Liquor
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Liquor in the Bible?
In Old Testament usage, the Hebrew term shekar refers to strong drink or intoxicating beverages distinct from wine, frequently appearing in parallel with wine to denote the full spectrum of alcoholic consumption.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing that shekar encompasses fermented beverages beyond grape wine clarifies the scope of biblical prohibitions, indicating that ancient Israelite laws against intoxication applied to a broader range of drinks than wine alone.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Liquor. 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 Liquor in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Liquor 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
"Liquor." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/liquor/