What does Isaiah 51:21 mean?
"¶ Therefore hear now this, thou afflicted, and drunken, but not with wine:" - Isaiah 51:21
Isaiah 51:21 (KJV) reads, "Therefore hear now this, thou afflicted, and drunken, but not with wine." This verse is part of a longer passage in the book of Isaiah that contains a message of hope and redemption for the Israelites. In order to fully understand the meaning and significance of this verse, it is important to examine the context in which it was written, as well as the symbolism and themes that it contains.
The book of Isaiah is one of the major prophetic books in the Old Testament, and it is traditionally attributed to the prophet Isaiah, who lived in the 8th century BC. The book is a collection of oracles, prophecies, and poetry that address the Israelites during a time of great turmoil and uncertainty. Isaiah 51:21 comes in the midst of a section where the prophet is urging the Israelites to listen to him and take to heart the message of redemption and salvation that God is offering them.
The verse begins with the word "Therefore," which indicates that it is a continuation of a previous thought or argument. In the preceding verses, Isaiah speaks of the impending judgment of God upon the enemies of Israel, as well as the promise of God's comfort and restoration for His people. In this particular verse, Isaiah addresses those who are "afflicted, and drunken, but not with wine." This is a metaphorical description of the state of the Israelites, who are suffering under the oppression and hardship imposed upon them by their enemies.
The concept of being "drunken, but not with wine" is a powerful symbol of the spiritual and emotional condition of the Israelites. This imagery suggests that the people are in a state of confusion, disorientation, and distress. They are not literally intoxicated with wine, but they are in a state of spiritual and emotional intoxication, which has been caused by their suffering and hardship. This symbolizes the deep sorrow and anguish that the Israelites are experiencing, as well as their need for spiritual and emotional healing.
The use of the word "afflicted" further emphasizes the dire circumstances in which the Israelites find themselves. They are not merely experiencing discomfort or inconvenience, but they are enduring intense suffering and distress. This word conveys a sense of their deep pain and misery, as well as the urgency of their need for deliverance and relief.
In the larger context of the book of Isaiah, this verse is part of a message of hope and comfort that the prophet delivers to the people of Israel. Throughout the book, Isaiah prophesies about the coming of a Messiah who will bring salvation and redemption to the Israelites. He speaks of the restoration of Israel, the establishment of God's kingdom, and the ultimate victory of righteousness over evil. In this verse, Isaiah is reminding the Israelites to listen to his message and to take heart, because God is offering them a way out of their suffering and despair.
One of the central themes of the book of Isaiah is the idea of divine intervention and salvation. The prophet consistently emphasizes the power and sovereignty of God, and he assures the Israelites that God will not abandon them in their time of need. This verse is a poignant reminder of the compassion and grace of God, who sees the suffering of His people and offers them a way to find solace and strength in Him.
In conclusion, Isaiah 51:21 is a verse that conveys a message of hope and comfort to the afflicted and suffering Israelites. It is a powerful symbol of the deep spiritual and emotional distress that the people are experiencing, as well as their need for divine intervention and salvation. The verse is a testament to the enduring faithfulness and compassion of God, who offers comfort and redemption to His people in their time of need. It is a reminder to all who are suffering that God sees their pain and offers them a way to find solace and strength in Him.
Have questions about Isaiah 51:21?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Isaiah 51:21 Artwork
Isaiah 51:21 - "¶ Therefore hear now this, thou afflicted, and drunken, but not with wine:"
"¶ Therefore hear now this, thou afflicted, and drunken, but not with wine:" - Isaiah 51:21
Isaiah 51:15 - "But I am the LORD thy God, that divided the sea, whose waves roared: The LORD of hosts is his name."
Jeremiah 51:21 - "And with thee will I break in pieces the horse and his rider; and with thee will I break in pieces the chariot and his rider;"
Isaiah 51:14 - "The captive exile hasteneth that he may be loosed, and that he should not die in the pit, nor that his bread should fail."
Isaiah 51:2 - "Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him."
Isaiah 51:19 - "These two things are come unto thee; who shall be sorry for thee? desolation, and destruction, and the famine, and the sword: by whom shall I comfort thee?"
Isaiah 51:10 - "Art thou not it which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over?"
Isaiah 51:20 - "Thy sons have fainted, they lie at the head of all the streets, as a wild bull in a net: they are full of the fury of the LORD, the rebuke of thy God."
Isaiah 51:7 - "¶ Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings."
Isaiah 51:1 - "Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged."
"For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody." - Isaiah 51:3
Isaiah 51:9 - "¶ Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. Art thou not it that hath cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon?"
Isaiah 51:5 - "My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust."
Isaiah 5:21
Isaiah 5:21
Isaiah 51:17 - "¶ 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 51:8 - "For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation."
Isaiah 51:18 - "There is none to guide her among all the sons whom she hath brought forth; neither is there any that taketh her by the hand of all the sons that she hath brought up."
Isaiah 51:12 - "I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass;"
Isaiah 51:11 - "Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away."
Isaiah 51:4 - "¶ Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation: for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people."
Isaiah 3:21 - "The rings, and nose jewels,"
Isaiah 51:13 - "And forgettest the LORD thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor?"
Isaiah 51:16 - "And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people."
Isaiah 51:23 - "But I will put it into the hand of them that afflict thee; which have said to thy soul, Bow down, that we may go over: and thou hast laid thy body as the ground, and as the street, to them that went over."
Isaiah 57:21 - "There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked."
Isaiah 38:21 - "For Isaiah had said, Let them take a lump of figs, and lay it for a plaister upon the boil, and he shall recover."
Isaiah 51:22 - "Thus saith thy Lord the LORD, and thy God that pleadeth the cause of his people, Behold, I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling, even the dregs of the cup of my fury; thou shalt no more drink it again:"
Isaiah 51:3 - "For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody."