Physical Care: ὑδροποτέω (Strong’s G5202: hydropoteo) Reveals Biblical Health Wisdom

Strong’s G5202: A compound verb from ὕδωρ (water) and πίνω (to drink), meaning to drink water exclusively. Used in pastoral context regarding physical health concerns, demonstrating biblical balance between spiritual discipline and bodily care.

U- Unveiling the Word

The verb ὑδροποτέω holds particular significance in its New Testament context, where it appears in Paul’s pastoral advice to Timothy. This compound word specifically refers to the practice of drinking only water, which was common among ascetics and those practicing strict religious discipline. However, its usage in Timothy reveals a balanced biblical approach to physical health and spiritual discipline. The early church fathers often referenced this passage when discussing the relationship between bodily care and spiritual devotion. Today, this word continues to remind us that while spiritual discipline is paramount, God’s wisdom includes proper care for our physical bodies as His temples.

Save 20% with code – FOG20

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑδροποτέω, hydropoteo, /hoo-dro-po-TEH-o/
• Detailed pronunciation: hoo (as in “who”) – dro (as in “droll”) – po (as in “post”) – TEH – o (as in “oh”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• First component: ὕδωρ (hydor) meaning “water”
• Second component: πίνω (pino) meaning “to drink”
• Verbal suffix: -έω (-eo) indicating continuous action
• Combined meaning: “to be a water-drinker”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. To drink water exclusively
2. To practice water-drinking
3. To abstain from wine

For compound words:
ὕδωρ provides the object (water)
πίνω provides the action (drinking)
-έω indicates ongoing practice

Translation Options:

1. “To drink only water” – most precise but wordy
2. “To be a water-drinker” – captures habitual nature
3. “To abstain from wine” – contextual meaning

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πίνω (pino) /PEE-no/ – to drink in general See G4095
• νήφω (nepho) /NAY-fo/ – to be sober See G3525
• ὑδρεύομαι (hydreuomai) /hoo-DREV-oh-mai/ – to draw water See G5203

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb Features:

• Tense: Present
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Imperative (in its NT usage)
• Person: Second
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Progressive/Linear

Example conjugations:

• ὑδροποτῶ (I drink water)
• ὑδροποτεῖς (you drink water)
• ὑδροποτεῖ (he/she/it drinks water)
• ὑδροποτοῦμεν (we drink water)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the word’s specific meaning of drinking water exclusively, often in contrast to wine consumption. Thayer’s notes its use in medical contexts regarding dietary practices. LSJ provides examples from classical sources where it describes ascetic practices. Vine’s highlights its unique appearance in pastoral counsel. Moulton and Milligan document its use in papyri relating to dietary habits and health practices. The lexicons collectively indicate that this term carried both medical and ascetic connotations, making its use in Timothy particularly significant for understanding biblical perspectives on health and moderation.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
1 Timothy 5:23: “Drink no longer water [ὑδροποτέω], but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.”

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The use of ὑδροποτέω in Paul’s pastoral counsel reveals divine wisdom regarding physical and spiritual health. While the term typically indicated strict ascetic practice, Paul’s guidance shows that such rigid abstinence isn’t always spiritually superior. The good news revealed here is that the Messiah’s kingdom promotes wholeness in both body and spirit, rejecting extreme asceticism while maintaining proper moderation. This balanced approach to physical care demonstrates God’s concern for our complete well-being.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word was commonly used in ancient medical prescriptions
2. It often appeared in athletic training manuals describing dietary restrictions
3. Early Christian ascetics frequently referenced this verse in debates about wine consumption

Strong’s G5202: A compound verb from ὕδωρ (water) and πίνω (to drink), meaning to drink water exclusively. Used in pastoral context regarding physical health concerns, demonstrating biblical balance between spiritual discipline and bodily care.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: water, drinking, health, asceticism, moderation, pastoral care, Timothy, Paul, medicine, diet, temperance, wine, physical care, spiritual discipline, balance​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​