Proverbs 31:6
Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.
Original Language Analysis
תְּנוּ
Give
H5414
תְּנוּ
Give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 6
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לְאוֹבֵ֑ד
unto him that is ready to perish
H6
לְאוֹבֵ֑ד
unto him that is ready to perish
Strong's:
H6
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
Historical Context
Written as royal instruction (probably Solomon recording his mother Bathsheba's wisdom), this reflects ancient medical practice where strong drink served as pain relief before modern anesthetics. Wine mixed with gall or myrrh was given to crucifixion victims to ease agony.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse inform a biblical approach to end-of-life palliative care and pain management?
- What is the distinction between medicinal use of alcohol for the dying versus recreational use forbidden to rulers (v. 4-5)?
- How does Christ's refusal of drugged wine (Mark 15:23) demonstrate His willingness to fully experience our suffering?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish—The Hebrew shekar (שֵׁכָר, strong drink) refers to fermented beverages beyond wine. King Lemuel's mother instructs that intoxicants have legitimate medicinal use for those in extremis—ready to perish (אֹבֵד, 'oved, perishing/dying). This is not license for rulers (v. 4-5) but compassionate palliative care for the terminally ill or those facing execution.
Ancient Near Eastern medicine used alcohol as anesthetic and comfort for the dying. This verse anticipates the mercy shown to Christ on the cross when offered wine mingled with myrrh (Mark 15:23), which He initially refused to maintain full consciousness during His atoning work. The principle: alcohol may dull suffering when no hope of recovery remains.