collapse all  

Text -- Ephesians 5:18 (NET)

Strongs On/Off
Context
5:18 And do not get drunk with wine, which is debauchery, but be filled by the Spirit,
Parallel   Cross Reference (TSK)   ITL  

Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics

Dictionary Themes and Topics: Wine | TRINITY, 2 | Joy | Holy Spirit | FREELY | Drunkeess | Drunk | DRUNKENNESS | Commandments | BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT | Alcohol | more
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Robertson , Vincent , Wesley , JFB , Clarke , Calvin , Defender , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes , Geneva Bible

Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis , Combined Bible , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Barclay , Constable , College

collapse all
Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Robertson: Eph 5:18 - -- Be not drunken with wine ( mē methuskesthe oinōi ). Present passive imperative of methuskō , old verb to intoxicate. Forbidden as a habit and t...

Be not drunken with wine ( mē methuskesthe oinōi ).

Present passive imperative of methuskō , old verb to intoxicate. Forbidden as a habit and to stop it also if guilty. Instrumental case oinōi .

Robertson: Eph 5:18 - -- Riot ( asōtia ). Old word from asōtos (adverb asōtōs in Luk 15:13), in N.T. only here, Tit 1:6; 1Pe 4:4.

Riot ( asōtia ).

Old word from asōtos (adverb asōtōs in Luk 15:13), in N.T. only here, Tit 1:6; 1Pe 4:4.

Robertson: Eph 5:18 - -- But be filled with the Spirit ( alla plērousthe en pneumati ). In contrast to a state of intoxication with wine.

But be filled with the Spirit ( alla plērousthe en pneumati ).

In contrast to a state of intoxication with wine.

Vincent: Eph 5:18 - -- Be not drunk ( μὴ μεθύσκεσθε ) See on Joh 2:10.

Be not drunk ( μὴ μεθύσκεσθε )

See on Joh 2:10.

Vincent: Eph 5:18 - -- Wherein In drunkenness , not in wine .

Wherein

In drunkenness , not in wine .

Vincent: Eph 5:18 - -- Excess ( ἀσωτία ) Rev., riot . Lit., unsavingness . See on riotous living , Luk 15:13.

Excess ( ἀσωτία )

Rev., riot . Lit., unsavingness . See on riotous living , Luk 15:13.

Wesley: Eph 5:18 - -- That is, which leads to debauchery of every kind.

That is, which leads to debauchery of every kind.

Wesley: Eph 5:18 - -- In all his graces, who gives a more noble pleasure than wine can do.

In all his graces, who gives a more noble pleasure than wine can do.

JFB: Eph 5:18 - -- Worthless, ruinous, reckless prodigality.

Worthless, ruinous, reckless prodigality.

JFB: Eph 5:18 - -- Not in the wine itself when used aright (1Ti 5:23), but in the "excess" as to it.

Not in the wine itself when used aright (1Ti 5:23), but in the "excess" as to it.

JFB: Eph 5:18 - -- The effect in inspiration was that the person was "filled" with an ecstatic exhilaration, like that caused by wine; hence the two are here connected (...

The effect in inspiration was that the person was "filled" with an ecstatic exhilaration, like that caused by wine; hence the two are here connected (compare Act 2:13-18). Hence arose the abstinence from wine of many of the prophets, for example, John the Baptist, namely, in order to keep distinct before the world the ecstasy caused by the Spirit, from that caused by wine. So also in ordinary Christians the Spirit dwells not in the mind that seeks the disturbing influences of excitement, but in the well-balanced prayerful mind. Such a one expresses his joy, not in drunken or worldly songs, but in Christian hymns of thankfulness.

Clarke: Eph 5:18 - -- Be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess - This is a farther allusion to the Bacchanalian mysteries; in them his votaries got drunk, and ran into a...

