1 Timothy 5:23

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Μηκέτι
G3371
no longer
no further
#2
ὑδροπότει
G5202
Drink
to be a water-drinker, i.e., to abstain from vinous beverages
#3
ἀλλ'
G235
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#4
οἴνῳ
G3631
wine
"wine" (literally or figuratively)
#5
ὀλίγῳ
G3641
a little
puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat
#6
χρῶ
G5530
use
to furnish what is needed; (give an oracle, "graze" (touch slightly), light upon, etc.), i.e., (by implication) to employ or (by extension) to act tow
#7
διὰ
G1223
for
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
#8
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
στόμαχον
G4751
stomach's sake
an orifice (the gullet), i.e., (specially), the "stomach"
#10
σοῦ
G4675
thine
of thee, thy
#11
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
τὰς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
πυκνάς
G4437
often
clasped (thick), i.e., (figuratively) frequent; neuter plural (as adverb) frequently
#14
σοῦ
G4675
thine
of thee, thy
#15
ἀσθενείας
G769
infirmities
feebleness (of mind or body); by implication, malady; morally, frailty

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Timothy. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection