### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G5202}}` (hydropotéō) is a compound term derived from ὕδωρ (hydōr), meaning "water" (`{{G5204}}`), and a form of πίνω (pinō), meaning "to drink" (`{{G4095}}`). Literally, it signifies "to drink water" or "to be a water-drinker." However, its semantic range is specifically narrowed by its singular biblical occurrence and the context in which it appears. It carries the implicit meaning of abstaining from other beverages, particularly wine, thereby indicating a practice of strict water consumption. This suggests a lifestyle choice or necessity where one's primary liquid intake is limited to water.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G5202}}` appears only once in the New Testament, in Paul's first letter to Timothy: "No longer `{{G5202}}`, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments" [[1 Timothy 5:23]].
The context of this verse is crucial for understanding the nuance of `{{G5202}}`. Paul is advising Timothy, his protégé and a young leader in the church, who apparently had been exclusively drinking water, possibly due to ascetic tendencies, a desire for purity, or perhaps simply a personal habit. This practice, however, was evidently contributing to or exacerbating "frequent ailments" (ἀσθενείας πυκνάς) related to his stomach.
Paul's counsel is not a theological command about beverage consumption but a practical, compassionate, and medically informed piece of pastoral advice. He urges Timothy to abandon his exclusive water-drinking habit and to incorporate "a little wine" (οἴνῳ ὀλίγῳ) for therapeutic purposes. This demonstrates Paul's concern for Timothy's physical well-being, recognizing that physical health can impact one's capacity for ministry. It also subtly counters any potential extreme asceticism that might be detrimental to health, emphasizing a balanced approach to Christian living. The passage highlights Paul's practical wisdom and pastoral care, showing that spiritual leaders are not exempt from physical needs and that God's grace can extend to mundane aspects of life like diet and health.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several terms and concepts are intrinsically linked to `{{G5202}}`:
* ὕδωρ (hydōr, `{{G5204}}`): The core component of `{{G5202}}`, signifying water, a fundamental element of life and often used symbolically in scripture (e.g., living water).
* πίνω (pinō, `{{G4095}}`): The verb "to drink," forming the action implied by `{{G5202}}`.
* οἶνος (oinos, `{{G3631}}`): "Wine," which stands in direct contrast to `{{G5202}}` in [[1 Timothy 5:23]]. Paul's advice to use "a little wine" indicates its medicinal or palliative use, not necessarily for intoxication. This highlights the biblical understanding of wine's varied uses.
* **Asceticism:** The practice of severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons. Timothy's water-drinking may have stemmed from such a motive, and Paul's advice serves as a corrective against a potentially harmful extreme.
* **Moderation:** Paul's counsel for "a little wine" exemplifies the principle of moderation in Christian living, avoiding both excessive indulgence and rigid, self-harming abstention.
* **Pastoral Care:** The verse is a prime example of a spiritual leader (Paul) providing practical, compassionate care for a subordinate (Timothy), addressing physical needs alongside spiritual ones.
* **Health and Well-being:** The passage implicitly values physical health as a component of effective ministry and life, suggesting that care for the body is not antithetical to spiritual devotion.
### Theological Significance
While `{{G5202}}` itself describes a simple physical act, its appearance in [[1 Timothy 5:23]] carries significant theological weight.
1. **Balance in Christian Living:** The verse underscores the importance of a balanced approach to Christian piety. It warns against an asceticism that, while perhaps well-intentioned, can lead to physical detriment. True godliness is not necessarily found in self-deprivation for its own sake, especially when it impairs one's ability to serve or maintain health.
2. **Pastoral Wisdom and Compassion:** Paul's advice reveals a profound pastoral wisdom. He does not condemn Timothy for his practice but offers a practical solution to a physical problem. This demonstrates that spiritual leadership involves caring for the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – and that God's concern extends to our physical well-being.
3. **Freedom in Christ:** The counsel to use wine for medicinal purposes, rather than prohibiting it entirely, subtly reinforces the Christian freedom from legalistic dietary restrictions (cf. [[Colossians 2:16]], [[Romans 14:17]]). The emphasis is on what is beneficial and edifying, not on rigid rules.
4. **Practicality of Scripture:** This seemingly mundane piece of advice highlights the intensely practical nature of biblical instruction. Scripture is not merely abstract theology but offers guidance for everyday life, including health and personal habits.
5. **God's Provision and Natural Remedies:** The passage implies that God provides various means, including natural substances, that can be used for healing and well-being. It does not negate the role of human wisdom and natural remedies in addressing physical ailments.
### Summary
The Greek word `{{G5202}}` (hydropotéō) literally means "to drink water" but, in its sole biblical occurrence in [[1 Timothy 5:23]], implies an exclusive practice of water-drinking, often in contrast to consuming wine. Paul's advice to Timothy to cease being a "water-drinker" and use "a little wine" for his stomach ailments is a profound example of practical pastoral care. It highlights the importance of balance in Christian living, cautioning against asceticism that may be detrimental to health, and affirming the value of physical well-being for effective ministry. The passage underscores Paul's compassionate wisdom, the freedom found in Christ regarding personal practices, and the practical relevance of biblical counsel for all aspects of life.
TRV