The Blessing of Alcohol

Wine in the Bible: A Gift, Not a Sin

In some corners of modern Christianity, a persistent myth lingers—that all alcohol is inherently sinful. Though often well-intentioned, this teaching doesn’t align with the full counsel of Scripture. It frequently stems from a misunderstanding of the biblical words translated as “wine.”

In both Hebrew and Greek, the words yayin (Hebrew) and oinos (Greek) refer to fermented wine—not unfermented grape juice. The Bible doesn’t use a separate word for “grape juice” as we define it today. When Jesus turned water into wine at Cana (John 2) or shared the cup at the Last Supper (Matthew 26), the word used is oinos—fermented wine. The same is true when Paul instructed Timothy to “drink a little wine” for his health (1 Timothy 5:23). A simple word study dismantles the claim that biblical “wine” was merely juice.

In truth, Scripture speaks frequently of wine and strong drink—not only as normal in everyday life, but as a gift from God, woven into worship, celebration, and covenant, and symbolic of joy and the coming Kingdom.

1. Jesus Drank Wine and Shared It with Others

Jesus drank wine. In Matthew 26:29, He said:

“I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

This wasn’t metaphorical. At the Last Supper, Jesus gave His disciples wine and said:

“Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant…” (Matthew 26:27–29)

Earlier, His very first miracle was turning water into excellent wine for wedding guests who had already been drinking (John 2:1–11). This wasn’t juice—it was real wine, and it was served at a joyous celebration.

2. Wine Was Normal and Celebrated in Jewish Life

Wine was a regular part of Jewish daily life and religious practice:

Genesis 14:18 — Melchizedek brought out bread and wine to bless Abram.
1 Samuel 1:24 — Hannah offered wine at the tabernacle with her sacrifice.
Ecclesiastes 9:7 — “Drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.”

Psalm 104:15 speaks plainly of God’s generosity:

“Wine to gladden the heart of man.”

Wine was not viewed as a moral threat, but as a gracious gift.

3. Wine Symbolizes Joy, Blessing, and the Kingdom

Scripture associates wine with joy, healing, and future hope:

Proverbs 31:6 — “Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress.”
Judges 9:13 — Wine is said to “cheer God and men.”
Isaiah 25:6 — God prepares a future feast with “well-aged wine.”
Amos 9:13 — “The mountains shall drip sweet wine.”

Wine was also part of worship through drink offerings (Exodus 29:40; Numbers 28:14), and Isaiah 62:9 describes God’s people drinking wine in His sanctuary as a sign of blessing.

4. Moderation—Not Abstinence—Is the Biblical Standard

Paul advised Timothy:

“No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.”
— 1 Timothy 5:23

Likewise, when addressing church leaders, Paul didn’t command abstinence but warned against excess:

1 Timothy 3:8 — Deacons must not be “addicted to much wine.”
Titus 2:3 — Older women must not be “slaves to much wine.”

Scripture calls for wise self-control—not legalistic prohibition.

5. Wine in Worship Was Commanded by God

God didn’t merely allow wine—He included it in worship and commanded celebration:

“Spend the money for whatever your heart desires: for oxen, or sheep, or wine, or strong drink… and rejoice, you and your household.”
— Deuteronomy 14:26

And in Nehemiah 8:10, after reading the Law to the people:

“Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine… for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

This wasn’t secular partying—it was sacred joy.

6. Drunkenness Is a Sin—Drinking Isn’t

The Bible is clear about the dangers of excess:

Ephesians 5:18 — “Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery…”
Proverbs 20:1 — “Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler…”
Isaiah 5:11 — “Woe to those who rise early to run after strong drink…”

But drinking itself is not condemned. In fact, Jesus was falsely accused of being a drunkard:

“The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at Him! A glutton and a drunkard…’”
— Matthew 11:18–19

They said this because He drank wine—yet He was without sin.

7. Legalism Adds What God Never Said

Some preach abstinence as if it were a divine command. But Paul warned against adding man-made rules:

“These have indeed an appearance of wisdom… but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.”
— Colossians 2:23

Jesus rebuked those who “teach as doctrines the commandments of men” (Mark 7:7). Legalism doesn’t produce holiness—it often hides pride.

8. Summary: Wine Was Normal, Sacred, and Celebratory

Wine in the Bible was:

Drunk by Jesus and His disciples
Used in sacred offerings
Celebrated at feasts
Permitted for leaders
Symbolic of joy, healing, and the Kingdom

Even in eternity, Jesus promises to drink wine again—with us:

“Until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”
— Matthew 26:29

Conclusion: Let Scripture Speak for Itself

Wine is not sin. Wine is not evil. It is part of God’s good creation—given for joy, healing, worship, and community. Drunkenness is clearly condemned, but drinking itself is not.

To claim otherwise is to replace Scripture with tradition.

“Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine… for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
— Nehemiah 8:10

Let truth set us free—from both bondage and the fear of man.

Gentleman Outlaw