Bible Verses About Alcohol

Bible passages about alcohol, wine, drunkenness, and sobriety.

King James Version
1Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
Proverbs 20:1
18And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
Ephesians 5:18
29Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? 30They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. 31Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.
Proverbs 23:29-31
23Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.
1 Timothy 5:23
9When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, 10And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.
John 2:9-10
11Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!
Isaiah 5:11
21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Galatians 5:21
13Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
Romans 13:13
8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
1 Peter 5:8

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Bible forbid drinking alcohol?

The Bible does not prohibit all alcohol — Jesus turned water into wine (John 2:9) and Paul recommended wine for Timothy's stomach (1 Timothy 5:23). However, it strongly condemns drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18, Galatians 5:21) and warns about alcohol's dangers (Proverbs 20:1, 23:29-31).

What is the Christian view on alcohol?

Christians hold varied views. Some practice total abstinence based on wisdom principles. Others allow moderate consumption. All agree the Bible prohibits drunkenness and that wisdom and self-control should govern decisions about alcohol.

Did Jesus drink wine or grape juice?

Christians debate this point. Those favoring moderation note that the Greek word 'oinos' consistently means fermented wine throughout Scripture and secular literature, and that Jesus was accused of being a 'winebibber' (Matthew 11:19). Those favoring abstinence argue that some biblical wine references may indicate unfermented juice. The cultural context suggests fermented wine was the norm in first-century Palestine.