I will make your oppressors eat their own flesh, and they shall be drunk with their own blood as with wine. Then all flesh shall know that I am the LORD your Savior, and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse paints a grim picture of oppressors consuming themselves and being drunk on their own blood. This vivid imagery doesn't just describe destruction; it highlights the internal chaos and self-destruction that ultimately befalls those who war against God's people, leading to the world's recognition of His power as Savior.
I will make your oppressors eat their own flesh, and they shall be drunk with their own blood as with wine. Then all flesh shall know that I am the LORD your Savior, and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage concludes a powerful oracle where God, speaking through Isaiah, assures his people of their ultimate deliverance and vindication. It follows a section detailing God's unwavering commitment to his people despite their perceived abandonment and the immense scope of their future restoration, bringing them back from distant lands. The preceding verses describe the downfall of their enemies, setting the stage for God's ultimate triumph and the knowledge of His saving power.
The verse paints a graphic, almost horrifying, picture of God's judgment on oppressors. What does this 'eating their own flesh' and 'drunken with blood' really mean?
This powerful imagery isn't about literal cannibalism, but a vivid metaphor for utter destruction and internal chaos among those who oppose God's people.
Self-Destruction
The Taste of Judgment
After the dramatic depiction of judgment, the verse pivots to a profound cosmic declaration. What is the ultimate purpose of this divine action?
The dramatic and devastating judgment on the oppressors isn't an end in itself. Its primary purpose is to bring about a universal recognition of God's identity and power.
Ask a follow-up
God's Name Revealed
The Savior and Redeemer
Understand the original words
lachats · Hebrew Noun
Those who inflict hardship, injustice, or tyranny upon others, often used in the prophets to describe the enemies of Israel who will face divine judgment.
basar · Hebrew Noun
The material substance of a living creature, often representing human frailty, mortality, or the entire human race in contrast to the holiness of God.
dam · Hebrew Noun
The vital life force contained in the blood, which belongs to God and acts as the legal basis for atonement; here it symbolizes the violent destruction of the wicked.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God (Yahweh) revealed to Moses, signifying His self-existence, eternal faithfulness, and His active presence in the history of His people.
yasha · Hebrew Noun/Participle
The One who delivers or rescues from distress, danger, or judgment; in this context, it refers to God as the sole provider of spiritual and physical salvation for His people.
ga'al · Hebrew Noun/Participle
A kinsman-redeemer who buys back property or persons from slavery or debt, fundamentally representing God's act of purchasing His people out of bondage through His own power.
Abiyr Ya'aqob · Hebrew Noun Phrase
A title emphasizing God's omnipotence and His ability to defend and sustain His covenant promises, reflecting His role as the sovereign warrior and protector of the patriarchs.
This prophecy speaks to the ultimate collapse and self-destruction of oppressive powers, particularly the Babylonian empire that held the Israelites captive. The internal strife and eventual conquest by Cyrus demonstrate God's power to deliver His people, even through seemingly unrelated historical shifts.
c. 550 BC
Rise of Cyrus the Great
Cyrus the Great begins his ascent, uniting the Persian tribes and challenging the established powers of the Near East. This sets the stage for the fall of Babylon.
556-539 BC
Reign of Nabonidus in Babylon
Nabonidus's reign is marked by religious reforms and political instability, alienating segments of the Babylonian population and weakening the empire from within.
539 BC— this verse
Fall of Babylon to Persia
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon. Internal dissent and the alienation of religious groups contribute to the city's swift defeat.
538 BC
Edict of Cyrus
Following the conquest, Cyrus issues an edict allowing exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples. This marks the end of the Babylonian exile.
This passage uses similar vivid imagery of self-destruction and internal conflict, showing that enemies will consume each other.
Jeremiah 50:17This passage describes Israel's oppressors, specifically Babylon, being consumed by internal strife and destruction, mirroring the fate of the oppressors in Isaiah.
Ezekiel 38:21This prophetic passage describes God turning the swords of invaders against each other, a concept that resonates with the enemies of God's people destroying themselves.
Revelation 16:6This New Testament passage depicts judgment upon those who shed the blood of God's people, giving them blood to drink, which echoes the theme of oppressors being judged with their own violence.
Zechariah 11:9This passage describes a shepherd feeding his flock with the flesh of those who were oppressing them, creating a parallel of consuming the oppressors.
pulpitIsaiah 49:26: "And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob."
Verse 26. - I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh (comp. Isaiah 9:20). Civil disunion is intended, which will break the power of Babylon, and render her an easy prey to the Persians. The recently discovered inscriptions clearly show that…
barnesIsaiah 49:26: "And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob."
And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh - The language used here is that which appropriately describes the distresses resuiting from discord and internal strifes. Similar language occurs in Isaiah 9:20 (see the note on that verse). The…
The verse paints a grim picture of oppressors consuming themselves and being drunk on their own blood. This vivid imagery doesn't just describe destruction; it highlights the internal chaos and self-destruction that ultimately befalls those who war against God's people, leading to the world's recognition of His power as Savior.
This passage concludes a powerful oracle where God, speaking through Isaiah, assures his people of their ultimate deliverance and vindication. It follows a section detailing God's unwavering commitment to his people despite their perceived abandonment and the immense scope of their future restoration, bringing them back from distant lands. The preceding verses describe the downfall of their enemies, setting the stage for God's ultimate triumph and the knowledge of His saving power.
This passage concludes a powerful oracle where God, speaking through Isaiah, assures his people of their ultimate deliverance and vindication. It follows a section detailing God's unwavering commitment to his people despite their perceived abandonment and the immense scope of their future restoration, bringing them back from distant lands. The preceding verses describe the downfall of their enemies, setting the stage for God's ultimate triumph and the knowledge of His saving power.
"I will make your oppressors eat their own flesh, and they shall be drunk with their own blood as with wine. Then all flesh shall know that I am the LORD your Savior, and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.”" — The verse paints a grim picture of oppressors consuming themselves and being drunk on their own blood. This vivid imagery doesn't just describe destruction; it highlights the internal chaos and self-…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026