Isaiah 24:11

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

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}.

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

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

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

Isaiah 24:11 KJV describes a scene of profound desolation and the complete absence of joy, painting a vivid picture of the consequences of widespread sin and divine judgment upon the earth.

Context of Isaiah 24:11

This verse is part of what scholars refer to as Isaiah's "Little Apocalypse" (chapters 24-27), a prophetic section detailing a universal judgment that will fall upon the entire earth, not just a specific nation. It depicts a time of unprecedented global upheaval and devastation, highlighting God's sovereignty and holiness. The imagery used, such as the "crying for wine," powerfully conveys the reversal of prosperity and festivity into deep lamentation and despair. This judgment is presented as a consequence of the inhabitants having transgressed the laws and broken the everlasting covenant (Isaiah 24:5).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment and Desolation: The verse powerfully illustrates the comprehensive nature of God's judgment. The absence of wine, a common symbol of celebration and abundance (Psalm 104:15), signifies the complete cessation of all merriment and the onset of widespread suffering.
  • Loss of Earthly Joy: The phrase "all joy is darkened, the mirth of the land is gone" underscores the complete removal of happiness and festivity. This serves as a stark reminder that earthly pleasures and celebrations are transient and can be swiftly taken away when God's wrath is poured out.
  • Consequences of Sin: While not explicitly stated in this single verse, the broader context of Isaiah 24 makes it clear that this global desolation is a direct result of humanity's rebellion against God and their moral corruption. It highlights the serious repercussions of turning away from divine truth.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "crying" here is yellalah (יְלָלָה), which is a strong term for wailing or lamentation, indicating deep anguish rather than just a simple request. This emphasizes the intensity of the suffering. The term "darkened" for joy (from shāmash) suggests an eclipse or obscuring, implying a complete blotting out of happiness. The "mirth" (masos) refers to rejoicing and festive gladness, its departure signifying utter barrenness of spirit.

Practical Application and Reflection

Isaiah 24:11 serves as a sober warning about the consequences of sin and the ultimate accountability of all humanity before God. It reminds us that true and lasting joy cannot be found in fleeting earthly pleasures or material prosperity, which can be instantly removed. Instead, genuine and enduring joy is found in a relationship with God, a joy that even in the midst of desolation, can remain (Habakkuk 3:18). This passage encourages introspection, urging us to consider where we place our hope and to seek the Lord before the day of judgment arrives.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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:

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