What Does the Bible Say About Alcohol and Drinking?
The Bible is neither a prohibition tract nor a license for excess. Wine appears at the wedding of Cana (where Jesus made it), at the Lord's Supper, and throughout the Psalms. But drunkenness is consistently condemned as incompatible with the Spirit-filled life. Below are 5 key passages from the King James Version (KJV) on this theme.
What does the Bible say about alcohol and drinking??
What does the Bible say about alcohol? Scripture neither commands total abstinence nor permits drunkenness. Wine appears throughout both Testaments — with clear warnings against excess and encouragement for sobriety.
5 Bible Verses About Alcohol and drinking? (KJV)
“In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.”
Proverbs 20:1 KJV Read Proverbs chapter 20 →
“Jehoahaz was twenty and three years old when he began to reign; and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.”
Proverbs 23:31 KJV Read Proverbs chapter 23 →
“Nevertheless in those days, saith the Lord, I will not make a full end with you.”
Ephesians 5:18 KJV — Walk in Love as Christ Loved Us Read Ephesians chapter 5 →
“Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners?”
1 Corinthians 6:10 KJV Read 1 Corinthians chapter 6 →
“For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.”
1 Timothy 3:3 KJV — Qualifications for Church Leadership Read 1 Timothy chapter 3 →
Read These Passages in Full Context
Frequently Asked Questions About Alcohol and drinking? in the Bible
- What does the Bible say about alcohol and drinking??
- The Bible is neither a prohibition tract nor a license for excess. Wine appears at the wedding of Cana (where Jesus made it), at the Lord's Supper, and throughout the Psalms. But drunkenness is consistently condemned as incompatible with the Spirit-filled life. Key KJV passages: Proverbs 20:1, Proverbs 23:31, Ephesians 5:18, Romans 13:13, 1 Corinthians 6:10.
- What are the best Bible verses about alcohol and drinking??
- The most important KJV passages on alcohol and drinking? include: Proverbs 20:1, Proverbs 23:31, Ephesians 5:18, Romans 13:13, 1 Corinthians 6:10. Read all 5 passages free at The Living Sword Bible — no account, no ads.
- Where in the Bible does it talk about alcohol and drinking??
- The Bible addresses alcohol and drinking? throughout both Testaments. Key references include Proverbs 20:1, Proverbs 23:31, Ephesians 5:18, Romans 13:13, 1 Corinthians 6:10, 1 Timothy 3:3, 1 Peter 5:8. Explore every passage in context at thelivingsword.replit.app.
- What does the New Testament say about alcohol and drinking??
- New Testament scriptures on alcohol and drinking?: Ephesians 5:18, Romans 13:13, 1 Corinthians 6:10, 1 Timothy 3:3. Read them free at The Living Sword Bible.
- What does the Old Testament say about alcohol and drinking??
- Old Testament scriptures on alcohol and drinking?: Proverbs 20:1, Proverbs 23:31. See them in full context free at The Living Sword.
- How do I study Bible verses about alcohol and drinking??
- The Living Sword Bible app offers word-by-word study with original Hebrew and Greek, multiple translations (KJV, World English Bible, Geneva Bible, Young's Literal, ASV, Darby), cross-references, and an AI companion that answers only from Scripture. Read all 5 passages on alcohol and drinking? at thelivingsword.replit.app — free, no account, no download required.
Read the Full Bible Free
The Living Sword is a free Bible app — no ads, no account, no paywall. Explore all 66 books, search the full text at Bible search, or browse all Bible topics.
Available translations: King James Version (KJV), World English Bible (WEB), Geneva Bible 1599, Darby Translation, Young's Literal Translation (YLT), American Standard Version (ASV), and the Living Sword Translation.