Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.

1 TIMOTHY 5:23KJV
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1 Timothy 5:23 (KJV)

What does 1 Timothy 5:23 mean?

1 Timothy 5:23 records Paul advising Timothy not to drink only water, but to use a little wine to help with his stomach problems and frequent illnesses. Paul is giving Timothy practical advice for his health, suggesting that a small amount of wine could be beneficial for his ongoing physical ailments.

Paul, an older mentor, is writing to Timothy, a younger church leader, in a personal letter. The verse stands out because it shifts from spiritual instructions to a very practical, everyday concern about Timothy’s health. This shows Paul’s care for Timothy’s well-being and suggests that physical health was a real issue for Timothy in his ministry.

The Greek behind 1 Timothy 5:23

  • "χρῶ" (chrō, "use"): This word is often understood as "make use of" or "take advantage of." Paul is not telling Timothy to indulge, but to use wine purposefully, as a remedy.
  • "ὀλίγον" (oligon, "little"): The Greek word stresses moderation. Paul is careful to say "a little" wine, not encouraging excess but a small, medicinal amount.
  • "πυκνάς" (pyknas, "often"): This word means "frequent" or "repeated." It highlights that Timothy’s health issues were not occasional but happened regularly, giving context for why Paul offers this advice.

Why 1 Timothy 5:23 matters

  • This verse clears up the misunderstanding that early Christians were strictly forbidden from drinking any wine; Paul’s advice is specific, moderate, and for health reasons.
  • The emphasis on "a little" wine shows Paul’s concern for self-control and wisdom, even in practical matters.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing that Paul’s care for Timothy includes not just spiritual leadership but also personal well-being, reflecting a holistic view of ministry.

Where else these words appear

“often” Greek G4437 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 5:33 And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?
  • Acts 24:26 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

“use” Greek G5530 · used in 11 verses

  • Acts 27:3 And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:17 When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?

“longer” Greek G3371 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 21:19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.
  • John 8:11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
  • 2 Corinthians 5:15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

“infirmities” Greek G769 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 8:17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.
  • Acts 28:9 So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:
  • 2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.