Be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess - This is a farther allusion to the Bacchanalian mysteries; in them his votaries got drunk, and ran into all manner of excesses. Plato, though he forbade drunkenness in general, yet allowed that the people should get drunk in the solemnities of that god who invented wine. And indeed this was their common custom; when they had offered their sacrifices they indulged themselves in drunkenness, and ran into all kinds of extravagance. Hence it is probable that μεθυω, to get drunk, is derived from μετα, after, and θυω, to sacrifice; for, having completed their sacrifices, they indulged themselves in wine. The word ασωτια, which we translate excess, means profligacy and debauchery of every kind; such as are the general concomitants of drunkenness, and especially among the votaries of Bacchus in Greece and Italy

Clarke: Eph 5:18 - -- But be filled with the Spirit - The heathen priests pretended to be filled with the influence of the god they worshipped; and it was in these circum...

But be filled with the Spirit - The heathen priests pretended to be filled with the influence of the god they worshipped; and it was in these circumstances that they gave out their oracles. See a remarkable instance of this quoted in the note on Luk 9:39 (note), where the case of a Bacchanalian is described. The apostle exhorts the Ephesians not to resemble these, but, instead of being filled with wine, to be filled with the Spirit of God; in consequence of which, instead of those discoveries of the Divine will to which in their drunken worship the votaries of Bacchus pretended, they should be wise indeed, and should understand what the will of the Lord is.

Calvin: Eph 5:18 - -- 18.And be not drunk with wine When he enjoins them not to be drunk, he forbids excessive and immoderate drinking of every description. “Be not in...

18.And be not drunk with wine When he enjoins them not to be drunk, he forbids excessive and immoderate drinking of every description. “Be not intemperate in drinking.”

In which 161 is lasciviousness. The Greek wordἀσωτία, which is translated “lasciviousness,” points out the evils which arise from drunkenness. I understand by it all that is implied in a wanton and dissolute life; for to translate it luxury, would quite enfeeble the sense. The meaning therefore is, that drunkards throw off quickly every restraint of modesty or shame; that where wine reigns, profligacy naturally follows; and consequently, that all who have any regard to moderation or decency ought to avoid and abhor drunkenness.

The children of this world are accustomed to indulge in deep drinking as an excitement to mirth. Such carnal excitement is contrasted with that holy joy of which the Spirit of God is the Author, and which produces entirely opposite effects. To what does drunkenness lead? To unbounded licentiousness, — to unbridled, indecent merriment. And to what does spiritual joy lead, when it is most strongly excited? 162

Defender: Eph 5:18 - -- The first command here could better be translated: "Do not begin to be drunk with wine." Since even a small amount of an intoxicant has a damaging eff...

The first command here could better be translated: "Do not begin to be drunk with wine." Since even a small amount of an intoxicant has a damaging effect on the brain, this command in effect calls for total abstinence from alcohol. Pro 23:31 warns against even looking on the wine, lest it tempt one to drink.

Defender: Eph 5:18 - -- The connotation of "filled" here is "be being filled." That is, the filling with the Spirit is not a once-for-all experience, like the baptism of the ...

The connotation of "filled" here is "be being filled." That is, the filling with the Spirit is not a once-for-all experience, like the baptism of the Spirit into the body of Christ. Instead, we are urged to continually be filled with the Spirit - controlled by the Spirit. In a way analogous to how alcohol may control a person's thoughts and actions, the better way is to allow the Holy Spirit to have control. The word "filled" is the same as "fulfilled.""

TSK: Eph 5:18 - -- be not : Gen 9:21, Gen 19:32-35; Deu 21:20; Psa 69:12; Pro 20:1, Pro 23:20,Pro 23:21, Pro 23:29-35; Isa 5:11-13, Isa 5:22; Mat 24:49; Luk 12:45, Luk 2...

collapse all
Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: Eph 5:18 - -- 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 Luk...

