σίκερα (sikera)
sikera
alcoholic drink
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun sikera refers to an intoxicating beverage, distinct from wine in its production and character. Derived from the Hebrew word for strong drink, it describes a fermented liquor made by mixing sweet ingredients such as grain, vegetables, or fruit juices like dates, often combined with honey.
This specific term appears only once in the New Testament, in Luke 1:15, where an angel announces that John the Baptist will drink neither wine nor sikera. The distinction highlights a particular kind of potent, artificially mixed alcoholic drink, setting it apart from the more common grape wine of the region.
Its usage underscores the severity of the Nazirite vow described in the Old Testament, where such abstention marked a person as set apart for God. By including sikera alongside wine, the text emphasizes a complete renunciation of alcoholic intoxication for this specific prophetic role.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sikera points to a potent, fermented drink distinct from ordinary wine. In Luke 1:15, an angel tells Zechariah that his son John will abstain from both wine and this strong drink. This specific prohibition highlights the seriousness of John’s calling as a prophet set apart for God.
While Christians today are not bound by Nazirite vows, this passage reminds us that God calls some to special dedication. It invites reflection on how we use our bodies and minds. Total abstinence from intoxicants can be a way to stay clear-headed and focused on spiritual matters.
This single occurrence in the New Testament shows that complete sobriety is a valid and honored path for serving God. It encourages believers to consider what helps them remain fully present for their daily walk with Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- strong drink1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σίκερα1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 1:15
For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and he will drink no wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.
This verse uniquely pairs sikera with wine to show that John the Baptist’s separation from all intoxicants was a sign of his unique prophetic role.