Isaiah 22 13

Isaiah 22:13 kjv

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 nkjv

But instead, joy and gladness, Slaying oxen and killing sheep, Eating meat and drinking wine: "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!"

Isaiah 22:13 niv

But see, there is joy and revelry, slaughtering of cattle and killing of sheep, eating of meat and drinking of wine! "Let us eat and drink," you say, "for tomorrow we die!"

Isaiah 22:13 esv

and behold, joy and gladness, killing oxen and slaughtering sheep, eating flesh and drinking wine. "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die."

Isaiah 22:13 nlt

But instead, you dance and play;
you slaughter cattle and kill sheep.
You feast on meat and drink wine.
You say, "Let's feast and drink,
for tomorrow we die!"

Isaiah 22 verses

Isaiah 22 13 Meaning

This verse describes a spiritual apathy and celebration in the face of impending disaster, highlighting a stark contrast between a casual attitude and the divine judgment that is coming. It points to a denial of the seriousness of the situation, opting for temporary pleasures rather than repentance.

Isaiah 22 13 Context

This verse is found within Isaiah chapter 22, which addresses the inhabitants of Jerusalem, specifically the prophecy concerning the "Valley of Vision" (often identified with Jerusalem itself). The chapter describes the impending Assyrian or Babylonian invasion and siege of the city. The people are portrayed as ignoring God's call to repentance and instead engaging in feasting, drinking, and a general sense of carnal security, symbolized by their participation in the mourning rituals for the destruction of the temple. There's a contrast between the divine perspective of severe judgment and the human response of frivolous enjoyment and false security. The specific historical context often relates to Hezekiah's reign and the threat posed by Sennacherib, though some scholars also see it as a foreshadowing of the Babylonian conquest.

Isaiah 22 13 Word Analysis

• and (וְ) - wə: Conjunction, meaning "and" or "but." Connects the statement of enjoyment to the impending doom.
• eat (נֹאכְלָה) - no'ekhelah: First-person plural imperfect verb from אָכַל (akhal), "to eat." Signifies "let us eat."
• and (וּ) - u: Conjunction.
• drink (וְנִשְׁתֶּה) - wənishteh: First-person plural imperfect verb from שָׁתָה (shatah), "to drink." Signifies "and let us drink."
• for (כִּי) - ki: Particle of causality, "for" or "because." Introduces the reason for their carnal indulgence.
• tomorrow (מָחָר) - makhar: Adverb meaning "tomorrow."
• we (אָנוּ) - 'anu: First-person plural pronoun, often omitted when clear from verb conjugation.
• die (מוּת) - mut: First-person plural imperfect verb from מוּת (mut), "to die." Signifies "we shall die." The imperative mood of "let us eat and drink" is juxtaposed with the declarative future of "we die."

Words Group Analysis:

• "Let us eat and drink" (נֹאכְלָה וְנִשְׁתֶּה) - no'ekhelah wənishteh: This is a call to immediate gratification and revelry. It's not a plea or a command, but a collective decision to indulge in worldly pleasures. The imperfect tense in Hebrew can express a jussive or optative mood ("let us"), highlighting their willing embrace of this mindset.
• "for tomorrow we die" (כִּי מָחָר אָנוּ מוּת) - ki makhar 'anu mut: This clause provides the rationale, a fatalistic justification for their present actions. It reflects a worldview where the future is seen as leading inevitably to death, so present enjoyment is prioritized without regard for accountability or eternal consequences.

Isaiah 22 13 Bonus Section

The sentiment expressed in Isaiah 22:13 has strong echoes throughout scripture and even in secular thought, representing a core human tendency towards escapism through pleasure when confronted with mortality or impending doom. This short-sighted philosophy ignores the reality of accountability and divine judgment. The prophetic message in this chapter underscores that such hedonistic revelry does not avert divine judgment but rather exacerbates it by showing a complete disregard for God's warnings and their covenant responsibilities. The cultural context in Jerusalem at this time likely involved specific religious festivals and practices that may have been perverted into contexts for unrepentant celebration, rather than solemn reflection. The prophet Isaiah confronts this perversion directly.

Isaiah 22 13 Commentary

The phrase "let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die" encapsulates a deep spiritual blindness and a fatalistic outlook common among those who refuse to acknowledge God's sovereignty and judgment. Instead of repentance and seeking divine intervention when faced with looming destruction, they opt for sensual gratification. This represents a severe misinterpretation of life's purpose, prioritizing fleeting earthly pleasures over eternal realities. It’s a desperate attempt to escape the dread of judgment by indulging in what makes them feel alive in the present moment, despite the coming demise. This mindset demonstrates a lack of faith and an active rejection of spiritual responsibility, ultimately leading to greater devastation.

Practical Usage:

• This verse serves as a warning against prioritizing immediate comfort and pleasure over responsible action and spiritual preparedness when facing hardship or the consequences of sin.
• It highlights the folly of living for the present without regard for the future, especially in a spiritual sense.