[Greek] ποτίζω (potizō), [Latin] potitare: to provide a drink (something potent), to furnish, to drink, to irrigate, to water, to offer a drink, to nurture with water, to give a drink, to make a drink, to feed, to imbibe; Mt.23:35, 1Cor.3:6-8, Mk.9:41, Mt.10:42, Mt.25:35,37,42, Rom.12:20, Mk.15:36, Mt.27:48, Lk.23:36, Jn.19:29, 1Cor.3:2, 1Cor.12:13
The ancient Greco-Roman symposium (drinking party): a precursor to the modern corporate (business) symposium
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to cause to drink, to give to drink, and to water. This term can be found in various disciplines and fields such as literature, science, and medicine. Hippocrates’ Aphorism makes note of aspects in drinking in a long series of symptoms, diagnosis, and healing arts. Aristotle is credited with associating spirits with distilled alcohol. He thought drinking a distilled beer or wine puts ‘spirits’ into the body of the drinker. The Symposium, a Socratic dialogue written by Xenophon, describes Socrates and his companions attending a symposium. In Symposium 2,25 Socrates states, “So far as drinking is concerned, for wine does of a truth ‘moistens the soul’ and lulls our griefs to sleep.” Drinking makes the symposium successful in that alcohol effectively releases the inhibitions of the participants.
Old Testament: This term relates to several Hebrew terms. Gama means to absorb literally or figuratively in the sense of soaking up distance. Nashah means to cast out metal or to pour out a libation. Shaqah means to give a drink, to moisten, or to water. This term provides the sense of joining together or quenching a thirst. The Old Testament mentions providing one’s enemy with food and drink (Prov.25:21). Let me, I pray, drink a little water from the pitcher (Gen.24:17). He swalloweth the ground with fierceness and rage (Job.39:24). He poured a drink offering on it (Gen.35:14). For the Lord had poured out upon you the Spirit (Isa. 29:10). They shall not offer a wine offering to the Lord (Hos.9:4). A river went out of Eden to water the garden (Gen.2:10). They came out to draw water and fill the troughs to water their father’s flock (Ex.2:16). Hi figure is full and nourished (Job.21:24). She opened a jug of milk for him to drink (Jgs.4:19).
New Testament: This term essentially means to give (or offer to drink) and to water. These examples are illustrated by providing drink, offering cold water, providing wine, and providing milk. Providing cold water gives refreshment and compassion which will find an eternal reward. Providing food and drink to the hungry (and thirsty) is a value held highly by Jesus. Apollos waters the spiritual seed sown by Paul. Jesus receives and drinks His final cup of wine finishing His Passover, leading to His death on the cross.
Scripture:
“I fed you milk, not solid food, because you were unable to take it. Indeed, you still are not able, even now.” 1Cor.3:2
Paul states that the Corinthians are fleshy and immature infants who are not yet ready to receive solid spiritual teachings.
“Rather, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink for by doing do you will heap burning coals on his head.” Rom. 12:20
Paul claims it is important to confound your enemy with kindness. Your kindness will force your enemy to remember his shame in treating you with harm.
“I planted, Apollos watered, but God caused the growth.” 1Cor.3:6
Paul and Apollos are both instruments for God. Apollos, a Jew from Alexandria, was very effective in planting the spiritual seen sown by Paul.
Conclusion:
Potion, potent
I think it goes without saying that drinking often intersects many aspects of daily life: sciences, business, and recreation. These philosophers, scientists, and playwrights may have not known all about the physical aspects of drinking. Literature often illustrates human nature and behavior regarding drinking. I think Xenophon perfectly illustrates how drinking (wine and other spirits) can release (relax) one’s inhibitions.
I was surprised about the many and varied uses of this term in the more simple Old Testament culture. This is unexpected in comparison to the more complex and cosmopolitan Greco-Roman culture.
Providing food and drink for the needy person was a highly held cultural value in the New Testament. The figurative and metaphorical senses of drinking and watering help to shed light on the effectiveness (or lack thereof) of imparting Christian values to the communities Paul visited.
Symposium means drinking together or drinking party. This becomes the precursor for the modern day symposium in the business and corporate sector. Business men (and women) gather together to discuss some important topic in their respective field.