μέθη (methē)
methē
drunkenness
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun methē refers to the state of intoxication or drunkenness. In the New Testament, it appears only three times, linking physical excess with spiritual unpreparedness. Luke 21:34 warns believers against their hearts being weighed down by carousal and drunkenness, which could catch them unexpectedly like a trap. This usage highlights methē not merely as a social vice, but as a condition that dulls spiritual alertness.
Paul employs the same term in Galatians 5:21 and Romans 13:13 to list behaviors incompatible with life in the Spirit. In these contexts, methē stands alongside other excesses such as revelry and debauchery. The sources note its connection to the Greek word kōmos, meaning a noisy feast or riotous party. Together, they describe a lifestyle characterized by loss of self-control and public disorder.
Etymologically, the word relates to deep drinking or consuming alcohol to the point of impairment. Unlike terms that might describe casual enjoyment of wine, methē carries a negative connotation of excess and its resulting confusion. Translators consistently render it as "drunkenness," preserving the clear moral warning against allowing physical indulgence to override spiritual vigilance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word methē describes a state of intoxication where physical indulgence leads to a loss of self-control. In the New Testament, it is never presented as a neutral act but as a condition that weighs down the heart and dulls spiritual alertness. This term appears in warnings from Jesus and Paul, linking such excess directly to a lack of readiness for God’s purposes.
When our hearts are loaded down with carousing or drunkenness, we risk being caught off guard by life’s unexpected moments. The biblical call is not merely to avoid a vice, but to maintain a clear mind and a vigilant spirit. By choosing sobriety, we keep our focus on what truly matters, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our steps rather than the fog of excess.
This teaching invites us to examine where we might be seeking comfort in ways that cloud our judgment. It is an invitation to live with clarity and purpose, ensuring that our daily habits do not hinder our relationship with God. May you find strength in walking lightly, free from burdens that distract from the hope we hold.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- in drinking,1×
- drunkennesses,1×
- drunkenness1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μέθῃ1×
- μέθαις,1×
- μέθαι,1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 21:34
“So be careful, or your hearts will be loaded down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day will come on you suddenly.
Jesus uses this term to warn that drunkenness can weigh down the heart, causing believers to be unprepared when His return comes suddenly.
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Romans 13:13
Let’s walk properly, as in the day; not in reveling and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and lustful acts, and not in strife and jealousy.
Paul pairs this word with revelry to contrast worldly excess with the proper conduct expected of those who live in the light.
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Galatians 5:21
envy, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom.
The apostle lists drunkenness among the works of the flesh, explicitly stating that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom.