Alcohol in the Bible (KJV): A Comprehensive Analysis

The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible contains numerous references to alcohol – chiefly in terms like wine and strong drink. The Bible’s overall perspective on alcohol is nuanced, presenting it at times as a blessing and at other times as a danger.

This report examines every major verse in the KJV referencing alcohol, analyzes them in context, and explores historical and theological perspectives.

We will consider the cultural background of wine and strong drink in biblical times, the difference between ancient and modern alcoholic beverages, and key themes such as warnings against drunkenness, the blessings of wine, calls for moderation, and specific prohibitions.

All findings are supported by scriptural citations and scholarly interpretations for clarity.

Terminology and Ancient Context of Alcohol

Biblical Terms for Alcohol:

The Bible uses several Hebrew and Greek words for alcoholic beverages.

• The most common Hebrew word for wine is “yayin”, referring to fermented grape juice (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway).
• Another term, “tirosh”, often rendered “new wine,” means freshly pressed grape juice that is not fully aged; despite being fresh, tirosh could still intoxicate if overconsumed (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway).
• The Hebrew word “shekar,” translated “strong drink,” denotes any potent fermented beverage made from grain or fruit (like beer or date wine) (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway).
• In the New Testament, the Greek word “oinos” is equivalent to yayin and generally means wine (fermented) (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway).

These terms indicate that ancient “wine” was ordinarily fermented and alcoholic, contrary to later claims that biblical wine was just unfermented juice (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia).

(Some 19th–20th century writers argued that “wine” in Scripture sometimes meant grape juice, but mainstream scholarship agrees the biblical words refer to intoxicating drinks (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia).)

Wine in Daily Life:

In biblical times, wine was a common beverage and part of the daily diet (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway). It was valued not only for enjoyment but also as a safer alternative to often-polluted water.

Grapes were abundant in ancient Israel, and viticulture (grape-growing and winemaking) was an important industry (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia) (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia).

After grape harvest in late summer, people pressed grapes in winepresses, and fermentation began within hours, yielding new wine within a few days (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia).

The fresh juice was called “wine” (yayin) even before fermentation completed (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia), though it would naturally ferment quickly.

Fermentation was usually complete after about six weeks, after which the wine was aged or stored in jars or wineskins (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia).

Winemaking and harvest were accompanied by great joy – for example, the Feast of Tabernacles (Booths) was a celebration tied to the grape harvest and new wine (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia).

Fermented vs. Unfermented Wine:

Unlike today, there was no method to fully prevent fermentation in antiquity (refrigeration and pasteurization were unknown). While some grape juice may have been consumed fresh at harvest, most would ferment naturally.

The Bible does mention “new wine,” but this term still implies a young, fermenting wine, not a sterile grape juice.

In fact, ancient Jewish writings indicate even freshly pressed grape juice was called “wine” as soon as it started to flow from the press (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia).

People could slow fermentation by boiling juice into syrup or storing it in cool caves, but completely unfermented “wine” outside of harvest season was rare. Thus, the wine in Scripture – whether “new” or aged – is generally fermented to some degree, containing alcohol.

Alcoholic Content and Dilution:

A key difference between biblical-era wine and modern alcoholic beverages is strength. Ancient wines typically naturally fermented to around 10-12% alcohol by volume at most (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia).

However, it was common in Greco-Roman culture (and among later Jewish rabbis) to dilute wine with water before drinking. Classical sources and the Jewish Talmud indicate a usual mix of three parts water to one part wine (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia) (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia).

Drinking undiluted wine was often considered improper or “barbaric” by Greeks and Romans (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia).

By New Testament times, diluting wine was standard practice, yielding a drink with only 2-5% alcohol – more like beer in strength (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia) (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia).

Importantly, distillation had not yet been invented, so hard liquors (whiskey, rum, etc.) did not exist (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia).

The strongest drinks available were naturally fermented wines or beers. Because ancient wine was generally weaker and often diluted, intoxication required consuming large quantities.

This helps contextualize both the biblical praise of wine (as a mild stimulant and nutritious beverage) and its warnings (since overindulgence could still lead to drunkenness).

Modern wines (often 12-15% ABV and usually undiluted) and distilled spirits (20-40+% ABV) are far stronger than typical biblical-era drinks (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia).

This historical difference in potency is worth noting, though the biblical principles of moderation and self-control apply equally today.

Alcohol in the Old Testament

The Old Testament (OT) in the KJV contains frequent references to wine and strong drink, reflecting its prominent role in ancient Near Eastern life.

These references span narrative stories, legal instructions, wisdom sayings, and prophetic oracles. Below we examine the OT passages, noting positive uses of alcohol, cautionary tales of misuse, and specific regulations:

Earliest Mentions – Blessing and Drunkenness:

The first mention of wine is in Genesis. After the Flood, Noah planted a vineyard, produced wine, and became drunk – leading to an unfortunate incident with his sons (Genesis 9:20–24).

Noah’s drunkenness and the shame that resulted are presented as a cautionary tale (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia).

Later, Melchizedek is described as bringing out bread and wine to bless Abram (Genesis 14:18), showing wine in a positive, ceremonial light as part of hospitality and worship.

These two early episodes set the tone: wine can be associated with celebration and blessing (as with Melchizedek’s provision) but also has the potential for shame and sin if abused (as in Noah’s case).

Legal and Ritual Regulations:

The Mosaic Law regulated alcohol use in certain sacred contexts. Priests were forbidden to drink wine or strong drink when on duty in the sanctuary, lest they die (Leviticus 10:9) (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway).

Likewise, those under the Nazirite vow had to abstain completely from wine, strong drink, vinegar, grapes, and raisins during the period of their vow (Numbers 6:3) (BIBLE VERSES ABOUT WINE).

The purpose was to symbolize total dedication to God. Nazirites like Samson (Judges 13:4,7) and later John the Baptist (Luke 1:15) kept this abstinence as a special calling (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway).

Outside of these specific vows or priestly service, Israelite adults were generally permitted to drink wine.

In fact, wine was included in worship through drink offerings poured out to God on the altar (e.g. Numbers 28:7) (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway).

One interesting law even allowed Israelites traveling to Jerusalem for annual feasts to buy “whatever thy soul lusteth after,” including “wine or strong drink,” to consume in celebration before the Lord (Deuteronomy 14:26).

This indicates that in a worship context, moderate enjoyment of alcohol in celebration was acceptable.

At the same time, excess was strongly warned against: priests had to distinguish between holy and profane and teach the people sobriety (Leviticus 10:10).

Thus, OT law did not ban alcohol for everyone, but it set boundaries for holy times and voluntary vows.

Wisdom Literature – Praise and Warning:

The books of Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes (as well as the Apocrypha like Sirach) reflect a balanced view of wine. On one hand, wine is celebrated as one of God’s good gifts.

Psalm 104:14–15 thanks God for the produce of the earth, including “wine that maketh glad the heart of man” (BIBLE VERSES ABOUT WINE).

In the book of Judges, Jotham’s parable has the vine declare its wine “cheereth God and man” (Judges 9:13) (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway), implying even God approved the joy of wine in its proper use.

Ecclesiastes advises to “drink thy wine with a merry heart” as part of enjoying God’s blessings in life (Eccl. 9:7), and notes “wine maketh merry” (Eccl. 10:19) (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway) (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway).

These positive references highlight joy, celebration, and sustenance associated with wine.

On the other hand, Proverbs delivers some of the sternest biblical warnings against alcohol abuse.

Proverbs 20:1 famously cautions that “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise” (BIBLE VERSES ABOUT WINE BY KJV BOOK ORDER).

This personification of wine as a mocker and brawler warns that intoxicating drink can lead one astray (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway).

Proverbs 23:29–35 paints a vivid picture of the consequences of drunkenness: “At the last it biteth like a serpent… Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things” (23:32–33).

