CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Timothy 5:23 Stop drinking only water and use a little wine instead, because of your stomach and your frequent ailments.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_timothy/5-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/54_1Ti_05_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Timothy 5:23 - A Charge to Timothy" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Stop drinking only water and use a little wine instead, because of your stomach and your frequent ailments." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_timothy/5-23.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_timothy/5-23.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_timothy/">1 Timothy</a> > <a href="/1_timothy/5.htm">Chapter 5</a> > Verse 23</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_timothy/5-22.htm" title="1 Timothy 5:22">◄</a> 1 Timothy 5:23 <a href="/1_timothy/5-24.htm" title="1 Timothy 5:24">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_timothy/5.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_timothy/5.htm">New International Version</a> Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. <a href="/nlt/1_timothy/5.htm">New Living Translation</a> Don’t drink only water. You ought to drink a little wine for the sake of your stomach because you are sick so often. <a href="/esv/1_timothy/5.htm">English Standard Version</a> (No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.) <a href="/bsb/1_timothy/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Stop drinking only water and use a little wine instead, because of your stomach and your frequent ailments. <a href="/blb/1_timothy/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> No longer drink only water, but use a little wine, because of the stomach and your frequent ailments. <a href="/kjv/1_timothy/5.htm">King James Bible</a> Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities. <a href="/nkjv/1_timothy/5.htm">New King James Version</a> No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities. <a href="/nasb_/1_timothy/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Do not go on drinking only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments. <a href="/nasb/1_timothy/5.htm">NASB 1995</a> No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments. <a href="/nasb77/1_timothy/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a> No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments. <a href="/lsb/1_timothy/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> No longer drink water only, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments. <a href="/amp/1_timothy/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a> No longer continue drinking [only] water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. <a href="/csb/1_timothy/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Don’t continue drinking only water, but use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. <a href="/hcsb/1_timothy/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Don&#8217t continue drinking only water, but use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. <a href="/asv/1_timothy/5.htm">American Standard Version</a> Be no longer a drinker of water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities. <a href="/cev/1_timothy/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Stop drinking only water. Take a little wine to help your stomach trouble and the other illnesses you often have. <a href="/erv/1_timothy/5.htm">English Revised Version</a> Be no longer a drinker of water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities. <a href="/gwt/1_timothy/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Stop drinking only water. Instead, drink a little wine for your stomach because you are frequently sick. <a href="/gnt/1_timothy/5.htm">Good News Translation</a> Do not drink water only, but take a little wine to help your digestion, since you are sick so often. <a href="/isv/1_timothy/5.htm">International Standard Version</a> Stop drinking only water, but use a little wine for your stomach because of your frequent illnesses. <a href="/msb/1_timothy/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Stop drinking only water and use a little wine instead, because of your stomach and your frequent ailments. <a href="/net/1_timothy/5.htm">NET Bible</a> (Stop drinking just water, but use a little wine for your digestion and your frequent illnesses.) <a href="/nheb/1_timothy/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Be no longer a drinker of water only, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities. <a href="/wbt/1_timothy/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake, and thy frequent infirmities. <a href="/wey/1_timothy/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> <a href="/web/1_timothy/5.htm">World English Bible</a> Be no longer a drinker of water only, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_timothy/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> no longer be drinking water, but be using a little wine, because of your stomach and of your frequent sicknesses; <a href="/blb/1_timothy/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> No longer drink only water, but use a little wine, because of the stomach and your frequent ailments. <a href="/ylt/1_timothy/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> no longer be drinking water, but a little wine be using, because of thy stomach and of thine often infirmities; <a href="/slt/1_timothy/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach and thy frequent weaknesses.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_timothy/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Do not still drink water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake, and thy frequent infirmities. <a href="/cpdv/1_timothy/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Do not continue to drink only water, but make use of a little wine, for the sake of your stomach and your frequent infirmities. <a href="/nabre/1_timothy/5.htm">New American Bible</a> Stop drinking only water, but have a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. <a href="/nrsvce/1_timothy/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> No longer drink only water, but take a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_timothy/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Do not drink water in excess, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake, and because of your frequent illnesses. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_timothy/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Do not drink water from now on, but drink a little wine because of your stomach and because of your chronic illness.