I still remember the conversations I had about drinking when I was a new Christian. I used to think—and even tell others—“Jesus enjoyed drinking!” At the time, I was in university, surrounded by a culture where drinking wasn’t just normalized; it was toxic. It seemed like everyone was drinking to get drunk, to forget, to fit in. And in those moments, I justified my own perspective by pointing to Jesus.
Recently, I had an interesting conversation with a Muslim colleague at work. He said that in Islam, drinking is considered haram—forbidden under Islamic law. Then he asked me, “How does Christianity view drinking?” For a brief moment, I almost defaulted to my old university response: “Jesus enjoyed drinking!” But something in me hesitated. Now, years into my faith journey, with a deeper desire to honor God, I paused. “I know He drank some wine,” I said, “but honestly, I’m not entirely sure where the Bible draws the line.”
That question lingered with me. I realized I wasn’t the only one unsure. I’ve met believers who avoid alcohol completely, others who enjoy it in moderation, and still others who don’t think twice about kicking it back on the weekend. Meanwhile, the Church as a whole seems to vary widely in its teaching on alcohol—ranging from absolute abstinence to complete liberty.
So I decided to study what Scripture really says about alcohol. I’m writing this teaching not just for the university students asking questions, but for every believer navigating this tension—whether you’re mentoring a young Christian, guiding a loved one through addiction, or simply wondering where you personally should stand.
Let's go!
The Three Types of Alcohol
The Bible mentions three kinds of drink:
- Wine
- New Wine
- Strong drinks
Wine (Yayin): Alcoholic beverage made from fermented grapes. This is not considered an intensely alcoholic drink. Example verse - Deu 14:26 Use the silver to buy whatever you like: cattle, sheep, wine or other fermented drink...
Hebrew Definition - yayin, yah'-yin; from an unused root meaning to effervesce; wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication:—banqueting, wine, wine(-bibber).
New Wine (Tee-Roshe): This is defined as fresh grape juice, but can also refer to a low concentration of fermented alcohol. Example verse - Gen 27:28 May God give you heaven’s dew and earth’s richness— an abundance of grain and new wine.
Hebrew Definition - tîyrôwsh, tee-roshe'; or תִּירֹשׁ tîyrôsh; from H3423 in the sense of expulsion; must or fresh grape-juice (as just squeezed out); by implication (rarely) fermented wine:—(new, sweet) wine.
Strong Drink (Shekar): Defined as an intoxicating drink, probably indicating an intensely alcoholic spirit. Example verse - Deu 14:26 Use the silver to buy whatever you like: cattle, sheep, wine or other fermented drink...
Hebrew Definition - shêkâr, shay-kawr'; from H7937; an intoxicant, i.e. intensely alcoholic liquor:—strong drink, drunkard, strong wine.
What are the Rules?
God gives surprisingly clear instructions on how these 3 types of beverages can be consumed.
- Wine & Strong Drinks were allowed for celebrations (Deu 14:26 Use the silver to buy whatever you like: cattle, sheep, wine or other fermented drink, or anything you wish. Then you and your household shall eat there in the presence of the LORD your God and rejoice)
- Wine & Strong Drinks were used as an offering to God (Num 28:7 The accompanying drink offering is to be a quarter of a hin of fermented drink with each lamb. Pour out the drink offering to the LORD at the sanctuary)
- All alcohol was forbidden for Priests who entered the Tabernacle (Lev 10:9 “You and your sons are not to drink wine or other fermented drink whenever you go into the tent of meeting, or you will die. This is a lasting ordinance for the generations to come)
While these do not mention how much alcohol you are allowed to consume, it is mentioned numerous times after these laws that having too much drink (to the point when you are intoxicated) is condemned:
Pro 20:1 Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
Isa 5:11 Woe to those who rise early in the morning to run after their drinks, who stay up late at night till they are inflamed with wine.
Gal 5:21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
This makes sense as if you are drunk on alcohol, you are more likely to sin.
Even famous characters in the Bible, such as Noah, have had bad experiences with too much drink.
Gen 9:20 Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded to plant a vineyard. Gen 9:21 When he drank some of its wine, he became drunk and lay uncovered inside his tent.
Looking at the early scriptures, it is clear drinking was commonplace.
Gen 43:34 When portions were served to them from Joseph’s table, Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as anyone else’s. So they feasted and drank freely with him.
What did the Jesus and the Early Church Say?
Even in the New Testament, drinking is mentioned a few times, especially in Paul & Peter's letters. His verses show that drinking was fine, however drinking too much was mentioned as bad:
[Paul] 1Ti 3:8 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.
[Paul] Tit 2:3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.
[Peter] 1Pe 4:3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.
We even see Jesus say he came here to eat and drink:
Luk 7:33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ Luk 7:34 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’
It makes sense that Yeshua (Jesus' real name) came to drink. God deems wine and these things a blessing to us. Blessing is often associated with overflowing of wine:
Gen 27:28 May God give you heaven’s dew and earth’s richness— an abundance of grain and new wine.
One of the most interesting and humourous verses is written by Paul in 1 Timothy. Paul advises Timothy to stop drinking water only, and add some wine to his diet to help with his illness:
1Ti 5:23 Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.
Maybe Paul's advice will work for you too!
Conclusion
The Bible presents a balanced view of alcohol consumption—permitting it in moderation but warning against excess. From the Old Testament laws to the teachings of Jesus and the early Church, we see that wine was used for celebration, offerings, and even medicinal purposes. However, drunkenness is consistently condemned, as it leads to impaired judgment and sin.
Jesus Himself partook in drinking, and Paul even advised Timothy to drink some wine for health reasons. Yet, both the Old and New Testaments emphasize self-control, wisdom, and honouring God with our actions. This means that while drinking in itself is not sinful, it is our responsibility to ensure that it does not lead to us sinning.
For Christians today, the decision to drink should be guided by biblical wisdom, personal conviction, and consideration for others. If alcohol causes a brother or sister in faith to stumble, it is better to abstain. If it leads to dependency or impairs our ability to live righteously, then it becomes a problem.
Ultimately, our goal is not to ask, "Can I drink?" but rather, "How can I glorify God in all that I do?". I hope you enjoyed this teaching today!
