μέθυσος (methusos)
methusos
drunkard
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective methusos describes a state of being intoxicated or drunk. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both within Paul’s letters to the Corinthians. It functions as a moral category, listing those who are characterized by drunkenness alongside other serious sins like greed and slander.
While the word literally means "drunken," its usage in 1 Corinthians 5:11 and 6:10 places it firmly within lists of behaviors that exclude individuals from the community of believers if they persist in them. The term is not merely about occasional indulgence but describes a lifestyle or habitual condition. Paul uses it to highlight actions that are incompatible with the holiness expected of Christians.
Lexical sources note that while the word can apply to men, it was sometimes used for women in later Greek and in the Septuagint. Its presence in these specific Corinthian passages underscores the seriousness with which early church leaders viewed substance abuse as a barrier to spiritual fellowship and ethical living.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word methusos describes a state of intoxication that goes beyond a single mistake. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both in Paul’s letters to the Corinthian church. He lists it alongside serious sins like greed and slander. This shows that habitual drunkenness is not seen as a minor flaw but as a lifestyle that conflicts with the holiness expected of believers.
Paul uses this term to highlight actions that are incompatible with Christian fellowship. In 1 Corinthians 5:11, he advises the community not to associate with someone who claims to be a brother yet lives in this way. The focus is on the persistent nature of the sin, which damages both the individual’s witness and the unity of the church.
Understanding this word helps us see how seriously early Christians viewed substance abuse. It reminds us that our choices affect our spiritual health and our relationships with others. We are called to live in a way that honors God, avoiding habits that cloud our minds and harm our community. This call to sobriety is an invitation to freedom and clarity.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- drunkards1×
- a drunkard1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μέθυσος1×
- μέθυσοι1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 5:11
But as it is, I wrote to you not to associate with anyone who is called a brother who is a sexual sinner, or covetous, or an idolater, or a slanderer, or a drunkard, or an extortionist. Don’t even eat with such a person.
This verse places methusos in a list of behaviors that exclude individuals from close fellowship if they persist in them.
-
I Corinthians 6:10
nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor extortionists, will inherit God’s Kingdom.
Here the word is used to show that habitual drunkards, like thieves and extortionists, will not inherit God’s Kingdom.