Brief Overview of σίκερα (Strong’s G4608: sikera)

Strong’s G4608: An intoxicating beverage made from fermented fruits or grains other than grapes. From Hebrew שֵׁכָר (shekar), it appears in the context of John the Baptist’s Nazirite vow, symbolizing complete dedication to God through abstinence from all intoxicating drinks.

U- Unveiling the Word

σίκερα represents any fermented drink besides wine. Its sole New Testament appearance in Luke 1:15 occurs in the angelic announcement of John the Baptist’s Nazirite dedication. Early church writers used this term when discussing abstinence and spiritual dedication. Today, it reminds us that spiritual commitment may require voluntary restraint for greater service to God.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σίκερα, sikera, SEE-ker-ah
• Detailed pronunciation: stress on first syllable: ‘SEE’ as in see, ‘ker’ as in care, ‘ah’ as in ah
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• From Hebrew שֵׁכָר (shekar)
• Through Aramaic into Greek
• Indeclinable foreign loan word

D – Defining Meanings

• Strong drink (non-wine)
• Fermented beverage
• Intoxicating drink

For compound words:
Not applicable as this is a borrowed term

Translation Options:

• “Strong drink” – Traditional translation
• “Fermented beverage” – More specific
• “Intoxicating drink” – Modern equivalent

E – Exploring Similar Words

• οἶνος (oinos, OY-nos) – wine See G3631
• μέθυσμα (methusma, me-THOOS-ma) – intoxication See G3178
• πότος (potos, PO-tos) – drinking bout See G4224

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an indeclinable foreign noun:

• No case changes
• No number changes
• Neuter gender
• Always appears in same form

The word maintains same form regardless of grammatical function.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG defines it as fermented drink besides wine. Thayer’s notes its Hebrew origin. LSJ documents its use in Septuagint. Vine’s connects it to Nazirite vows. Strong’s emphasizes its intoxicating nature. Moulton-Milligan shows limited Greek usage outside biblical contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.” Luke 1:15

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Septuagint: Leviticus	“The priests shall not drink wine or strong drink.”
Philo: Special Laws	“The Nazirite abstains from wine and strong drink.”
Josephus: Antiquities	“They avoided both wine and strong drink.”

N – Noteworthy Summary

σίκερα symbolizes the voluntary abstinence that can accompany special dedication to God. John the Baptist’s abstinence prepared him for his role in announcing Christ. This reminds us that following Jesus sometimes requires setting aside legitimate pleasures for greater spiritual purpose.

D – Did You Know?

1. The term could refer to beer made from barley in ancient times.
2. It was sometimes used medicinally in ancient culture.
3. Early desert fathers often discussed this word in teachings about fasting.

Strong’s G4608: An intoxicating beverage made from fermented fruits or grains other than grapes. From Hebrew שֵׁכָר (shekar), it appears in the context of John the Baptist’s Nazirite vow, symbolizing complete dedication to God through abstinence from all intoxicating drinks.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: strong drink, Nazirite vow, abstinence, John the Baptist, dedication, spiritual discipline, Hebrew terms, Luke’s Gospel, fermented drinks, consecration, temperance, spiritual preparation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​