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 Luk 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 worship to become intoxicated, and with wild songs and cries to run through streets, and fields, and vineyards. To these things the apostle opposes psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, as much more appropriate modes of devotion, and would have the Christian worship stand out in strong contrast with the wild and dissolute habits of the pagan. Plato says, that while those abominable ceremonies in the worship of Bacchus continued, it was difficult to find in all Attica a single sober man. Rosenmuller, Alt. u. neu. Morgenland, in loc. On the subject of wine, and the wines used by the ancients, see the notes on Joh 2:10-11. We may learn from this verse:

\caps1 (1) t\caps0 hat it was not uncommon in those times to become intoxicated on wine; and,

\caps1 (2) t\caps0 hat it was positively forbidden. All intoxication is prohibited in the Scriptures - no matter by what means it is produced. There is, in fact, but one thing that produces intoxication. It is "alcohol"- the poisonous substance produced by fermentation. This substance is neither created nor changed, increased nor diminished, by distillation. It exists in the cider, the beer, and the wine, after they are fermented, and the whole process of distillation consists in driving it off by heat, and collecting it in a concentrated form, and so that it may be preserved. But distilling does not "make"it, nor change it. Alcohol is precisely the same thing in the wine that it is in the brandy after it is distilled; in the cider or the beer that it is in the whisky or the rum; and why is it right to become intoxicated on it in one form rather than in another? Since therefore there is danger of intoxication in the use of wine, as well as in the use of ardent spirits, why should we not abstain from one as well as the other? How can a man prove that it is right for him to drink alcohol in the form of wine, and that it is wrong for me to drink it in the form of brandy or rum?

Wherein is excess - There has been much difference of opinion about the word rendered here as excess - ἀσωτία asōtia . It occurs only in two other places in the New Testament, where it is rendered "riot;"Tit 1:6; 1Pe 4:4. The "adjective"occurs once Luk 15:13, where it is rendered riotous. The word (derived, according to Passow, from α a , the alpha privative (not), and σώζω sōzō - to save, deliver) means that which is unsafe, not to be recovered; lost beyond recovery; then that which is abandoned to sensuality and lust; dissoluteness, debauchery, revelry. The meaning here is, that all this follows the use of wine. Is it proper then for Christians to be in the habit of drinking it? "Wine is so frequently the cause of this, by the ungrateful abuse of the bounty of providence in giving it, that the enormity is represented by a very strong and beautiful "figure"as contained in the very liquor."Doddridge.

But be filled with the Spirit - The Holy Spirit. How much more appropriate to Christians than to be filled with the spirit of intoxication and revelry! Let Christians, when about to indulge in a glass of wine, think of this admonition. Let them remember that their bodies should be the temple of the Holy Spirit, rather than a receptacle for intoxicating drinks. Was any man ever made a better Christian by the use of wine? Was any minister ever better suited to counsel an anxious sinner, or to pray, or to preach the gospel, by the use of intoxicating drinks? Let the history of wine-drinking and intemperate clergymen answer.

Poole: Eph 5:18 - -- Wherein in which drunkenness, is excess profuseness, lasciviousness, and all manner of lewdness, as the effects of drunkenness, Pro 23:29 , &c. Bu...

Wherein in which drunkenness,

is excess profuseness, lasciviousness, and all manner of lewdness, as the effects of drunkenness, Pro 23:29 , &c.

But be filled with the Spirit the Holy Spirit, often compared to water; or the joy of the Spirit, in opposition to being filled with wine, Act 2:13 , and that carnal mirth which is caused by it: q.d. Be not satisfied with a little of the Spirit, but seek for a greater measure, so as to be filled with the Spirit. See Psa 36:8 Joh 3:34 Joh 4:14 .

Gill: Eph 5:18 - -- And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess,.... The sin of drunkenness here dehorted from, is a custom, or habit, of voluntary excessive drinking o...

