πάροινος
pároinos
G3943 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
habitually given to wine, often present where wine is consumed; describes a person prone to drinking wine excessively or frequently. The term can indicate intemperate behavior, habitual overindulgence, or being in close association with drinking wine, with a negative connotation of lack of self-restraint.
Semantic Range
habitually associated with wine, excessively fond of wine, often present at drinking, addicted to wine, tippler, intemperate drinker
Root / Etymology
From παρά (beside, near) + οἶνος (wine); literally 'one who is often by wine' or 'one who stays near wine.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
πάροινος occurs only rarely in extant Greek literature, with attestations primarily in later Hellenistic and Koine texts, especially in moral or ethical lists (e.g., instructions regarding character qualifications for overseers in 1 Timothy 3:3 and Titus 1:7 in the New Testament, and in similar contexts in early Christian literature). The term does not merely refer to someone who drinks wine, but to someone who is known for excessive or habitual association with wine, implying a lack of discipline or intemperance. In the New Testament and related literature, πάροινος is used as a disqualifying trait for certain leadership roles, reflecting a cultural value of self-control. Traditional English translations such as 'given to wine,' 'addicted to wine,' or 'drunkard' may not fully capture the nuance that the word implies consistent, excessive association with wine or with the social sphere of wine drinking, rather than a single act of drunkenness. There are similar Greek terms for drunkenness, e.g., μέθυσος (‘drunkard’), but πάροινος emphasizes the habitual or characteristic aspect. No occurrences of πάροινος are found in the Septuagint. The concept is tied to broader Greco-Roman and Israelite/Judean values concerning moderation and leadership.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from παρά and οἶνος; staying near wine, i.e. tippling (a toper):--given to wine.
Root Family
πάροινος (pároinos) — wine, association with wine, habitual nearness to wine, intemperance
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3943-01 |
πάροινον | paroinon | ADJ.S ACC M SG |
addicted to wine | intemperate wine-drinker | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3943-01 |
1 Timothy 3:3 | πάροινον | paroinon | ADJ.S ACC M SG |
given to wine | intemperate wine-drinker |
G3943-01 |
Titus 1:7 | πάροινον | paroinon | ADJ.S ACC M SG |
addicted to wine | intemperate wine-drinker |