“And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18).
Unlike English, the Greek language is far more precise when discussing intoxication.
When talking about it as a habit, there is the word methe (Galatians 5:21). When discussing intoxication as a state, there is methuo (1 Thessalonians 5:7). When considering intoxication as a process (i.e., “social drinking”), there is methusko (Ephesians 5:18). When examining the administration of small quantities of alcohol as a medicine, there is the word chraomai (1 Timothy 5:23). This word indicates the need to take an atypical course of action based upon the existing state of dire and unusual circumstances.
In no way does the Greek language provide any authorization for a saint to be involved in the habit, state, or process of intoxication. Paul’s exact words are: me methuskethe—“Stop the process of getting drunk”!
