The Hebrew word shêkâr, represented by H7941, refers to an intoxicant or intensely alcoholic liquor. Derived from the root for becoming tipsy, its base definition is strong drink, but it can also be translated as strong wine or refer to a drunkard. It appears 23 times across 20 unique verses in the Bible, primarily in contexts of regulation and warning.
In biblical narratives, H7941 is frequently presented with caution. Proverbs warns that strong drink is raging H1993, and anyone deceived H7686 by it is not wise Proverbs 20:1. Its consumption is linked to error, causing priests and prophets to go out of the way H8582 and stumble H6328 in judgment Isaiah 28:7. Consequently, it was forbidden for priests entering the tabernacle Leviticus 10:9 and for individuals under a Nazarite vow Numbers 6:3. However, its use was permitted in specific circumstances, such as for a celebratory meal before the LORD Deuteronomy 14:26 or as a drink offering H5262 poured out in the holy place Numbers 28:7.
Several related words expand on the concept of shêkâr and its effects:
- H3196 yayin (wine): As the most common fermented drink, yayin is almost always paired with shêkâr in prohibitions and warnings. The two are mentioned together in the instruction that it is not for kings to drink wine nor for princes strong drink Proverbs 31:4.
- H7937 shâkar (to become tipsy): This is the root verb from which shêkâr is derived. It describes the state of being drunken, which can be literal or figurative. In a prophecy against spiritual blindness, the people are described as drunken, but not with wine, and staggering, but not with strong drink Isaiah 29:9.
- H7686 shâgâh (to stray, err): This word describes the moral and mental consequence of intoxication. It is explicitly linked to strong drink, as "whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise" Proverbs 20:1. This same word is used multiple times to describe how priests and prophets err through wine and strong drink Isaiah 28:7.
The theological weight of H7941 is significant and often cautionary.
- Holiness and Separation: The prohibition of strong drink is a key marker of consecration. It is forbidden for priests on duty Leviticus 10:9 and for Nazarites Numbers 6:3, establishing a direct link between abstinence and sacred service.
- Impaired Judgment: Consumption of strong drink is shown to lead to spiritual and moral failure. When religious leaders indulge, they err in vision and stumble in judgment Isaiah 28:7, compromising their ability to lead God's people. It can also be given to those who are ready to perish H6, showing its association with despair Proverbs 31:6.
- Sanctioned Worship: Despite the many warnings, strong drink has a place in legitimate worship. It can be part of a joyous feast before the LORD Deuteronomy 14:26 and is specifically commanded as a "strong wine" to be poured out as a drink offering H5262 to the LORD Numbers 28:7.
In summary, H7941 is more than just a type of beverage; it is a term loaded with theological meaning. Its usage in Scripture highlights a sharp contrast between its role in joyful, sanctioned worship and its capacity to cause leaders to err, the wise to be deceived, and the consecrated to be defiled. The context in which shêkâr appears is therefore critical, defining it as either an acceptable part of celebration or a dangerous source of spiritual and moral ruin.
TRV