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