Isaiah 56:12

KJV

Come ye, [say they], I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, [and] much more abundant.

KJV (with Strong's)

Come {H857} ye, say they, I will fetch {H3947} wine {H3196}, and we will fill {H5433} ourselves with strong drink {H7941}; and to morrow {H4279} shall be as this day {H3117}, and much {H3966} more {H3499} abundant {H1419}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Come, I'll get some wine, we'll fill up on good, strong liquor! Tomorrow will be like today; in fact, it will be even better!"

Berean Standard Bible

“Come, let me get the wine, let us imbibe the strong drink, and tomorrow will be like today, only far better!”

American Standard Version

Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to-morrow shall be as this day, a day great beyond measure.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 56:12 serves as a chilling indictment of the moral depravity and spiritual negligence of unfaithful leaders in ancient Israel, likely the "watchmen" and "shepherds" condemned in the preceding verses. Their self-serving declaration, "Come ye, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant," reveals a profound abandonment of their divine responsibilities, characterized by hedonistic indulgence and a dangerous presumption that their revelry and ease will continue unchecked, oblivious to impending divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse functions as a stark and chilling climax to Isaiah's indictment of Israel's corrupt leadership, immediately following his scathing critique in [Isaiah 56:9-11](/isaiah/56-9-11 "Isaiah 56:9-11 - Israel's Blind Watchmen"). Prior to this condemnation, the prophet delivers glorious promises of inclusion and blessing for all who embrace God's covenant and uphold righteousness, declaring that God's house "shall be called an house of prayer for all people" ([Isaiah 56:7](/isaiah/56-7 "Isaiah 56:7 - God's House for All Nations")). The abrupt shift from universal salvation to the internal rot of the nation's spiritual guides underscores the profound hypocrisy and danger posed by those entrusted with God's flock. The leaders' words in verse 12 are a direct, self-incriminating confession, revealing the depths of their spiritual blindness and moral decay, standing in stark contrast to the divine call for justice and righteousness that pervades the entire book of [Isaiah](/isaiah/1 "The Book of Isaiah").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, "watchmen" and "shepherds" were vital societal roles, often used metaphorically for spiritual and political leaders. Watchmen were responsible for guarding the city, alerting its inhabitants to danger, while shepherds protected and guided their flocks. This verse reflects a period where these roles, particularly among religious and civic authorities, were severely compromised. Drunkenness was a significant social problem, often associated with moral decline and a lack of self-control, particularly condemned in leadership, as seen in [Proverbs 20:1](/proverbs/20-1 "Proverbs 20:1 - Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging"). The cultural expectation was for leaders to embody wisdom, sobriety, and justice, yet these individuals embraced the opposite, reflecting a broader societal decay that Isaiah frequently laments. Their presumption about "tomorrow" also speaks to a cultural context where immediate gratification often overshadowed long-term consequences or divine accountability, a common theme in prophetic literature.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 56:12 encapsulates several critical themes woven throughout Isaiah's prophecy and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights **Spiritual Negligence and Abdication of Duty**, as leaders prioritize personal indulgence over the solemn responsibilities of their office. Their pursuit of "wine" and "strong drink" signifies a profound spiritual dullness and a failure to discern or address the spiritual needs of the people, echoing similar condemnations of corrupt leadership found in [Ezekiel 34](/ezekiel/34 "Ezekiel 34 - The Shepherds of Israel"). Secondly, the verse powerfully illustrates **False Security and Presumption**, as the leaders arrogantly declare that "to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant." This mindset reveals a dangerous disregard for divine judgment and a complete lack of humble reliance on God's sovereignty, a theme often contrasted with the biblical call for wisdom and foresight, as in [Proverbs 27:1](/proverbs/27-1 "Proverbs 27:1 - Do not boast about tomorrow"). Finally, it functions as a potent **Prophetic Indictment and Warning**, exposing the inner corruption of those meant to guide the nation. This serves as a stark warning against the societal and spiritual ruin that inevitably follows when those in authority succumb to self-interest and moral decay, a message consistent with Isaiah's broader calls for repentance and justice throughout his prophetic ministry.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wine (Hebrew, _yayin'_):** From an unused root meaning to effervesce, this term refers to fermented grape juice, often associated with feasting and celebration, but also frequently condemned in scripture when leading to excess or intoxication. Here, its mention alongside "strong drink" and the desire to "fill ourselves" clearly points to its use in a context of immoderate consumption and self-indulgence, highlighting the leaders' pursuit of carnal pleasure and intoxication.
