Isaiah 51:21 - Therefore now hear this, you afflicted, and drunken, but not with wine:
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What does "Isaiah 51:21" mean?
Isaiah 51:21 is a complex verse that requires understanding the context of the entire chapter. Let's break it down phrase by phrase:
"Therefore now hear this...": This is a transitional phrase. "Therefore" connects the verse to the preceding verses, indicating that what follows is a consequence or response to what was just said. Isaiah has been speaking of God's power, promises of restoration to Zion (Jerusalem), and comfort for His people.
"...you afflicted...": This refers to the people of Zion or Judah who are suffering greatly. They have experienced defeat, exile, loss, and are in a state of deep distress.
"...and drunken, but not with wine:": This is the key phrase and the most figurative. It means that the people are in a state of mental and emotional disorientation similar to drunkenness, but caused by something other than alcohol. Here's a breakdown of interpretations:
Disorientation due to suffering: The most common interpretation is that the "drunkenness" symbolizes the overwhelming effects of their affliction and God's wrath. Their suffering has left them confused, dazed, staggering under the weight of their troubles, unable to think clearly, and possibly prone to poor decisions. It is not a literal state of intoxication, but a metaphorical one representing the disorienting effects of extreme hardship and shock.
Overwhelmed by God's wrath: Some scholars suggest that the "drunkenness" refers to the people being "drunk" with the cup of God's wrath. This ties into imagery used elsewhere in the Old Testament (e.g., Jeremiah 25:15-29, Ezekiel 23:31-34), where God's anger is portrayed as a potent drink that causes staggering and confusion.
Loss of understanding: The "drunkenness" could signify a loss of understanding of God's plan and purpose. Affliction has clouded their judgment, and they no longer comprehend what's happening or why.
In essence, the verse is telling the suffering people of Zion to listen up. Despite their deep distress and disorientation (metaphorically likened to drunkenness caused by their afflictions or God's wrath), God is about to speak, and they need to pay attention. There is hope and a message for them even in their confused and devastated state.
The "therefore" is crucial because it means the following verses will offer a solution to the problem mentioned in Isaiah 51:21. The subsequent verses promise an end to their suffering, God's protection, and the transfer of their torment to their oppressors.
Isaiah 51:21 - Therefore now hear this, you afflicted, and drunken, but not with wine:
What does "Isaiah 51:21" mean?
Isaiah 51:21 is a complex verse that requires understanding the context of the entire chapter. Let's break it down phrase by phrase:
"Therefore now hear this...": This is a transitional phrase. "Therefore" connects the verse to the preceding verses, indicating that what follows is a consequence or response to what was just said. Isaiah has been speaking of God's power, promises of restoration to Zion (Jerusalem), and comfort for His people.
"...you afflicted...": This refers to the people of Zion or Judah who are suffering greatly. They have experienced defeat, exile, loss, and are in a state of deep distress.
"...and drunken, but not with wine:": This is the key phrase and the most figurative. It means that the people are in a state of mental and emotional disorientation similar to drunkenness, but caused by something other than alcohol. Here's a breakdown of interpretations:
Disorientation due to suffering: The most common interpretation is that the "drunkenness" symbolizes the overwhelming effects of their affliction and God's wrath. Their suffering has left them confused, dazed, staggering under the weight of their troubles, unable to think clearly, and possibly prone to poor decisions. It is not a literal state of intoxication, but a metaphorical one representing the disorienting effects of extreme hardship and shock.
Overwhelmed by God's wrath: Some scholars suggest that the "drunkenness" refers to the people being "drunk" with the cup of God's wrath. This ties into imagery used elsewhere in the Old Testament (e.g., Jeremiah 25:15-29, Ezekiel 23:31-34), where God's anger is portrayed as a potent drink that causes staggering and confusion.
Loss of understanding: The "drunkenness" could signify a loss of understanding of God's plan and purpose. Affliction has clouded their judgment, and they no longer comprehend what's happening or why.
In essence, the verse is telling the suffering people of Zion to listen up. Despite their deep distress and disorientation (metaphorically likened to drunkenness caused by their afflictions or God's wrath), God is about to speak, and they need to pay attention. There is hope and a message for them even in their confused and devastated state.
The "therefore" is crucial because it means the following verses will offer a solution to the problem mentioned in Isaiah 51:21. The subsequent verses promise an end to their suffering, God's protection, and the transfer of their torment to their oppressors.