Isaiah 24:7

KJV

The new wine mourneth, the vine languisheth, all the merryhearted do sigh.

KJV (with Strong's)

The new wine {H8492} mourneth {H56}, the vine {H1612} languisheth {H535}, all the merryhearted {H8056}{H3820} do sigh {H584}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The new wine fails, the vines wilt, all the revelers sigh,

Berean Standard Bible

The new wine dries up, the vine withers. All the merrymakers now groan.

American Standard Version

The new wine mourneth, the vine languisheth, all the merry-hearted do sigh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 24:7 powerfully depicts a world plunged into profound sorrow and desolation, serving as a poignant illustration of the far-reaching consequences of divine judgment. Through the vivid imagery of "new wine mourning" and "vines languishing," the prophet conveys the cessation of joy, prosperity, and celebratory life, culminating in the universal sighing of those once accustomed to merriment. This verse encapsulates the spiritual and physical decay that accompanies humanity's rebellion against God, transforming scenes of abundance into barren landscapes of lament.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 24 initiates a distinct prophetic section (chapters 24-27) often termed the "Little Apocalypse" due to its cosmic scope and eschatological themes, mirroring the comprehensive judgment described in the book of Revelation. This chapter specifically details a sweeping, global judgment from the Lord, where the earth is to be "emptied and wasted" and its inhabitants scattered because they have "transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant" [Isaiah 24:1-5](/isaiah/24-1 "Isaiah 24:1-5 - The Earth's Desolation Due to Sin"). Verse 7, therefore, is not an isolated lament but an integral part of this broader prophetic vision, illustrating the direct and devastating impact of this judgment on the very sources of human delight and sustenance, moving from the physical desolation of the land to the emotional despair of its inhabitants.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, wine and vines were not merely agricultural products but deeply embedded cultural symbols of joy, blessing, prosperity, and divine favor. Festivals and celebrations were often marked by the abundance of new wine, signifying God's provision and the fruitfulness of the land. Conversely, the absence or destruction of wine and vines was a clear sign of judgment, famine, and national distress, as seen in other prophetic warnings [Joel 1:10-12](/joel/1-10 "Joel 1:10-12 - The Desolation of the Land"). Isaiah's audience would immediately grasp the profound significance of "new wine mourning" and "vines languishing" as indicators of a complete reversal of fortune, signaling not just economic hardship but a fundamental disruption of their way of life and a withdrawal of God's blessing.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and biblical prophecy. Firstly, it highlights the **Loss of Joy and Prosperity**, where the very elements that once brought delight—the new wine and the vine—are now personified as grieving and withering, directly impacting the "merryhearted." This underscores the transient nature of earthly pleasures in the face of divine wrath. Secondly, it emphasizes **Divine Judgment and Its Comprehensive Consequences**, portraying the desolation as a direct result of humanity's sin and covenant breaking, leading to a universal state of lamentation that spares no one, echoing the broader pronouncement that "the earth mourneth and fadeth away" [Isaiah 24:4](/isaiah/24-4 "Isaiah 24:4 - The Earth Mourns"). Finally, the phrase "all the merryhearted do sigh" underscores the **Universal Impact** of this judgment, demonstrating that the consequences of rebellion against God are inescapable and affect every segment of society, turning former joy into pervasive grief.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **mourneth (Hebrew, _ʼâbal'_):** From H56, a primitive root meaning "to bewail" or "lament." Here, it personifies the "new wine," suggesting a deep, personal grief, typically associated with mourning the dead. Its application to an inanimate object like wine underscores the profound and unnatural reversal of joy into sorrow, indicating a state of utter desolation where even the symbols of celebration partake in the general lament.
* **languisheth (Hebrew, _ʼâmal'_):** From H535, a primitive root meaning "to droop," "to be sick," or "to mourn." This term vividly describes a physical withering or fading, perfectly depicting the vine's decay and loss of vitality. It signifies a complete ruin or decline, not just of the vine itself but, by extension, of the prosperity and life it represents, highlighting the pervasive nature of the judgment.
* **sigh (Hebrew, _ʼânach'_):** From H584, a primitive root meaning "to sigh" or "groan." This word captures the deep, involuntary expression of distress, sorrow, or pain. When applied to "all the merryhearted," it emphasizes the universal and inescapable nature of the pervasive grief. It suggests a profound internal suffering that finds its outlet in a collective sound of despair, signaling the complete absence of joy and the presence of overwhelming anguish.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The new wine mourneth":** This striking personification immediately establishes the reversal of natural order. New wine, typically a symbol of fresh joy, celebration, and blessing, is depicted as grieving. This signifies not merely a lack of wine but the complete absence of the joy and festivity it represents, indicating a profound spiritual and material desolation. The very essence of merriment is itself sorrowful.
* **"the vine languisheth":** Following the mourning wine, the source of that wine—the vine—is described as withering away. "Languisheth" implies a physical decay, a loss of vitality and fruitfulness. This imagery points to the destruction of the agricultural basis of prosperity and, by extension, the economic and social well-being of the people. The source of life and blessing is dying, leading to barrenness and despair.
* **"all the merryhearted do sigh":** This final clause broadens the scope of the judgment from specific agricultural products to humanity itself. "Merryhearted" refers to those who were once joyful, carefree, and given to celebration. Their collective "sigh" is a deep, audible expression of profound sorrow, distress, and hopelessness. This emphasizes the universality of the judgment's impact, demonstrating that no one, regardless of their past disposition, is exempt from the pervasive grief and lamentation.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 24:7 is rich in **Personification**, a device that imbues inanimate objects with human qualities. The "new wine mourneth" and "the vine languisheth" are prime examples, powerfully conveying the depth of sorrow and decay by making the very symbols of joy and life participate in the general lament. This technique amplifies the sense of unnaturalness and profound loss. The verse also employs **Symbolism**, where "new wine" and "vine" represent not just literal agricultural products but the broader concepts of joy, prosperity, blessing, and the vibrant life of the community. Their mourning and languishing symbolize the complete cessation of these positive states. Furthermore, the verse exhibits a form of **Parallelism**, where the first two clauses ("The new wine mourneth, the vine languisheth") describe the physical and agricultural desolation, which is then mirrored and culminated in the emotional desolation of "all the merryhearted do sigh." This progression from the land to the people underscores the comprehensive and inescapable nature of the divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 24:7 stands as a stark reminder of the profound consequences of humanity's rebellion against God, illustrating how sin inevitably leads to a reversal of blessing into desolation. Theologically, it underscores God's absolute sovereignty over creation and history, demonstrating His righteous judgment against unholiness. The cessation of joy and the universal sighing reflect a world out of harmony with its Creator, where the sources of true delight have been corrupted or removed due to widespread transgression. This lamentable state is a direct outcome of breaking the divine covenant, highlighting the inextricable link between obedience and flourishing, and disobedience and decay. Yet, even within this severe judgment, the broader prophetic context of Isaiah often hints at a future restoration and a new covenant, where true and lasting joy will be found in God alone.

* [Lamentations 5:15](/lamentations/5-15 "Lamentations 5:15 - Joy of Our Heart Ceased")
* [Hosea 2:9](/hosea/2-9 "Hosea 2:9 - Taking Away Grain and New Wine")
* [Jeremiah 48:33](/jeremiah/48-33 "Jeremiah 48:33 - Joy and Gladness Taken Away")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 24:7 serves as a potent spiritual mirror, inviting us to reflect on the sources of our own joy and security. In a world often preoccupied with fleeting pleasures and material prosperity, this verse soberly reminds us that earthly delights are transient and vulnerable, especially when a society or individual deviates from God's righteous path. The "mourning wine" and "languishing vine" challenge us to consider whether our happiness is rooted in external circumstances or in an enduring relationship with the Creator. The universal sighing of the "merryhearted" calls us to acknowledge the pervasive impact of sin, not just on individuals but on entire communities and the very fabric of creation. It prompts a crucial self-examination: are we living in a way that cultivates true, lasting joy, or are we clinging to temporary sources that are prone to decay and sorrow? This verse ultimately serves as a call to humility, repentance, and a reorientation of our hearts towards God, the ultimate source of all good and enduring joy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "new wine" and "vine" in my life that I rely on for joy and security? How transient or enduring are they?**
* **In what ways might my personal or communal actions contribute to a spiritual "languishing" or "mourning" in my environment?**
* **How does the concept of universal sorrow in this verse challenge my understanding of sin's pervasive impact?**
* **Where do I find my deepest, most resilient joy, especially in times of difficulty or widespread distress?**