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_timothy/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Drink water no longer, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake, and your frequent infirmities.<CM> <a href="/godbey/1_timothy/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Keep yourself pure. No longer drink water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and on account of your frequent sickness. <a href="/haweis/1_timothy/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> confine thyself no longer to water-drinking; but use a little wine for thy stomach?s sake, and thy frequent indispositions. <a href="/mace/1_timothy/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Discontinue the drinking of bare water, take a litle wine out of regard to your weak stomach, and your frequent indispositions. <a href="/wey/1_timothy/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> <a href="/worrell/1_timothy/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Be no longer a drinker of water, but use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent infirmities. <a href="/worsley/1_timothy/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Drink no longer water only, but use a little wine with it, for the sake of thy stomach and thy frequent infirmities. <a href="/parallel/1_timothy/5-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EkcLX59OJyU?start=812" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_timothy/5.htm">A Charge to Timothy</a> …22Do not be too quick in the laying on of hands and thereby share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. 23<a href="/greek/3371.htm" title="3371: Mēketi (Adv) -- No longer, no more. From me and eti; no further."></a> <a href="/greek/5202.htm" title="5202: hydropotei (V-PMA-2S) -- From a compound of hudor and a derivative of pino; to be a water-drinker, i.e. To abstain from vinous beverages.">Stop drinking only water</a> <a href="/greek/5530.htm" title="5530: chrō (V-PMM/P-2S) -- To use, make use of, deal with, take advantage of. ">and use</a> <a href="/greek/3641.htm" title="3641: oligō (Adj-DMS) -- Puny; especially neuter somewhat.">a little</a> <a href="/greek/3631.htm" title="3631: oinō (N-DMS) -- Wine. A primary word (yayin); wine.">wine</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">instead,</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">because of</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">your</a> <a href="/greek/4751.htm" title="4751: stomachon (N-AMS) -- The stomach. From stoma; an orifice, i.e., the stomach.">stomach</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/4437.htm" title="4437: pyknas (Adj-AFP) -- Frequent, often, much. From the same as skenopoios; clasped, i.e. frequent; neuter plural frequently.">frequent</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tas (Art-AFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/769.htm" title="769: astheneias (N-AFP) -- From asthenes; feebleness; by implication, malady; morally, frailty.">ailments.</a> 24The sins of some men are obvious, going ahead of them to judgment; but the sins of others do not surface until later.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/proverbs/31-6.htm">Proverbs 31:6-7</a> Give strong drink to one who is perishing, and wine to the bitter in soul. / Let him drink and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. <a href="/psalms/104-14.htm">Psalm 104:14-15</a> He makes the grass grow for the livestock and provides crops for man to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth: / wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil that makes his face to shine, and bread that sustains his heart. <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:7</a> Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already approved your works: <a href="/isaiah/25-6.htm">Isaiah 25:6</a> On this mountain the LORD of Hosts will prepare a lavish banquet for all the peoples, a feast of aged wine, of choice meat, of finely aged wine. <a href="/luke/7-33.htm">Luke 7:33-34</a> For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon!’ / The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at this glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ <a href="/john/2-1.htm">John 2:1-11</a> On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, / and Jesus and His disciples had also been invited to the wedding. / When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to Him, “They have no more wine.” ... <a href="/matthew/11-18.htm">Matthew 11:18-19</a> For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon!’ / The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at this glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is vindicated by her actions.” <a href="/romans/14-21.htm">Romans 14:21</a> It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything to cause your brother to stumble. <a href="/ephesians/5-18.htm">Ephesians 5:18</a> Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. <a href="/1_corinthians/10-31.htm">1 Corinthians 10:31</a> So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God. <a href="/1_corinthians/6-12.htm">1 Corinthians 6:12</a> “Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be mastered by anything. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-22.htm">1 Corinthians 9:22-23</a> To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. / I do all this for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings. <a href="/colossians/2-16.htm">Colossians 2:16</a> Therefore let no one judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a feast, a New Moon, or a Sabbath. <a href="/1_corinthians/8-9.htm">1 Corinthians 8:9</a> Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. <a href="/1_corinthians/8-13.htm">1 Corinthians 8:13</a> Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to stumble.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your often infirmities.