It describes redness of eyes, woe, and confusion for those who tarry long at wine, especially “mixed wine” (wine fortified with spices or drugs) (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway) (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway).

This passage depicts the hallucinations and instability of the drunkard (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway). Another proverb warns rulers: “It is not for kings, O Lemuel, to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law…” (Prov. 31:4–5) (BIBLE VERSES ABOUT WINE BY KJV BOOK ORDER).

In contrast, the same chapter allows, “Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts” (31:6) (BIBLE VERSES ABOUT WINE BY KJV BOOK ORDER) – a recognition that alcohol could dull pain or lift a desperate spirit in small measure.

In sum, wisdom books praise moderate wine as a source of gladness but emphatically condemn drunkenness as foolish and dangerous (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway) (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway).

Prophets and Writings:

The prophetic books use wine imagery both literally and metaphorically. The prophet Isaiah pronounces woe on those “that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink,” and continue until night till wine inflames them (Isaiah 5:11) (BIBLE VERSES ABOUT WINE BY KJV BOOK ORDER).

He likewise warns “Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink” (Isaiah 5:22) (BIBLE VERSES ABOUT WINE BY KJV BOOK ORDER).

Isaiah condemns Israel’s leaders – priests and prophets – who stagger with strong drink and lose clarity (Isaiah 28:7–8) (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway).

Habakkuk 2:15 says “Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken”, condemning leading others into intoxication as a serious wrong.

The moral logic is clear: being drunk is bad; causing someone else to get drunk is even worse.

Another notable group, the Rechabites (Jeremiah 35), abstained from wine entirely, obeying their forefather’s command. God held up the Rechabites’ obedience as exemplary, but this was a specific family tradition, not a universal law.

We also see positive symbolic uses: the abundance of wine is a sign of God’s blessing in prophecy. Joel and Amos, for instance, speak of the mountains “dripping with new wine” in the age of restoration (Joel 3:18, Amos 9:13-14).

Isaiah envisions a messianic banquet with “wines on the lees… well refined” (aged, quality wine) prepared by the Lord for His people (Isaiah 25:6) (BIBLE VERSES ABOUT WINE BY KJV BOOK ORDER) – a metaphor for divine blessings.

Thus, the Prophets reflect both societal problems caused by alcohol (especially among leaders) and the hope of divine blessing symbolized by plentiful wine.

In summary, the Old Testament acknowledges wine as a normal part of life and a gift from God, used in hospitality, feasts, and offerings.

It celebrates wine’s ability to “gladden the heart” (BIBLE VERSES ABOUT WINE) and symbolizes prosperity and joy (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway) (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway).

Yet the OT just as clearly issues strong warnings against drunkenness, associating it with folly, poverty, and moral dissolution (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway) (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway).

Specific roles (priests, Nazirites) required abstinence at times, underscoring that holiness sometimes demanded foregoing wine (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway).

Overall, the OT message is not one of total prohibition for all, but of gratitude for wine coupled with respect for its dangers.

Alcohol in the New Testament

By New Testament (NT) times, the use of wine continued in Jewish culture and early Christianity.

Jesus lived in a world where wine was a staple beverage, and the NT writings mirror the OT’s balanced view: wine is a part of life and even used in sacred rites, but drunkenness is unequivocally condemned (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia). Key NT passages include:

Jesus’ Example and Teachings:

Jesus’ first miracle was turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11).

At this wedding feast, the wine had run out, and Jesus miraculously provided a large quantity of choice wine, thus blessing the celebration with abundance. The master of the feast remarks that the “good wine” was kept until last (John 2:10), indicating its high quality.

There is no indication this was anything other than normal fermented wine; in fact, the context implies it was alcoholic since wedding feasts customarily featured wine, and the miracle’s symbolism (joy, blessing) builds on that expectation.

This event shows Jesus did not disdain wine itself – He was willing to create it as a blessing for others.

Nevertheless, Jesus always upheld righteous behavior: we should note that He provided the wine, but did not encourage anyone to overindulge.

