### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H7941}}` (שֵׁכָר, *shêkâr*), transliterated as "shêkâr," derives from the verbal root `{{H7937}}` (שָׁכַר, *shâkar*), meaning "to be or become drunk." As such, its core meaning refers to an "intoxicant" or "intensely alcoholic liquor." While often translated as "strong drink," it denotes a fermented beverage distinct from, and typically more potent than, ordinary grape wine (`{{H3196}}`, *yayin*). This "strong drink" could be made from various grains (barley, wheat), dates, or other fruits, implying a broader category of fermented beverages beyond viticulture. The term consistently carries the connotation of a beverage capable of inducing significant intoxication, emphasizing its intoxicating quality rather than its specific composition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H7941}}` appears approximately 23 times in the Old Testament, often paired with `{{H3196}}` (yayin, "wine") to form the common phrase "wine and strong drink." Its usage reveals varied contexts, ranging from explicit prohibition to ritual allowance.
* **Prohibition for Priests and Nazirites:** In the Mosaic Law, priests were strictly forbidden from consuming "wine or strong drink" before ministering in the Tabernacle, to ensure clear judgment and discernment in their sacred duties ([[Leviticus 10:9]]). Similarly, the Nazirite vow, signifying a period of special dedication to God, explicitly required abstinence from "wine and strong drink," emphasizing separation and purity ([[Numbers 6:3]]). These instances highlight the potential of *shêkâr* to impair spiritual and professional clarity.
* **Warnings Against Excess and Social Ills:** The prophetic and wisdom literature frequently condemns the excessive consumption of *shêkâr*. [[Proverbs 20:1]] states, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise." [[Proverbs 31:4-5]] warns kings against strong drink, lest they "forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted." Prophets like Isaiah lament the societal decay caused by those who "rise early in the morning, that they may run after strong drink" ([[Isaiah 5:11]], [[Isaiah 5:22]]) and condemn priests and prophets who "reel with strong drink" and "stagger in judgment" ([[Isaiah 28:7]]). These passages underscore the social, moral, and judicial dangers of intoxication.
* **Permitted in Specific Cultic Contexts:** Interestingly, *shêkâr* is also mentioned in contexts where its use is permitted or even prescribed. [[Numbers 28:7]] specifies "strong drink" as a component of the drink offering for the daily burnt offering, indicating its place in cultic libations. Most notably, [[Deuteronomy 14:26]] allows for the purchase of "wine or strong drink" with the tithe money in Jerusalem, to be consumed "before the Lord your God" in celebration. This suggests that *shêkâr* itself was not inherently evil, but its use was context-dependent, particularly in the context of joyful worship and celebration before the Lord, where it was consumed responsibly.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root `{{H7937}}` (שָׁכַר, *shâkar*), from which *shêkâr* is derived, meaning "to be or become drunk." This etymological connection underscores the intoxicating nature of the beverage. The word is almost invariably linked with `{{H3196}}` (יַיִן, *yayin*), "wine," often appearing together as "wine and strong drink" to encompass the full range of intoxicating beverages. The biblical discourse surrounding *shêkâr* is intrinsically tied to broader concepts such as:
* **Intoxication/Drunkenness:** The state of being impaired by alcohol, which is consistently warned against due to its detrimental effects on judgment, morality, and spiritual clarity.
* **Self-Control (Temperance):** The virtue of exercising restraint over one's desires and appetites, a quality highly valued in biblical wisdom.
* **Purity and Consecration:** Especially for those dedicated to God's service (priests, Nazirites), abstinence from *shêkâr* was a sign of separation and a prerequisite for maintaining ritual and moral purity.
* **Wisdom and Folly:** The consumption of *shêkâr* to the point of intoxication is frequently portrayed as an act of folly, leading to unwise decisions and destructive behaviors, in contrast to the pursuit of wisdom.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7941}}` (shêkâr) is multifaceted, reflecting the biblical understanding of human responsibility, holiness, and the dangers of excess.
* **Stewardship of the Body and Mind:** The warnings against *shêkâr* emphasize the importance of maintaining a clear mind and sound judgment, essential for discerning God's will and living righteously. The body, as a temple of the Holy Spirit (in the New Testament understanding), is to be treated with respect and not defiled by substances that impair its function.
* **Purity in Worship and Service:** For those consecrated to God, such as priests and Nazirites, abstinence from *shêkâr* was not merely a legalistic requirement but a tangible expression of their dedication to holiness and their need for unclouded spiritual discernment in their sacred duties. This principle extends to all believers called to live a life set apart for God.
* **Justice and Social Responsibility:** The prophetic condemnations link excessive consumption of *shêkâr* to social injustice, perversion of judgment, and neglect of the vulnerable. Intoxication can erode moral boundaries and lead to a disregard for the well-being of others, thus undermining the foundations of a righteous society.
* **The Nature of True Joy:** While the allowance for *shêkâr* in the tithe celebration ([[Deuteronomy 14:26]]) indicates that the substance itself is not inherently evil and can be part of joyful celebration, the overall biblical emphasis is on the dangers of its misuse. True and lasting joy is presented as stemming from fellowship with God and obedience to His commands, not from artificial stimulation that leads to folly and sin.
* **Spiritual Discernment and Leadership:** The warnings to priests and prophets highlight that intoxication compromises spiritual discernment, making individuals susceptible to error and unable to lead God's people faithfully. This underscores the need for leaders to maintain sobriety in thought and action.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H7941}}` (שֵׁכָר, *shêkâr*) denotes "strong drink," an intoxicating beverage generally more potent than wine. Derived from `{{H7937}}` (shâkar), "to be or become drunk," its primary association is with its capacity to induce intoxication. Biblically, *shêkâr* is treated with a nuanced approach: it is explicitly forbidden for priests and Nazirites to ensure purity and clear judgment in sacred service, and it is widely condemned in wisdom and prophetic literature for its role in fostering social ills, impaired judgment, and personal folly. However, it is also permitted in specific cultic contexts as a libation and notably allowed for celebratory consumption during the tithe festival in Jerusalem. This complex portrayal reveals a theological concern not merely with the substance itself, but with its potential for misuse, emphasizing the biblical values of self-control, purity, wisdom, and responsible stewardship for all who seek to live righteously before God.
TRV