<a href="/1_timothy/3-3.htm">1 Timothy 3:3</a> Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;<a href="/1_timothy/4-4.htm">1 Timothy 4:4</a> For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:<a href="/leviticus/10-9.htm">Leviticus 10:9-11</a> Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations: … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/19-12.htm">Ailments</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-7.htm">Drink</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-3.htm">Drinker</a> <a href="/colossians/2-16.htm">Drinking</a> <a href="/acts/18-5.htm">Exclusively</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-27.htm">Frequent</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-23.htm">Frequently</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-17.htm">Good</a> <a href="/philippians/2-27.htm">Ill</a> <a href="/acts/19-12.htm">Illnesses</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-10.htm">Infirmities</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-3.htm">Longer</a> <a href="/philippians/3-18.htm">Often</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-5.htm">Sake</a> <a href="/philippians/3-19.htm">Stomach</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-3.htm">Stop</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-14.htm">Use</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-5.htm">Using</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-26.htm">Water</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-8.htm">Wine</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/mark/3-10.htm">Ailments</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-6.htm">Drink</a> <a href="/titus/1-7.htm">Drinker</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-7.htm">Drinking</a> <a href="/acts/18-5.htm">Exclusively</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-7.htm">Frequent</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-16.htm">Frequently</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-25.htm">Good</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-20.htm">Ill</a> <a href="/acts/19-12.htm">Illnesses</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-15.htm">Infirmities</a> <a href="/philemon/1-16.htm">Longer</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-16.htm">Often</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-10.htm">Sake</a> <a href="/revelation/10-9.htm">Stomach</a> <a href="/titus/1-11.htm">Stop</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-20.htm">Use</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-13.htm">Using</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-19.htm">Water</a> <a href="/titus/1-7.htm">Wine</a><div class="vheading2">1 Timothy 5</div>1. <a href="/1_timothy/5-1.htm">Rules to be observed in reproving.</a> 3. <a href="/1_timothy/5-3.htm">Of widows.</a> 17. <a href="/1_timothy/5-17.htm">Of elders.</a> 23. <a href="/1_timothy/5-23.htm">A precept for Timothy's health.</a> 24. <a href="/1_timothy/5-24.htm">Some men's sins go before unto judgment, and some men's follow after.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_timothy/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_timothy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_timothy/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Stop drinking only water In the ancient world, water sources were often contaminated, leading to various health issues. Timothy, a young leader in the early church, was likely adhering to a strict lifestyle, possibly influenced by ascetic practices or a desire to maintain ritual purity. This advice from Paul suggests a practical approach to health, recognizing the limitations of water quality at the time. The emphasis on "only" indicates that Timothy was perhaps abstaining from wine entirely, which was unusual given the common use of wine in daily life and religious practices.and use a little wine instead Wine in biblical times was a staple beverage, often diluted with water to purify it and make it safe for consumption. It was also used for medicinal purposes, as seen in other scriptures like <a href="/proverbs/31-6.htm">Proverbs 31:6-7</a>, where wine is given to those in distress. The instruction to use "a little" wine highlights moderation and the avoidance of excess, aligning with biblical teachings against drunkenness (<a href="/ephesians/5-18.htm">Ephesians 5:18</a>). This advice reflects a balance between spiritual discipline and practical health considerations.because of your stomach The mention of stomach issues suggests Timothy suffered from digestive problems, which were common in the ancient world due to diet and water quality. This personal note from Paul indicates a close relationship and concern for Timothy's well-being. It also underscores the practical nature of Paul's guidance, blending spiritual leadership with everyday life advice. The use of wine for stomach ailments was a known remedy, as it could aid digestion and provide relief from certain conditions.and your frequent ailments Timothy's "frequent ailments" suggest he was often unwell, which could have been a result of his demanding role in the early church or the harsh conditions of travel and ministry. This phrase highlights the human aspect of biblical figures, showing that even leaders in the faith faced physical challenges. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of caring for one's health to effectively serve in ministry. The advice to use wine medicinally reflects a common practice of the time, where natural remedies were employed for various health issues.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The apostle who authored the letter to Timothy, providing guidance and instruction for church leadership and personal conduct. 2. <a href="/topical/t/timothy.htm">Timothy</a> A young pastor and protégé of Paul, stationed in Ephesus, who is the recipient of this letter. 3. <a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a> The city where Timothy was serving as a church leader, known for its diverse culture and challenges to early Christian teachings.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/m/moderation_and_purpose.htm">Moderation and Purpose</a> Paul advises Timothy to use "a little wine" for medicinal purposes, emphasizing moderation and intentionality. This teaches us to consider the purpose and moderation in our consumption of substances. <a href="/topical/c/caring_for_the_body.htm">Caring for the Body</a> The instruction to use wine for health reasons highlights the importance of caring for our physical bodies, which are temples of the Holy Spirit. <a href="/topical/b/balancing_personal_freedom_and_community_responsibility.htm">Balancing Personal Freedom and Community Responsibility</a> While Paul advises Timothy personally, this must be balanced with the broader teaching of not causing others to stumble, as seen in other scriptures. <a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_health_practices.htm">Wisdom in Health Practices</a> The use of wine for Timothy's ailments suggests the importance of using wisdom and available resources for health issues, recognizing that God provides various means for healing. <a href="/topical/c/contextual_application.htm">Contextual Application</a> Understanding the cultural and historical context of biblical instructions helps us apply them appropriately in our own lives today.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_timothy_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Timothy 5</a> <a href="/q/how_do_vaccines_prevent_disease_naturally.htm">How do vaccines prevent disease through natural immune responses rather than divine intervention?</a> <a href="/q/can_christians_work_as_bartenders.htm">Is it appropriate for Christians to work as bartenders?</a> <a href="/q/christian_view__viagra_vs._cialis.htm">Is there a Christian view on Viagra vs. Cialis?</a> <a href="/q/does_psalm_39_7_dismiss_science.htm">Psalm 39:7 – When David looks only to God for hope, does this dismiss practical or scientific solutions? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_timothy/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.--Those who argue that this Epistle was the artificial composition of an age subsequent to St. Paul's, and was written in great measure to support the hierarchical development, which, they say, showed itself only in the century after St. Paul's death, have no little difficulty in accounting for the presence of such a command as this. It can, in fact, only be explained on the supposition that the letter was, in truth, written by St. Paul to Timothy in all freedom and in all love: by the older and more experienced, to the younger and comparatively untried man: by the master to the pupil: by an old and trusted friend, accustomed to speak his whole mind, to one his inferior in years, in rank, in knowledge. No ecclesiastical forger of the second or third century would have dreamed, or, had he dreamed, would have dared to weave into the complicated tapestry of such an Epistle such a charge as "Drink no longer water, but use a little wine--considering thine often infirmities."The reminder was, no doubt, suggested by St. Paul's own words, with which he closed his solemn direction respecting Timothy's dealings with the accused presbyters, and the care to be used in the laying on of hands: "Keep thyself pure." That Timothy possessed--as did his master Paul--a feeble body, is clear from the words "thine often infirmities." He was, above all things, considering his great position in that growing church, to remember "to keep himself pure," but not on that account to observe ascetical abstinence, and so to weaken uselessly the frail, perishable, perhaps ever dying body, in which he must work that great work committed to him in the master's church. Abstinence from wine was a well-known characteristic feature of the Essene and other Jewish ascetic sects. We know there was frequent intercommunion between Alexandria and Ephesus (see <a href="/acts/18-24.htm" title="And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.">Acts 18:24</a>); and it has even been conjectured that Apollos, who taught publicly at Ephesus, was himself a famous Essene teacher. The practice of these grave and ascetic Jews, many of whom became Christians, no doubt affected not a little the habits and tone of thought of the Ephesian congregations. Hence the necessity of St. Paul's warning against allowing the bodily power to be weakened through abstinence and extreme asceticism.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_timothy/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 23. - Be no longer a drinker of for drink no longer, A.V. Be... a drinker of water (ὑδροπότει); here only in the New Testament. It is found in some codices of the LXX. in <a href="/daniel/1-12.htm">Daniel 1:12</a>, and also in classical Greek. We learn from hence the interesting fact that Timothy was, in modern parlance, a total abstainer; and we also learn that, in St. Paul's judgment, total abstinence was not to be adhered to if injurious to the health. The epithet, "a little," should not be overlooked. Was Luke, the beloved physician, with St. Paul when he wrote this prescription (see <a href="/2_timothy/4-11.htm">2 Timothy 4:11</a>)? It is also interesting to have this passing allusion to Timothy's bad health, and this instance of St. Paul's thoughtful consideration for him. Infirmities (ἀσθενείας); in the sense of sicknesses, attacks of illness. <a href="/commentaries/1_timothy/5-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Stop drinking [only] water ὑδροπότει (hydropotei) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5202.htm">Strong's 5202: </a> From a compound of hudor and a derivative of pino; to be a water-drinker, i.e. To abstain from vinous beverages. [and] use χρῶ (chrō) Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5530.htm">Strong's 5530: </a> To use, make use of, deal with, take advantage of. a little ὀλίγῳ (oligō) Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3641.htm">Strong's 3641: </a> Puny; especially neuter somewhat. wine οἴνῳ (oinō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3631.htm">Strong's 3631: </a> Wine. A primary word (yayin); 'wine'. instead, ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. because of διὰ (dia) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. [your] τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. stomach στόμαχον (stomachon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4751.htm">Strong's 4751: </a> The stomach. From stoma; an orifice, i.e., the 'stomach'. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. your σου (sou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. frequent πυκνάς (pyknas) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4437.htm">Strong's 4437: </a> Frequent, often, much. From the same as skenopoios; clasped, i.e. frequent; neuter plural frequently. ailments. ἀσθενείας (astheneias) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_769.htm">Strong's 769: </a> From asthenes; feebleness; by implication, malady; morally, frailty. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_timothy/5-23.htm">1 Timothy 5:23 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_timothy/5-23.htm">1 Timothy 5:23 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_timothy/5-23.htm">1 Timothy 5:23 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_timothy/5-23.htm">1 Timothy 5:23 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_timothy/5-23.htm">1 Timothy 5:23 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_timothy/5-23.htm">1 Timothy 5:23 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_timothy/5-23.htm">1 Timothy 5:23 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_timothy/5-23.htm">1 Timothy 5:23 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_timothy/5-23.htm">1 Timothy 5:23 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_timothy/5-23.htm">1 Timothy 5:23 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-23.htm">NT Letters: 1 Timothy 5:23 Be no longer a drinker of water (1 Tim. 1Ti iTi 1tim i Tm) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_timothy/5-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Timothy 5:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Timothy 5:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_timothy/5-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Timothy 5:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Timothy 5:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>