Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine, and valiant men in mixing strong drink,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The "strength" these individuals boast about isn't military prowess, but an unnatural capacity for alcohol. They are "heroes" and "valiant men" not in defending their country, but in their ability to consume vast amounts of wine and potent mixed drinks without succumbing to intoxication.
Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine, and valiant men in mixing strong drink,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a series of pronouncements of "woe" that Isaiah delivers against the sins of Israel. Following woes against greed and empty religious observance, Isaiah now condemns those who find glory in excessive drinking and revelry, highlighting their moral bankruptcy. These verses immediately precede a condemnation of corrupt judges, suggesting that these drunkards may also be the very leaders who pervert justice.
The verse calls people 'heroes' and 'valiant men' for their drinking prowess. What kind of strength is this, and why does God pronounce woe upon it?
The prophet Isaiah uses biting sarcasm here. He mocks those who pride themselves on their ability to consume vast amounts of wine and strong drink without becoming visibly intoxicated.
A Twisted Measure of Manhood
These 'heroes' of drink aren't just indulging in private. The context reveals how their habits directly impact their roles in society, particularly in judgment. How does drinking lead to corrupt decisions?
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The commentary from JFB and Ellicott points out a crucial connection: the verse immediately links these heavy drinkers to corrupt judges. Their indulgence isn't a harmless personal failing; it actively poisons their ability to govern and administer justice.
The Perversion of Judgment
This verse is part of a series of prophetic judgments against Judah. The people, especially their leaders, are deeply engrossed in drunkenness and revelry, even as external threats and internal corruption loom. This indulgence blinds them to their perilous situation and God's impending judgment.
Late 8th Century BC
Assyrian Empire's Dominance
The Neo-Assyrian Empire was at its height, exerting significant military and political pressure on the surrounding kingdoms, including Judah. This era of geopolitical tension and potential threat likely influenced the prophet Isaiah's warnings.
c. 740 BC
Prophetic Ministry of Isaiah Begins
Isaiah begins his prophetic ministry in Judah during the reign of King Uzziah and Jotham, and continuing through Ahaz and Hezekiah. His messages often addressed the moral and spiritual decay within the kingdom, including the corruption of its leaders.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting many of its citizens. This event served as a stark warning to the southern Kingdom of Judah about the consequences of continued disobedience to God.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah
The Assyrian king Sennacherib invades Judah, conquering many cities and besieging Jerusalem. This invasion, though ultimately repelled from Jerusalem, highlighted the vulnerability of Judah and the consequences of its political and moral failings.
This passage directly warns that wine's deceptive power leads to mockery and strife, echoing Isaiah's condemnation of those who are 'heroes at drinking wine'.
Isaiah 28:7This verse describes priests and prophets reeling from wine and strong drink, showing how leaders in ancient Israel also succumbed to the very same vice Isaiah is denouncing here.
Luke 21:34Jesus himself warns against drunkenness and the cares of life, which can weigh down the heart and make us unprepared for God's judgment, reflecting the spiritual unreadiness Isaiah saw in his people.
1 Corinthians 6:10The Apostle Paul lists drunkards among those who will not inherit the kingdom of God, underscoring the serious spiritual consequences of the indulgence Isaiah condemns.
gillIsaiah 5:22: "Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:"
Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine,.... That can bear a great deal, and not be overcome and intoxicated with it; that try their strength this way with others, and get the mastery and glory in it: not mighty to fight their enemies, as Kimchi observes, and defend their country, but to drink wine; by which their strength was weakened: wherefore some think soldiers are particularly desig…
barnesIsaiah 5:22: "Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:"
Wo unto them that are mighty ... - This is the sixth specification of crime. He had already denounced the intemperate in Isaiah 5:11 . But probably this was a prevailing sin. Perhaps there was no evidence of reform; and it was needful to "repeat" the admonition, in order that people might be brought to regard it. The prophet repeats a similar denunciation in Isaiah 56:12 . Mighty - Perhaps th…
The "strength" these individuals boast about isn't military prowess, but an unnatural capacity for alcohol. They are "heroes" and "valiant men" not in defending their country, but in their ability to consume vast amounts of wine and potent mixed drinks without succumbing to intoxication.
This passage is part of a series of pronouncements of "woe" that Isaiah delivers against the sins of Israel. Following woes against greed and empty religious observance, Isaiah now condemns those who find glory in excessive drinking and revelry, highlighting their moral bankruptcy. These verses immediately precede a condemnation of corrupt judges, suggesting that these drunkards may also be the very leaders who pervert justice.
This passage is part of a series of pronouncements of "woe" that Isaiah delivers against the sins of Israel. Following woes against greed and empty religious observance, Isaiah now condemns those who find glory in excessive drinking and revelry, highlighting their moral bankruptcy. These verses immediately precede a condemnation of corrupt judges, suggesting that these drunkards may also be the very leaders who pervert justice.
"Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine, and valiant men in mixing strong drink," — The "strength" these individuals boast about isn't military prowess, but an unnatural capacity for alcohol. They are "heroes" and "valiant men" not in defending their country, but in their ability to…
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Last reviewed October 2026