Isaiah 24:11

KJV

[There is] a crying for wine in the streets; all joy is darkened, the mirth of the land is gone.

KJV (with Strong's)

There is a crying {H6682} for wine {H3196} in the streets {H2351}; all joy {H8057} is darkened {H6150}, the mirth {H4885} of the land {H776} is gone {H1540}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In the streets they are crying over the wine; all joy has faded, cheer has left the land.

Berean Standard Bible

In the streets they cry out for wine. All joy turns to gloom; rejoicing is exiled from the land.

American Standard Version

There is a crying in the streets because of the wine; all joy is darkened, the mirth of the land is gone.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 24:11 powerfully depicts a scene of profound desolation and the complete cessation of joy, illustrating the pervasive impact of divine judgment upon the earth. The lamentable "crying for wine in the streets" symbolizes the reversal of all festivity, prosperity, and communal well-being into deep anguish, while the declarations that "all joy is darkened" and "the mirth of the land is gone" underscore the comprehensive removal of happiness and celebration, leaving behind an atmosphere of utter despair and spiritual barrenness as a direct consequence of widespread rebellion against God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 24:11 is strategically placed within a significant prophetic section often referred to as Isaiah's "Little Apocalypse" (chapters [Isaiah 24](/isaiah/24 "Isaiah 24 - The Little Apocalypse Begins") through [Isaiah 27](/isaiah/27 "Isaiah 27 - The Little Apocalypse Concludes")). This segment marks a pivotal shift in the book, moving from prophecies directed at specific nations to a universal judgment encompassing the entire earth, thereby emphasizing God's global sovereignty and impending cosmic justice. The preceding verses in [Isaiah 24](/isaiah/24 "Isaiah 24 - The Desolation of the Earth") vividly describe the earth's desolation, the scattering of its inhabitants, and, crucially, the breaking of the everlasting covenant by humanity ([Isaiah 24:5](/isaiah/24-5 "Isaiah 24:5 - Breaking the Everlasting Covenant")). Verse 11 specifically details the immediate and palpable social and emotional consequences of this judgment, illustrating the complete absence of the joy and revelry typically associated with wine and feasting. This intensifies the overall picture of widespread suffering and despair that permeates the land, serving as a direct manifestation of the curse consuming the earth ([Isaiah 24:6](/isaiah/24-6 "Isaiah 24:6 - The Earth Consumed by a Curse")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, wine was far more than a mere beverage; it served as a potent symbol of blessing, prosperity, celebration, and divine favor. Festivals, banquets, and communal rejoicing were invariably marked by the abundance of wine, as evidenced in various biblical texts such as [Psalm 104:15](/psalms/104-15 "Psalm 104:15 - Wine that Gladdens the Heart") and [Judges 9:13](/judges/9-13 "Judges 9:13 - Wine that Cheers God and Man"). Consequently, the "crying for wine" in this verse signifies a profound and shocking reversal of this deeply ingrained cultural norm. It indicates not simply a shortage of drink but the utter collapse of societal well-being, the cessation of festivity, and the extinguishing of the very spirit of joy. This imagery points to a time when the fundamental elements of celebration are conspicuously absent, replaced instead by pervasive lamentation. The mention of "streets" (Hebrew: `chûwts`, H2351) further underscores the public and widespread nature of this desolation, as these were the very spaces where such communal celebrations would typically unfold.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent in Isaiah and broader biblical prophecy. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment and Desolation**, demonstrating that human sin and rebellion against God's covenant inevitably lead to comprehensive consequences. The universal loss of joy strikingly illustrates the pervasive nature of this judgment. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Transience of Earthly Joy and Pleasures**. What typically brings temporary happiness—wine, mirth, and festivities—is revealed as utterly dependent on God's sustaining hand and can be swiftly removed. This stands in stark contrast to the enduring joy found exclusively in the Lord ([Psalm 16:11](/psalms/16-11 "Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy in God's Presence")). Finally, the passage implicitly but powerfully points to the **Consequences of Covenant Breaking**, a theme explicitly articulated earlier in [Isaiah 24:5](/isaiah/24-5 "Isaiah 24:5 - Breaking the Everlasting Covenant"). The suffering described is not arbitrary but a just recompense for humanity's moral corruption and departure from divine truth, thereby revealing God's unwavering holiness and commitment to justice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **crying (Hebrew, _tsᵉvâchâh'_):** (H6682) This term denotes a "screech (of anguish)" or an intense, desperate "cry(-ing)." It is not a casual call or a mere request, but an impassioned wail, indicative of profound suffering, distress, and lamentation. Its deployment here emphasizes the deep anguish and despair that has irrevocably replaced all forms of celebration and gaiety.
* **wine (Hebrew, _yayin'_):** (H3196) Derived from a root meaning "to effervesce," `yayin` specifically refers to "wine (as fermented)" and, by implication, "intoxication" or "banqueting." In contexts of prosperity and joy, it symbolizes blessing, abundance, and festivity. Here, the "crying for wine" signifies the utter absence of these blessings, transforming what was once a source of gladness into an object of desperate longing amidst widespread scarcity and sorrow.
* **joy (Hebrew, _simchâh'_):** (H8057) This word signifies "blithesomeness or glee," encompassing both religious and festival rejoicing. It speaks of a deep, pervasive sense of happiness and exultation. The declaration that "all joy is darkened" indicates a complete and widespread blotting out of this fundamental human experience, suggesting that no corner of the land or human heart remains untouched by sorrow and gloom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There is a crying for wine in the streets":** This initial clause paints a stark and immediate picture of widespread desolation. Wine, a quintessential symbol of joy, celebration, and prosperity, is conspicuously absent, leading to public lamentation and desperate longing. The mention of "streets" (public thoroughfares) underscores the widespread and open nature of this distress, indicating that the suffering is not confined to private homes but affects the entire community, transforming what were once vibrant places of festivity into scenes of anguish.
* **"all joy is darkened":** This phrase profoundly intensifies the sense of despair and hopelessness. "Joy" (H8057, `simchâh`) refers to deep gladness, often associated with festivals, divine blessing, and communal well-being. The verb "darkened" (H6150, `ʻârab`) evokes the imagery of the setting sun, implying a complete obscuring or extinguishing of light and happiness. It conveys that joy has not merely diminished but has been entirely eclipsed, leaving a pervasive and inescapable gloom over everything.
* **"the mirth of the land is gone":** This final clause provides a powerful culmination of the preceding imagery, bringing the prophecy to a poignant conclusion. "Mirth" (H4885, `mâsôws`) refers to delight and rejoicing, encompassing both the abstract feeling and its concrete expression. The verb "gone" (H1540, `gâlâh`) implies a complete removal, an exile, or a total vanishing. This signifies that the very spirit of festivity, delight, and communal gladness has been utterly stripped away from the entire land (H776, `ʼerets`), rendering it desolate and barren of any cheer or celebration.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 24:11 masterfully employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of profound and universal desolation. **Imagery** is central, painting vivid and sensory pictures of "crying for wine," "darkened joy," and "mirth... gone." These concrete details evoke a strong emotional response, allowing the reader to viscerally feel the depth of the suffering. **Symbolism** is prominently evident in the use of "wine" to represent celebration, prosperity, and the general well-being of the land. Its absence, and the desperate "crying" for it, symbolize the complete reversal of blessing into curse. The phrase "all joy is darkened" employs a powerful **Metaphor**, comparing the loss of joy to the obscuring of light, thereby suggesting a pervasive, inescapable, and comprehensive gloom. Furthermore, the sweeping, absolute statements "all joy is darkened" and "the mirth of the land is gone" utilize **Hyperbole** to emphasize the comprehensive and absolute nature of the divine judgment, indicating that no vestige of happiness or cheer remains anywhere in the land. These devices collectively amplify the message of universal despair and the devastating consequences of divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 24:11 powerfully articulates the profound biblical principle that widespread rebellion against God inevitably leads to divine judgment and the forfeiture of blessing. The comprehensive loss of wine, joy, and mirth is not merely an economic or social downturn, but a direct spiritual consequence of a people having "transgressed the laws, violated the statutes, broken the everlasting covenant" ([Isaiah 24:5](/isaiah/24-5 "Isaiah 24:5 - Breaking the Everlasting Covenant")). This verse serves as a stark and sobering reminder that true and lasting joy is not found in fleeting earthly pleasures or material prosperity, which are inherently transient and can be swiftly removed. Instead, genuine joy is rooted solely in a right relationship with the Creator. It foreshadows a time when God's justice will manifest comprehensively, stripping away all false comforts and revealing the emptiness and barrenness of a life lived apart from Him. The profound desolation described here ultimately points to the absolute necessity of God's redemptive intervention to restore true and enduring joy.

