In Vino Veritas? Drunkenness and Deceit in Micah and Isaiah: A Conversation with Richard J. Bautch

Abstract

When viewed in light of the expression, In Vino Veritas, the notion of drunkenness and deceit in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the prophetic books of Micah and Isaiah, raises certain questions. First, is the phenomenon of In Vino Veritas present in Micah and Isaiah? Second, did Micah and Isaiah have in mind issues of unethical behaviour and social injustice in the allusions to drunkenness and deceit? This article examines the translation of Micah 2:11 to ascertain whether a reading that associates drunkenness and deceit with In Vino Veritas can be considered anachronistic. It also attempts to identify the addressees of Micah 2 in order to locate the text in its historical context. It argues that when read in relation to verses 6-11 and verses 1-5, Micah 2:11 expresses concern about unethical behaviour and social injustice. Unlike in the Micah text however, the probable interpretation of In Vino Veritas in the Old Babylonian sources could apply to Isaiah 28:7 mainly because Isaiah denounced prophets who prophesied under the influence of alcohol.