In His ministry, Jesus was actually accused by His critics of being “a glutton and a winebibber” (a drunkard) because He came “eating and drinking” normally, in contrast to John the Baptist who abstained (Luke 7:33-34, Matthew 11:19).

Of course, Jesus was not a drunkard; the accusation was slander. But it does imply Jesus drank wine on occasion as part of the common diet, so much so that opponents used it to malign Him.

Jesus acknowledged that John’s Nazarite-like abstinence and His own non-abstaining lifestyle both had their place in God’s plan (Luke 7:33-35).

Thus, Jesus personally modeled moderation – partaking in drink in a normal, non-sinful way, and condemning drunkenness by His words and life.

The Last Supper and Early Church Practice:

At the Last Supper, Jesus instituted the covenant memorial using wine as a symbol of His blood (though the Synoptic Gospels use the phrase “fruit of the vine,” it is understood to be wine as per Passover custom).

The early church continued to use wine in the Lord’s Supper/Eucharist. An instructive (if rebuking) reference to this is 1 Corinthians 11:20-22, where Paul scolds the Corinthian believers for abusing the Lord’s Supper – some were rushing ahead to eat and even getting drunk while others went hungry.

Paul writes: “One is hungry and another is drunken. What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in?” (1 Cor 11:21-22).

This not only condemns the irreverent drunken behavior, but also incidentally confirms that the communion “wine” was real fermented wine (since one cannot get drunk on unfermented grape juice).

Paul directs them to partake of the Lord’s Supper in a worthy, self-disciplined manner, implying that even in a sacred context, moderation and respect are key.

The presence of this problem shows that in the early church, wine was used in gatherings, but Christians were expected to handle it responsibly.

Apostolic Teaching – Warnings and Moderation:

The Epistles explicitly instruct believers about alcohol. Drunkenness is consistently denounced as sinful behavior unfitting for Christians.

For example, Ephesians 5:18 commands, “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.”

Here, being drunk is contrasted with being filled by God’s Spirit – they are incompatible. Galatians 5:19-21 lists “drunkenness” among the “works of the flesh” which bar people from inheriting God’s kingdom.

1 Peter 4:3-4 notes that before knowing Christ, people walked in “excess of wine, revellings, banquetings”, but now unbelievers find it strange when Christians no longer join in such drunken parties.

Thus, the apostles taught a clear break from the Gentile culture of heavy drinking (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway) (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia).

Sobriety and self-control are repeatedly urged as traits of the faithful (1 Thessalonians 5:6-8, 1 Peter 5:8).

At the same time, the NT makes allowance for moderate use of wine, even giving it practical endorsement.

Paul tells Timothy, “Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities” (1 Timothy 5:23) (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway).

This advice was for health – likely because water quality was poor and wine helped digestion. It shows that even a very pious young pastor like Timothy was permitted (indeed encouraged) to use wine in moderation for its benefits.

Moreover, in laying out qualifications for church leaders, Paul doesn’t demand total abstinence but rather temperance: a bishop must be “not given to wine” (1 Tim 3:3) and deacons “not given to much wine” (1 Tim 3:8) (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway).

Similarly, older women are not to be “enslaved to much wine” (Titus 2:3) (BIBLE VERSES ABOUT WINE).

The phraseology implies that having some wine is acceptable, but a leader in the church must not be a heavy drinker or addicted – they must be known for moderation.

Liberty and Love – When to Abstain:

The New Testament also introduces the principle of voluntary abstinence for the sake of others’ conscience.

In contexts where drinking alcohol might cause another believer to stumble (for example, a former alcoholic or someone who views it as sinful), love may lead a Christian to refrain.

Paul states in Romans 14:21, “It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.” (BIBLE VERSES ABOUT WINE) (BIBLE VERSES ABOUT WINE).

This is not a command to never drink, but a call to consider our influence.

Similarly, Paul’s general rule in 1 Corinthians 8-10 is that nothing (whether food or drink) should master us or harm a weaker brother’s faith (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway).

We have freedom to eat and drink, but freedom is to be used in love, not selfishly. Thus, a Christian might choose to abstain in certain settings out of charity, even though drinking moderately is not a sin per se.

