Isaiah 28:7 kjv
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 nkjv
But they also have erred through wine, And through intoxicating drink are out of the way; The priest and the prophet have erred through intoxicating drink, They are swallowed up by wine, They are out of the way through intoxicating drink; They err in vision, they stumble in judgment.
Isaiah 28:7 niv
And these also stagger from wine and reel from beer: Priests and prophets stagger from beer and are befuddled with wine; they reel from beer, they stagger when seeing visions, they stumble when rendering decisions.
Isaiah 28:7 esv
These also reel with wine and stagger with strong drink; the priest and the prophet reel with strong drink, they are swallowed by wine, they stagger with strong drink, they reel in vision, they stumble in giving judgment.
Isaiah 28:7 nlt
Now, however, Israel is led by drunks
who reel with wine and stagger with alcohol.
The priests and prophets stagger with alcohol
and lose themselves in wine.
They reel when they see visions
and stagger as they render decisions.
Isaiah 28 7 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Isaiah 28:1 | Woe to the ${{$complacent $}{$ in Zion, $\ldots$ who are $\ldots$ secure on Mount Samaria, $\ldots$ but they are $\ldots$ not grieved over $\ldots$ Joseph. | Israel's self-assurance without God (Mic 2:11, Ezek 13:10) |
| Isaiah 28:3 | They will be ${{$trodden down $}{$ by $\ldots$ armies. | Judgment for defiance (Ps 72:4, Rev 19:11) |
| Isaiah 28:11 | For with ${{$stammering lips $}{$ and $\ldots$ foreign tongue God $\ldots$ will speak $\ldots$ to this people. | God's judgment through foreign language (1 Cor 14:21) |
| Isaiah 28:14 | ${{$Hear the word $}{$ of the LORD, you $[\ldots]$ mockers $\ldots$ who rule $\ldots$ this people $\ldots$ | Rejection of God's word leads to judgment (Ps 2:12) |
| Isaiah 28:16 | Thus says the Lord GOD: ${{$Behold, I am laying $\ldots$ a foundation stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation. $}}$ | Christ as the foundation (Rom 9:33, 1 Pet 2:6-7) |
| Isaiah 28:18 | Your $\ldots$ league $\ldots$ shall be $\ldots$ $\ldots$ void. | False security overthrown (Job 8:14) |
| Jeremiah 6:13 | $\ldots$ From the least to the greatest of them, $\ldots$ everyone $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ deals falsely. | Widespread deceit among leaders (Jer 5:31) |
| Jeremiah 8:10 | $\ldots$ For from the least to the greatest of them, everyone $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ deals falsely. | Hypocrisy of leadership (Jer 7:26) |
| Ezekiel 22:28 | Its prophets have ${{$besmeared them $}{$ with whitewash $\ldots$ seeing $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ worthless $\ldots$ lies. | False prophets (Ezek 13:10, 11) |
| Hosea 4:11 | ${{$$\ldots$ Wine and $\ldots$ new wine $\ldots$ take away $\ldots$ understanding. $}}$ | Spiritual drunkenness (Hos 4:11, 4:6) |
| Matthew 23:16 | $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ blind guides $\ldots$ | Jesus condemns blind guides (Matt 15:14) |
| Matthew 23:24 | $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ you $\ldots$ $\ldots$ blind guides, straining out a $\ldots$ but $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ camel! | Superficial adherence to law (Matt 23:24) |
| 1 Corinthians 14:21 | In the Law ${{$it is written $}{$ that with people of other tongues $\ldots$ God will speak $\ldots$ through $\ldots$ stammering lips $\ldots$ | Tongues as a sign for unbelievers (1 Cor 14:22) |
| 1 Corinthians 11:29 | For anyone who eats $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ without $\ldots$ discerning the body $\ldots$ eats $\ldots$ judgment $\ldots$ on himself. | Discerning the Lord's body (1 Cor 11:29) |
| Galatians 5:12 | I wish $\ldots$ those who unsettle you $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ to $\ldots$ themselves! | Cursing of those who deceive (Gal 5:12) |
| 1 Peter 2:8 | ${{$They $\ldots$ stumble $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ because $\ldots$ they disobey the word $\ldots$ | Stumbling over Christ (1 Pet 2:8) |
