Isaiah 51:21 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 51:21 mean?

Isaiah 51:21 is a message from God directed to people who are suffering and overwhelmed, described as being "drunken, but not with wine." The verse calls these afflicted people to listen carefully, hinting that their troubles are not caused by literal drunkenness, but by hardship and distress.

In this part of Isaiah, God is speaking through the prophet to the people of Jerusalem, who have endured great suffering and feel powerless. The language paints a picture of people so overwhelmed by their troubles that it is as if they are staggering like someone drunk, even though no wine is involved. This sets the stage for God’s promise of comfort and restoration that follows in the next verses.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 51:21

• "hear" (שָׁמַע, shamaʿ): This word means more than just listening; it often carries the sense of paying close attention or obeying. Here, it is a call for the suffering people to truly take in what God is about to say.
• "afflicted" (עָנִי, ʿani): This term refers to someone who is poor, oppressed, or deeply troubled. It highlights the deep suffering and vulnerability of the people being addressed.
• "drunken" (שָׁכַר, shakar): This word usually means intoxicated, but in this context, it describes people who are reeling from hardship, not alcohol.
• "wine" (יַיִן, yayin): The mention of wine clarifies that their "drunkenness" is not from drinking, but from the heavy burdens they have borne.

Why Isaiah 51:21 matters

• Isaiah 51:21 clears up that the "drunkenness" is a metaphor for overwhelming suffering, not actual intoxication, which helps avoid misreading the verse as a warning against alcohol.
• The verse emphasizes that God sees and addresses those who are deeply afflicted, showing His awareness of their emotional and spiritual state.
• This verse connects to the wider passage by preparing the reader for the comfort and hope God is about to offer, making clear that He speaks directly to those who feel broken and helpless.