Brief Overview of πότος (Strong’s G4224: potos)

Strong’s G4224: A noun meaning “drinking bout” or “drinking party,” referring to excessive social drinking common in Greco-Roman culture. Used in 1 Peter to describe former pagan lifestyle practices that Christians should abandon. Represents a particular form of social excess contrary to Christian virtue.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πότος describes social drinking events that often led to excess in ancient culture. In the New Testament, Peter uses it to contrast former pagan lifestyle practices with Christian sobriety and self-control. The term represented not just drinking but the entire social context of revelry and excess common in Greco-Roman society. Early church writers employed this term when discussing the radical lifestyle change expected of converts. Today, it continues to illustrate the contrast between worldly excess and Christian temperance.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πότος, potos, PO-tos
• Detailed pronunciation: POH-tohs (stress on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• From πίνω (pinō) – to drink
• Root ποτ- (pot-) drinking
• -ος (-os) nominal suffix

D – Defining Meanings

• Drinking bout
• Drinking party
• Carousal

Translation Options:

• “Drinking bout” – emphasizes excessive nature
• “Drinking party” – social context
• “Carousal” – combines social and excessive aspects

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μέθη (methē, MEH-thay) – drunkenness – See G3178
• οἰνοφλυγία (oinophlugia, oy-no-flu-GEE-ah) – wine-drinking – See G3632
• συμπόσιον (sumposion, sim-POH-see-on) – drinking party – See G4849

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Gender: Masculine
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Case: All cases possible
• Declension: 2nd declension

Example morphological changes:

• Nominative: πότος
• Genitive: πότου
• Dative: πότῳ
• Accusative: πότον

Cross-references:

• Related verb: πίνω (to drink)
• Related adjective: ποτικός (of drinking)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes social nature of excess. Thayer’s notes pagan cultural context. LSJ documents extensive classical usage. Vine’s highlights its inclusion in vice lists. Strong’s connects it to social drinking customs. LEH notes similar Septuagint warnings. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri describing social events.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
1 Peter 4:3: “For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, [πότος] banquetings, and abominable idolatries.”

Additional References:
This word appears only once in the New Testament, in 1 Peter 4:3.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πότος reminds us of the transformative power of the gospel to change lifestyle patterns. It contrasts the emptiness of worldly excess with the fullness found in Christ, proclaiming that believers are called to a new way of living marked by sobriety and self-control rather than excess and indulgence.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ancient symposiums often included philosophical discussion alongside drinking.
2. Early church baptismal vows included renouncing such practices.
3. The term influenced development of Christian temperance teaching.

Strong’s G4224: A noun meaning “drinking bout” or “drinking party,” referring to excessive social drinking common in Greco-Roman culture. Used in 1 Peter to describe former pagan lifestyle practices that Christians should abandon. Represents a particular form of social excess contrary to Christian virtue.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: drinking, excess, social customs, pagan practices, Christian lifestyle, temperance, conversion, Peter’s epistles, vice lists, transformation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​