This principle helped guide the early church in diverse communities and remains relevant in churches today.

In summary, the New Testament does not ban alcohol outright for believers (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway). Wine continues to be used positively – most notably by Christ Himself in His first miracle and in instituting Communion.

However, the NT writers echo the OT in forcefully condemning drunkenness as incompatible with a holy life (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia).

They advocate for moderation, self-control, and sensitivity: use wine if needed or as a blessing, but do not abuse it.

Church leaders especially are to be examples of temperance, and all Christians should be willing to limit their liberty to help others.

This balanced stance threads through the entire Bible: alcohol is a gift from God that can be enjoyed in moderation, yet its abuse is a serious sin.

Key Themes in Biblical Teaching on Alcohol

Having surveyed the scriptural data, we can distill several major themes regarding alcohol in the Bible (KJV). The biblical witness is consistent across both Testaments on these points:

1. Alcohol as a Blessing and Source of Joy

The Bible recognizes wine as one of God’s blessings to mankind. It is often associated with joy, celebration, and God’s provision. For example, Psalm 104 praises God who gives wine to gladden human hearts (BIBLE VERSES ABOUT WINE).

Wine was a standard part of festive occasions like weddings (as seen in Cana, John 2) and religious feasts (Deuteronomy 14:26).

The abundance of wine is a symbol of divine favor: when Jacob blesses his son Judah, he poetically describes Judah washing his garments in wine – meaning his land will be so rich in grapes that wine will be as plentiful as water (Genesis 49:11) (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway).

The prophets frequently use overflowing wine vats as an image of future blessings (Joel 2:24, Amos 9:13). Even in wisdom literature, moderate wine is seen positively: “a feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry” says Ecclesiastes 10:19 (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway).

Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 31:27-28, a deuterocanonical wisdom book, sums it up well: “Wine is as good as life to a man, if it be drunk moderately: it brings joy of the heart and cheerfulness...” (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway).

This reflects the biblical sentiment that in proper measure, alcohol can “gladden the heart” and enhance fellowship (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway) (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway).

Furthermore, Jesus Christ’s own use of wine – providing it at a wedding and employing it in the Lord’s Supper – affirms that wine in itself is a good creation of God, meant to be received with thanksgiving (1 Tim 4:4-5).

Thus, Scripture acknowledges alcohol’s positive role in celebration, symbolism (joy, covenant, blessing), and even health (as in Paul’s advice to Timothy for his stomach (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway)).

2. Warnings Against Drunkenness and Excess

Despite its positive uses, the Bible unambiguously and repeatedly warns against the danger of alcohol abuse. Drunkenness – the loss of control and sobriety due to alcohol – is consistently condemned as sinful (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia).

We have seen strong warnings in Proverbs (20:1; 23:29-35) describing the woes, errors, and ruin that follow drunken behavior (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway) (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway).

These warnings continue in the New Testament where being “drunk with wine” is debauchery (Eph 5:18) and believers are urged to live soberly.

Drunkards are listed among those who “shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Cor 6:9-10) – a grave warning that persistent drunkenness is incompatible with a life under God’s reign.

Historical examples reinforce these admonitions: Noah’s and Lot’s drunken episodes had disgraceful outcomes, serving as “examples of the dangers and repulsiveness of intemperance.” (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia)

Early Christians understood that, in a decadent Greco-Roman society, they must stand apart from common vices like heavy drinking (1 Pet 4:3-4).

The destructive potential of alcohol is emphasized: it can lead to impaired judgment (“forget the law,” Prov 31:5), immoral behavior (Gen 19:32-35, Lot’s incest while drunk), family and societal problems (Isa 5:11-12, 22-23), and personal ruin (Prov 23:21 warns the drunkard will come to poverty).

The prophets use drunkenness as a metaphor for spiritual waywardness and judgment – for instance, Jerusalem staggered like a drunkard under God’s wrath (Isa 51:17-22).

The Bible even says “wine is treacherous” (Habakkuk 2:5) and can deceive those who linger over it.

