Isaiah 56:12
Isaiah 56:12 in Multiple Translations
“Come, let me get the wine, let us imbibe the strong drink, and tomorrow will be like today, only far better!”
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.
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.
Come, they say, I will get wine, and we will take strong drink in full measure; and tomorrow will be like today, full of pleasure.
“Come on,” they say, “I'll get some wine and let's get drunk! We'll do this today, and tomorrow we'll drink so much more!”
Come, I wil bring wine, and we wil fill our selues with strong drinke, and to morowe shalbe as this day, and much more abundant.
'Come ye, I take wine, And we drink, quaff strong drink, And as this day hath been to-morrow, Great — exceeding abundant!'
“Come,” they say, “I will get wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and tomorrow will be as today, great beyond measure.”
Come ye, say they , I will bring wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to-morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.
Come, let us take wine, and be filled with drunkenness: and it shall be as today, so also tomorrow, and much more.
They say to each other, ‘Come, let’s go and get some wine and other alcoholic/strong drinks, and let’s become drunk! And tomorrow we will enjoy drinking even more!’ ”
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 56:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 56:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֵתָ֥יוּ
אֶקְחָה
יַ֖יִן
וְ/נִסְבְּאָ֣ה
שֵׁכָ֑ר
וְ/הָיָ֤ה
כָ/זֶה֙
י֣וֹם
מָחָ֔ר
גָּד֖וֹל
יֶ֥תֶר
מְאֹֽד
אֵתָ֥יוּ
ʼâthâh
H857
to come
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
אֶקְחָה
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-1cs
יַ֖יִן
yayin
H3196
wine
N-ms
וְ/נִסְבְּאָ֣ה
çâbâʼ
H5433
to imbibe
Conj | V-Qal-1cp
שֵׁכָ֑ר
shêkâr
H7941
strong drink
N-ms
וְ/הָיָ֤ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
כָ/זֶה֙
zeh
H2088
this
Prep | Pron
י֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
N-ms
מָחָ֔ר
mâchâr
H4279
tomorrow
N-ms
גָּד֖וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Adj
יֶ֥תֶר
yether
H3499
remainder
N-ms
מְאֹֽד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 56:12
אֵתָ֥יוּ
ʼâthâh
H857
"to come"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To arrive or come to a place, it can also mean to bring something. It is used in the Bible to describe the coming of people, events, or things.
Definition: 1) to come, arrive 1a) (Qal) to come (of men, time, beasts, calamity) 1b) (Hiphil) to bring Aramaic equivalent: a.tah (אֲתָה "to come" H0858)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: (be-, things to) come (upon), bring. See also: Deuteronomy 33:2; Isaiah 41:5; Psalms 68:32.
אֶקְחָה
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-1cs
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
יַ֖יִן
yayin
H3196
"wine"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for wine, 'yayin', refers to fermented wine and its effects, including intoxication. It is often mentioned in the Bible in the context of banquets and feasts, such as in the book of Esther.
Definition: wine
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: banqueting, wine, wine(-bibber). See also: Genesis 9:21; Proverbs 20:1; Psalms 60:5.
וְ/נִסְבְּאָ֣ה
çâbâʼ
H5433
"to imbibe"
Conj | V-Qal-1cp
To be drunk, or a drunkard, is the meaning of this Hebrew word, used in the Bible to describe someone who overindulges in wine. It appears in descriptions of excessive drinking. The word is also used to describe a person who drinks too much.
Definition: 1) to drink heavily or largely, imbibe 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to imbibe
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: drunkard, fill self, Sabean, (wine-) bibber. See also: Proverbs 23:20; Isaiah 56:12; Proverbs 23:21.
שֵׁכָ֑ר
shêkâr
H7941
"strong drink"
N-ms
Shekar refers to strong drink or intoxicating liquor in the Bible. It is an intensely alcoholic beverage that can cause drunkenness, as seen in Proverbs 31:6.
Definition: strong drink, intoxicating drink, fermented or intoxicating liquor
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: strong drink, [phrase] drunkard, strong wine. See also: Leviticus 10:9; Proverbs 20:1; Psalms 69:13.
וְ/הָיָ֤ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כָ/זֶה֙
zeh
H2088
"this"
Prep | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
י֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
מָחָ֔ר
mâchâr
H4279
"tomorrow"
N-ms
This word means tomorrow or a future time. In the Bible, it is used to talk about what will happen next, like in Exodus 13:14 where it refers to the next day.
