Isaiah 24:7 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 24:7 mean?

Isaiah 24:7 describes a scene of sorrow and loss: the new wine mourns, the vine withers, and all those who were once joyful now sigh in sadness. This verse paints a picture of a land stripped of its usual celebrations and abundance, showing how devastation affects both the land and its people.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Judah, warning them of coming judgment and destruction. In this verse, Isaiah uses the imagery of wine and vines—symbols of joy and prosperity in ancient Israel—to show that even the sources of happiness and festivity will be taken away. The verse is part of a larger passage describing how widespread ruin will bring mourning instead of gladness.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 24:7

• "New wine" (תִּירוֹשׁ, tirosh) refers to freshly pressed grape juice or young wine, often associated with celebration and blessing. Its "mourning" signals a complete reversal of fortune.
• "Mourneth" (אָבַל, ’aval) means to lament or grieve deeply. The use of this word for wine is a poetic way to show that even the land’s produce is affected by the disaster.
• "Vine" (גֶּפֶן, gephen) represents not just the plant but the whole agricultural system that supports life and festivity.
• "Languisheth" (אֻמְלַל, umlal) means to wither or become weak, emphasizing the loss of vitality and abundance.
• "Merryhearted" (שָׂמֵחַ לֵב, sameach lev) literally means "joyful of heart," highlighting that even those known for their happiness are now sighing in distress.
• "Sigh" (נָאַק, na’ak) means to groan or moan, showing a deep, audible sorrow that replaces former joy.

Why Isaiah 24:7 matters

• Isaiah 24:7 clears up the idea that judgment only affects the wicked; here, even the land and its innocent joys suffer, showing the total impact of devastation.
• The verse emphasizes how closely tied joy and prosperity were to agriculture in ancient Israel, making the loss of wine and vines a powerful symbol of national grief.
• This verse connects to the wider chapter, which describes a universal judgment affecting all people, not just Israel, highlighting the seriousness of the coming calamity.