Old Testament
Isaiah 51:17
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Wake up, wake up! Stand up, Jerusalem! You have drunk from the hand of the LORD the cup of his fury; you have drained the dregs of the cup of trembling.
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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.
What Isaiah 51:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 51:17, the prophet calls out to Jerusalem, urging the city to awaken from its state of despair. The imagery of drinking from the cup of the Lord's fury symbolizes the suffering and judgment that the people have experienced due to their disobedience. The 'cup of trembling' suggests a deep sense of fear and anxiety that has overwhelmed them. This verse serves as a reminder that while they have faced severe consequences, there is still hope for restoration. The call to 'stand up' indicates a need for the people to rise from their troubles and reclaim their strength and identity as God's chosen people. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing their situation and taking action towards healing and renewal, rather than remaining passive in their suffering.
How to apply Isaiah 51:17 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize our struggles and not remain passive in difficult times. Just as Jerusalem is called to awaken and stand up, we too should confront our challenges with courage and seek restoration through faith and action.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
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Keep studying Isaiah 51:17
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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 51:17 mean?
Isaiah 51:17 calls Jerusalem to awaken from despair after experiencing God's judgment. The verse uses the imagery of drinking from a cup of fury to illustrate the suffering caused by their disobedience, while also offering a message of hope for restoration.
What is the significance of the 'cup of trembling' in Isaiah 51:17?
The 'cup of trembling' in Isaiah 51:17 symbolizes the fear and anxiety that the people of Jerusalem have faced due to their sins. It highlights the emotional and spiritual turmoil resulting from their disobedience to God.
How does Isaiah 51:17 relate to themes of hope and restoration?
Isaiah 51:17, while acknowledging the judgment faced by Jerusalem, ultimately points to the possibility of hope and restoration. The call to awaken suggests that despite past suffering, there is still a path forward for healing and renewal.
What does the phrase 'drained the dregs' mean in Isaiah 51:17?
The phrase 'drained the dregs' in Isaiah 51:17 refers to having consumed the very last remnants of a bitter cup, symbolizing the complete and intense suffering that Jerusalem has endured as a result of God's fury.
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