In Ellen White’s writings, the subject of wine and alcohol is addressed systematically and consistently: the use of intoxicating drinks is incompatible with Christian character and harms health, clarity of mind, and spiritual sensitivity. At the same time, she makes a clear distinction between the different meanings of the word “wine” in the Bible, not ignoring the complexity of the text.
Biblical distinction: which wine exactly?
White pointed out that in ancient Hebrew and Greek, the word “wine” could refer both to fresh grape juice and to a fermented drink. Context determines everything.
“New wine is found in the cluster, and they say, Do not destroy it, for a blessing is in it.” Isa. 65:8
Here it refers to the juice right in the grape—and it is already called “wine.” At the same time, Scripture clearly warns:
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” Prov. 20:1
White emphasized: these two meanings must be distinguished in order to correctly understand the Bible’s teaching on temperance.
The miracle at Cana: what did Jesus make?
One of the most discussed passages is the turning of water into wine (John 2:1–11). White held a clear position: Jesus created not alcoholic wine.
She wrote: Christ could not create a drink that leads to loss of self-control and sin—that would have contradicted His character. “The wine which Christ provided for the feast, and that which He gave to the disciples as a symbol of His own blood, was the pure juice of the grape” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 333). Elsewhere she clarifies: this drink was “entirely free from fermentation.”
Therefore, the Adventist understanding of the miracle at Cana is that it was transformed into fresh grape juice, not alcohol.
Alcohol and spiritual sensitivity
White emphasized the practical effect of alcohol use: it clouds the mind —the very mind that must remain open to the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul said the same:
“And do not get drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.” Eph 5:18
Along with this, White viewed temperance as part of health reform—a comprehensive approach to the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19–20).
Practical meaning
White’s position is not merely a cultural norm of her time. It is grounded in the conviction: to clearly understand God’s Word and sense His providence, a person needs a clear and sober mind.
In practical terms, this is expressed in:
- Abstaining from alcoholic beverages as a principle, not a rule for appearances.
- Understanding that “filled with the Spirit” and “carried away by wine” are opposite states.
- Respect for the body as God’s gift, not personal property for entertainment.
Temperance in Ellen White’s understanding is not a restriction, but a condition for a full spiritual and physical life.
