Isaiah 24:9 — Word Study
WLCבַּשִּׁ֖יר לֹ֣א יִשְׁתּוּ־ יָ֑יִן יֵמַ֥ר שֵׁכָ֖ר לְשֹׁתָֽיו׃
BSAThey nolôʼ longer singshîyr [will not, do not, with a song, in musical expression] and drinkshâthâh▸ [consume, feast on] wineyayin [fermented wine, intoxicating beverage] strong drinkshêkâr [intoxicating liquor] is bittermârar▸ [provoke, intensely unpleasant] to those who consume itshâthâh [that, the ones, drink, feast on]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| בַּשִּׁ֖יר | with song | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| לֹ֣א | not | Particle |
| יִשְׁתּוּ־ | people will drink | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine plural |
| יָ֑יִן | wine | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| יֵמַ֥ר | it will be bitter | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine singular |
| שֵׁכָ֖ר | strong drink | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| לְשֹׁתָֽיו׃ | to [those who] drink it | Preposition, verb qal participle (active) masculine plural common, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | They no longer sing and drink wine; strong drink is bitter to those who consume it. |
| KJV | They shall not drink wine with a song; strong drink shall be bitter to them that drink it. |
| ASV | They shall not drink wine with a song; strong drink shall be bitter to them that drink it. |
| YLT | With a song they drink not wine, Bitter is strong drink to those drinking it. |
| WEB | They will not drink wine with a song. Strong drink will be bitter to those who drink it. |
| BBE | There is no more drinking of wine with a song; strong drink will be bitter to those who take it. |
Where they part company is בַּשִּׁ֖יר — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence comprises two main clauses, with additional phrases providing context and detail about the actions described.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectשֵׁכָר
verbשָׁתָה
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Isaiah 24:9
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Consequences of Judgmentgenerated
Isaiah 24:9 reflects a somber reality where joy has fled, and the people no longer engage in singing or drinking wine. This verse is part of a larger passage that describes the devastation that comes from divine judgment, as seen in the preceding and following verses. The imagery of silence and bitterness underscores the profound loss experienced by the community, reminiscent of other passages that highlight the consequences of turning away from God.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 5:11–12 | Woe to those who rise early in the morning in pursuit of strong drink, who linger into the evening, to be inflamed by wine. |
| 2 | Psalm 69:12 | Those who sit at the gate mock me, and I am the song of drunkards. |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 9:7 | Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already approved your works: |
| 4 | Amos 6:5–7 | You improvise songs on the harp like David and invent your own musical instruments. |
| 5 | Amos 8:3–10 | “In that day,” declares the Lord GOD, “the songs of the temple will turn to wailing. Many will be the corpses, strewn in silence everywhere!” |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 7 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — שֵׁכָ֖ר, she.Khargenerated
The word שֵׁכָ֖ר (shekar) refers to strong drink or intoxicating liquor. It is derived from a root meaning to be drunk, indicating a beverage with a high alcoholic content that can lead to drunkenness. This word appears in contexts discussing the effects of alcohol, often highlighting its potential for causing distress or negative consequences.
In this verse, שֵׁכָ֖ר is contrasted with the joyful activities of singing and drinking wine, emphasizing that even strong drink has become bitter for those who consume it. The use of this term here serves to illustrate the depth of despair and the absence of joy in the community.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb is יִשְׁתּוּ, they will drink, governing the object יָ֑יִן, wine. The sentence structure is straightforward, with a negation preceding the main action, indicating what the people will not do. The Hebrew word order places emphasis on the negation and the actions that follow.
The phrase שֵׁכָ֖ר serves as the subject of the second clause, with the verb יֵמַ֥ר indicating that it is bitter. This structure highlights the contrast between the expected enjoyment of strong drink and the current state of bitterness.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates שֵׁכָ֖ר as ἔκχυσιν, which means 'poured out' or 'spilled.' This choice reflects a broader interpretation, suggesting that the drink is not only strong but also wasted or rendered useless in the context of the people's despair.
This rendering indicates a shift from the Hebrew focus on the drink itself to the consequences of its consumption, emphasizing the loss and futility experienced by those who would normally partake.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Isaiah 24:9 describes a time when people have stopped singing and drinking wine, and even strong drink has become unpleasant for those who partake. This reflects a deep sense of loss and despair in the community, as joy has been replaced by bitterness.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
This indicates that what once brought joy and celebration has now turned sour, reflecting the desolation and judgment faced by the people.