* [Jeremiah 7:34](/jeremiah/7-34 "Jeremiah 7:34 - Removal of Joy and Mirth")
* [Hosea 2:11](/hosea/2-11 "Hosea 2:11 - Ceasing of Mirth and Festivals")
* [Revelation 18:22](/revelation/18-22 "Revelation 18:22-23 - The Fall of Babylon and Loss of Joy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 24:11 serves as a sober and profound warning, urging us to deeply consider the transient nature of all earthly sources of joy and security. In a world often consumed by the relentless pursuit of pleasure, material comfort, and fleeting celebrations, this verse powerfully reminds us that such joys are ultimately dependent on God's grace and can be withdrawn. It challenges us to critically examine the foundations of our own happiness: Is our joy rooted in circumstances that are inherently changeable, or in the unchanging, eternal character of God? The vivid imagery of "crying for wine" and "darkened joy" compels us to seek a deeper, more enduring source of gladness—one that transcends earthly desolation, economic downturns, and the pervasive uncertainties of life. True and lasting joy, as the Scriptures consistently teach, is found preeminently in the presence of the Lord ([Psalm 16:11](/psalms/16-11 "Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy in God's Presence")) and is a divine fruit of the Holy Spirit's work within us ([Galatians 5:22](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). This passage calls us to genuine repentance, to re-evaluate our priorities, and to anchor our hope and delight in God alone, whose joy remains steadfast even amidst the most severe trials and tribulations ([Habakkuk 3:17-18](/habakkuk/3-17-18 "Habakkuk 3:17-18 - Rejoicing in God Amidst Despair")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I primarily seek my joy and satisfaction in life? Are these sources truly enduring and unshakeable?**
* **How does the transient nature of earthly joy, as vividly depicted in Isaiah 24:11, challenge my current priorities and pursuits?**
* **What does it truly mean to find "joy in the Lord" even when circumstances are difficult, bleak, or seemingly devoid of hope?**
* **In what ways might my own life or the broader society reflect a "crying for wine"—a desperate longing for what is fleeting and temporary rather than eternal and substantive?**

