### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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