This question came across my inbox this month, and the answer is not as simple as a yes or no. Some evidence points one way, and some points the other. It also depends on which “Bible times” you mean. My main intention here is not to argue whether Christians today should drink alcohol, but to think carefully about what “wine” meant in the Bible. Drunkenness and addiction are clearly forbidden in Scripture, and there are good reasons to avoid alcohol completely. But if we want to understand the Bible on its own terms, we have to ask, what did “wine” mean in biblical times?
Was wine diluted in the Bible?
The Old Testament speaks of wine as real, fermented wine. The Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible notes:
“The evidence, however, seems to indicate that in the OT, wine was used without being mixed with water. The terminology of mixing water and wine is strikingly unattested. Wine diluted with water was symbolic of spiritual adulteration (Isaiah 1:22). By Roman times this attitude changed. The Mishna assumes a ratio of two parts of water to one part wine; however, later Talmudic sources speak of three to one.”
So in the Hebrew Bible, there is no evidence that wine was ordinarily diluted. Isaiah even uses diluted wine as a metaphor for corruption. And biblical writers were familiar with the strength of wine, sometimes rejoicing in its goodness (Psalm 104:15; Ecclesiastes 10:19) and sometimes warning of its dangers (Proverbs 20:1). No one was drinking grape juice to forget their misery (Prov 31:6–7).
What about the New Testament world?
By the time of the New Testament, Jewish and Greco-Roman practice had changed. Historical sources tell us that wine was commonly mixed with water before drinking. Amphorae stored undiluted wine, but at meals it was poured into mixing bowls (kraters) and diluted before serving. Writers such as Homer, Pliny, Aristophanes, and Athenaeus record ratios ranging from 20:1 to 2:1 water to wine. To drink wine “unmixed” was considered barbaric, associated with drunkenness and lack of self-control.
The Apocrypha also reflects this practice:
“It is harmful to drink wine alone, or again, to drink water alone, while wine mixed with water is sweet and delicious and enhances one’s enjoyment.” (2 Maccabees 15:39)
Rabbinic sources show that Jews of Jesus’ time likely followed the same custom. The Mishnah and Talmud mention 3 parts water to 1 part wine as the standard. In fact, B. Shabbath 77a says that wine not diluted is not “true wine.” During Passover, Jews were expected to drink diluted wine (B. Pesahim 108b). This would bring the alcohol content down to around 2.5–3 percent, far weaker than most modern alcoholic beverages.
So which is it?
It seems the Old Testament references wine in its natural state, without dilution, while by the time of the New Testament, Jews and Romans alike generally diluted their wine. This does not mean that diluted wine was grape juice—it was still fermented and could still intoxicate. But it was weaker by modern standards.
What does this mean for Christians today?
- Wine in the Bible was real wine. Jesus drank real, fermented wine (Matt 11:18–19; John 2:10). It could gladden the heart (Ps 104:15), and it could also lead to ruin (Prov 20:1).
- By New Testament times, wine was typically diluted, but it was still alcoholic. To drink “unmixed” wine was viewed as reckless.
- The Bible never calls wine itself evil. Paul writes, “…nothing is unclean in itself” (Rom 14:14). Like meat sacrificed to idols (1 Cor 10:25–26), wine could be enjoyed with thanksgiving or abstained from for the sake of conscience.
Romans 14 is worth meditating on here. Paul reminds us that some believers abstain, others partake, but neither should despise the other. “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom 14:17).
Conclusion
So was wine mixed with water in Bible times? In the Old Testament, generally no. In the New Testament, generally yes. Either way, the consistent biblical message is that wine is a good gift of God when received with thanksgiving, but it is also dangerous when abused. Christians are free in Christ, but love may sometimes call us to lay down our freedom for the sake of a brother or sister.
What do you think? Was this helpful to you? Please subscribe, and consider supporting this ministry. Feel free to share or “like” this post, and discuss in the comments below.
Adorn the Gospel 