King James Version

What Does Isaiah 5:12 Mean?

Isaiah 5:12 in the King James Version says “And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LOR...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Isaiah 5:12 · KJV

Context

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

14

Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.

Read Isaiah 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The indictment of feasting with musical instruments while disregarding 'the work of the LORD' and 'the operation of his hands' critiques spiritual complacency masked by religious festivities. Music and wine aren't inherently wrong, but when they distract from perceiving God's providential working and impending judgment, they become occasions for hardening. This anticipates Amos 6:1-7's woe against the complacent and Jesus' parable of the wedding feast where invitees made light of the invitation (Matthew 22:5).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Judah's prosperity enabled leisure and entertainment, yet spiritual sensitivity atrophied. Failure to discern God's hand in contemporary events left them unprepared for Assyrian threat.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do legitimate pleasures and entertainments sometimes blind us to God's 'work' in our generation?
  2. What 'operation of his hands' are we failing to regard due to cultural distraction?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְהָיָ֨ה1 of 16
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כִנּ֜וֹר2 of 16

“And the harp”

H3658

a harp

וָנֶ֗בֶל3 of 16

“and the viol”

H5035

a skin-bag for liquids (from collapsing when empty); also a lyre (as having a body of like form)

תֹּ֧ף4 of 16

“the tabret”

H8596

a tambourine

וְחָלִ֛יל5 of 16

“and pipe”

H2485

a flute (as perforated)

וָיַ֖יִן6 of 16

“and wine”

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

מִשְׁתֵּיהֶ֑ם7 of 16

“are in their feasts”

H4960

drink, by implication, drinking (the act); also (by implication) a banquet or (generally) feast

וְאֵ֨ת8 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

פֹּ֤עַל9 of 16

“not the work”

H6467

an act or work (concretely)

יְהוָה֙10 of 16

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לֹ֣א11 of 16
H3808

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

יַבִּ֔יטוּ12 of 16

“but they regard”

H5027

to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care

וּמַעֲשֵׂ֥ה13 of 16

“the operation”

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

יָדָ֖יו14 of 16

“of his hands”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

לֹ֥א15 of 16
H3808

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

רָאֽוּ׃16 of 16

“neither consider”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

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 5:12 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 5:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 28:5Amos 6:4-6Job 21:11-14Job 34:27Jude 1:12Daniel 5:23

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