In sum, the warning is clear: alcohol has a seductive, “mocker” side (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway) that can enslave and destroy.

Believers are called to vigilance and self-discipline, never to be mastered by wine or any other substance (1 Cor 6:12). Drunkenness is not presented as a mere flaw but as serious sin that wars against the soul.

3. Moderation and Wisdom in Consumption

Between the extremes of total abstinence and reckless indulgence, Scripture advocates moderation – a balanced, wise approach to alcohol.

As noted, many faithful people in the Bible did drink wine (e.g. Abraham, Psalmists, Jesus, Timothy) without reproach. The overarching principle is self-control, a fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23).

The Bible praises those who restrain their appetite: “Happy is the man that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth” (Rom 14:22).

It is assumed that a believer may partake in alcohol within limits, but must use sound judgment and remain alert.

For everyday Israelites, enjoying wine with meals or at feasts was normal – yet Scriptural wisdom advised them to know when to stop (Prov 23:31, “Do not gaze at wine when it is red…,” meaning don’t let its allure suck you into overdrinking).

Moderation is exemplified by verses like 1 Timothy 5:23 (using a little wine for health) and by the qualification that church leaders be temperate, not heavy drinkers (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway).

Even in Sirach 31:31 (Apocrypha), it says “Wine drunk with moderation is joy of soul… What is life to a man who is without wine? It has been created to make men glad. Wine drunk in season and temperately is rejoicing of heart.”

In practical terms, moderation meant drinking in small quantities, often diluted, and primarily in social or meal contexts, not for the express purpose of inebriation (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia) (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia).

The Bible commends this temperate enjoyment as part of God’s good creation: “Eat your bread with joy and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already accepted your works” (Eccl 9:7).

Therefore, a key theme is responsible use – believers can in good conscience drink alcohol, especially in thanksgiving to God, but must remain sober-minded.

The righteous person is “not mastered by anything” (1 Cor 6:12), including drink. As long as one maintains control, gives thanks, and avoids causing offense or personal downfall, drinking can be to God’s glory (1 Cor 10:31).

The principle of moderation thus guards the Christian’s liberty: alcohol is permissible but not mandatory, enjoyable but not essential, and it must never control one’s life. This attitude aligns with a broader biblical ethic of temperance, discipline, and wisdom.

4. Prohibitions and Voluntary Abstinence

Finally, the Bible records instances of total abstinence from alcohol, either commanded for specific groups or chosen voluntarily for a greater purpose. These prohibitions are limited and context-specific, yet they are important to note:

• Under the Old Covenant law, priests on duty in the Tabernacle/Temple were not to drink wine or strong drink (Leviticus 10:9) (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway). This was a matter of ritual purity and respect for the holy tasks – akin to saying one must be clear-headed when approaching God’s sanctuary. Likewise, the Nazirite vow (Numbers 6) required complete abstinence from anything from the grapevine, symbolizing singular devotion to God. This shows that refraining from alcohol could be a sign of holiness or special consecration in certain circumstances.
• Certain individuals were called to lifelong abstinence: for example, Samson (Judges 13:7) and John the Baptist (Luke 1:15) were set apart from birth and drank no wine or strong drink. These cases are unique callings, not general commands, but they demonstrate that sometimes God’s service required foregoing even good gifts like wine.
• Outside of these vows, voluntary abstinence appears in Scripture as a respectable choice especially to avoid causing others to sin. We’ve discussed Paul’s instruction about not causing a brother to stumble (Rom 14:21) (BIBLE VERSES ABOUT WINE). Paul was willing to “never again eat meat [or by extension, drink wine]” if it would cause a fellow believer to fall (1 Cor 8:13). In contexts where pagan culture abused alcohol, some early Christians may have chosen to abstain to maintain a clear witness. The Rechabites (Jeremiah 35) provide an OT example of a community abstaining from wine as a matter of family principle; God honored their commitment to their conviction.
• In Church history, we see this theme continue (as covered below): some groups or individuals abstained from alcohol as an act of piety or to avoid the abuses so rampant in society. The New Testament, while not commanding abstinence for all, certainly leaves room for and even praises those who forsake drinking out of love, conscience, or spiritual focus. For instance, an overseer who entirely abstains is not violating any command – he may be going above and beyond to ensure he is beyond reproach. What the Bible does not do is impose a universal prohibition on alcohol for all believers. Apart from specific roles (priest, Nazirite) or situations, Scripture does not require every person to avoid alcohol (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway). On the contrary, Jesus’ example and many passages assume usage. But the thread of intentional abstinence for a greater good is present as a wise option. In summary, the Bible upholds freedom to drink moderately, yet also honors those who abstain for the sake of holiness or love. Both paths can glorify God when done according to conviction and command. What is absolutely forbidden is neither the moderate drinking of wine nor the choice to abstain, but rather the sin of drunkenness and self-indulgence.

