King James Version

What Does Isaiah 28:7 Mean?

Isaiah 28:7 in the King James Version says “But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erre...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But 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.”

Isaiah 28:7 · KJV

Context

5

In that day shall the LORD of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people,

6

And for a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, and for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate.

7

But 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.

8

For all tables are full of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place clean.

9

Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. doctrine: Heb. the hearing?

Read Isaiah 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But 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. After promising blessings for the faithful remnant (vv.5-6), Isaiah returns to condemning Judah's current leadership who mirror Ephraim's drunkenness. But they also (ve'elleh gam, וְאֵלֶּה גַּם, and these also) shows Judah isn't exempt—they're as guilty as Ephraim. The repetition of wine (yayin, יַיִן) and strong drink (shekhar, שֵׁכָר, intoxicating liquor) seven times in one verse creates literary drunken staggering effect.

Have erred (shagu, שָׁגוּ, gone astray, wandered) and are out of the way (ta'u, תָּעוּ, erred, reeled) indicate moral and spiritual disorientation. Critically, the priest and the prophet (kohen ve-navi, כֹּהֵן וְנָבִיא)—those responsible for spiritual leadership—are drunk. They should mediate God's word and maintain holiness but are incapacitated by self-indulgence. Swallowed up of wine (nivle'u min-hayyayin, נִבְלְעוּ מִן־הַיָּיִן) means overwhelmed, engulfed. They err in vision, they stumble in judgment (shagu bachazzon kavshu peliliyyah, שָׁגוּ בַּחָזוֹן כָּשְׁלוּ פְּלִילִיָּה)—prophets can't see clearly, priests can't judge rightly. Spiritual drunkenness renders leaders useless.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Judah's priests and prophets failed their calling repeatedly. Isaiah condemned false prophets who saw visions in vain (Isaiah 30:9-11). Jeremiah later lamented prophets prophesying lies (Jeremiah 23:9-32). Ezekiel confronted priests profaning holy things (Ezekiel 22:26). Such corrupt leadership led to national catastrophe. Jesus condemned Pharisees as blind guides (Matthew 23:16, 24). Paul warned that deacons must not be given to much wine (1 Timothy 3:8). Spiritual leaders must be sober-minded (Titus 1:7-8, 1 Peter 5:2) to properly shepherd God's people.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does spiritual 'drunkenness' (being consumed by worldly pleasures/concerns) impair leaders' ability to see truth and judge rightly?
  2. What happens to God's people when their spiritual leaders 'err in vision' and 'stumble in judgment'?
  3. How can believers guard against being led by those who are spiritually intoxicated with power, wealth, or popularity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְגַם1 of 20
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אֵ֙לֶּה֙2 of 20

“But they”

H428

these or those

הַיַּ֗יִן3 of 20

“through wine”

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

שָׁגוּ֙4 of 20

“also have erred”

H7686

to stray (causatively, mislead), usually (figuratively) to mistake, especially (morally) to transgress; by extension (through the idea of intoxication

הַשֵּׁכָ֔ר5 of 20

“and through strong drink”

H7941

an intoxicant, i.e., intensely alcoholic liquor

תָּעוּ֙6 of 20

“are out of the way”

H8582

to vacillate, i.e., reel or stray (literally or figuratively); also causative of both

כֹּהֵ֣ן7 of 20

“the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וְנָבִיא֩8 of 20

“and the prophet”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

שָׁגוּ֙9 of 20

“also have erred”

H7686

to stray (causatively, mislead), usually (figuratively) to mistake, especially (morally) to transgress; by extension (through the idea of intoxication

הַשֵּׁכָ֔ר10 of 20

“and through strong drink”

H7941

an intoxicant, i.e., intensely alcoholic liquor

נִבְלְע֣וּ11 of 20

“they are swallowed up”

H1104

to make away with (specifically by swallowing); generally, to destroy

מִן12 of 20

“of”

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַיַּ֗יִן13 of 20

“through wine”

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

תָּעוּ֙14 of 20

“are out of the way”

H8582

to vacillate, i.e., reel or stray (literally or figuratively); also causative of both

מִן15 of 20

“of”

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַשֵּׁכָ֔ר16 of 20

“and through strong drink”

H7941

an intoxicant, i.e., intensely alcoholic liquor

שָׁגוּ֙17 of 20

“also have erred”

H7686

to stray (causatively, mislead), usually (figuratively) to mistake, especially (morally) to transgress; by extension (through the idea of intoxication

בָּֽרֹאֶ֔ה18 of 20

“in vision”

H7203

a seer (as often rendered); but also (abstractly) a vision

פָּק֖וּ19 of 20

“they stumble”

H6328

to waver

פְּלִילִיָּֽה׃20 of 20

“in judgment”

H6417

judicature

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 28:7 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 28:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 56:10-12Luke 21:34Isaiah 19:14Ecclesiastes 10:17Matthew 24:29Proverbs 20:1

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