Definition: 1) tomorrow, in time to come, in the future 1a) tomorrow (as the day following the present day) 1b) in future time
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: time to come, tomorrow. See also: Genesis 30:33; Judges 19:9; Proverbs 3:28.
גָּד֖וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
יֶ֥תֶר
yether
H3499
"remainder"
N-ms
A cord or rope, also meaning excess or remainder, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of leftovers or abundant resources.
Definition: 1) remainder, excess, rest, remnant, excellence 1a) remainder, remnant 1b) remainder, rest, other part 1c) excess 1d) abundantly (adv) 1e) abundance, affluence 1f) superiority, excellency
Usage: Occurs in 95 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] abundant, cord, exceeding, excellancy(-ent), what they leave, that hath left, plentifully, remnant, residue, rest, string, with. See also: Genesis 49:3; 2 Kings 15:26; Psalms 11:2.
מְאֹֽד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
Study Notes — Isaiah 56:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 56:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 56:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 56:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 56:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 56:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 56:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 56:12
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 56:12
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 56:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 56:12
- Sermons on Isaiah 56:12
Context — Israel’s Sinful Leaders
10Israel’s watchmen are blind, they are all oblivious; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they are dreamers lying around, loving to slumber.
11Like ravenous dogs, they are never satisfied. They are shepherds with no discernment; they all turn to their own way, each one seeking his own gain:
12“Come, let me get the wine, let us imbibe the strong drink, and tomorrow will be like today, only far better!”
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 10:6 | He says to himself, “I will not be moved; from age to age I am free of distress.” |
| 2 | Proverbs 27:1 | Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. |
| 3 | Luke 12:19–20 | Then I will say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy. Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’ |
| 4 | Isaiah 5:22 | Woe to those who are heroes in drinking wine and champions in mixing beer, |
| 5 | 1 Corinthians 15:32 | If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus for human motives, what did I gain? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” |
| 6 | Hosea 4:11 | Promiscuity, wine, and new wine take away understanding. |
| 7 | Proverbs 23:35 | “They struck me, but I feel no pain! They beat me, but I did not know it! When can I wake up to search for another drink?” |
| 8 | Luke 12:45–46 | But suppose that servant says in his heart, ‘My master will be a long time in coming,’ and he begins to beat the menservants and maidservants, and to eat and drink and get drunk. The master of that servant will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not anticipate. Then he will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers. |
| 9 | Titus 1:7 | As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-absorbed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money. |
| 10 | Luke 21:34 | But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare. |
Isaiah 56:12 Summary
This verse is talking about people who are focused on having a good time and enjoying worldly pleasures, like drinking wine and strong drink. They think that if they just keep doing what they're doing, tomorrow will be even better than today, but this is a misguided way of thinking, as warned in Proverbs 23:20-21. In reality, true fulfillment and joy come from seeking a relationship with God, as in John 10:10, and living a life that honors Him, as in Colossians 3:17. By prioritizing our relationship with God, we can find true satisfaction and purpose, as in Jeremiah 29:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue with the people in this verse?
The main issue is their focus on temporal pleasures, like wine and strong drink, rather than seeking spiritual fulfillment, as seen in Isaiah 56:12, and this is a result of the lack of discernment and self-centeredness of their leaders, as mentioned in Isaiah 56:10-11, similar to the warnings in Proverbs 23:20-21.
Is this verse promoting the use of alcohol?
No, this verse is not promoting the use of alcohol, but rather highlighting the people's misguided priorities and lack of self-control, which is also warned against in Ephesians 5:18 and 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.
What does 'tomorrow will be like today, only far better' mean?
This phrase suggests that the people are living for the moment, seeking instant gratification, and expecting that their future will be an extension of their current sinful habits, rather than seeking a better future through repentance and faith, as encouraged in Jeremiah 29:11 and Matthew 6:33-34.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible?
This verse is part of a larger theme in the Bible that warns against the dangers of drunkenness and the importance of living a sober and godly life, as seen in Isaiah 5:11-12, Proverbs 20:1, and 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I prioritize temporal pleasures over spiritual growth, and how can I adjust my priorities to seek a deeper relationship with God?
- How do I respond to difficult circumstances, and do I seek comfort in worldly things or in God's presence, as in Psalm 46:1-3?
- What are some areas in my life where I am seeking instant gratification, and how can I cultivate patience and trust in God's plan, as in Romans 8:25?
- How can I be more mindful of the example I set for others, and seek to live a life that honors God, as in Matthew 5:16?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 56:12
Come ye, say they,.... Either to their fellow bishops and priests, when got together, jovially carousing; or to the common people, encouraging them in luxury and intemperance: I will fetch wine; out
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 56:12
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 56:12
Say they, unto their brethren, by office and in iniquity; unto their fellow priests, or other jolly companions. We will fill ourselves; we will drink not only to delight, but even to drunkenness, as the word signifies, , and elsewhere. To-morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant; which showeth their dreadful security and contempt of God, and of his judgments, and their total and resolved abandoning of all care of their own or people’ s souls.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 56:12
Isaiah 56:12 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.Ver. 12. Come ye.] The wicked have their "come ye," as well as the godly. I will fetch wine.] A pastor should be no winebibber or ale-stake. Ebrietas in se culpas complectitur omnes. Drunkenness is a soul fault in any man, saith Petrus Ravenas, but in a minister it is a sacrilege, especially if he draw on others to it, as here, and as the Popish priests do at Paris and Lovain, where the best wine is called vinum theologicum, the wine of theologians, and they used to lengthen out their drunken compotations. And tomorrow shall be as this day.] Words of profane secureness and dissoluteness. See Isaiah 22:13 Proverbs 23:35.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 56:12
(12) Come ye, say they . . .—The words in italics are necessary to complete the sense; but their absence from the Hebrew is noticeable, and noteworthy as an example of the prophet’s bold use of a dramatic form. He represents the false prophet as giving a feast to his friends, and promising a yet more splendid banquet on the morrow. Here again we note continuity of character (Isaiah 22:13). Comp. Luke 12:19, which reads almost like an echo of this passage. (Comp. the dramatic form of Isa 28:9-10.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 56:12
Verse 12. I will fetch wine - "Let us provide wine"] For אקחה ekchah, first person singular, an ancient MS. has נקחה nikchah, first person plural; and another ancient MS. has אק ak upon a rasure. So the Syriac, Chaldee, and Vulgate render it. The spirit of this epicurean sentiment is this: Let us indulge ourselves in the present time to the utmost, and instead of any gloomy forebodings of the future, let us expect nothing but increasing hilarity for every day we shall live. Thus they, "Counting on long years of pleasure here, Are quite unfurnished for the world to come."
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 56:12
12. As an illustration of their highest idea of enjoyment, one of these watchmen is introduced inviting his fellows to a prolonged carousal. Cf. ch. Isaiah 5:11 f., 22, Isaiah 28:1; Isaiah 28:7 f.; Micah 2:11. we will fill ourselves &c.] a coarse bacchanalian expression: “we will swill strong drink.” and much more abundant] Rather, as R.V. (a day) great beyond measure!
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 56:12
Come ye, say they - (compare the notes at Isaiah 22:13). That is, one says to another, ‘I will fetch wine;’ or as we would say, ‘I will take another glass.’ The object is to describe a drinking-bout,
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 56:12
12. Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine — The canine figure is dropped, but the same sensual character in the religious teachers is kept up. Drunkenness is now the vice charged. Strong drink — On this, see note on Isaiah 5:11.
Sermons on Isaiah 56:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
What Do You Do With Your Future by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher uses various metaphors to describe the fleeting nature of life. He compares life to a mess on a hillside, grass in a valley, the flight of a bird, and |
|
The Discipline of Defeat by Denis Lyle | Denis Lyle preaches on 'The Discipline of Defeat' using the story of Achan's sin in the Bible to illustrate how even the smallest sin can have significant consequences, affecting n |
|
The Communion of the Saints by Paris Reidhead | Paris Reidhead preaches on 'The Communion of the Saints' based on 2 Corinthians 13:14, emphasizing the contrast between the communion of sinners and the communion of saints. He del |
|
Choices for Life - Tim Wiesner Talks With Jim Cymbala - Part 2 by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, Pastor Jim Symbola of the Brooklyn Tabernacle emphasizes the importance of preaching the gospel in a time when people are realizing the uncertainty of tomorrow. He |
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God's Bloodhound by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the speaker discusses their plan to distribute 50 sets of 70-hour tapes throughout America to help train young preachers. They express gratitude for the person fina |
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(Education for Exultation) if the Lord Wills by John Piper | In this sermon, Pastor John Piper focuses on James 4:13-16 and the importance of humbling ourselves under the sovereignty of God. He addresses the issue of making plans without con |
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Hell by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher describes the death of a soul who did not heed the warning of the trumpet. The sermon references the book of Ecclesiastes, specifically chapter 8 verse |