μέθυσος

From the study of Sirach 26:8

Range of meaning

Drunken; as a noun, a drunkard. It describes a habit or character, not one occasion.

Against the English

English "drunken woman" can suggest a single bout. The Greek word marks a habitual drinker.

Used elsewhere in the period

The Greek grammarian Phrynichus (2nd century AD), who policed 'correct' Attic Greek, remarked that methysos was properly said of women, with another word preferred for men. That reflects real older usage. The Septuagint uses it more freely of men (Proverbs 23:21; 26:9), and Ben Sira himself writes of "a worker who is a drunkard" (19:1).

From the study of 1 Corinthians 6:10

Range of meaning

'Drunken, given to drink': a habitual drunkard. Ancient grammarians noted that in older Attic Greek the word was used of women, and that later writers (e.g., Menander) applied it to men as well (BDAG; LSJ). The noun describes a settled state or character, not a single episode.

Against the English

'Drunkards' is accurate in every major version.

Used elsewhere in the period

LXX Prov 23:21 ('the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty'); Prov 26:9; Sirach 19:1 ('a worker who is a drunkard will not grow rich'). Paul uses the verb methyō of Corinthians getting drunk at the Lord's Supper while poorer members went hungry (1 Cor 11:21).