Woe to those who rise early in the morning, that they may run after strong drink, who tarry late into the evening as wine inflames them!
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to see this as just about getting drunk, but the "woe" isn't just for the act of drinking itself. It's for the dedication to it—rising early and staying up late with the sole purpose of chasing intoxication, which points to a deeper spiritual emptiness and disordered priorities. This verse reveals how such habits can become the consuming focus of life, eclipsing all else.
Woe to those who rise early in the morning, that they may run after strong drink, who tarry late into the evening as wine inflames them!
English Standard Version (ESV)
Isaiah begins a series of "woe" oracles after presenting the parable of the vineyard, which represents God's judgment on Israel's unfaithfulness. Following a woe against the greedy landowners in verses 8-10, this verse pronounces judgment on those consumed by excessive drinking and revelry, highlighting their disregard for God amidst their indulgence. The context is a critique of the luxurious and self-indulgent lifestyle of the nation's elite, who have forgotten God's work and justice.
Rising early is often praised for diligence. But for some, the early morning is dedicated to something far more destructive. What does it mean to 'rise early' for strong drink?
A Habit of Destruction
Isaiah pronounces a 'woe' specifically on those who rise early for strong drink. This isn't just a casual indulgence; it's a deliberate choice to pursue intoxication from the start of the day.
This isn't just a warning about personal choices; it's tied to a larger societal issue. Who else is affected when people are consumed by such habits?
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The Ripple Effect of Addiction
Isaiah's prophecy against intemperance isn't isolated. It's presented within a broader context of societal sin and its consequences.
Understand the original words
hôy · Hebrew Interjection
An interjection expressing grief, impending doom, or judgment. It signifies the prophet's declaration of God's coming wrath upon the wicked.
šēkār · Hebrew Noun
Intoxicating drink, often referring to beer or date wine, distinguished from fermented grape wine. In Scripture, it is often associated with debauchery, loss of self-control, and neglect of spiritual duties.
yayin · Hebrew Noun
Fermented grape juice used for drinking. While sometimes a symbol of joy, here it represents the instrument of the revellers' obsession and moral inflammation.
This verse denounces drunkenness, a symptom of the pervasive luxury and moral decay that contributed to Judah's eventual downfall and exile in Babylon.
c. 740 BC
Isaiah's Ministry Begins
Isaiah begins his prophetic ministry in Judah during a time of relative peace but growing internal corruption and reliance on foreign alliances.
c. 734-732 BC
Syro-Ephraimite War
The northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and Syria attack Judah. Isaiah advises King Ahaz to trust God, but Ahaz seeks Assyrian help, marking increased Assyrian influence.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The capital of the northern kingdom of Israel falls to the Assyrians, leading to the exile of the ten tribes and a stark warning for Judah.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Invasion of Judah
King Sennacherib of Assyria invades Judah, conquering many cities and besieging Jerusalem. Isaiah delivers messages of defiance and hope to King Hezekiah.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquers Judah, beginning the exile of Judeans, including the prophet Daniel, to Babylon.
c. 587/586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Destruction of the Temple
Babylonian forces destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling the remaining population. This marks a catastrophic fulfillment of prophetic warnings for Judah's disobedience.
This verse directly echoes the warning against strong drink in Isaiah, highlighting its deceptive nature and the foolishness of being controlled by it.
1 Thessalonians 5:6-7This passage contrasts the vigilance of believers with the drunken stupor of those caught in darkness, mirroring the theme of excessive drinking leading to a lack of awareness, similar to Isaiah's denunciation of those drinking from morning till night.
Romans 13:13This verse calls believers to live decently and avoid revelry and drunkenness, directly aligning with Isaiah's 'woe' against those consumed by wine and strong drink.
Amos 6:4-6Amos describes a similar indulgence in luxury and drink among the affluent, showing that this was a widespread societal problem that drew God's judgment, much like the condemnation in Isaiah 5.
barnesIsaiah 5:11: "Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!"
Wo unto them - The prophet, having denounced "avarice," proceeds now to another vice - that of "intemperance, or dissipation." That rise up early ... - That rise "for this purpose," when nothing else would rouse them. It may illustrate this somewhat, to remark, that it was not common among the ancients to become intoxicated at an early hour of the…
gillIsaiah 5:11: "Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!"
Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning,.... To rise up early in the morning is healthful, and to rise to do business is commendable; but to spend the day in drunkenness and intemperance is very criminal, which is here meant: that they may follow, strong drink; not only drink it, but follow on to drink; diligently seek after it, where the…
It's easy to see this as just about getting drunk, but the "woe" isn't just for the act of drinking itself. It's for the dedication to it—rising early and staying up late with the sole purpose of chasing intoxication, which points to a deeper spiritual emptiness and disordered priorities. This verse reveals how such habits can become the consuming focus of life, eclipsing all else.
Isaiah begins a series of "woe" oracles after presenting the parable of the vineyard, which represents God's judgment on Israel's unfaithfulness. Following a woe against the greedy landowners in verses 8-10, this verse pronounces judgment on those consumed by excessive drinking and revelry, highlighting their disregard for God amidst their indulgence. The context is a critique of the luxurious and self-indulgent lifestyle of the nation's elite, who have forgotten God's work and justice.
Isaiah begins a series of "woe" oracles after presenting the parable of the vineyard, which represents God's judgment on Israel's unfaithfulness. Following a woe against the greedy landowners in verses 8-10, this verse pronounces judgment on those consumed by excessive drinking and revelry, highlighting their disregard for God amidst their indulgence. The context is a critique of the luxurious and self-indulgent lifestyle of the nation's elite, who have forgotten God's work and justice.
"Woe to those who rise early in the morning, that they may run after strong drink, who tarry late into the evening as wine inflames them!" — It's easy to see this as just about getting drunk, but the "woe" isn't just for the act of drinking itself. It's for the dedication to it—rising early and staying up late with the sole purpose of…
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Last reviewed October 2026