Isaiah 1:22 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 1:22 mean?

Isaiah 1:22 says that what was once valuable and pure among the people has become corrupted and diluted—silver has turned to dross, and wine has been watered down. This verse uses the image of spoiled silver and thinned wine to show how the nation’s moral and spiritual quality has declined.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Jerusalem and Judah, confronting them about their unfaithfulness to God. In the context of Isaiah chapter 1, God is accusing the people of losing their integrity and purity, both in their worship and in their daily lives. The verse uses everyday examples—precious metal and wine—to make clear how far the people have strayed from what they were meant to be.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 1:22

• "Silver" (כֶּסֶף, keseph): This word means literal silver, a valuable metal. Here, it stands for what should be precious and pure among the people.
• "Dross" (סִיג, sig): This refers to the waste or impurities left after refining silver. Calling their silver "dross" means what was once valuable has become worthless and impure.
• "Wine" (שֵׁכָר, shekhar): This is the word for wine, a symbol of joy and blessing in ancient Israel. Pure wine was prized, so mixing it with water was a sign of cheapening or corruption.
• "Mixed" (מָהַל, mahal): This means to dilute or mix, especially by adding something of lesser quality. Here, it shows intentional lowering of standards.
• "Water" (מַיִם, mayim): This simply means water, but in this context, it represents something that weakens or dilutes what should be strong and pure.

Why Isaiah 1:22 matters

• Isaiah 1:22 clarifies that God is not just concerned with outward actions but with the inner quality and integrity of His people, using strong images to show how far they have fallen.
• The verse helps explain the seriousness of the nation’s decline, connecting their spiritual state to everyday things people would immediately understand as spoiled or ruined.
• This verse sets up the rest of Isaiah’s message, showing why judgment and calls for repentance are necessary: the people’s corruption is deep and affects every part of their life.