48 Bible Verses About Drinking Alcohol (Is It a Sin?)

Christians have disagreed about alcohol for centuries, so it helps to see everything Scripture says in one place. Below are 48 Bible verses about drinking, grouped by theme, each with a short comment. Start with the theme that matches your question.

Here is a supplemental worksheet:

Drunkenness Is a Sin: What the New Testament Says

The New Testament is clear: drunkenness is a sin, and believers are called to be sober-minded.

1 Corinthians 6:10 - nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. (MEV)

Commentary: Drunkenness is listed among sins to avoid, urging believers to pursue righteousness.

Galatians 5:19-21 - Now the works of the flesh are revealed, which are these: adultery, sexual immorality, impurity, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousy, rage, selfishness, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you, as I previously warned you, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (MEV)

Commentary: Drunkenness is a sin to avoid, as it separates us from God’s kingdom.

Romans 13:11-14 - Furthermore, knowing the time, now is the moment to awake from sleep. For now our salvation is nearer than when we believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us take off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave properly, as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in immorality and wickedness, not in strife and envy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh to fulfill its lusts. (MEV)

Commentary: Believers are called to live righteously, avoiding drunkenness to reflect Christ’s light.

1 Corinthians 5:11 - But I have written to you not to keep company with any man who is called a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner. Do not even eat with such a person. (MEV)

Commentary: Avoiding fellowship with drunkards protects the church’s integrity.

Ephesians 5:18 - Do not be drunk with wine, for that is reckless living. But be filled with the Spirit. (MEV)

Commentary: Avoiding drunkenness allows the Holy Spirit to guide our lives.

1 Peter 4:3 - For in earlier times of our lives it may have sufficed us to do what the Gentiles like to do, when we walked in immorality: lusts, drunkenness, carousing, debauchery, and abominable idolatries. (MEV)

Commentary: Past indulgence in drunkenness should be left behind for a godly life.

1 Peter 4:7 - The end of all things is near. Therefore be solemn and sober so you can pray. (MEV)

Commentary: Sobriety enhances our ability to pray and stay spiritually vigilant, especially in challenging times.

Wisdom Warnings From Proverbs and Ecclesiastes

Proverbs and Ecclesiastes warn that alcohol deceives, and that wisdom requires self-control.

Proverbs 20:1 - Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whoever is deceived by it is not wise. (MEV)

Commentary: Alcohol can deceive and lead to folly; choose wisdom by practicing restraint.

Proverbs 21:17 - He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich. (MEV)

Commentary: Obsession with wine leads to poverty; prioritize stewardship and moderation.

Proverbs 23:19-21 - Hear, my son, and be wise; and guide your heart in the way. 20 Do not be among winebibbers, among riotous eaters of meat; 21 for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe a man with rags. (MEV)

Commentary: Avoiding excessive drinking prevents poverty and folly, promoting wisdom.

Proverbs 23:29-35 - Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has babbling? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? 30 Those who tarry long at the wine, those who go to seek mixed wine. 31 Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly; 32 at the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper. 33 Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart will utter perverse things. 34 Yes, you will be as he who lies down in the midst of the sea, or as he who lies upon the top of a mast. 35 “They have stricken me,” you will say, “and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I did not feel it. When will I awake? I will seek it yet again.” (MEV)

Commentary: This vivid warning against drunkenness highlights its destructive consequences, urging sobriety.

Ecclesiastes 2:3 - I investigated how to cheer up my body with wine, while my heart was still guiding me with wisdom, in order to grasp folly until I might experience what is good for sons of men to do under heaven during the number of days that they might have life. (MEV)

Commentary: Experimenting with wine is cautioned; wisdom should always guide our choices.

Ecclesiastes 10:17 - Happy are you, O land, when your king is from nobility, and your princes are feasting at the appropriate time— with self-control and not drunkenness! (MEV)

Commentary: Feasting with self-control honors God, avoiding the pitfalls of excess.

What Drunkenness Does: Examples and Warnings From the Prophets

Scripture shows what drunkenness does to people, families and nations.

Genesis 9:21 - Then he drank some of the wine and became drunk, and lay uncovered in his tent. (MEV)

Commentary: Noah’s drunkenness led to shame, warning against losing control through alcohol.

Deuteronomy 21:20 - They shall say to the elders of his city, “This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious. He will not listen to us. He is a glutton and a drunkard.” (MEV)

Commentary: Drunkenness marks rebellion, urging us to seek God’s righteousness.

Isaiah 5:11 - Woe to those who rise up early in the morning that they may pursue strong drink; who continue late in the evening until wine inflames them! (MEV)

Commentary: This verse warns against excessive drinking that consumes one’s life, urging moderation to maintain spiritual focus.

Isaiah 5:22 - Woe to those who are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink, (MEV)

Commentary: Boasting in drinking prowess invites trouble; prioritize humility and God’s guidance.

Isaiah 24:9 - They shall not drink wine with song; strong drink shall be bitter to those who drink it. (MEV)

Commentary: Loss of joy in drinking signals judgment, urging repentance.

Isaiah 28:1 - Woe to the proud crown of the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is a fading flower which is at the head of the fertile valley of those who are overcome with wine! (MEV)

Commentary: Drunkenness fades beauty and pride, calling us to seek lasting joy in God.

Isaiah 28:3 - The proud crown of the drunkards of Ephraim is trodden under foot; (MEV)

Commentary: Drunkenness leads to downfall; seek God’s strength instead.

Isaiah 28:7 - But they also have erred through wine and stagger from strong drink; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are confused by wine, they stagger from strong drink; they err while having visions, they stumble when rendering judgment. (MEV)

Commentary: Drunkenness impairs spiritual discernment, urging sobriety for leaders.

Hosea 4:10-11 - They will eat, but not be satisfied; they will play the whore, but not multiply, because they have forsaken the Lord by devoting themselves to 11 harlotry; wine and new wine take away understanding. (MEV)

Commentary: Wine’s misuse clouds judgment, urging reliance on God for clarity.

Joel 1:5 - Awaken, drunkards, and weep! Wail, all wine-drinkers, because the sweet wine has been cut off from your lips. (MEV)

Commentary: Loss of wine signals judgment, urging repentance over indulgence.

Joel 3:3 - They have cast lots for My people, and have traded a boy for a prostitute; they have sold a girl for wine, that they might drink. (MEV)

Commentary: Misusing wine in sinful trade reflects a heart turned from God’s values.

Amos 2:8 - They recline by every altar on garments taken in pledge, and in the house of their gods they drink the wine from those who have been fined. (MEV)

Commentary: Misusing wine in worship dishonors God, calling for reverence.

Habakkuk 2:15-16 - “Woe to him who makes his neighbor drink, pouring out your poison until they are drunk, that you may look on their nakedness!” 16 You will be filled with shame instead of glory. You yourself—drink and show your uncircumcision! The cup of the Lord’s right hand will be turned against you, and utter shame will come on your glory! (MEV)

Commentary: Using alcohol to exploit others brings shame; choose actions that honor God.

Wine as a Gift From God

The Bible also speaks of wine as part of God’s blessing when it is received with gratitude and self-control.

Genesis 27:28 - Therefore, may God give you of the dew of heaven and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of grain and new wine. (MEV)

Commentary: Wine is a blessing in moderation, symbolizing God’s provision when used responsibly.

Deuteronomy 14:26 - Then you may spend that money for whatever your heart desires, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatever your heart desires, and you may eat there before the Lord your God, and you shall rejoice, you, and your household, (MEV)

Commentary: Moderate drinking in worship can be joyful when honoring God.

Ecclesiastes 9:7 - Go and eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a pleasant heart; for God is already pleased with your deeds. (MEV)

Commentary: Moderate enjoyment of wine is a gift from God when done with gratitude.

Amos 9:14 - I will restore the fortunes of My people Israel; they will rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them; they will plant vineyards and drink their wine; they will make gardens and eat their fruit. (MEV)

Commentary: Restored blessings include wine, enjoyed responsibly in God’s favor.

Proverbs 31:6-7 - Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish, and wine to those who are of heavy hearts. Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. (MEV)

Commentary: Wine may comfort the suffering, but wisdom guides its use.

1 Timothy 5:23 - No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent illnesses. (MEV)

Commentary: Moderate wine use for health is permitted, showing balance in Christian living.

When God Called People to Abstain

At certain times, God called some people to give up wine completely for the sake of their calling.

Leviticus 10:8-11 - The Lord spoke to Aaron, saying: 9 Do not drink wine nor strong drink, you or your sons with you, when you go into the tent of meeting, lest you die. It shall be a perpetual statute throughout your generations, 10 so that you may differentiate between what is holy and common and between what is unclean and clean. 11 And so you may teach the children of Israel all the statutes that the Lord has spoken to them by the hand of Moses. (MEV)

Commentary: Priests were to abstain during sacred duties, showing the need for clarity in God’s service.

Numbers 6:2-4 - Speak to the children of Israel and say to them: When either a man or woman will make a hard vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to separate themselves to the Lord, 3 he will separate himself from wine and strong drink and will drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink. Neither shall he drink any juice of grapes, nor eat fresh or dry grapes. 4 All the days of his separation he will eat nothing that is made of the grapevine, from the seed to the skin. (MEV)

Commentary: Nazirite vows of abstinence show dedication to God’s calling.

