spiritual dullness or moral compromise that intoxication could bring.
Furthermore, the prohibition of σίκερα for priests in [[Leviticus 10:9]] highlights the necessity of a clear mind for those who mediate between God and humanity. The ability to "distinguish between the holy and the common" is paramount for spiritual leadership and worship. Intoxicating beverages, by their nature, cloud judgment and impair spiritual sensitivity, making one unfit for sacred duties.
More broadly, the biblical warnings against שֵׁכָר (`{{H7941}}`) and σίκερα (`{{G4608}}`) serve as a theological caution against any substance or practice that diminishes one's capacity for righteous living, wise decision-making, and intimate communion with God. It speaks to the importance of spiritual sobriety, where believers are to be alert, self-controlled, and clear-minded in their walk with the Lord, ready to discern His will and resist the temptations of the world.
### Summary
The Greek word σίκερα (`{{G4608}}`), derived from the Hebrew שֵׁכָר (`{{H7941}}`), refers to a potent, intensely fermented alcoholic beverage distinct from grape wine. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Luke 1:15]] describes John the Baptist's lifelong abstinence from both wine and σίκερα, linking him to the Old Testament Nazirite vow and a life of profound consecration. The consistent biblical pairing of σίκερα with wine underscores a comprehensive prohibition against all intoxicants for those dedicated to God's service, such as Nazirites and priests. Theologically, σίκερα signifies the importance of purity, spiritual discernment, and sobriety for effective service, highlighting the dangers of anything that might impair one's judgment or hinder a full and clear relationship with the Divine.
TRV