UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: to drink water

Semantic entry: 23.38

Semantic domains: Physiological Processes and States

Subdomains: Eat, Drink

Notes: In a number of languages ‘to drink water’ is expressed by a single term which combines the components of drinking and of water. In other instances a verb meaning simply ‘to drink’ normally means to drink water unless otherwise specified. In Greek almost the opposite situation exists. For example, RV MAT 11:18 · LV MAT 11:18 · Read together MAT 11:18 (ἦλθεν γὰρ Ἰωάννης μήτε ἐσθίων μήτε πίνων ‘for John came neither eating nor drinking’) implies a reference to drinking alcoholic beverages.