### FAQ
**Why does Isaiah use the imagery of "new wine" and "vine" to describe desolation?**

Answer: Isaiah uses the imagery of "new wine" and "vine" because they were deeply symbolic in ancient Israelite culture. Wine represented joy, celebration, prosperity, and divine blessing, often associated with festivals and abundance. The vine was the source of this wine, symbolizing the fruitfulness of the land and God's provision. By depicting the "new wine mourneth" and "the vine languisheth," Isaiah vividly portrays a complete reversal of fortune. It signifies not just economic hardship or famine, but the cessation of all joy, festivity, and the very foundations of a blessed life. This imagery powerfully communicates the profound spiritual and physical desolation that results from God's judgment on a rebellious people, where even the symbols of delight are consumed by sorrow, as also seen in [Joel 1:10-12](/joel/1-10 "Joel 1:10-12 - The Desolation of the Land").

**Is this judgment only for ancient Israel, or does it have broader implications?**

Answer: While Isaiah's prophecies often have immediate implications for ancient Israel and surrounding nations, chapter 24, including verse 7, is part of what scholars call Isaiah's "Little Apocalypse." This section describes a sweeping, global judgment that affects "the earth" and "its inhabitants" [Isaiah 24:1](/isaiah/24-1 "Isaiah 24:1 - The Earth Emptied and Wasted"). Therefore, while rooted in a specific historical context, the themes of universal sin, divine judgment, and the resulting desolation have broader, even eschatological, implications. They serve as a timeless warning about the consequences of human rebellion against God's laws and covenant, applicable to all humanity across generations, pointing to a future time when God will judge the whole earth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 24:7 paints a bleak picture of universal sorrow and the cessation of earthly joys under divine judgment, it simultaneously sets the stage for the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment of true and lasting joy. The "mourning new wine" and "languishing vine" foreshadow the brokenness and curse brought by sin, which Christ came to redeem. Jesus Himself is the "true vine" [John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus the True Vine"), through whom believers find life, fruitfulness, and an enduring source of spiritual nourishment that never languishes. He transforms the lament of a fallen world into a new song of redemption. The sighing of the "merryhearted" reflects humanity's deep need for a joy that transcends temporal circumstances and divine judgment. This joy is found supremely in Christ, who, through His sacrifice, took upon Himself the full weight of sin and its consequences, including sorrow and death [Isaiah 53:3-5](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3-5 - Christ's Suffering and Atonement"). He promises a "fullness of joy" [Psalm 16:11](/psalm/16-11 "Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy in God's Presence") and a "peace that surpasses all understanding" [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God") that the world cannot give or take away. Ultimately, the New Testament portrays a future where, in the new heavens and new earth, God will wipe away every tear, and "there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying" [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Sorrow"), fulfilling the deepest longing for an eternal state of unmarred joy and celebration in His 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

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.

Isaiah 16:8

For the fields of Heshbon languish, [and] the vine of Sibmah: the lords of the heathen have broken down the principal plants thereof, they are come [even] unto Jazer, they wandered [through] the wilderness: her branches are stretched out, they are gone over the sea.

Joel 1:10

The field is wasted, the land mourneth; for the corn is wasted: the new wine is dried up, the oil languisheth.

Joel 1:12

The vine is dried up, and the fig tree languisheth; the pomegranate tree, the palm tree also, and the apple tree, [even] all the trees of the field, are withered: because joy is withered away from the sons of men.

Hosea 9:1

¶ Rejoice not, O Israel, for joy, as [other] people: for thou hast gone a whoring from thy God, thou hast loved a reward upon every cornfloor.

Hosea 9:2

The floor and the winepress shall not feed them, and the new wine shall fail in her.

Isaiah 32:9

¶ Rise up, ye women that are at ease; hear my voice, ye careless daughters; give ear unto my speech.