### FAQ
**Why is "wine" specifically mentioned in connection with the loss of joy in Isaiah 24:11?**

Answer: In ancient Israelite culture, wine was deeply intertwined with celebrations, festivals, and general prosperity. It was seen as a profound gift from God that "gladdens the heart of man" ([Psalm 104:15](/psalms/104-15 "Psalm 104:15 - Wine that Gladdens the Heart")). Therefore, the "crying for wine" in Isaiah 24:11 is highly symbolic. It signifies not merely a lack of an alcoholic beverage, but the complete cessation of all forms of festivity, blessing, and the very spirit of joy and abundance. Its absence indicates a profound reversal of fortunes, where prosperity has given way to scarcity, and celebration to pervasive lamentation, as a direct and devastating consequence of divine judgment.

**What is the "Little Apocalypse" and how does Isaiah 24:11 fit into it?**

Answer: The "Little Apocalypse" is a scholarly term referring to Isaiah chapters [Isaiah 24](/isaiah/24 "Isaiah 24 - The Little Apocalypse Begins") through [Isaiah 27](/isaiah/27 "Isaiah 27 - The Little Apocalypse Concludes"). Unlike other prophecies in Isaiah that target specific nations, this section describes a universal, cosmic judgment that will fall upon the entire earth. It details widespread desolation, the breaking of God's covenant by humanity ([Isaiah 24:5](/isaiah/24-5 "Isaiah 24:5 - Breaking the Everlasting Covenant")), and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom. Isaiah 24:11 fits perfectly within this context by vividly illustrating the immediate, tangible, and deeply personal effects of this global judgment on human experience. It shows how the very fabric of society unravels, with joy, celebration, and prosperity being completely stripped away, leaving behind only anguish and despair. It is a powerful depiction of the comprehensive nature of God's righteous wrath against sin on a global scale.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 24:11 paints a bleak and sobering picture of universal judgment and the profound loss of earthly joy, it profoundly foreshadows the ultimate solution and true restoration found uniquely in Jesus Christ. The desperate "crying for wine" and the pervasive "darkened joy" speak to humanity's deep spiritual thirst and the pervasive sorrow that sin inevitably brings into the world. Christ, however, came precisely to transform this lament into an everlasting and unassailable joy. He is the true "wine" of the new covenant, whose precious blood, poured out at Calvary ([Matthew 26:29](/matthew/26-29 "Matthew 26:29 - The New Covenant in My Blood")), brings forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration, replacing the old covenant that humanity so tragically broke ([Isaiah 24:5](/isaiah/24-5 "Isaiah 24:5 - Breaking the Everlasting Covenant")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ bore the full weight of the judgment and desolation that humanity justly deserved, becoming sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). He promises His followers a joy that no one can ever take away ([John 16:22](/john/16-22 "John 16:22 - Your Joy No One Will Take From You")), a joy that is not dependent on fleeting earthly circumstances but flows eternally from His indwelling Spirit ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - Righteousness, Peace, and Joy in the Holy Spirit")). Ultimately, the "mirth of the land" that was "gone" in Isaiah's prophecy will be fully and gloriously restored in the new heavens and new earth, where God Himself will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears, Death, or Pain")), ushering in an eternal era of unadulterated joy in His glorious presence.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hosea 7:14

And they have not cried unto me with their heart, when they howled upon their beds: they assemble themselves for corn and wine, [and] they rebel against me.

Isaiah 16:10

And gladness is taken away, and joy out of the plentiful field; and in the vineyards there shall be no singing, neither shall there be shouting: the treaders shall tread out no wine in [their] presses; I have made [their vintage] shouting to cease.

Amos 5:16

¶ Therefore the LORD, the God of hosts, the Lord, saith thus; Wailing [shall be] in all streets; and they shall say in all the highways, Alas! alas! and they shall call the husbandman to mourning, and such as are skilful of lamentation to wailing.

Amos 5:20

[Shall] not the day of the LORD [be] darkness, and not light? even very dark, and no brightness in it?

Jeremiah 48:33

And joy and gladness is taken from the plentiful field, and from the land of Moab; and I have caused wine to fail from the winepresses: none shall tread with shouting; [their] shouting [shall be] no shouting.

Isaiah 8:22

And they shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and [they shall be] driven to darkness.

Matthew 22:11

And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: