Isaiah 5:11
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)
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It's easy to read this as a simple condemnation of drunkenness. But notice how Isaiah describes their actions: rising early to chase after drink and continuing late into the night. This isn't about a casual indulgence; it's a deliberate, all-consuming pursuit, framing intoxication itself as their life's main objective, pushing out all else.
Isaiah begins a series of "woes" directed at the people of Judah, moving from greed and land-grabbing to a new denunciation of self-indulgence and dissipation. This verse specifically calls out those who spend their days and nights in drunken revelry, neglecting their responsibilities and God's ways. It paints a picture of a society consumed by pleasure rather than righteousness, setting the stage for God's judgment.
Imagine dedicating your day, from dawn, to one thing: drinking. This isn't a casual evening out; it's a lifestyle that Isaiah calls out with a sharp 'Woe!'
The Shame of Early Intoxication
Isaiah doesn't just condemn drinking; he condemns the habit and timing of it. Rising early to pursue strong drink was seen as particularly shameful and indicative of a deep-seated problem.
The verse says wine 'inflames' them. What does this fiery imagery reveal about the true cost of unchecked indulgence?
More Than Just a Buzz
The word 'inflames' speaks to more than just the physical heat of alcohol. It points to a destructive process that affects both the body and the spirit.
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 prophecy against drunkenness occurs during a time of outward prosperity in Judah, masking deep moral corruption. The luxury and decadence described were characteristic of the elite, contributing to the nation's vulnerability to judgment, as later evidenced by Assyrian invasions and exiles.
c. 740 BC— this verse
Isaiah's Ministry Begins
Isaiah begins his prophetic ministry during a period of relative prosperity and security in Judah, but also marked by moral and spiritual decay.
c. 734-732 BC
Syro-Ephraimitic War
The northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and Syria attack Judah. King Ahaz of Judah seeks Assyrian aid, leading to increased foreign influence and Assyrian vassalage.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The northern kingdom of Israel is conquered by the Assyrian Empire, and its population is deported, serving as a stark warning to Judah.
c. 701 BC
Sennacherib's Invasion
The Assyrian king Sennacherib invades Judah, conquering many cities and besieging Jerusalem. The city is miraculously spared, but Judah becomes a tributary state.
This proverb directly links wine and strong drink to 'revelry' and warns that those who are led astray by them are 'not wise,' echoing Isaiah's condemnation of excessive drinking.
Luke 21:34Jesus warns His followers not to let their hearts become 'heavy with dissipation, drunkenness, and the anxieties of life,' which directly parallels Isaiah's woe against those consumed by wine and revelry.
Romans 13:13Paul urges believers to 'live decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness,' a command that stands in stark contrast to the behavior Isaiah denounces.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10This passage lists 'drunkards' among those who will not inherit the kingdom of God, reinforcing the seriousness of the sin Isaiah condemns and its eternal consequences.
Galatians 5:19-21The Apostle Paul lists 'drunkenness' alongside other 'works of the flesh' that disqualify one from inheriting the kingdom of God, underscoring the spiritual danger of such indulgence.
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 read this as a simple condemnation of drunkenness. But notice how Isaiah describes their actions: rising early to chase after drink and continuing late into the night. This isn't about a casual indulgence; it's a deliberate, all-consuming pursuit, framing intoxication itself as their life's main objective, pushing out all else.
Isaiah begins a series of "woes" directed at the people of Judah, moving from greed and land-grabbing to a new denunciation of self-indulgence and dissipation. This verse specifically calls out those who spend their days and nights in drunken revelry, neglecting their responsibilities and God's ways. It paints a picture of a society consumed by pleasure rather than righteousness, setting the stage for God's judgment.
Isaiah begins a series of "woes" directed at the people of Judah, moving from greed and land-grabbing to a new denunciation of self-indulgence and dissipation. This verse specifically calls out those who spend their days and nights in drunken revelry, neglecting their responsibilities and God's ways. It paints a picture of a society consumed by pleasure rather than righteousness, setting the stage for God's judgment.
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"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 read this as a simple condemnation of drunkenness. But notice how Isaiah describes their actions: rising early to chase after drink and continuing late into the night. This isn't abo…
