Old Testament

Isaiah 5:22

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

Woe to those who are champions at drinking wine and experts at mixing strong drink:

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:

What Isaiah 5:22 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In Isaiah 5:22, the prophet warns against those who take pride in their ability to consume alcohol and mix strong drinks. This verse highlights a societal issue where people celebrate excessive drinking as a sign of strength or sophistication. However, the use of 'woe' indicates a serious warning about the consequences of such behavior. The focus is on the moral and spiritual decline that can result from prioritizing indulgence over wisdom and righteousness. The passage serves as a critique of a culture that glorifies drunkenness, suggesting that such attitudes lead to negative outcomes, both personally and communally. The emphasis is on the folly of valuing intoxication and the dangers it poses to one's character and society as a whole. This verse calls for self-reflection on our values and the potential pitfalls of excess, urging a return to moderation and responsibility.

How to apply Isaiah 5:22 to your life

This verse encourages us to reflect on our own habits and the values we promote. It serves as a reminder to prioritize moderation and responsibility over indulgence. By avoiding excessive drinking, we can foster healthier relationships and make better choices that align with our values.

Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Lamech holding his newborn son Noah outside a tent, with a plow and tools lying on the ground nearby

Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Noah

An old color photograph of Nablus in a green valley below Mount Gerizim, with people resting on rocks in front.

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Shechem

Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Isaiah 5:22

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Isaiah 5:22

At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah

Author
Isaiah the prophet
Written
Around 700 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
Judah and the surrounding nations

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Isaiah 5:22 mean?

Isaiah 5:22 warns against those who take pride in their drinking habits and view excessive alcohol consumption as a sign of strength. It highlights the dangers of valuing indulgence over wisdom and the moral decline that can result from such attitudes.

What is the meaning of 'woe' in Isaiah 5:22?

'Woe' in Isaiah 5:22 signifies a serious warning about the consequences of excessive drinking. It indicates that those who celebrate drunkenness will face negative outcomes, both personally and within their community.

How does Isaiah 5:22 apply to modern life?

Isaiah 5:22 encourages individuals to reflect on their drinking habits and the values they promote. It serves as a reminder to prioritize moderation and responsibility to foster healthier relationships and make better choices.

What themes are present in Isaiah 5:22?

The themes in Isaiah 5:22 include a warning against excess, the consequences of indulgence, moral decline, a critique of societal values, and the importance of moderation in life.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.