* **Fill ourselves (Hebrew, _çâbâʼ'_):** A primitive root meaning to quaff to satiety, or to become tipsy, this verb conveys the idea of drinking to the point of being thoroughly saturated or drunk. The use of this word emphasizes the deliberate and unrestrained nature of their indulgence, indicating a desire not merely for a drink, but for complete inebriation and a loss of self-control, reflecting a profound moral decay.
* **Abundant (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** From the root meaning "great," this word here modifies "much more," conveying an intensification of their current state. It reflects the leaders' presumptuous belief that their current level of revelry and ease will not only continue but will increase exponentially. This signifies a profound arrogance and a complete disregard for the possibility of divine intervention or judgment, projecting an unbounded future of self-gratification.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Come ye, [say they], I will fetch wine":** This opening phrase represents an invitation, a call to fellow leaders or companions to join in their debauchery. The "say they" indicates that these are the direct words of the corrupt watchmen/shepherds, revealing their inner thoughts and priorities. The act of "fetching wine" signifies an active pursuit of indulgence, showing a deliberate choice to engage in excessive drinking rather than fulfilling their duties.
* **"and we will fill ourselves with strong drink":** This clause intensifies the previous one, moving beyond mere wine to "strong drink" (Hebrew: _shêkâr_), which implies a more potent, intoxicating beverage. The phrase "fill ourselves" (Hebrew: _çâbâʼ_) underscores their intention to become completely intoxicated, highlighting their unrestrained pursuit of pleasure and their utter abandonment of sobriety and responsibility.
* **"and to morrow shall be as this day, [and] much more abundant":** This final, chilling declaration reveals the leaders' profound spiritual blindness and dangerous presumption. They believe that their current state of indulgence and ease will not only persist but will increase, demonstrating a complete lack of foresight, a disregard for divine judgment, and a hubristic confidence in an unchecked future of self-gratification. It signifies their utter detachment from reality and their dismissal of any potential consequences for their actions.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 56:12 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message of condemnation. The most prominent is **Irony**, as those who are supposed to be "watchmen" (vigilant guardians) are instead depicted as "blind" and "drunk," completely oblivious to the dangers facing the flock they are meant to protect. Their self-invitation to excess stands in stark contrast to their sacred duties. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "much more abundant," which exaggerates their expectation of future indulgence, underscoring their boundless presumption and self-delusion. The entire verse functions as a form of **Direct Discourse**, allowing the corrupt leaders to condemn themselves through their own words, making their depravity undeniable. Furthermore, the imagery of "wine" and "strong drink" serves as **Symbolism** for spiritual intoxication and moral decay, representing their abandonment of spiritual discernment and their surrender to carnal desires.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the spiritual consequences of leadership corrupted by self-indulgence and a lack of accountability. The leaders' pursuit of immediate gratification and their arrogant presumption about the future stand in direct opposition to the divine call for righteousness, justice, and responsible stewardship. Their actions reveal a fundamental misunderstanding of their role as God's representatives, who are meant to shepherd His people with wisdom and sobriety, not to exploit or neglect them for personal pleasure. The theological implication is clear: unchecked hedonism, especially among those in authority, leads to spiritual blindness, societal decay, and ultimately, divine judgment. This passage serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of spiritual complacency and the deceptive allure of worldly pleasures, especially when they distract from God-given responsibilities.