| Proverbs 20:1 | $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ mocks $\ldots$ | Alcohol leads to deception (Prov 20:1) |
| Proverbs 23:35 | $\ldots$ They $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ I $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ not $\ldots$ $\ldots$ hurt me; $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ I $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ not $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ feel $\ldots$ $\ldots$ it. | Insensitivity due to drink (Prov 23:35) |
| Song of Songs 2:5 | $\ldots$ Refresh $\ldots$ $\ldots$ me with $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ raisin $\ldots$ cakes $\ldots$ | Love's refreshing embrace (Song 2:5) |
| Hosea 7:5 | When $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ he $\ldots$ $\ldots$ drinks $\ldots$ his $\ldots$ $\ldots$ wine $\ldots$ | Judgment on drunkenness (Hos 7:5) |
| Acts 1:18 | Now $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ this $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ $\ldots$ man $\ldots$ $\ldots$ acquired $\ldots$ $\ldots$ a field $\ldots$ $\ldots$ with the $\ldots$ $\ldots$ wages $\ldots$ $\ldots$ of $\ldots$ $\ldots$ wickedness $\ldots$ | Wages of wickedness (Acts 1:18) |
Isaiah 28 verses
Isaiah 28 7 Meaning
This verse describes spiritual drunkenness and errant behavior among religious leaders. It highlights their deceptive teachings and flawed understanding of God's will, leading them astray and causing the people to stumble.
Isaiah 28 7 Context
Chapter 28 of Isaiah primarily addresses the pronouncements of doom upon Israel, specifically the northern kingdom of Samaria, due to their spiritual and political apostasy. The inhabitants, particularly their leaders and priests, are depicted as morally corrupt and spiritually drunk. They are shown to be leading the people astray with their flawed interpretations of God's will and their reliance on alliances rather than on the LORD. This specific verse serves as a transition, further elaborating on the corrupt spiritual state of these leaders and their consequences. The historical context is a period of significant Assyrian threat, and Israel's reliance on Egyptian alliances is viewed as a misguided approach, contrasting with God's promised deliverance through faith.
Isaiah 28 7 Word Analysis
Woe (הוֹי - hoy): An exclamation of distress, sorrow, or condemnation, used to introduce a divine judgment or a severe warning.
to the careless (לַמְשַׂכְּרֵי - lammisakeirei): The Hebrew word implies those who are lulled into a false sense of security or are morally dulled, like one stupefied by drink.
in Zion (בְּצִיּוֹן - betstiyyōn): Refers to the city of Jerusalem, and by extension, the covenant people of God, highlighting that the spiritual corruption affects even those in the spiritual heartland.
and to those $\ldots$ satisfied (וְהַשְּׁמֵנִים - wehašmēnîm): Literally "the fat ones," metaphorically referring to those who are prosperous, proud, and self-sufficient, having lost spiritual sensitivity due to abundance and comfort.
on the mountain $\ldots$ of Samaria (בְּהַר־שֹׁמְרוֹן - behar-šomərōn): Refers to the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, signifying the widespread spiritual decay within the nation.
of $\ldots$ Samaria: The name of the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, emphasizing the target of God's judgment.
the $\ldots$ arrogant (עַוְּלִים - ‘āwwîlîm): Hebrew word meaning "wrongdoers," "oppressors," or "perverse." It denotes those who act unjustly and without regard for righteousness, often implying a proud and insolent attitude.
proud $\ldots$ conquest (נִמְרָשִׁים - nimrāšîm): This is a challenging word. It could refer to those who are trodden down or crushed. The nuance might be that they are "trodden upon" by divine judgment due to their own arrogance and unjust actions, or that they are crushing others, thus inviting retribution. Some translations see it as relating to being "subdued" or "submissive."
with $\ldots$ wine (מִן־הַיַּיִן - min-hayyayin): Literal wine, but symbolically represents the intoxicating influence of sin, false teachings, or a deceptive sense of security that dulls spiritual perception.