Historical Theological Perspectives

Throughout history, Christians have grappled with how to apply the Bible’s teachings on alcohol.

For the first 1,800 years of Church history, Christians generally consumed alcoholic beverages (wine, beer, etc.) as a regular part of life, including in religious sacraments (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia).

The Eucharist was universally celebrated with wine until modern times, following Jesus’ institution (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia).

The prevailing view was that Scripture teaches alcohol is a gift from God that brings joy, but that drunkenness is sinful (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia).

Church fathers like Clement of Alexandria and St. John Chrysostom echoed biblical warnings against excess while accepting moderate use.

Monastic communities in the Middle Ages often brewed beer or made wine, and moderation was key – the Rule of Saint Benedict allowed monks a limited ration of wine, “lest the monks murmur.”

In short, the historic Christian consensus was moderationism: alcohol in itself is not evil, but misuse of it is.

This is evidenced by the fact that major Christian traditions (Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran, Anglican, etc.) have always permitted drinking in moderation and even use wine liturgically as essential to Communion (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia).

A significant shift occurred in the 19th century with the rise of the Temperance movement.

In response to rampant alcoholism and the social ills of hard liquor, many Protestant Christians – especially in America and Britain – began to advocate for abstention or even legal prohibition of alcohol (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia).

Groups like the Methodists, Baptists, and other evangelicals led this movement, interpreting biblical warnings in a more absolute way. It became common in some circles to teach that Christians should refrain from alcohol entirely.

Some even argued, contrary to historical consensus, that the “wine” in Scripture was often unfermented grape juice to bolster the case for abstinence (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia).

This “two-wine theory” (asserting that whenever the Bible speaks positively of wine it must mean non-alcoholic juice, and only the negative references are fermented wine) gained traction among certain 19th–20th century Protestant writers (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia) (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia).

For example, Methodist founder John Wesley in the 18th century had decried distilled liquor as “poison” and urged Christians to avoid it (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia), and by the late 1800s many Methodist and Baptist churches required “unfermented wine” (grape juice) for Communion (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia).

The Prohibition era (1920s USA) was the peak of this sentiment, viewing any consumption of alcohol as dangerous if not sinful.

However, not all Christians agreed with total abstinence theology. Critics of the two-wine theory pointed out that the Bible itself shows wine was fermented – e.g. Jesus’ own example, and verses like John 2 or 1 Cor 11 that make little sense if the wine were just juice.

Scholarly consensus has reaffirmed that the biblical words for wine (yayin/oinos) almost always imply fermented drink (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia).

The moderationist position – that the Bible allows drinking but forbids drunkenness – remains the majority view worldwide (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia).

Indeed, today most Christian denominations around the globe (including Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, Anglicans, Lutherans, Reformed, etc.) continue to accept moderate alcohol use, while emphasizing moral responsibility.

Meanwhile, many evangelical Protestant churches, especially in North America, still encourage or require abstinence among members or clergy as a matter of witness or personal holiness.

This diversity in practice is reflected in modern times: some churches serve wine in Communion, others offer grape juice, and some give a choice of either, aiming to respect those with abstention convictions (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia).

