Original Word: μέθη
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: methé
Pronunciation: meh-thay'
Phonetic Spelling: (meth'-ay)
Definition: deep drinking, drunkenness.
Meaning: The noun μέθη refers to "drunkenness" or "intoxication," typically associated with excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb μεθύω (methyō), meaning "to be drunk" or "to drink to intoxication."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent to μέθη, the concept of drunkenness is addressed in the Old Testament. Some related Hebrew words include:
• Strong's Hebrew 7941 (שִׁכָּרוֹן, shikkaron): Refers to drunkenness or intoxication.
• Strong's Hebrew 8358 (שָׁתָה, shathah): A verb meaning "to drink," often used in contexts involving excessive drinking or drunkenness.

This entry provides a comprehensive understanding of the term μέθη, its usage in the New Testament, and its implications for Christian ethics and behavior.

Usage: The term μέθη is used in the New Testament to describe a state of drunkenness, often in a moral or ethical context, warning against the excesses and lack of self-control associated with it.

Context: • Contextual Overview: In the New Testament, μέθη is frequently mentioned in lists of vices or behaviors that are contrary to Christian living. It is often contrasted with sobriety and self-control, virtues that are encouraged among believers.
• Scriptural References:
• Romans 13:13 (BSB): "Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy."
• Galatians 5:21 (BSB): "and envy; drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."
• Ephesians 5:18 (BSB): "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit."
• Theological Implications: The use of μέθη in the New Testament underscores the importance of moderation and the dangers of losing control over one's faculties. Drunkenness is depicted as a behavior that leads to further moral decay and is incompatible with a life led by the Spirit. The call to avoid μέθη is part of a broader exhortation to live a life that reflects the values of the Kingdom of God.
• Moral and Ethical Considerations: The warnings against μέθη serve as a reminder of the need for vigilance and self-discipline. Believers are encouraged to seek fulfillment and joy through spiritual means rather than through temporary and potentially destructive physical indulgences.

Word Origin
a prim. word
Definition
drunkenness
NASB Translation
drunkenness (3).

STRONGS NT 3178: μέθη

μέθη, μέθης, ἡ (akin to μέθυ, wine; perhaps any intoxicating drink, Latintemetum; cf. German Meth (mead)), intoxication; drunkenness: Luke 21:34; plural, Romans 13:13; Galatians 5:21. (Hebrew שֵׁכָר, intoxicating drink, Proverbs 20:1; Isaiah 28:7; and שִׁכָּרון, intoxication, Ezekiel 23:32; Ezekiel 39:19; (Antiphon), Xenophon, Plato, others) (Cf. Trench, § lxi.)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

drunkenness.

Apparently a primary word; an intoxicant, i.e. (by implication) intoxication -- drunkenness.

Forms and Transliterations

μεθαι μέθαι μεθαις μέθαις μεθη μέθη μέθῃ μέθην μέθης methai méthai methais méthais methe methē méthei méthēi

Links

Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts