μέθη
methē
drunkenness
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word μέθη (methē) is defined as drunkenness. This term is used three times in the Bible, indicating its limited but significant presence in the text. As a noun, μέθη refers to a state of intoxication, likely caused by excessive consumption of alcohol. The use of μέθη in the Bible suggests that drunkenness was a known and recognized behavior in ancient Greek culture. Its limited occurrences imply that the concept of drunkenness was not a central theme in the biblical narrative, but rather a specific instance or example used to convey a particular message or idea. In the context of the Bible, μέθη may be used to describe a state of moral or spiritual intoxication, rather than just physical drunkenness. This interpretation is supported by the fact that μέθη is often associated with negative consequences, such as foolish behavior or loss of control.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences across the text
“So be careful, or your hearts will be loaded down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day will come on you suddenly.
Romans 13:13Let’s walk properly, as in the day; not in reveling and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and lustful acts, and not in strife and jealousy.
Galatians 5:21envy, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom.