Isaiah 51 17

Isaiah 51:17 kjv

Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the LORD the cup of his fury; thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling, and wrung them out.

Isaiah 51:17 nkjv

Awake, awake! Stand up, O Jerusalem, You who have drunk at the hand of the LORD The cup of His fury; You have drunk the dregs of the cup of trembling, And drained it out.

Isaiah 51:17 niv

Awake, awake! Rise up, Jerusalem, you who have drunk from the hand of the LORD the cup of his wrath, you who have drained to its dregs the goblet that makes people stagger.

Isaiah 51:17 esv

Wake yourself, wake yourself, stand up, O Jerusalem, you who have drunk from the hand of the LORD the cup of his wrath, who have drunk to the dregs the bowl, the cup of staggering.

Isaiah 51:17 nlt

Wake up, wake up, O Jerusalem!
You have drunk the cup of the LORD's fury.
You have drunk the cup of terror,
tipping out its last drops.

Isaiah 51 verses

Isaiah 51 17 Meaning

This verse describes Jerusalem and its inhabitants as holding a cup filled with God's wrath. It signifies the end of their punishment and the beginning of comfort and deliverance, as they will no longer have to drink from the cup of God's fury.

Isaiah 51 17 Context

Chapter 51 of Isaiah is a call for God's people to remember His past faithfulness and to look forward to future deliverance. The preceding verses (51:9-16) remind them of God's mighty acts in the past, particularly His defeat of Egypt's forces, often referred to as Rahab or the sea monster. This section reassures them that the same God who rescued them from slavery in Egypt is capable of delivering them from their present Babylonian exile. The verse 51:17 shifts to a powerful metaphor to describe the severity of the punishment Jerusalem has endured, directly referencing the cup of God's wrath. It sets the stage for the transition in the following verses, which announce comfort and restoration for Zion. The immediate historical context is the Babylonian Exile, where Jerusalem and its Temple were destroyed, and its people were taken captive.

Isaiah 51 17 Word Analysis

• yet (וְעוֹד - ve'od): signifies continuation or persistence, indicating that the preceding conditions of distress are still in effect.
• it (הוּא - hu): refers back to Jerusalem, the subject of the previous verses.
• hath (נָתַן - nathan): a strong Hebrew verb meaning "to give," here implying a deliberate dispensing of God's judgment.
• drained (הִשְׁקָה - lishqot): from the root "to give drink" or "to water," here used in the passive sense, meaning to be made to drink.
• drunken (שֵׁכָר - shekar): Strong drink, intoxicating liquor. This implies a state of confusion, inability to think clearly, and staggering loss of control.
• and (וּ - u): Connects "drunken" to the following phrase, linking the state of intoxication to the cause.
• staggered (כִּסְּאוּ - kissu): Derived from a root meaning "to cover" or "to heap up," it can imply being overwhelmed or rendered helpless, suggesting a drunken reeling or stumbling. Some interpret this more directly as being filled or intoxicated to the point of staggering.
• the (אֶת - et): a direct object marker, indicating that Jerusalem is the recipient of the action.
• cup (כּוֹס - kos): A vessel for drinking. Metaphorically, it represents a portion or experience that one must undergo.
• of (מִ - mi): Denotes the source or origin.
• my (יְהוָה - Yahweh): The personal covenant name of God, emphasizing His active involvement.
• anger (חֲמָתִי - hamati): Wrath, heat, fury. Refers to God's righteous indignation against sin.
• and (וּ - u): Connects the "cup of my anger" to the following phrase, showing the result of drinking it.
• drain (שָׁתוּ - shatu): From the same root as "hath drained," emphasizing the complete consumption of the contents of the cup.
• drain (מְלֹא - melo): Fullness. Indicates that the cup was completely emptied.
• it (הוּא - hu): Again, referring to the cup.
• off (הִשְׁפַּךְ - hishpak): "To pour out." Though not a literal "off," it implies a complete dispensing or outpouring from the cup.
• even (גַּם - gam): Also, too. Signifies an additional suffering or state.
• to (עַד - ad): Until. Denotes the extent of the consequence.
• the (תּוֹקִין - tokin): A rare word possibly related to "threshing floor," suggesting crushing or grinding. Scholars suggest it means "dregs" or the very bottom of the cup.
• dregs (אֶשְׁפָּה - eshpah): Residue, dregs, sediment at the bottom of a cup. Represents the worst, the most bitter part of God's judgment.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "drained... the cup of my anger": This phrase forms a powerful unit of meaning, representing God's judicial punishment meted out upon sinning nations or people. The imagery highlights the completeness and bitterness of this divine judgment.
• "drunk... and staggered": These actions together vividly portray the complete incapacitation and disorientation that results from experiencing the fullness of God's wrath. It's not just about pain but a loss of coherence and stability.
• "even to the dregs": This final amplification emphasizes that no part of the judgment is withheld. Every last bitter drop is consumed.

Isaiah 51 17 Bonus Section

The concept of the "cup of wrath" is a significant theological motif that runs through both the Old and New Testaments. It represents the sum total of God's judgment against sin. While Old Testament prophets like Jeremiah and Isaiah use it to describe God's dealings with Israel and the nations, Jesus Himself utilizes this imagery. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prays, "Remove this cup from me. Yet not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42). Here, Jesus voluntarily drinks the "cup of wrath" intended for humanity, atoning for sin. This personal absorption of God's wrath by Christ fulfills the promise of ending the "cup" for believers, as Peter writes, "And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace... will himself restore... and establish you" (1 Peter 5:10). The verse 51:17, therefore, not only describes a historical period of judgment but also points prophetically to Christ's substitutionary atonement. The final phrase, "even to the dregs," powerfully conveys the completeness of both sin's penalty and Christ's sacrifice.

Isaiah 51 17 Commentary

This verse starkly depicts the consequence of sin and rebellion against God. Jerusalem, having indulged in spiritual harlotry and injustice, is shown as experiencing the full force of divine judgment, symbolized by drinking from God's cup of wrath. The "drunkenness" and "staggering" are not literal but figurative, describing the utter devastation, confusion, and powerlessness that result from facing God's righteous anger. However, this imagery is not the end of the prophecy. Following verses in Isaiah, as well as the consistent theme of redemption throughout Scripture, reveal that this period of divine judgment is a temporary means to an end. God’s ultimate purpose is not destruction but purification, leading to restoration and peace for His people, a promise echoed in the New Testament. This verse underscores the reality of God's judgment but also anticipates its termination.

Practical Usage Examples:

• Understanding that consequences for actions exist, both personal and societal, can lead to greater wisdom and restraint.
• Recognizing that even severe divine judgment is often a precursor to restoration helps foster hope during difficult times.
• The imagery encourages a sober reflection on one's own life, avoiding the "intoxication" of pride, sin, or false security.