Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:
ISAIAH 5:22KJVWhat does Isaiah 5:22 mean?
Isaiah 5:22 warns against those who take pride in their ability to drink large amounts of wine or mix strong drinks, calling out people who see this as a sign of strength or greatness. The verse pronounces a "woe"—a warning of trouble or judgment—on those who boast about their drinking prowess.
Isaiah, speaking as a prophet to the people of Judah, addresses a society where some leaders and influential men were known for their drinking rather than for justice or wisdom. This verse is part of a series of warnings in Isaiah 5, where behaviors that seem impressive or powerful to people are shown to be empty or even dangerous in God's eyes.
The Hebrew behind Isaiah 5:22
- Woe (הוֹי, hoy): This word is often used by prophets to announce sorrow, warning, or impending judgment. It signals that the behavior described is serious and will lead to negative consequences.
- Mighty (גִּבּוֹר, gibbor): While this word usually means a hero or a strong, valiant person, here it is used ironically for those who are only "mighty" in drinking, not in character or leadership.
- Strength (חַיִל, chayil): This word can mean strength, wealth, or valor. In this verse, it highlights that the "strength" being praised is misplaced, focused on drinking rather than on true virtue.
- Mingle (מָסַךְ, masakh): This verb means to mix or blend, referring to the practice of mixing strong drinks. It suggests not just drinking, but skillfully preparing intoxicating beverages, emphasizing indulgence.
Why Isaiah 5:22 matters
- Isaiah 5:22 corrects the idea that being able to handle alcohol is a mark of real strength or leadership, showing that such values are upside down.
- The verse fits into a larger section where Isaiah lists "woes" against various corrupt behaviors, highlighting how far the society's leaders have strayed from justice and wisdom.
- By using words usually reserved for heroes and strong men, Isaiah exposes the emptiness of boasting about drinking, making readers reflect on what qualities are truly worth honoring.