What does the Bible say about drinking alcohol?
The Bible neither absolutely forbids alcohol nor treats it as morally neutral. Scripture consistently warns against drunkenness, commends self-control and sobriety, and calls believers to consider their influence on others when exercising their freedom.
Key Verses
8
supporting KJV passages
How to use this page
Read the full explanation, then explore each verse with its context. The FAQs at the bottom answer the most common follow-up questions.
Summary Answer
The Bible neither absolutely forbids alcohol nor treats it as morally neutral. Scripture consistently warns against drunkenness, commends self-control and sobriety, and calls believers to consider their influence on others when exercising their freedom.
What does the Bible say about drinking alcohol?
The Bible's position on alcohol is more nuanced than either a blanket prohibition or an uncritical endorsement. Understanding the full picture requires holding together what Scripture actually says rather than reading into it an agenda it does not have.
Alcohol appears throughout the Bible. Wine is acknowledged as a gift from God (Psalm 104:15, "wine that maketh glad the heart of man"). Jesus' first miracle was turning water into wine at a wedding feast (John 2:1-11). Paul recommends that Timothy drink a little wine for his stomach's sake (1 Timothy 5:23). The Old Testament law even prescribes that some of the tithe money be spent on "whatsoever thy soul lusteth after... wine, or strong drink" for feasting before the Lord (Deuteronomy 14:26).
At the same time, the Bible could not be clearer in its condemnation of drunkenness. Ephesians 5:18: "be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit." Galatians 5:21 lists "drunkenness" and "revellings" among the works of the flesh that exclude from the kingdom of God. Proverbs 20:1 states: "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise." Proverbs 23:29-35 paints a vivid and cautionary picture of the physical and social destruction that accompanies habitual drinking.
The New Testament adds the principle of Christian influence. Romans 14:21 says "it is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth." If the freedom a Christian exercises in drinking causes a weaker believer to stumble or gives offence to those with a more restrictive conscience, love for that person should override personal freedom. This principle has led many Christians to abstain entirely, not because drinking is categorically sinful, but as an act of love and witness.
For those with a history of addiction or alcoholism, the question is not academic. Wisdom, stewardship of the body (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and self-preservation all point toward complete abstinence. Proverbs 4:23 says "keep thy heart with all diligence", for many, maintaining sobriety is an act of faithful stewardship.
The governing question for the Christian is not merely "is this permissible?" but "is this beneficial, and does it bring glory to God?" (1 Corinthians 10:31; 6:12).
Supporting Bible Verses
Key KJV passages that speak directly to what the Bible says about drinking.
Ephesians 5:18
“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.”
Context
Paul's command is against drunkenness specifically, and contrasts it with the superior filling of the Spirit, which produces genuine joy without destruction.
Proverbs 20:1
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”
Context
Proverbs warns against being deceived by alcohol, it promises pleasure but delivers mockery and violence to those who are overcome by it.
Romans 14:21
“It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.”
Context
Christian love constrains personal freedom, if drinking causes a weaker believer to stumble, abstaining becomes the more loving choice.
Psalm 104:15
“And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart.”
Context
Wine is acknowledged as a legitimate gift from God that contributes to human gladness, the Bible is not uniformly negative about alcohol itself.
1 Corinthians 6:12
“All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.”
Context
Paul's governing principle: freedom in Christ is real, but he refuses to be mastered by anything, including substances that could lead to dependency.
Proverbs 23:31-32
“Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.”
Context
Proverbs' vivid warning against the seductive appearance of strong drink and its ultimately venomous effect on those overcome by it.
Galatians 5:19-21
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, 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.”
Context
Drunkenness is listed alongside serious moral failures as a work of the flesh, Paul regards it as incompatible with life in the kingdom.
1 Timothy 5:23
“Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.”
Context
Paul's personal, practical advice to Timothy demonstrates that moderate use of wine was accepted in the early church for specific circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is drinking alcohol a sin?
Drinking alcohol in moderation is not categorically forbidden in Scripture, the Bible even acknowledges wine as a gift from God (Psalm 104:15). What is clearly sinful is drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:21). Many Christians choose to abstain entirely for reasons of witness, self-protection, or love for others.
Did Jesus drink alcohol?
Yes. Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11) and drank wine at the Passover meal (Matthew 26:29). He was even accused by critics of being a "winebibber" (Matthew 11:19), though this was a false and exaggerated charge.
What does the Bible say about drunkenness?
The Bible consistently condemns drunkenness. Ephesians 5:18 commands "be not drunk with wine." Galatians 5:21 lists drunkenness among works of the flesh that exclude from the kingdom. Proverbs 23 provides a graphic description of the destruction that alcohol brings to those it overcomes.
Should Christians abstain from alcohol entirely?
This is a matter of Christian conscience. Some abstain because of personal conviction, concern for influence on others (Romans 14:21), past addiction, or as a witness. Others drink moderately in good conscience. Neither abstinence nor moderate use is universally commanded in the New Testament.
What if I struggle with alcohol addiction?
The Bible calls us to be "not brought under the power of any" (1 Corinthians 6:12) and to be "sober" and "vigilant" (1 Peter 5:8). If alcohol has power over you, complete abstinence is the wisest and most biblical course. Seeking help from the church and professional support is an act of wisdom and courage, not weakness.