* [Proverbs 23:20-21](/proverbs/23-20-21 "Proverbs 23:20-21 - Do Not Be With Winebibbers")
* [Luke 12:19-20](/luke/12-19-20 "Luke 12:19-20 - The Parable of the Rich Fool")
* [1 Peter 5:2-3](/1_peter/5-2-3 "1 Peter 5:2-3 - Shepherd the Flock of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 56:12, though a specific indictment of ancient leaders, holds profound and timeless lessons for every individual, particularly those in positions of influence within families, communities, or the church. It challenges us to honestly examine our priorities: are we consumed by immediate desires and personal comfort, or are we diligently fulfilling our God-given responsibilities with integrity and foresight? The "wine" and "strong drink" can symbolize any form of excess or distraction that dulls our spiritual senses and leads us away from our duties—be it material possessions, entertainment, or even an unhealthy pursuit of power. The leaders' fatal presumption about "tomorrow" serves as a sobering reminder that life is uncertain, and we are called to live with a humble awareness of God's sovereignty, recognizing that our time and resources are a stewardship. This verse implores us to cultivate spiritual vigilance, sobriety, and a deep commitment to serving others, lest we, like these ancient watchmen, become blind to the true needs around us and unprepared for the future God has ordained.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "strong drink" or distractions in my life might be dulling my spiritual senses or hindering my responsibilities?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be presuming upon the future, rather than living with humble dependence on God's will?**
* **If I am in a leadership position (in my family, church, or community), how does this verse challenge me to lead with greater sobriety, vigilance, and selflessness?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of urgency and accountability in fulfilling my spiritual duties, rather than succumbing to complacency?**

### FAQ
**Who are "they" who say these words in Isaiah 56:12?**

Answer: While not explicitly named in this verse, the preceding verses (specifically [Isaiah 56:9-11](/isaiah/56-9-11 "Isaiah 56:9-11 - Israel's Blind Watchmen")) clearly identify them as the unfaithful "watchmen" and "shepherds" of Israel. These were the spiritual and civic leaders entrusted with guiding and protecting God's people. Isaiah describes them as "blind," "ignorant," "dumb dogs" who cannot bark, and "greedy dogs which can never have enough." Thus, "they" are the corrupt, self-serving authorities who have abandoned their sacred duties for personal indulgence and gain.

**What is the significance of "strong drink" (shêkâr) compared to "wine" (yayin) in this context?**

Answer: In biblical times, "wine" (Hebrew: _yayin_) was a common beverage, but "strong drink" (Hebrew: _shêkâr_) referred to a more potent intoxicating liquor, often made from grains or fruits other than grapes, such as barley, dates, or honey. The inclusion of both terms in [Isaiah 56:12](/isaiah/56-12 "Isaiah 56:12 - The Self-Indulgent Leaders") emphasizes the leaders' deliberate pursuit of extreme intoxication. It signifies a desire not just for casual drinking, but for deep inebriation and a complete surrender to carnal pleasure, highlighting the extent of their moral and spiritual degradation and their utter disregard for the sobriety expected of those in authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 56:12, with its stark portrayal of failed, self-indulgent leadership, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament watchmen were blind and the shepherds greedy, Jesus declares Himself the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd"), who lays down His life for the sheep, a stark contrast to those who "fill themselves with strong drink." He is the one who did not come to be served, but [to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve"). Unlike the presumptuous leaders who boasted of an abundant tomorrow of self-indulgence, Christ humbly submitted to the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross, knowing that His true abundance would come through resurrection and eternal life, as seen in [Philippians 2:8-9](/philippians/2-8-9 "Philippians 2:8-9 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation"). He is the vigilant Watchman who never slumbers nor sleeps ([Psalm 121:4](/psalm/121-4 "Psalm 121:4 - The Lord is your keeper")), always interceding for His people ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Our Intercessor")). The self-centeredness and spiritual blindness of the leaders in Isaiah 56:12 underscore humanity's desperate need for a perfect, selfless leader, a need fully met in Jesus, who is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and the [true light that enlightens everyone](/john/1-9 "John 1:9 - The True Light"). His life, sacrifice, and resurrection provide the only true "abundance"—not of fleeting pleasure, but of eternal life and spiritual sobriety for all who follow Him.

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

Psalms 10:6

He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for [I shall] never [be] in adversity.

Luke 12:19

And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, [and] be merry.

Luke 12:20

But God said unto him, [Thou] fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

Isaiah 5:22

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

Proverbs 27:1

¶ Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

Hosea 4:11

Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart.

Proverbs 23:35

They have stricken me, [shalt thou say, and] I was not sick; they have beaten me, [and] I felt [it] not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.