The Greek word hydropotéō, represented by G5202, is a compound term defined as "to be a water-drinker." It is formed from the Greek words for water (ὕδωρ) and to drink (πίνω). Its meaning specifically implies abstaining from wine. This highly specific word appears only 2 times within 1 unique verse in the entire Bible.
The sole biblical context for G5202 is found in a personal instruction from Paul to Timothy. In 1 Timothy 5:23, Paul advises him to "Drink no longer water," using the word twice. The command is not a general prohibition but a specific piece of health advice, given "for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities." This use firmly roots the word in a practical, physical context rather than a primarily spiritual one.
Several related words found in the same verse help clarify the meaning of this instruction:
- G3371 mēkéti (no further): This word marks a command to stop a current practice. It is used here to tell Timothy to continue the habit of drinking only water "no longer" 1 Timothy 5:23. It is also used in scripture to command a cessation from sin John 8:11 or from living for oneself 2 Corinthians 5:15.
- G3631 oînos (wine): This is the substance presented as the alternative to an all-water diet in 1 Timothy 5:23. Scripture speaks of wine in various ways, from a substance to be avoided in excess Ephesians 5:18 to a figurative representation of God's wrath Revelation 14:10.
- G5530 chráomai (use): This verb directs Timothy on how to interact with wine—not merely to drink it, but to use it for a specific, medicinal purpose 1 Timothy 5:23. The word implies employing something for a given need, whether it is the law 1 Timothy 1:8 or one's apostolic power 1 Corinthians 9:12.
The conceptual weight of G5202 is centered on the application of wisdom to personal disciplines.
- Pragmatism Over Asceticism: The term "water-drinker" implies a deliberate lifestyle of abstention. The command to stop this practice for health reasons shows that personal disciplines are subject to practical wisdom and are not absolute laws in themselves 1 Timothy 5:23.
- Purposeful Cessation: The use of G3371 to say "no longer" drink only water connects this physical instruction to a broader biblical principle of ceasing a behavior for a higher purpose. This same term is used to call for an end to sin Romans 6:6 and immaturity Ephesians 4:14, here applied to a dietary habit that was proving harmful.
- Medicinal Use of Creation: The instruction to "use" G5530 wine G3631 as a remedy for "infirmities" demonstrates a principle of utilizing created things for health and well-being. This stands in contrast to the misuse of wine, such as drunkenness, which is condemned Ephesians 5:18.
In summary, G5202 is a very specific term for being a "water-drinker." Its single appearance in scripture is not part of a broad theological command but a piece of practical advice regarding health. Through its context in 1 Timothy 5:23, it illustrates that personal habits of abstention, while potentially valuable, can and should be modified when they conflict with physical well-being, demonstrating a biblical balance between discipline and practical wisdom.
TRV