Drink, Strong
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Drink, Strong in the Bible?
Shekhar designates a general class of strong intoxicating drinks in ancient Israel, excluding wine, which were likely produced from dates or other fruits and possessed the capacity to induce drunkenness.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding shekhar clarifies the biblical distinction between various alcoholic beverages, revealing the social norms and legal restrictions surrounding intoxication in ancient Israelite life.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Drink, Strong. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Drink, Strong in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Drink, Strong clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Drink, Strong." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/drink-strong/