Judges 13:4 - Now be careful, I pray, that you drink no wine or strong drink and that you do not eat anything ritually unclean. (MEV)

Commentary: Abstinence during sacred times reflects commitment to God’s plan.

Judges 13:7 - He said to me, ‘You will conceive and bear a son. So now, do not drink wine or strong drink, and do not eat anything ritually unclean, for the boy will be a Nazirite to God from the womb until the day he dies.’ ” (MEV)

Commentary: Abstinence for Nazirites shows alcohol’s potential to conflict with sacred vows.

Jeremiah 35:14 - The words of Jonadab the son of Rekab, that he commanded his sons not to drink wine, are performed. For to this day they drink none, but they obey their father’s commandment. However, I have spoken to you, rising early and speaking, but you did not obey Me. (MEV)

Commentary: The Rechabites’ obedience to abstain shows the value of discipline in faith.

Ezekiel 44:21 - Nor shall any priest drink wine when they enter the inner court. (MEV)

Commentary: Priests’ sobriety in God’s presence underscores the need for reverence in worship.

Daniel 1:8 - But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s food, nor with the wine which he drank. Therefore he requested of the master of the officials that he might not defile himself. (MEV)

Commentary: Daniel’s abstinence from wine shows commitment to purity and God’s standards.

Luke 1:15 - For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. (MEV)

Commentary: John the Baptist’s abstinence highlights the call to holiness for God’s purposes.

Alcohol and Leaders

Those who lead God’s people are held to a higher standard of sobriety.

Proverbs 31:4-5 - It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes strong drink; 5 lest they drink and forget the law, and pervert the justice of any of the afflicted. (MEV)

Commentary: Leaders must avoid alcohol’s clouding effects to uphold justice and wisdom.

1 Timothy 3:2-3 - An overseer then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, sober, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach; 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money, but patient, not argumentative, not covetous (MEV)

Commentary: Church leaders must model sobriety to lead with integrity.

Titus 1:7 - For an overseer must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not easily angered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for dishonest gain, (MEV)

Commentary: Sobriety is essential for stewards of God’s work, reflecting discipline.

Titus 2:3 - Likewise, older women should be reverent in behavior, and not be false accusers, not be enslaved to much wine, but teachers of good things, (MEV)

Commentary: Older women are urged to model sobriety, teaching others godliness.

Freedom, Conscience and Love for Others

Christian freedom is real, but it is governed by love for others and the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 6:12 - “All things are lawful to me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be brought under the power of anything. (MEV)

Commentary: Freedom in Christ doesn’t justify alcohol’s misuse; choose what edifies.

1 Corinthians 8:9 - But take heed, lest by any means this liberty of yours becomes a stumbling block to those who are weak. (MEV)

Commentary: Freedom to drink must not harm others’ faith, prioritizing love.

1 Corinthians 10:31 - Therefore, whether you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God. (MEV)

Commentary: All actions, including drinking, should honor God, reflecting intentional and righteous choices.

Romans 14:21 - It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine, nor do anything whereby your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. (MEV)

Commentary: Abstaining from wine to avoid causing others to stumble reflects love for fellow believers.

FAQ — What Christians Ask About Alcohol

Is drinking alcohol a sin according to the Bible? 

No. Scripture never calls drinking itself a sin, but it clearly condemns drunkenness (Galatians 5:19–21; Ephesians 5:18). The Bible allows moderate use (1 Timothy 5:23) while warning that wine can deceive (Proverbs 20:1).

Did Jesus drink wine? 

Yes. Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1–11), and His critics falsely called Him a drunkard because He ate and drank with sinners (Matthew 11:19). He drank wine, but never to excess.

Is social drinking acceptable for Christians? 

Many Christians believe it can be, with self-control and a clear conscience. Scripture asks you not to cause a weaker believer to stumble (Romans 14:21; 1 Corinthians 8:9) and to do everything to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

What is the difference between wine and strong drink in the Bible? 

Wine was the everyday drink made from grapes and was often mixed with water at meals. "Strong drink" meant other fermented drinks, usually stronger. Scripture warns against abusing both (Proverbs 20:1).

Should Christian leaders drink alcohol? 

Church leaders must not be given to drunkenness (1 Timothy 3:2–3; Titus 1:7), and Proverbs warns rulers against strong drink (Proverbs 31:4–5). Many pastors choose not to drink at all for the sake of their witness.

Which verse best sums up what the Bible says about alcohol? 

Ephesians 5:18: do not be drunk with wine but be filled with the Spirit. It forbids drunkenness and points to the better source of joy and strength.

For more thoughts read this: What Does the Bible Say About Alcohol?

Scripture quotations marked MEV are taken from the Holy Bible, Modern English Version. Copyright © 2014 by Military Bible Association. Used by permission. All rights reserved.