Wine is mentioned throughout the Bible in various contexts—celebration, blessing, temptation, and caution. As Christians, we are called to seek wisdom in all areas of life, including how we handle alcohol. The Bible does not prohibit wine entirely, but it gives clear instruction on moderation, self-control, and avoiding drunkenness. These verses provide guidance on how wine can be both a gift and a danger, depending on its use.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Drunkenness
Wine as a Symbol of Blessing
In many places in Scripture, wine is portrayed as part of God’s provision and blessing. It was used in celebrations, offerings, and as a symbol of joy and prosperity. Wine, when enjoyed rightly, was a sign of God’s goodness. These verses remind us that God delights in giving good things to His people, and wine was sometimes included in that abundance.
Psalm 104:14-15
“You cause grass to grow for the livestock and plants for people to use. You allow them to produce food from the earth—wine to make them glad…”
Proverbs 3:9-10
“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.”
Isaiah 25:6
“In Jerusalem, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will spread a wonderful feast for all the people of the world. It will be a delicious banquet with clear, well-aged wine and choice meat.”
Ecclesiastes 9:7
“So go ahead. Eat your food with joy, and drink your wine with a happy heart, for God approves of this!”
Amos 9:14
“I will bring my exiled people of Israel back from distant lands… they will plant vineyards and gardens; they will eat their crops and drink their wine.”
Warnings Against Drunkenness
While wine is sometimes seen as a blessing, the Bible clearly warns against overindulgence. Drunkenness leads to poor judgment, moral compromise, and sin. God calls us to live sober, disciplined lives for His glory. These verses highlight the danger of drinking too much and the spiritual and physical consequences that come with it.
Proverbs 20:1
“Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls. Those led astray by drink cannot be wise.”
Ephesians 5:18
“Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Isaiah 5:11
“What sorrow for those who get up early in the morning looking for a drink of alcohol and spend long evenings drinking wine to make themselves flaming drunk.”
Galatians 5:19-21
“When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear… drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again… that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.”
Luke 21:34
“Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware…”
Wine and Self-Control
Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit and essential in the Christian walk. While the Bible acknowledges the use of wine, it also emphasizes the need for discipline in all things. These verses teach the importance of restraint and living in a way that honors God, avoiding the pitfalls that come from a lack of control.
Titus 2:2-3
“Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect… Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers.”
1 Corinthians 6:12
“You say, ‘I am allowed to do anything’—but not everything is good for you. And even though ‘I am allowed to do anything,’ I must not become a slave to anything.”
1 Peter 5:8
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”
1 Thessalonians 5:6
“So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded.”
Romans 13:13
“Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness…”
Wine in Ceremonial and Religious Context
Wine was used in religious rituals and offerings in the Old Testament and had spiritual significance. Jesus Himself used wine during the Last Supper to symbolize His blood in the New Covenant. These verses show how wine was part of spiritual practices, reminding us that even common elements can point to deeper truths when used rightly.
Exodus 29:40
“With the first lamb offer one-tenth of a bushel of choice flour mixed with one quart of olive oil, and one quart of wine as a liquid offering.”
Leviticus 23:13
“Along with it, you must present a grain offering… and a liquid offering of one quart of wine.”
Matthew 26:27-28
“And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, ‘Each of you drink from it, for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant…'”
1 Corinthians 10:16
“When we bless the cup at the Lord’s Table, aren’t we sharing in the blood of Christ?”
Numbers 15:5
“With each lamb, you must also offer a liquid offering of one quart of wine as a pleasing aroma to the Lord.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Harvest
Wine and Leadership Standards
Leaders in the church are held to a higher standard, and their relationship with wine is addressed in Scripture. Those in positions of spiritual authority must show restraint and not be addicted to alcohol. These verses give guidelines for choosing leaders who are examples in both character and conduct.
1 Timothy 3:2-3
“So a church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach… He must not be a heavy drinker or violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money.”
Titus 1:7
“A church leader is a manager of God’s household… He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker…”
Proverbs 31:4-5
“It is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave alcohol. For if they drink, they may forget the law and not give justice to the oppressed.”
Leviticus 10:9
“You and your descendants must never drink wine or any other alcoholic drink before going into the Tabernacle…”
1 Timothy 3:8
“In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money.”
Wine and Healing
Though often discussed in cautionary terms, wine was also recognized in the Bible for its medicinal use. In biblical times, it was used to clean wounds or ease discomfort. These verses acknowledge that wine had practical benefits, and in moderation, could be part of God’s provision for healing and health.
1 Timothy 5:23
“Don’t drink only water. You ought to drink a little wine for the sake of your stomach because you are sick so often.”
Luke 10:34
“Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them…”
Proverbs 31:6
“Alcohol is for the dying, and wine for those in bitter distress.”
Psalm 104:15
“…wine to make them glad, olive oil to soothe their skin, and bread to give them strength.”
Isaiah 1:6
“You are battered from head to foot—covered with bruises, welts, and infected wounds—without any soothing ointments or bandages.”
Jesus and Wine
Jesus’ relationship with wine reveals both His humanity and divinity. His first miracle involved turning water into wine, and He used wine during the Last Supper to symbolize His blood. These verses show that Jesus interacted with wine in meaningful ways but always with holiness and purpose, never excess. His example teaches us how to approach all things in balance and grace.
John 2:9-10
“When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine… he called the bridegroom over. ‘A host always serves the best wine first,’ he said…”
Luke 7:33-34
“For John the Baptist didn’t spend his time eating bread or drinking wine, and you say, ‘He’s possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks…”
Matthew 26:29
“Mark my words—I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new with you in my Father’s Kingdom.”
Mark 15:23
“They offered him wine drugged with myrrh, but he refused it.”
Luke 22:20
“After supper he took another cup of wine and said, ‘This cup is the new covenant between God and his people…'”