King James Version

What Does Isaiah 29:9 Mean?

Isaiah 29:9 in the King James Version says “Stay yourselves, and wonder; cry ye out, and cry: they are drunken, but not with wine; they stagger, but not with strong...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Stay yourselves, and wonder; cry ye out, and cry: they are drunken, but not with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink. cry ye: or, take your pleasure, and riot”

Isaiah 29:9 · KJV

Context

7

And the multitude of all the nations that fight against Ariel, even all that fight against her and her munition, and that distress her, shall be as a dream of a night vision.

8

It shall even be as when an hungry man dreameth, and, behold, he eateth; but he awaketh, and his soul is empty: or as when a thirsty man dreameth, and, behold, he drinketh; but he awaketh, and, behold, he is faint, and his soul hath appetite: so shall the multitude of all the nations be, that fight against mount Zion.

9

Stay yourselves, and wonder; cry ye out, and cry: they are drunken, but not with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink. cry ye: or, take your pleasure, and riot

10

For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered. rulers: Heb. heads

11

And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed: book: or, letter

Read Isaiah 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Stay yourselves, and wonder; cry ye out, and cry (הִתְמַהְמְהוּ וּתְמָהוּ הִשְׁתַּעַשְׁעוּ וָשֹׁעוּ, hitmahmehu utmahu hishta'ash'u vasho'u)—a cascade of imperatives calling for astonishment and dismay. The verb מהה (mahah) means to delay, linger in stunned amazement. They are drunken, but not with wine (שָׁכְרוּ וְלֹא יַיִן, shakhru velo yayin)—they stagger in spiritual stupor, not alcoholic intoxication. They stagger, but not with strong drink (נָעוּ וְלֹא שֵׁכָר, na'u velo shekhar)—their reeling comes from divine judgment, not שֵׁכָר (shekhar, beer/fermented drink).

Isaiah shifts from Assyria's defeat (vv. 1-8) to Judah's spiritual blindness. The people should be astonished at God's deliverance, but instead they remain in drunken stupor—unable to perceive spiritual realities. They're cognitively impaired, not by wine but by willful rebellion. This moral intoxication renders them incapable of discernment. Paul quotes this passage (Romans 11:8) regarding Israel's spiritual blindness to the Messiah.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Despite witnessing miraculous deliverance from Assyria (701 BC), Judah failed to maintain spiritual fidelity. Within a generation, King Manasseh led the nation into gross idolatry (2 Kings 21). The temporary reform under Josiah couldn't prevent eventual Babylonian exile. The spiritual drunkenness Isaiah diagnosed proved chronic and fatal.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does 'spiritual drunkenness' look like—being unable to perceive God's work despite evidence?
  2. How can people witness God's miraculous intervention yet remain in stubborn unbelief?
  3. In what areas might you be 'staggering' in moral confusion rather than walking in clear-minded obedience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
הִתְמַהְמְה֣וּ1 of 10

“Stay”

H4102

properly, to question or hesitate, i.e., (by implication) to be reluctant

וּתְמָ֔הוּ2 of 10

“yourselves and wonder”

H8539

to be in consternation

וָשֹׁ֑עוּ3 of 10

“and cry”

H8173

(in a good acceptation) to look upon (with complacency), i.e., fondle, please or amuse (self); (in a bad one) to look about (in dismay), i.e., stare

וָשֹׁ֑עוּ4 of 10

“and cry”

H8173

(in a good acceptation) to look upon (with complacency), i.e., fondle, please or amuse (self); (in a bad one) to look about (in dismay), i.e., stare

שָֽׁכְר֣וּ5 of 10

“they are drunken”

H7937

to become tipsy; in a qualified sense, to satiate with a stimulating drink or (figuratively) influence

וְלֹא6 of 10
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יַ֔יִן7 of 10

“but not with wine”

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

נָע֖וּ8 of 10

“they stagger”

H5128

to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (as subjoined)

וְלֹ֥א9 of 10
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שֵׁכָֽר׃10 of 10

“but not with strong drink”

H7941

an intoxicant, i.e., intensely alcoholic liquor

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 29:9 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 29:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 51:21-22Isaiah 33:13-14Isaiah 49:26Isaiah 19:14Revelation 17:6Mark 14:41

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 29 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Isaiah 29 with CommentaryAll Isaiah ChaptersComplete Isaiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes