Isaiah 24:9

KJV

They shall not drink wine with a song; strong drink shall be bitter to them that drink it.

KJV (with Strong's)

They shall not drink {H8354} wine {H3196} with a song {H7892}; strong drink {H7941} shall be bitter {H4843} to them that drink {H8354} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

They no longer sing as they drink their wine, strong liquor tastes bitter to those drinking it.

Berean Standard Bible

They no longer sing and drink wine; strong drink is bitter to those who consume it.

American Standard Version

They shall not drink wine with a song; strong drink shall be bitter to them that drink it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 24:9, nestled within the "Little Apocalypse" (chapters 24-27), powerfully declares the profound desolation and sorrow that accompany God's sweeping judgment upon the earth. It starkly contrasts the customary associations of wine and song with joy and celebration, revealing a future where these symbols of merriment cease to bring delight, instead turning bitter. This verse underscores the comprehensive nature of divine wrath, where even the most common sources of human pleasure are transformed into experiences of revulsion and grief, signifying a complete societal and spiritual collapse due to widespread human rebellion against God's covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 24:9 is situated within a significant prophetic section often referred to as Isaiah's "Little Apocalypse" (chapters 24-27), which vividly portrays a sweeping, universal judgment upon the earth and its inhabitants, followed by a glorious restoration. The chapter commences with a vision of the earth being laid waste and its inhabitants scattered, a direct consequence of their transgression of God's laws and the breaking of the everlasting covenant, as detailed in [Isaiah 24:1-6](/isaiah/24-1-6 "Isaiah 24:1-6 - The Desolation of the Earth Due to Transgression"). Immediately preceding our verse, [Isaiah 24:7-8](/isaiah/24-7-8 "Isaiah 24:7-8 - The Mourning of Wine and Cessation of Mirth") laments, "The new wine mourneth, the vine languisheth, all the merryhearted do sigh. The mirth of tabrets ceaseth, the noise of them that rejoice endeth, the joy of the harp ceaseth." Isaiah 24:9 directly continues and intensifies this theme, emphasizing the complete reversal of pleasure and festivity into bitterness and silence, a direct consequence of the world's spiritual decline and God's righteous wrath. This vision speaks to a profound societal and spiritual collapse, where even common sources of happiness are no longer available or enjoyable, signaling a pervasive divine judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the "Little Apocalypse" possesses significant eschatological dimensions, its imagery is deeply rooted in the historical and cultural realities of ancient Israel and the broader Near East. Wine and strong drink were not merely beverages but staple elements, frequently associated with feasting, celebrations, and religious festivals, symbolizing joy, prosperity, and divine blessing (e.g., [Deuteronomy 14:26](/deuteronomy/14-26 "Deuteronomy 14:26 - Feasting Before the Lord")). Song, similarly, was an integral part of daily life, accompanying work, worship, and revelry. The cessation of these activities, or their transformation into bitterness, would have been immediately understood by Isaiah's audience as an unequivocal sign of profound distress, divine judgment, and the absence of God's favor. The universal scope of the judgment described in [Isaiah 24](/isaiah/24 "Isaiah 24 - The Lord's Judgment on the Earth") suggests a prophetic vision extending beyond a specific historical event to a cosmic, final reckoning, where the consequences of human rebellion against God's universal moral order are fully realized.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 24:9 powerfully contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment and Desolation**, portraying the severe and comprehensive consequences of God's righteous wrath against a sinful world. The cessation of joy and the bitterness of pleasure are direct results of this divine intervention, underscoring the pervasive nature of the judgment described throughout [Isaiah 24](/isaiah/24 "Isaiah 24 - The Lord's Judgment on the Earth"). Secondly, it emphasizes the **Loss of Joy and Celebration**. Wine and song, universal symbols of merriment and festivity, become unavailable or unpalatable, signifying a profound and pervasive loss of joy and celebration, as also lamented in [Isaiah 24:7-8](/isaiah/24-7-8 "Isaiah 24:7-8 - Mourning for Wine and Mirth"). This indicates a deep spiritual and emotional distress gripping humanity. Thirdly, it illustrates the **Reversal of Pleasure**, where what was once a source of delight—wine and strong drink—becomes "bitter." This emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the judgment, turning even the most basic comforts and pleasures into sources of misery and revulsion, demonstrating the pervasive impact of sin and judgment on every aspect of human experience.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **wine (Hebrew, _yayin'_):** from an unused root meaning to effervesce; wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication; banqueting, wine, wine(-bibber). In this context, _yayin_ represents the customary beverage of celebration and joy. Its inability to be drunk with song signifies the complete absence of festivity and the profound reversal of pleasure into sorrow, highlighting the depth of the divine judgment.
* **song (Hebrew, _shîyr'_):** or feminine שִׁירָה; from שִׁיר; a song; abstractly, singing; musical(-ick), [idiom] sing(-er, -ing), song. _Shîyr_ denotes musical expression, inherently linked with celebration, worship, and communal joy. The declaration that wine will not be accompanied by "song" underscores the pervasive silence of mourning and lamentation that replaces former merriment, signaling a world stripped of its vibrancy.
* **bitter (Hebrew, _mârar'_):** a primitive root; properly, to trickle (see מַר); but used only as a denominative from מַר; to be (causatively, make) bitter (literally or figuratively); (be, be in, deal, have, make) bitter(-ly, -ness), be moved with choler, (be, have sorely, it) grieved(-eth), provoke, vex. _Mârar_ conveys not just a physical taste but also deep sorrow, grief, distress, and revulsion. The strong drink turning "bitter" symbolizes that sources of former pleasure will now bring only pain and sorrow, a tangible consequence of divine judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They shall not drink wine with a song":** This initial clause paints a vivid picture of utter desolation, where the customary association of wine with joyful singing and communal celebration is utterly broken. It signifies the complete cessation of merriment, feasting, and any form of shared joy. The absence of song indicates a profound silence, a world stripped of its former vibrancy and pleasure, replaced by pervasive mourning, lamentation, and the crushing weight of divine judgment.
* **"strong drink shall be bitter to them that drink it":** This second clause intensifies the theme of reversal and the comprehensive nature of the judgment. "Strong drink" (Hebrew _shêkâr_) refers to any intoxicating beverage, often more potent than wine. What was once consumed for pleasure, intoxication, or escape, now, under the weight of divine wrath, becomes repulsive and brings only bitterness. This signifies that even desperate attempts to find solace or temporary escape in former pleasures will be futile, as the very nature of these indulgences will be transformed into a source of revulsion and sorrow, a tangible manifestation of the curse upon the land and its inhabitants.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 24:9 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of pervasive desolation and severe judgment. **Symbolism** is central to the verse, with "wine" and "song" serving as powerful symbols of joy, celebration, and prosperity. Their explicit absence, or the transformation of wine into a bitter experience, symbolizes the complete cessation of human happiness and the pervasive, inescapable nature of divine judgment. The turning of strong drink "bitter" is a stark example of **Irony**, as what is typically consumed for pleasure, escape, and merriment now brings only revulsion, pain, and sorrow. This ironic reversal powerfully underscores the severity and comprehensive impact of the judgment, where even the very sources of human comfort are corrupted. Furthermore, the verse utilizes a clear form of **Parallelism**, where the first clause about wine and song being absent is echoed and intensified by the second clause regarding strong drink becoming bitter. This structural repetition reinforces the central message of pervasive loss and the turning of all former delights into sources of misery, creating a cumulative effect of despair and hopelessness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 24:9 serves as a profound theological statement on the devastating consequences of human sin and persistent rebellion against God's covenant. It underscores the immutable biblical principle that widespread and unrepentant disobedience inevitably leads to divine judgment, which impacts every facet of existence, extending even to the most basic human pleasures. The turning of wine and strong drink bitter is a powerful metaphor for the spiritual barrenness, despair, and revulsion that result when humanity rejects its Creator and His moral order. It highlights God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His unwavering commitment to justice, demonstrating that true joy, flourishing, and lasting satisfaction are inextricably linked to a right relationship with Him. When that foundational relationship is broken, all earthly sources of happiness become corrupted, unsatisfying, and ultimately lead to bitterness and sorrow.

