Ephesians 5:18-20
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The verse doesn't just say "don't get drunk"; it specifies that drunkenness itself, the state of being intoxicated, is where "excess" or "debauchery" is found. This highlights that the consequence of the wine, the uncontrolled behavior and loss of self, is the true danger, not just the wine itself. It sets up a powerful contrast: instead of the chaotic self-abandonment of drunkenness, believers are called to be filled with the Spirit, finding true fulfillment and self-control through divine presence.
And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing the Ephesians' conduct, urging them to live wisely and intentionally because the times are difficult. He contrasts foolish, reckless behavior with wise, God-centered living, specifically calling out drunkenness as a form of "excess" or recklessness that leads to debauchery. Immediately following this, he presents the positive alternative: being filled with the Holy Spirit, which leads to joyful, Spirit-directed fellowship and worship.
Paul uses a strong word to describe the outcome of drunkenness. It's not just a bad habit, but a path that leads away from life itself.
Paul warns against being "drunk with wine," calling it "debauchery" (or "riot," "dissoluteness"). The original Greek word, asōtia, literally means "unsaveable" or "unsavingness." It describes a state of reckless abandon, a life that's spiraling out of control and is incapable of being salvaged. This isn't just about alcohol; it's about any behavior that leads to such a destructive loss of self-control and moral compass. Drunkenness, in this context, is a prime example of this kind of dangerous, self-destructive living, especially in contrast to the self-control and wisdom that comes from the Spirit.
Paul offers a powerful alternative to the emptiness of intoxication. It's a filling that transforms, not destroys.
The core of this verse is a profound contrast: "be not drunk with wine... but be filled with the Spirit." This isn't just a prohibition followed by a suggestion; it's a replacement. Drunkenness offers a fleeting, artificial, and ultimately destructive high. It can lead to wild behavior, confusion, and a loss of mental clarity (as seen in the pagan festivals of Bacchus, which some scholars believe Paul alludes to). In stark contrast, being 'filled with the Spirit' is an empowering, life-giving experience. It leads to divine inspiration, wisdom, joy, and godly living – a true spiritual 'intoxication' that elevates, rather than degrades. The Spirit's filling enables us to live wisely and honor God, offering a lasting fulfillment that wine can never provide.
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Understand the original words
asōtia · Greek Noun
A state of moral recklessness, lack of self-control, or profligacy. It implies a life spiraling out of control, dissociated from godly restraint.
plēroō · Greek Verb
In the context of the New Testament, this signifies being completely permeated, empowered, and governed by the Holy Spirit. It is a continuous, passive state where the believer is yielded to the Spirit's control.
pneuma · Greek Noun
The third person of the Trinity, the agent of regeneration, sanctification, and guidance in the life of the believer. He is the active presence of God within the Church.
kardia · Greek Noun
The central seat of human personality, encompassing the mind, will, affections, and conscience; the inner person where genuine worship and true devotion to God reside.
eucharisteō · Greek Verb
An expression of gratitude directed toward God for His character, His redemptive acts, and His sovereign providence in all circumstances.
onoma · Greek Noun
Refers to the authority, character, and mandate of Christ. To do something in His name is to act as His representative, under His authorization, and for His glory.
The apostle Paul contrasts the debauchery associated with pagan wine festivals and their false 'inspiration' with the true, Spirit-filled life believers are called to, which is expressed through worship and mutual edification.
c. 1st century AD— this verse
Pagan Festivals and Divine Inspiration
Pagan religions, particularly the worship of gods like Bacchus (Dionysus), often involved ecstatic rituals and intoxication. Participants sought a form of divine inspiration or connection through wine-fueled revelry. This practice was widespread in the Roman Empire.
c. 1st century AD
Bacchanalian Mysteries
The Bacchanalian mysteries, associated with the god Bacchus, were notorious for their wild, drunken celebrations. These rites were sometimes viewed with suspicion by Roman authorities due to their excesses and clandestine nature.
c. 1st century AD
Early Christian Gatherings
Early Christians met for communal meals and worship, often referred to as 'love feasts' or Agapae. These gatherings were occasions where the Lord's Supper was celebrated and where mutual encouragement through spiritual songs and fellowship occurred.
c. 1st century AD
Paul's Letters to Churches
Apostle Paul wrote letters to various churches, addressing issues of doctrine, practice, and church life. His instructions aimed to guide believers in living distinct lives from the surrounding pagan culture.
This verse directly warns against the deceptive nature of wine, stating that it leads to 'revelry' and 'woe,' mirroring Ephesians' caution against drunkenness and its associated 'debauchery.'
Galatians 5:19-21Paul lists 'drunkenness' alongside other 'works of the flesh,' describing them as leading to 'kingdom of God will not inherit.' This reinforces the idea that such behavior is fundamentally opposed to a life lived by the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10Similar to Ephesians, this passage lists 'drunkards' among those who 'will not inherit the kingdom of God,' highlighting the serious spiritual consequences of such actions.
Romans 13:13This verse urges believers to 'live honestly, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness,' directly contrasting these behaviors with a walk of faith and aligning with the Ephesians' prohibition.
John 2:10Jesus' first miracle, turning water into wine, is presented as a sign of His glory. This reference offers a counterpoint, showing a permissible, even celebratory, use of wine within God's design, thus highlighting that the issue in Ephesians is specifically the *abuse* and resulting intoxication.
vincentEphesians 5:18: "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;"
Be not drunk (μὴ μεθύσκεσθε)See on John 2:10.WhereinIn drunkenness, not in wine.Excess (ἀσωτία)Rev., riot. Lit., unsavingness. See on riotous living, Luke 15:13.
barnesEphesians 5:18: "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;"
And be not drunk with wine - A danger to which they were exposed and a vice to which those around them were much addicted. Compare notes on Luke 21:34 . It is not improbable that in this verse there is an allusion to the orgies of Bacchus, or to the festivals celebrated in honor of that pagan god. He was "the god of wine," and during those festivals, men and women regarded it as an acceptable act of…
The verse doesn't just say "don't get drunk"; it specifies that drunkenness itself, the state of being intoxicated, is where "excess" or "debauchery" is found. This highlights that the consequence of the wine, the uncontrolled behavior and loss of self, is the true danger, not just the wine itself. It sets up a powerful contrast: instead of the chaotic self-abandonment of drunkenness, believers are called to be filled with the Spirit, finding true fulfillment and self-control through divine presence.
Paul is addressing the Ephesians' conduct, urging them to live wisely and intentionally because the times are difficult. He contrasts foolish, reckless behavior with wise, God-centered living, specifically calling out drunkenness as a form of "excess" or recklessness that leads to debauchery. Immediately following this, he presents the positive alternative: being filled with the Holy Spirit, which leads to joyful, Spirit-directed fellowship and worship.
Paul is addressing the Ephesians' conduct, urging them to live wisely and intentionally because the times are difficult. He contrasts foolish, reckless behavior with wise, God-centered living, specifically calling out drunkenness as a form of "excess" or recklessness that leads to debauchery. Immediately following this, he presents the positive alternative: being filled with the Holy Spirit, which leads to joyful, Spirit-directed fellowship and worship.
"And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for ever…" — The verse doesn't just say "don't get drunk"; it specifies that drunkenness itself, the state of being intoxicated, is where "excess" or "debauchery" is found. This highlights that the consequence…
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Last reviewed October 2026