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess,.... The sin of drunkenness here dehorted from, is a custom, or habit, of voluntary excessive drinking of any strong liquor, whereby the mind is disturbed, and deprived of the use of reason: though wine is only here mentioned, that being the usual liquor drank in the eastern countries, yet the same holds good of any other strong liquor, as of that; nor is drinking wine for necessary use prohibited, nor for honest delight and lawful pleasure; but excessive drinking of it, and this voluntary, and with design, and on purpose; otherwise persons may be overtaken and intoxicated, through ignorance of the strength of the liquor, and their own weakness; and it is a custom, or habit of excessive drinking, for not a single act, but a series of actions, a course of living in this sin, denominates a man a drunkard; and generally speaking, excessive drinking deprives persons of the use of reason, though not always; and such are criminal, who are mighty to drink wine, and strong to mingle strong drink; as are also such, who though not guilty of this sin themselves, are the means of it in others: the sin is very sinful; it is one of the works of the flesh; it is an abuse of the creature; it is opposed to walking honestly; for it persons are to be excluded from the communion of the church; and, without the grace of true repentance, shall not inherit the kingdom of heaven: many things might be said to dissuade from it; it hurts the mind, memory, and judgment; deprives of reason, and sets a man below a beast; it brings diseases on the body, and wastes the estate; it unfits for business and duty; it opens a door for every sin, and exposes to shame and danger; and therefore should be carefully avoided, and especially by professors of religion:

but be filled with the Spirit; that is, "with the Holy Spirit", as read the Vulgate Latin and Ethiopic versions; with the gifts and graces of the Spirit: some have been filled with them in an extraordinary way, as the apostles on the day of Pentecost; and others in an ordinary manner, as common believers; and who may be said to be filled with the Spirit, as with wine, or instead of it, or in opposition to it, when the love of God is shed abroad in their hearts by the Spirit, which is compared to wine, for its antiquity, purity, and refreshing nature; and they are filled with it, who have a comfortable sense of it, and a firm persuasion of interest in it, and are delighted with the views of it, and are as it were inebriated with it; and they are filled with the Spirit, in whom his grace is a well of living water, and out of whose belly flow rivers of it; and who have a large measure of spiritual peace and joy, expressed in the following manner.

expand all
Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Eph 5:18 Many have taken ἐν πνεύματι (en pneumati) as indicating content, i.e., one is to be filled with the...

Geneva Bible: Eph 5:18 ( 5 ) And be not drunk with wine, wherein is ( k ) excess; but be filled with the Spirit; ( 5 ) He sets the sober and holy assemblies of the faithful...

expand all
Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: Eph 5:1-33 - --1 After general exhortations to love;3 to flee fornication;4 and all uncleanness;7 not to converse with the wicked;15 to walk warily;18 and to be fill...

Combined Bible: Eph 5:18 - --Drunkenness dulls your ability to make cogent decisions and leaves you vulnerable to the Old Sin Nature. Rather than letting that take over your life...

MHCC: Eph 5:15-21 - --Another remedy against sin, is care, or caution, it being impossible else to maintain purity of heart and life. Time is a talent given us by God, and ...

Matthew Henry: Eph 5:3-20 - -- These verses contain a caution against all manner of uncleanness, with proper remedies and arguments proposed: some further cautions are added, and ...

Barclay: Eph 5:15-21 - --Paul's general appeal finishes with an exhortation to his converts to live like wise men. The times in which they are living are evil; they must res...

Constable: Eph 4:1--6:21 - --III. THE CHRISTIAN'S CONDUCT 4:1--6:20 Practical application (chs. 4-6) now follows doctrinal instruction (chs. ...

Constable: Eph 4:1--6:10 - --A. Spiritual walk 4:1-6:9 Paul had explained the unity of Jewish and Gentile believers in the church and...

Constable: Eph 5:15--6:10 - --5. Walking in wisdom 5:15-6:9 Paul introduced a new thought with the repetition of "Therefore" a...

