Isaiah 24:7
The new wine mourneth, the vine languisheth, all the merryhearted do sigh.
Original Language Analysis
תִּיר֖וֹשׁ
The new wine
H8492
תִּיר֖וֹשׁ
The new wine
Strong's:
H8492
Word #:
2 of 8
must or fresh grape-juice (as just squeezed out); by implication (rarely) fermented wine
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Isaiah 16:10And gladness is taken away, and joy out of the plentiful field; and in the vineyards there shall be no singing, neither shall there be shouting: the treaders shall tread out no wine in their presses; I have made their vintage shouting to cease.Isaiah 16:8For the fields of Heshbon languish, and the vine of Sibmah: the lords of the heathen have broken down the principal plants thereof, they are come even unto Jazer, they wandered through the wilderness: her branches are stretched out, they are gone over the sea.
Historical Context
Wine production was central to ancient Israelite economy and culture. Harvest festivals (Feast of Tabernacles) celebrated God's agricultural provision with wine and celebration. The 'merryhearted' likely refers to those whose joy derived from material abundance rather than covenant relationship. Isaiah elsewhere condemns those who feast and drink without regard for God's works (5:11-12, 22:12-13). Archaeological evidence of wine presses and storage facilities throughout Judah confirms wine's economic importance—its failure meant economic catastrophe.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the personification of wine and vines 'mourning' emphasize the comprehensive scope of judgment?
- What is the difference between joy rooted in temporal prosperity versus joy rooted in the Lord (compare Habakkuk 3:17-18)?
- How might God be calling you to examine the foundations of your happiness and security?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The new wine mourneth, the vine languisheth—tirosh (תִּירוֹשׁ, "new wine") personified as mourning (abal, אָבַל) depicts failed harvest and agricultural collapse. The vine (gephen, גֶּפֶן) languishing reverses Edenic fruitfulness—judgment un-creates blessing. Wine symbolized joy and divine favor (Ps 104:15; Eccl 9:7); its absence signals covenant curse (Deut 28:39, Hos 9:2). Jesus's first sign transformed water to wine (John 2:1-11), foreshadowing new covenant abundance; His final cup embodied sacrificial blood establishing that covenant (Luke 22:20).
All the merryhearted do sigh—literally "all joyful of heart" (kol-simchey lev, כָּל־שִׂמְחֵי לֵב) now groan (ne'enach, נֶאֱנָח). The reversal is complete: celebration becomes lamentation, festivity becomes mourning. This previews Revelation 18:22-23's description of Babylon's fall—music, mirth, and merriment cease when judgment comes. Joy rooted in temporal prosperity proves fragile; only joy in the Lord endures (Hab 3:17-18).