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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