King James Version

What Does Isaiah 22:13 Mean?

Isaiah 22:13 in the King James Version says “And behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine: let us eat and drink; for...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine: let us eat and drink; for to morrow we shall die.”

Isaiah 22:13 · KJV

Joy

Context

11

Ye made also a ditch between the two walls for the water of the old pool: but ye have not looked unto the maker thereof, neither had respect unto him that fashioned it long ago.

12

And in that day did the Lord GOD of hosts call to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with sackcloth:

13

And behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine: let us eat and drink; for to morrow we shall die.

14

And it was revealed in mine ears by the LORD of hosts, Surely this iniquity shall not be purged from you till ye die, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.

15

Thus saith the Lord GOD of hosts, Go, get thee unto this treasurer, even unto Shebna, which is over the house, and say,

Read Isaiah 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'And behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine: let us eat and drink; for to morrow we shall die.' This verse captures hedonistic response to crisis: since judgment comes, pursue pleasure. The phrase 'let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die' is quoted by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:32 regarding resurrection denial—if no afterlife, pursue present pleasure. Yet here it represents faithless response—instead of repentance when facing judgment, they harden hearts in defiant hedonism. This demonstrates a common response to crisis: either repentance or hardening. Some turn to God under pressure; others turn away toward pleasure or despair. The passage condemns this response as rebellion against God's disciplinary purposes. Reformed theology emphasizes divine chastisement's purpose is repentance and restoration, but human hearts can resist even under judgment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This likely describes Jerusalem during siege preparations—knowing judgment approaches, people feast defiantly. Belshazzar's feast in Daniel 5 exemplifies this pattern—feasting while judgment arrives. Modern equivalent appears when people facing death embrace hedonism ('live it up'), substance abuse, or nihilistic pleasure-seeking rather than repentance. The Epicurean philosophy ('eat, drink, be merry') that Paul references represents this worldview systematized—if no afterlife or judgment, pleasure maximization is rational. Christianity confronts this with resurrection reality and coming judgment, demonstrating that present choices have eternal consequences. The passage warns against hardened hearts that respond to divine discipline with defiance rather than repentance. History shows civilizations in decline often embrace hedonism and nihilism rather than reform—Rome's decline included such characteristics.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does defiant hedonism in face of judgment reveal about hardened hearts?
  2. How does resurrection belief counter 'eat, drink for tomorrow we die' philosophy?
  3. Why do some respond to crisis with repentance while others harden in pleasure-seeking?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְהִנֵּ֣ה׀1 of 16
H2009

lo!

שָׂשׂ֣וֹן2 of 16

“And behold joy”

H8342

cheerfulness; specifically, welcome

וְשִׂמְחָ֗ה3 of 16

“and gladness”

H8057

blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)

הָרֹ֤ג׀4 of 16

“slaying”

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

בָּקָר֙5 of 16

“oxen”

H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

וְשָׁחֹ֣ט6 of 16

“and killing”

H7819

to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)

צֹ֔אן7 of 16

“sheep”

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

אָכ֣וֹל8 of 16

“eating”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

בָּשָׂ֖ר9 of 16

“flesh”

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

וְשָׁת֔וֹ10 of 16

“and drink”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

יָ֑יִן11 of 16

“wine”

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

אָכ֣וֹל12 of 16

“eating”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וְשָׁת֔וֹ13 of 16

“and drink”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

כִּ֥י14 of 16
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מָחָ֖ר15 of 16

“for to morrow”

H4279

properly, deferred, i.e., the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely, hereafter

נָמֽוּת׃16 of 16

“we shall die”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 22:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 22:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 56:121 Corinthians 15:32Luke 17:26-29James 5:5Isaiah 5:22Amos 6:3-7

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Isaiah 22 with CommentaryAll Isaiah ChaptersComplete Isaiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes