Strong drink; an intoxicating beverage other than grape wine.
Used 23 times in the OT. Often paired with yayin (wine and strong drink). Shekar refers to fermented drinks made from barley, dates, pomegranates, or other fruits. It is almost always mentioned in negative contexts (Leviticus 10:9, 'Do not drink wine nor strong drink') or in contrast to proper behavior. The Nazirite vow specifically prohibits both yayin and shekar (Numbers 6:3).