Isaiah 5:11-12
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This verse doesn't just condemn drinking too much; it highlights the dedication involved in this pursuit. The people rise early and stay up late, not for work or family, but to chase intoxication, showing how deeply entrenched and intentional their pursuit of pleasure and oblivion has become.
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! They have lyre and harp, tambourine and flute and wine at their feasts, but they do not regard the deeds of the LORD, or see the work of his hands.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Isaiah is describing a people consumed by their own desires and injustices, first rebuking their greed in acquiring land and then turning to the vice of excessive drinking. This passage paints a vivid picture of those who spend their days and nights in revelry, neglecting their responsibilities and God's calling. The verses that follow will continue this theme of condemnation, outlining the severe consequences that await a nation lost in sin.
Why does the prophet Isaiah start this woe with such specific timing? It’s not just about drinking, but when and how it’s done.
Isaiah doesn't just condemn drinking; he condemns the lifestyle built around it. The phrase 'rise up early in the morning' highlights the deep-seated nature of this addiction. It wasn't a late-night indulgence, but a planned, all-day affair. This wasn't a casual social drink; it was a pursuit, a 'following after' strong drink that consumed their days. It indicates a loss of control and a life dictated by the pursuit of intoxication, making it a profound spiritual and personal failure. The repetition of 'continue until night' emphasizes the relentless, all-consuming nature of this sin, leaving no room for God or responsibility.
What does it mean for wine to 'inflame' them? It’s more than just a physical sensation; it speaks to a deeper corruption.
The word 'inflame' paints a vivid picture of the destructive power of intoxication. It describes a burning sensation, a feverish state that takes over the body and mind. This physical 'inflammation' isn't just a temporary state; it fuels sinful desires and actions. The commentaries suggest this heat ignites lust and leads to a loss of reason and self-control. It's this inflamed state that drives their pursuit of more drink and leads them away from righteous living. This verse shows how physical indulgence can quickly spiral into spiritual ruin, igniting the 'works of the flesh' mentioned in the New Testament.
Understand the original words
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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.
pōʿal · Hebrew Noun
The totality of God’s redemptive and judicial acts in history. It refers to what God is actively doing in the world, which the wicked fail to perceive because of their spiritual blindness.
This 'woe' against drunkenness was delivered during a time when Judah was experiencing outward prosperity but deep internal corruption, making them vulnerable to God's judgment. The prophet calls out specific sins like greed and excessive indulgence, highlighting how these vices eroded the nation's moral and spiritual strength, ultimately leading to devastating consequences like exile.
c. 740 BC— this verse
Isaiah's Ministry Begins
Isaiah begins his prophetic ministry during a period of relative peace and prosperity for Judah, but also one marked by moral and spiritual decay.
c. 734-732 BC
Syro-Ephraimitic War
The northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and Syria attack Judah. Isaiah advises King Ahaz to trust God, but Ahaz seeks help from Assyria.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern kingdom of Israel, deporting many inhabitants and ending its existence as an independent state.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Invasion under Sennacherib
King Sennacherib of Assyria invades Judah, capturing many cities. Jerusalem is besieged but miraculously spared.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Babylon begins deporting Jewish leaders and skilled workers to Babylon, including figures like Daniel. This marks the start of the Babylonian exile.
c. 587/586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian army destroy Jerusalem, burn the Temple, and exile the remaining population, ending the Davidic monarchy.
This proverb directly warns that 'Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise,' echoing Isaiah's condemnation of drunkenness by highlighting its deceptive and destructive nature.
1 Thessalonians 5:7Paul's instruction to 'be sober' and 'watch and be self-controlled' directly contrasts with the behavior described in Isaiah, where rising early and staying up late for intoxicating drink shows a complete lack of self-control and awareness.
Amos 6:5-6Amos paints a similar picture of luxurious indulgence and revelry, including 'drinking wine in bowls' and anointing with the finest oils, showing that this vice of excessive drinking was a widespread problem among God's people.
Romans 13:13This passage calls believers to 'walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy,' directly addressing the themes of drunkenness and disordered living that Isaiah denounces.
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…
This verse doesn't just condemn drinking too much; it highlights the dedication involved in this pursuit. The people rise early and stay up late, not for work or family, but to chase intoxication, showing how deeply entrenched and intentional their pursuit of pleasure and oblivion has become.
Isaiah is describing a people consumed by their own desires and injustices, first rebuking their greed in acquiring land and then turning to the vice of excessive drinking. This passage paints a vivid picture of those who spend their days and nights in revelry, neglecting their responsibilities and God's calling. The verses that follow will continue this theme of condemnation, outlining the severe consequences that await a nation lost in sin.
Isaiah is describing a people consumed by their own desires and injustices, first rebuking their greed in acquiring land and then turning to the vice of excessive drinking. This passage paints a vivid picture of those who spend their days and nights in revelry, neglecting their responsibilities and God's calling. The verses that follow will continue this theme of condemnation, outlining the severe consequences that await a nation lost in sin.
"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! They have lyre and harp, tambourine and flute and wine at their feasts,…" — This verse doesn't just condemn drinking too much; it highlights the dedication involved in this pursuit. The people rise early and stay up late, not for work or family, but to chase intoxicati…
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Last reviewed October 2026
