1 Timothy 5:23 tells Timothy to stop drinking only water and to take a little wine for his stomach and his frequent illnesses. The verse is practical advice, not a general rule about drinking, and it reflects Paul’s care for a younger co-worker’s health. Paul wrote it to Timothy, a young pastor he had trained and sent to lead the church in Ephesus.
Be no longer a drinker of water only, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.
1 Timothy 5:23 (WEB)
What 1 Timothy 5:23 Means
The phrase “no longer a drinker of water only” suggests Timothy had been avoiding wine altogether, perhaps out of a desire for strict self-discipline or a wish to set a clear example. Paul does not criticize that motive. He simply tells him that the habit is now hurting his body, so he should change it. The verse therefore shows that a sincere personal standard can still need adjusting when real physical needs appear.
The words “for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities” name the reason plainly. Timothy was dealing with repeated sickness, and in the ancient world wine was commonly used as a mild remedy and as a way to purify water. Paul speaks about a “little” wine, which signals moderation rather than indulgence.
What the verse does not do is give a blanket permission for drunkenness or set a universal teaching about alcohol. Scripture elsewhere warns against excess, and this verse addresses one man’s situation. It does not promise that wine will cure illness, and it does not tell every believer what to drink.
The Context of 1 Timothy 5:23
First Timothy is one of the pastoral letters, traditionally attributed to Paul and written to guide Timothy in organizing and leading the church at Ephesus. Paul gives instructions about elders, widows, discipline and conduct in the household of God. Timothy was a close companion of Paul, but he was also younger and sometimes timid, which explains much of the tone of these letters.
The verses just before and after this one show that Paul is talking about careful, wise leadership. In verse 22 he warns Timothy not to be hasty in appointing leaders and to keep himself pure, and in verses 24 and 25 he notes that sins and good works become visible in time. Read this way, verse 23 is one small piece of Paul’s concern that Timothy stay healthy and clear-headed so he can lead well over the long haul.
Key Phrases in 1 Timothy 5:23
1 Corinthians 10:31
Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
(WEB)
This verse calls believers to do everything for God’s glory, including eating and drinking. It helps explain why Paul cares about Timothy’s body: the way we treat our bodies and what we consume can be an act of worship when done with gratitude and self-control.
Ephesians 5:18
Don’t be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit…
(WEB)
Paul warns against drunkenness and then points toward being filled with the Spirit. Read beside 1 Timothy 5:23, it shows that the concern is always excess and loss of control, not a moderate use of wine that meets a real need.
A Short Prayer From 1 Timothy 5:23
Lord, you know the state of my body better than I do. Help me to be honest about my limits and to receive wise care without shame. Where I have held to rules out of pride or fear, show me where to let them go. Give me moderation in everything I take in, and keep my heart focused on serving you. Thank you for caring about the whole of who I am. Amen.