Quick answer
This is one of the passages that readers often raise because it uses both “wine” and “strong drink” in a positive setting. We do not ignore that difficulty. We place it in view and read it carefully with the rest of the Bible.
Deuteronomy 14:26 (KJV)
“And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household,”
In the broader wine survey, this passage sits on the positive side in the supplied chart.
How we read this verse
A difficult text should not be made to overturn the clearest warning passages. The question is whether “strong drink” here must mean intoxicating alcohol in the modern sense, or whether the verse allows a broader range of strong-tasting or specially prepared drinks in a feast setting. Whatever conclusion a reader reaches, this verse must still be read with the many texts that warn against wine, strong drink, and impaired judgment.
That is why we pair this page with Wine in the Bible, Types of wine in the Bible, and Was wine in the Bible alcoholic?.
Keep the bigger picture visible
Difficult or disputed passages should not be forced to do all the work by themselves. They should be read beside the clearest blessing texts, the clearest warning texts, and the broader definition studies.
Frequently asked questions
Why keep a page for a difficult verse?
Because readers want the hard texts addressed directly, not hidden. This verse deserves a careful page of its own.
Does this verse overturn the sober-minded passages?
No. However it is understood, it still has to live inside the same Bible that warns priests, kings, church leaders, and believers about wine and strong drink.