* [Lamentations 5:15](/lamentations/5-15 "Lamentations 5:15 - The Joy of Our Heart Has Ceased")
* [Jeremiah 16:9](/jeremiah/16-9 "Jeremiah 16:9 - Cessation of Mirth and Joy in Judah")
* [Revelation 18:22-23](/rev/18-22-23 "Revelation 18:22-23 - The Fall of Babylon and the Silence of Mirth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 24:9 offers a sobering call to profound introspection, challenging us to critically examine the true sources of our joy and contentment. In a world often preoccupied with fleeting pleasures, temporary gratifications, and the pursuit of superficial happiness, this verse serves as a stark reminder that true and lasting joy cannot be found in earthly delights alone, for these can turn bitter and unsatisfying in times of distress or divine judgment. It compels us to consider the gravity of sin and its far-reaching consequences, not just for society at large but for our individual souls. Our ultimate hope, satisfaction, and enduring joy must be rooted in God, who is unchanging, eternally faithful, and whose mercies endure forever, rather than in the ephemeral comforts and transient pleasures of this fallen world. This passage profoundly encourages us to cultivate a deep spiritual discernment that prioritizes eternal realities over temporary experiences, fostering a joy that is resilient, unwavering, and independent of external circumstances, a joy that is profoundly grounded in our authentic relationship with the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I primarily seek my joy and satisfaction in life? Are these sources truly enduring, or are they susceptible to turning "bitter"?**
* **How does the prospect of divine judgment, as vividly depicted in this verse, shape my perspective on worldly pleasures, pursuits, and priorities?**
* **In what practical ways can I cultivate a joy that is deeply rooted in God, a joy that remains steadfast and resilient even when external circumstances become challenging or "bitter"?**

