Ephesians 5:18

16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
KJV
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
WEB
Don’t be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,
ASV
And be not drunken with wine, wherein is riot, but be filled with the Spirit;
DARBY
And be not drunk with wine, in which is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit,
BLB
And do not be drunk with wine, in which is debauchery, but be filled in the Spirit,
ÅB
Og drikk dere ikke drukne av vin, for i det er der ryggesløshet, men bli fylt av Ånden,
OTB
Bli ikke fulle av vin, som fører til utskeielser, men bli fylt med Ånden,
B1930
Og drikk eder ikke drukne av vin, for i det er der ryggesløshet, men bli fylt av Ånden,

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Luke 1:15

    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.

    Read in context
  • Romans 13:13

    Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

    Read in context
  • Proverbs 20:1

    Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

    Read in context
  • Galatians 5:21–25

    Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

    Read in context
  • Acts 11:24

    For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

    Read in context
  • Isaiah 5:22

    Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:

    Read in context
  • 1 Corinthians 5:11

    But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

    Read in context
  • Luke 11:13

    If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

    Read in context