And behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine: let us eat and drink; for to morrow we shall die.

ISAIAH 22:13KJV
Know the Bible

Isaiah 22:13 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 22:13 mean?

Isaiah 22:13 describes people responding to a crisis not with repentance or seriousness, but with partying and self-indulgence—feasting on meat and wine, saying, “let us eat and drink; for to morrow we shall die.” The verse shows a careless attitude in the face of danger, choosing pleasure over reflection or change.

In the book of Isaiah, the prophet is speaking to the people of Jerusalem during a time of threat and warning. Instead of turning to God or considering their actions, the people react by throwing a feast and focusing on immediate enjoyment. The verse highlights their disregard for the seriousness of their situation and their unwillingness to face reality.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 22:13

  • The word for “joy” is שָׂשׂוֹן (sason), which means gladness or rejoicing. Here, it points to a mood of celebration that is out of place given the circumstances.
  • The phrase “let us eat” uses אָכַל (’akal), meaning to eat or consume, and “let us drink” uses שָׁתָה (shatah), meaning to drink. Both words stress the focus on physical pleasure.
  • “For to morrow we shall die” uses מָחָר (machar) for “tomorrow” and מוּת (muth) for “to die.” This phrase shows a fatalistic mindset—enjoying today because they expect no future.

Why Isaiah 22:13 matters

  • Isaiah 22:13 clears up the misunderstanding that the people were unaware of their danger; instead, they knew but chose to ignore it and distract themselves.
  • The verse emphasizes the contrast between what God called for (repentance and humility) and what the people actually did (celebration and denial).
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing why judgment was coming—because the people refused to take God’s warnings seriously and lived only for the moment.

Where else these words appear

“joy” Hebrew H8342 · used in 22 verses

  • Esther 8:16 The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour.
  • Isaiah 12:3 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.
  • Jeremiah 16:9 For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will cause to cease out of this place in your eyes, and in your days, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride.

“morrow” Hebrew H4279 · used in 52 verses

  • Genesis 30:33 So shall my righteousness answer for me in time to come, when it shall come for my hire before thy face: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and brown among the sheep, that shall be counted stolen with me.
  • Joshua 3:5 And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you.
  • 1 Samuel 20:18 Then Jonathan said to David, To morrow is the new moon: and thou shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty.

“killing” Hebrew H7819 · used in 70 verses

  • Genesis 22:10 And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.
  • Leviticus 9:8 Aaron therefore went unto the altar, and slew the calf of the sin offering, which was for himself.
  • 2 Kings 10:7 And it came to pass, when the letter came to them, that they took the king's sons, and slew seventy persons, and put their heads in baskets, and sent him them to Jezreel.

“gladness” Hebrew H8057 · used in 89 verses

  • Genesis 31:27 Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?
  • Esther 9:17 On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:26 For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.