In evaluating these perspectives, it’s clear they stem from different emphases: the moderationists stress the biblical allowance of alcohol as good, within limits, and see blanket prohibition as adding to Scripture.

Abstentionists/prohibitionists, on the other hand, stress the destructive impact of alcohol and seek to apply biblical warnings by avoiding it altogether.

Both groups acknowledge that drunkenness is sin, as the Bible plainly states. The question was whether avoiding alcohol entirely is a wiser application of biblical principles in a given cultural context.

For example, a pastor in a community plagued by alcoholism might choose not to drink at all to set an example, even though the Bible doesn’t explicitly demand that sacrifice.

It’s worth noting that the Bible itself supports neither legalistic prohibition nor libertine indulgence. It presents a balanced view that has challenged Christians in every age to exercise both freedom and restraint.

As one article put it, the Bible is “ambivalent towards alcohol, considering it both a blessing from God... and a potential danger that can be sinfully abused.” (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia).

This tension has led to lively theological discussions. Ultimately, most Christian traditions have concluded that alcohol, used rightly, is a legitimate blessing, but each believer must heed Scripture’s warnings and be guided by the Holy Spirit, conscience, and love for others in deciding whether and how much to drink.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a thorough survey of the King James Bible’s passages on alcohol reveals a consistent and multi-faceted teaching. Wine and strong drink appear throughout Scripture – sometimes in celebration and worship, other times in lament and woe.

The Bible’s message can be summarized this way: Alcohol is one of God’s gifts in creation, meant to bring joy and comfort, yet because of human sin and weakness it carries grave dangers when misused (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia).

The KJV verses show both sides: the “blessing” of wine in gladdening the heart and enhancing life, and the “curse” of wine when it leads to drunken folly.

There is no blanket prohibition of drinking in the Bible; rather, moderation is key, and holiness and love set the limits. Believers are free to enjoy wine as a component of God’s abundant provision – Jesus Himself did so – but they are not to get drunk, nor to let their freedom cause others to fall.

Specific callings or situations may lead some to abstain, which the Bible honors as well. In all cases, Scripture calls for wisdom, self-control, and thanksgiving in how one handles alcohol.

Thus, what the KJV (and the Bible as a whole) says about alcohol is clear: “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging” if you lose yourself to it, “but wine maketh glad the heart of man” when received with gratitude in its season (BIBLE VERSES ABOUT WINE BY KJV BOOK ORDER) (BIBLE VERSES ABOUT WINE BY KJV BOOK ORDER).

The difference lies in the heart and habits of the drinker. As with many of God’s gifts, alcohol can be used rightly or wrongly. The biblical texts encourage us to enjoy rightly (in moderation, with prudence) and shun the misuse (drunkenness and addiction).

This balanced biblical doctrine has guided Jewish and Christian attitudes for millennia and continues to inform the ongoing conversation about alcohol in faith communities today.

By heeding all the Scriptures on this topic – the celebrations and the warnings – believers can honor God in whatever they decide, whether to drink or to abstain, living out the Bible’s teaching with both liberty and responsibility.

Sources:

• The Holy Bible, King James Version – various passages as cited throughout.
• Encyclopedia of the Bible, “Wine and Strong Drink” (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway) (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway) (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway) (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway) (Wine and Strong Drink - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway) – discussing ancient wine production, usage, and biblical attitudes.
• Christian Views on Alcohol, Wikipedia (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia) (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia) (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia) – summary of historical Christian practices and the biblical balance of alcohol as blessing vs. danger.
• Easton’s Bible Dictionary (1897), entry “Drunkenness” – notes frequency of references and biblical condemnation (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia).
• Quarles, Charles L., “Does the Bible Justify Drinking Alcohol Today?” (2021) (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia) (Christian views on alcohol - Wikipedia) – on ancient dilution of wine vs. modern alcoholic content.
• Relevant biblical commentaries and theological works on biblical alcohol use (cited in text, e.g., Matthew Henry’s Commentary, etc., via cross-references).