Constable: Eph 5:15-21 - --The basic admonition 5:15-21 Paul began this section with a basic admonition (vv. 15-21). Then he applied this instruction to various groups of Christ...

College: Eph 5:1-33 - --EPHESIANS 5 3. Walking in Love (5:1-2) 1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us...

expand all
Introduction / Outline

Robertson: Ephesians (Book Introduction) The Epistle to the Ephesians From Rome a.d. 63 By Way of Introduction There are some problems of a special nature that confront us about the so-...

JFB: Ephesians (Book Introduction) THE headings (Eph 1:1, and Eph 3:1, show that this Epistle claims to be that of Paul. This claim is confirmed by the testimonies of IRENÆUS, [Against...

JFB: Ephesians (Outline) INSCRIPTION: ORIGIN OF THE CHURCH IN THE FATHER'S ETERNAL COUNSEL, AND THE SON'S BLOODSHEDDING: THE SEALING OF IT BY THE SPIRIT. THANKSGIVING AND PRA...

TSK: Ephesians 5 (Chapter Introduction) Overview Eph 5:1, After general exhortations to love; Eph 5:3, to flee fornication; Eph 5:4, and all uncleanness; Eph 5:7, not to converse with th...

Poole: Ephesians 5 (Chapter Introduction) CHAPTER 5

MHCC: Ephesians (Book Introduction) This epistle was written when St. Paul was a prisoner at Rome. The design appears to be to strengthen the Ephesians in the faith of Christ, and to giv...

MHCC: Ephesians 5 (Chapter Introduction) (Eph 5:1, Eph 5:2) Exhortation to brotherly love. (Eph 5:3-14) Cautions against several sins. (Eph 5:15-21) Directions to a contrary behaviour, and ...

Matthew Henry: Ephesians (Book Introduction) An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The Epistle of St. Paul to the Ephesians Some think that this epistle to the Ephesians was a circular l...

Matthew Henry: Ephesians 5 (Chapter Introduction) We had several important exhortations in the close of the foregoing chapter, and they are continued in this: particularly, I. We have here an exho...

Barclay: Ephesians (Book Introduction) A GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO THE LETTERS OF PAUL The Letters Of Paul There is no more interesting body of documents in the New Testament than the letter...

Barclay: Ephesians 5 (Chapter Introduction) The Imitation Of God (Eph_5:1-8) Jesting About Sin (Eph_5:1-8 Continued) The Children Of Light (Eph_5:9-14) The Christian Fellowship (Eph_5:15-2...

Constable: Ephesians (Book Introduction) Introduction Historical background Almost all Christians believed in the Pauline autho...

Constable: Ephesians (Outline) Outline I. Salutation 1:1-2 II. The Christian's calling 1:3-3:21 A. Indi...

Constable: Ephesians Ephesians Bibliography Abbot, T. K. A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Epistles to the Ephesians and t...

Haydock: Ephesians (Book Introduction) THE EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL, THE APOSTLE, TO THE EPHESIANS. INTRODUCTION. Ephesus was a famous city, the metropolis of Asia Minor, upon the Ægean...

Gill: Ephesians (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO EPHESIANS The city of Ephesus is, by Pliny a, called the other light of Asia; Miletus was one, and Ephesus the other: it was the me...

Gill: Ephesians 5 (Chapter Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO EPHESIANS 5 The apostle, in this chapter, goes on with his exhortations to the duties of religion; and such in general as relate to...

College: Ephesians (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION We are saved by grace through faith! We do not earn our salvation - it is the gift of God. This is the shocking good news of Ephesians. ...

College: Ephesians (Outline) OUTLINE I. DOCTRINE: God's Plan for Salvation - Eph 1:1-3:21 A. God's Blessings - 1:1-23 1. Salutation - 1:1-2 2. Present Blessings in Ch...

Advanced Commentary (Dictionaries, Hymns, Arts, Sermon Illustration, Question and Answers, etc)


created in 0.08 seconds
powered by
bible.org - YLSA