### FAQ
**Why are wine and song specifically mentioned as being affected by the judgment in Isaiah 24:9?**

Answer: Wine and song are deeply embedded in human culture as universal symbols of joy, celebration, prosperity, and communal festivity. In ancient Israel, wine was intrinsically associated with blessings, feasts, and the abundance of God's provision, while singing accompanied both daily life and religious worship, expressing a range of emotions from joy to lament. By stating that "they shall not drink wine with a song" and that "strong drink shall be bitter," Isaiah employs these potent and relatable symbols to convey the absolute, pervasive, and comprehensive nature of the divine judgment. It signifies that the very essence of human joy, merriment, and social cohesion will be stripped away, replaced by profound sorrow, desolation, and a crushing spiritual void. This is not merely an economic hardship or a physical deprivation but a profound spiritual and emotional emptiness, where even the most common sources of delight become sources of revulsion and misery. This cessation of joy is a direct and inescapable consequence of humanity's widespread rebellion against God and His covenant, as seen in the broader context of [Isaiah 24](/isaiah/24 "Isaiah 24 - The Earth Under Judgment").

**Is the judgment described in Isaiah 24:9 literal or symbolic?**

Answer: The "Little Apocalypse" in Isaiah 24-27, including verse 9, employs highly symbolic and apocalyptic language to describe a judgment that is both literal in its devastating effects and symbolic in its universal scope and intensity. While there may be historical parallels or partial fulfillments in past judgments on nations, the language points to an ultimate, eschatological judgment that transcends any single historical event, encompassing the entire earth. The "bitterness" of strong drink can be understood both literally (as the land is cursed, its produce fails, and actual beverages become unpalatable) and figuratively (as the spiritual and emotional state of those under judgment becomes one of deep despair, revulsion, and sorrow). Apocalyptic literature often blends literal descriptions with vivid symbolic imagery to convey profound theological truths about God's absolute sovereignty, the inevitable consequences of sin, and the ultimate triumph of His justice. This judgment is comprehensive, affecting both the physical environment and the spiritual well-being of humanity, leaving no aspect of life untouched by its bitter reality.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 24:9, with its stark depiction of joy turning to bitterness and celebration ceasing under the weight of divine judgment, finds its ultimate reversal and profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While humanity justly faces the bitterness of sin's consequences and the righteous wrath of God, Christ, the innocent Lamb of God, willingly drank the bitter cup of divine judgment on our behalf. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will" ([Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). This "cup" symbolized the full measure of divine judgment and suffering for human sin, a bitterness He alone could endure perfectly. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ transformed the bitterness of judgment into the immeasurable sweetness of salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life for all who believe. He is the true source of lasting joy, a joy that the world cannot give or take away, as He promised His disciples: "These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full" ([John 15:11](/john/15-11 "John 15:11 - Jesus' Joy Made Full")). The "new wine" of the Kingdom of God, which Jesus spoke of, signifies the new covenant established through His blood and the overflowing joy found in His presence ([Mark 2:22](/mark/2-22 "Mark 2:22 - New Wine in New Wineskins")). Ultimately, in the new heavens and new earth, there will be no more sorrow, bitterness, or the cessation of joy, but eternal celebration and an unending feast, as God Himself will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain ([Revelation 21:4](/rev/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears or Pain")). The silence of song and the bitterness of drink in Isaiah 24:9 are thus powerfully contrasted with the eternal rejoicing and the never-ending feast that await those redeemed by Christ, who has turned our mourning into dancing and our bitterness into everlasting joy.

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 5:22

Woe unto [them that are] mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:

Ecclesiastes 9:7

Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.

Amos 8:3

And the songs of the temple shall be howlings in that day, saith the Lord GOD: [there shall be] many dead bodies in every place; they shall cast [them] forth with silence.

Isaiah 5:20

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

Amos 6:5

That chant to the sound of the viol, [and] invent to themselves instruments of musick, like David;

Amos 6:7

Therefore now shall they go captive with the first that go captive, and the banquet of them that stretched themselves shall be removed.

Ephesians 5:18

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;