Isaiah 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!
Original Language Analysis
מַשְׁכִּימֵ֥י
unto them that rise up early
H7925
מַשְׁכִּימֵ֥י
unto them that rise up early
Strong's:
H7925
Word #:
2 of 9
literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning
בַבֹּ֖קֶר
in the morning
H1242
בַבֹּ֖קֶר
in the morning
Strong's:
H1242
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
יִרְדֹּ֑פוּ
that they may follow
H7291
יִרְדֹּ֑פוּ
that they may follow
Strong's:
H7291
Word #:
5 of 9
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
מְאַחֲרֵ֣י
that continue
H309
מְאַחֲרֵ֣י
that continue
Strong's:
H309
Word #:
6 of 9
to loiter (i.e., be behind); by implication to procrastinate
בַנֶּ֔שֶׁף
until night
H5399
בַנֶּ֔שֶׁף
until night
Strong's:
H5399
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, a breeze, i.e., (by implication) dusk (when the evening breeze prevails)
Cross References
Romans 13:13Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.Isaiah 5:22Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:Proverbs 20:1Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.Isaiah 28:1Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is a fading flower, which are on the head of the fat valleys of them that are overcome with wine!1 Corinthians 6:10Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.Luke 21:34And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.Galatians 5:21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Historical Context
Wine was common in ancient Israel, but drunkard lifestyle indicated moral dissolution. The wealthy had leisure for extended feasting while the poor suffered injustice, compounding their sin.
Questions for Reflection
- What substances or activities do you use to escape rather than address life's challenges?
- How does sober-mindedness equip you for spiritual vigilance and Kingdom service?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The second woe condemns those who 'rise up early' pursuing intoxication and 'continue until night' in drunkenness. The problem isn't wine itself but making alcohol pursuit the organizing principle of life. 'Inflame them' suggests seeking altered consciousness to escape reality or responsibility. This lifestyle demonstrates rejection of God's call to purposeful, sober-minded living.