Isaiah 5:22
Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:
Original Language Analysis
גִּבּוֹרִ֖ים
unto them that are mighty
H1368
גִּבּוֹרִ֖ים
unto them that are mighty
Strong's:
H1368
Word #:
2 of 8
powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant
וְאַנְשֵׁי
and men
H582
וְאַנְשֵׁי
and men
Strong's:
H582
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
חַ֖יִל
of strength
H2428
חַ֖יִל
of strength
Strong's:
H2428
Word #:
6 of 8
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
Cross References
Isaiah 5:11Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!Isaiah 28:7But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment.Habakkuk 2:15Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken also, that thou mayest look on their nakedness!Isaiah 56:12Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.
Historical Context
Elite culture featured drinking as status symbol and social bonding. Isaiah condemns this indulgence, especially among leaders whose dissipation impaired judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- What culturally celebrated 'strengths' are actually vices disguised as virtues?
- How do we misapply our God-given capacities to pursuits that dishonor rather than glorify Him?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Woe pronounced on those 'mighty to drink wine' and 'men of strength to mingle strong drink' satirizes misapplied valor—strength wasted on debauchery rather than righteousness. The ironic 'mighty' and 'strength' applied to drinking capacity mocks perverted values where prowess in vice replaces virtue. This anticipates Proverbs 23:29-35's warning against alcohol excess and Paul's command for sobriety rather than drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18).