King James Version

What Does Isaiah 5:11 Mean?

Isaiah 5:11 in the King James Version says “Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them! inflame: of, pursue”

Isaiah 5:11 · KJV

Context

9

In mine ears said the LORD of hosts, Of a truth many houses shall be desolate, even great and fair, without inhabitant. In: or, This is in mine ears, saith the LORD, etc Of a: Heb. If not, etc

10

Yea, ten acres of vineyard shall yield one bath, and the seed of an homer shall yield an ephah.

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! inflame: of, pursue

12

And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands.

13

Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honourable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst. honourable: Heb. glory are men of famine

Read Isaiah 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. What substances or activities do you use to escape rather than address life's challenges?
  2. How does sober-mindedness equip you for spiritual vigilance and Kingdom service?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
ה֛וֹי1 of 9

“Woe”

H1945

oh!

מַשְׁכִּימֵ֥י2 of 9

“unto them that rise up early”

H7925

literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning

בַבֹּ֖קֶר3 of 9

“in the morning”

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

שֵׁכָ֣ר4 of 9

“strong drink”

H7941

an intoxicant, i.e., intensely alcoholic liquor

יִרְדֹּ֑פוּ5 of 9

“that they may follow”

H7291

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

מְאַחֲרֵ֣י6 of 9

“that continue”

H309

to loiter (i.e., be behind); by implication to procrastinate

בַנֶּ֔שֶׁף7 of 9

“until night”

H5399

properly, a breeze, i.e., (by implication) dusk (when the evening breeze prevails)

יַ֖יִן8 of 9

“till wine”

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

יַדְלִיקֵֽם׃9 of 9

“inflame”

H1814

to flame (literally or figuratively)

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 5:11 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 5:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 23:29-30Romans 13:13Proverbs 20:1Isaiah 5:22Ecclesiastes 10:16-17Isaiah 28:7-8

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Isaiah 5 with CommentaryAll Isaiah ChaptersComplete Isaiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes