MEQUSOS vs. OINOPOTHS, drunks
Noel Fitzpatrick
njfitzpatrick at eircom.net
Sun Dec 15 14:32:22 EST 2002
MEQUSOS is used twice in the NT, 1 Cor 5:11
and 1 Cor 6:10. In the former case it refers
to a male drunk(ard) in most translations,
exceptions being the NRSV and the GWT where
it refers to both genders. In the latter case
gender is not specified.
Also OINOPOTHS is used for a drunk or wine-
drinker twice in the NT, in Mt 11:19 and Lk
7:34, both with reference to the Son of Man.
BDAG suggests that OINOPOTHS also has the
meaning of "one socially irresponsible" ,
while MEQUSOS is used for a drunkard and one
'addicted to other vices'.
Liddell and Scott (according to Perseus) notes
that MEQUSOS refers to only women in the older
literature. Obviously this is not so in the
NT. Since, if any restriction occurs, it
refers to men only.
Distillation, I believe, was known five
thousand years ago in China and Egypt,
initially in medicine and perfumery. In about
1250 CE distilled spirits were being consumed
in Europe. Villeneuf is associated with this
development.
Methyl alcohol (methanol), formed originally
by distillation, is also known as wood
alcohol.
Thus:
(1) Does an OINOPOTHS drink less that a
MEQUSOS?
(2) Is it acceptable to associate with an
OINOPOTHS, but not with a MEQUSOS?
(3) Is there any indication that spirits were
drunk in Classical times?
(4) Are both terms synonymous?
(5) Could MEQUSOS refer to a spirits-drinker?
With best wishes to all at Christmas and I
hope that 2003 will be successful and peaceful
year for us all.
Noel J Fitzpatrick.
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Noel Fitzpatrick
16 Granville Park
Blackrock
Co Dublin
Ireland
Phone: 353 1 2893851
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