$\ldots$ and $\ldots$ $\ldots$ strong drink (וּשֵׁכָר־לֹא־חָדַל - ušēḵār-lō-ḥāḏal): Literally "wine and strong drink" do not cease, indicating an overwhelming and continuous state of spiritual intoxication and delusion.
$\ldots$ stagger (יְשַׁנֵּן - yəšannēn): To cause to err, to misguide. This verb points to the deceptive and misleading nature of their leadership.
the $\ldots$ prophet (נָבִיא - nāḇî): Religious leader and communicator of God's message.
priest (וְכֹהֵן - weḵohēn): Religious official responsible for rituals and spiritual guidance.
$\ldots$ are blinded (שָׁגָה - šāḡāh): To stray, wander, or err. Refers to their spiritual confusion and loss of true understanding.
overwhelmed (בְּשֵׁכָר - bəšēḵār): Being overcome or conquered by strong drink, symbolizing being overpowered by sinful influences, false doctrines, or self-deception.
confounded (מִיַּיִן - miyyayin): Confused, dismayed, or led astray because of wine, extending the metaphor of spiritual intoxication leading to a distorted perception of reality.
by $\ldots$ strong drink (שֵׁכָר - šēḵār): Again, refers to intoxicants, highlighting the pervasive nature of their spiritual downfall.
$\ldots$ stagger (תִּעְתְּעוּ - ti‘te‘û): To err, to be deceived, to wander. This is a significant verb emphasizing their misdirection and leading others astray.
they $\ldots$ err (שָׁגוּ - šāḡû): The hiphil form of the verb to stray, indicating they are caused to err, likely by their own choices and the intoxicating effects described.
in $\ldots$ vision (בְּחָזוֹן - bəḥāzôn): Refers to prophetic insight or revelation from God.
$\ldots$ are perverted (סָרוּ - sārû): To turn aside, deviate, or be put aside. They have turned away from truth and righteousness.
$\ldots$ divine $\ldots$ counsel (מִמִּשְׁפָּט - mimmišpāṭ): From judgment or the just pronouncements of God. They have turned away from God's divine law and guiding principles.
The phrase "stagger from wine, $\ldots$ confounded by $\ldots$ strong drink": This repetition and linkage between "wine" and "strong drink" powerfully depicts not just a literal state but a spiritual condition. It speaks of a complete spiritual intoxication and disorientation that makes them unable to discern truth or perform their duties faithfully. They are not merely disagreeing with God; they are fundamentally impaired in their spiritual senses.
"They stagger in vision, they are $\ldots$ perverted from $\ldots$ divine counsel.": This clause links their spiritual intoxication directly to their failure in their prophetic and leadership roles. Their spiritual impairment causes them to misinterpret or outright reject God's message, turning what should be clear guidance into distorted pronouncements that lead the people astray. They have abandoned sound judgment and righteous decision-making.
Isaiah 28 7 Bonus Section
The imagery of spiritual drunkenness is a recurring theme in prophetic literature. It highlights how self-reliance, sin, and pride can lead individuals and nations to a state of delusion, making them immune to warnings and incapable of recognizing truth. This passage anticipates Jesus' condemnation of the religious leaders in the New Testament, who, despite their outward piety, were spiritually blind (Matthew 23:16-26). The "foundation stone" mentioned in the following verses (Isaiah 28:16) offers the only true antidote to this spiritual decay: Christ himself, who is the true guide and source of clear vision. The "stumbling" of the people (mentioned in 1 Peter 2:8) echoes the fate of those led astray by compromised leadership, who ultimately stumble over the very foundation they reject.
Isaiah 28 7 Commentary
This verse functions as a stark warning against spiritual intoxication and the corruption of leadership. The leaders of Israel are not just morally flawed; they are spiritually blinded, making them unable to offer sound spiritual or political counsel. Their false security and reliance on earthly means (represented by wine and strong drink) have led to a perversion of truth and a departure from God's established judgment. This condition is deeply concerning because it infects not only the leaders but also the people they are meant to guide, leading the entire nation toward destruction. The emphasis on their inability to "discern" and their perversion of "vision" and "counsel" highlights the critical failure of their prophetic and priestly roles, underscoring the severe consequences of such spiritual decay.