The cessation of singing symbolizes the loss of joy and hope in the face of calamity and divine judgment.
This verse emphasizes the consequences of turning away from God, leading to a loss of joy and community.
We can reflect on the importance of joy and celebration in our lives and recognize the impact of spiritual desolation.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways have I experienced joy turning into bitterness in my life?
- How can I cultivate a spirit of joy and celebration, even in difficult times?
- What are some ways I can support others who may be feeling desolate or lost?
- How does understanding the context of this verse help me appreciate its message?
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Isaiah 24:9 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThey shall not drink wine with a song,.... They that have wine to drink shall not drink it with that pleasure they have heretofore done; nor shall their drinking be attended with merry songs, such as
Read John Gill on Isaiah 24 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThey shall not drink wine with a song; strong drink shall be bitter to them that drink it. They shall not drink wine with a song - the usual accompaniment of feasts. Strong drink (note, Isaiah 5:11) - Shecar.
Read Robert Jamieson on Isaiah 24 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleBecause of the fears and miseries wherewith it is mixed.
Read Matthew Poole on Isaiah 24 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsIsaiah 24:9 They shall not drink wine with a song; strong drink shall be bitter to them that drink it.Ver. 9. They shall not drink wine with a song.] Revel it as they had wont to do: non convivabuntur pergraecando. We use to call such merry griggs - that is, Greeks.
Read John Trapp on Isaiah 24 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(9) They shall not drink wine with a song . . .—Literally, in their song they drink no wine; i.e., the music of the feasts (Amos 6:5) should cease, and if they sang at all it should be a chant of lamentation (Amos 8:10). The very appetite for “strong drink” (probably the palm-wine of the East) should pass away, and it would be bitter as the wine of gall (Deuteronomy 32:33).
Read Charles John Ellicott on Isaiah 24 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 9. Strong drink - "Palm wine"] This is the proper meaning of the word shechar, σικερα. See Clarke on Isaiah 5:11. All enjoyment shall cease: the sweetest wine shall become bitter to their taste.
Read AdamClarke on Isaiah 24 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bibledrink wine with a song - That is, accompanied with a song, as the usual mode was in their feasts. Strong drink - On the word שׁכר shêkār see the note at Isaiah 5:11.
Read Albert Barnes on Isaiah 24 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible7-9. New wine mourneth — Isaiah 5:11. Sensuality is personified to intensify the felt sense of misery. Exhilaration fails; charms of music are quenched; there is gall to the taste; amusement mocks.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Isaiah 24 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
They no longer sing and drink wine; strong drink is bitter to those who consume it.
They will not drink wine with a song. Strong drink will be bitter to those who drink it.
They no longer sing and drink wine; strong drink is bitter to those who consume it.
They no longer sing and drink wine; the beer tastes bitter to those who drink it.
Tyndale line
They shall not drink wine with a song; strong drink shall be bitter to them that drink it.
They shall not drink wine with a song; strong drink shall be bitter to them that drink it.
They shall not drink wine with a song; strong drink shall be bitter to them that drink it.
They shall not drink wine with a song; strong drink shall be bitter to them that drink it.
They shall not drinke wine with mirth: strong drinke shall be bitter to them that drinke it.
Strictly literal
They do not drink wine with a song; strong drink is bitter to them that drink it.
With a song they drink not wine, Bitter is strong drink to those drinking it.
They do not drink wine with a song, || Strong drink is bitter to those drinking it.
Amidst singing shall they no [more] drink wine; bitter shall be the strong drink to those that drink it.
They no longer drink wine and sing, and the beer is bitter to those who drink it.
From the Latin
They shall not drink wine with a song: the drink shall be bitter to them that drink it.
Simplified
People don't sing any more as they drink wine, and the beer tastes bitter.
There is no more drinking of wine with a song; strong drink will be bitter to those who take it.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text is supported by the Dead Sea Scrolls, which preserve similar wording, affirming the integrity of the verse. The Septuagint, while differing in translation, captures the essence of the original text, showing a consistent theme of loss and bitterness.
בַּשִּׁ֖יר לֹ֣א יִשְׁתּוּ־ יָ֑יִן יֵמַ֥ר שֵׁכָ֖ר לְשֹׁתָֽיו׃
4 of the 7 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
בשיר לוא ישתו יין וימר שכר לשותי׳ו
7 words on the leather.
בשיר לוא ישתו יין ימר שכר לשותי׳הו
4 words on the leather — 3 partly restored.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Isaiah 24:9
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
שִׁיר (shir) and שִׁירָה (shiyrah) both mean 'song' in Hebrew, covering various types of songs, including lyrical and religious ones. The entries indicate that shir is a masculine noun while shiyrah is feminine. The word is linked to the act of singing and is associated with Levitical choirs.
שִׁיר 77 n.m. song
base
שִׁירָה n.f. song
base
H7892a שִׁיר song H7892b שִׁירָה song
7892 shiyr sheer
or feminine shiyrah {shee-raw'}; from 7891; a song;
abstractly, singing:--musical(-ick), X sing(-er, -ing), song.
see HEBREW for 07891
שִׁיר (shir) — song.
1) song
1a) lyric song
1b) religious song
1c) song of Levitical choirs
Also means: shi.rah (שִׁירָה "song" H7892B)
שִׁירָה (shi.rah) — song.
1) song
1a) song, ode
Prep | N-cs — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHRd/Ncmsa
(shir, shirah): Besides the great collection of sacred songs contained in the Psalter, as well as the lyric outbursts, marked by strong religious feeling, on great national occasions, it is natural to believe, and we have evidence to show, that the Hebrews possessed a large number of popular songs of a secular kind. So of Songs (which see) of itself proves this. Probably the very oldest song or fragment of song in the Old Testament is that "To the well" (Nu 21:17). W. R. Smith (Religions of the Semites, 167) regards this invocation of the waters to rise as in its origin hardly a mere poetic figure. He compares what Cazwini 1, 189, records of the well of Ilabistan: "When the water failed, a feast was held at its source with music and dancing, to induce it to flow again." If, however, the song had its origin in an early form of…
לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'
לֹא or לוֹא adv. not
base
H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not
3808 lo' lo
or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often
used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,
ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,
no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out
of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +
of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.
לֹא (lo) — not.
1) not, no
1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition)
1b) not (with modifier-negation)
1c) nothing (subst)
1d) without (with particle)
1e) before (of time)
Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Part — ParticleHTn
שָׁתָה (shathah) means 'to drink' and can refer to both literal drinking and figurative uses, such as feasting or experiencing God's wrath. It is a primitive root that appears in various forms, including Qal and Niphal, indicating actions like drinking and being drunk. The lexicons note its connection to the Aramaic equivalent שְׁתָה (she.tah), but do not present significant disagreements.
שָׁתָה 217 vb. drink
Qal 216
Niph. all which is (may be) drunk
base
H8354 שָׁתָה drink
8354 shathah shaw-thaw'
a primitive root; to imbibe (literally or figuratively):--X
assuredly, banquet, X certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk
(X -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of 8248.)
see HEBREW for 08248
שָׁתָה (sha.tah) — to drink.
1) to drink
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to drink
1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig)
1a2) to feast
1b) (Niphal) to be drunk
Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine pluralHVqi3mp
See FOOD; DRINK, STRONG.
Drink
The drinks of the Hebrews were water, wine, “strong drink,” and vinegar. Their drinking vessels were the cup, goblet or “basin,” the “cruse” or pitcher, and the saucer.
To drink water by measure (Ezek. 4:11), and to buy water to drink (Lam. 5:4), denote great scarcity. To drink blood means to be satiated with slaughter.
The Jews carefully strained their drinks through a sieve, through fear of violating the law of Lev. 11:20, 23, 41, 42. (See Matt. 23:24. “Strain at” should be “strain out.”)
→ INTOXICATING
See ABSTINENCE, TOTAL
→ See DRUNKARD
→ See DRUNKENNESS
→ See WINE
יַ֫יִן (yayin) means 'wine' and is associated with fermentation and intoxication. It appears in various contexts, including banqueting. The word is derived from an unused root that suggests the idea of effervescence.
יַ֫יִן 141 n.m. wine
base
H3196 יַ֫יִן wine
3196 yayin yah'-yin
from an unused root meaning to effervesce; wine (as
fermented); by implication, intoxication:--banqueting, wine,
wine(-bibber).
יַ֫יִן (ya.yin) — wine.
wine
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
Wine
The common Hebrew word for wine is yayin, from a root meaning “to boil up,” “to be in a ferment.” Others derive it from a root meaning “to tread out,” and hence the juice of the grape trodden out. The Greek word for wine is oinos_, and the Latin _vinun. But besides this common Hebrew word, there are several others which are thus rendered.
(1.) Ashishah (2 Sam. 6:19; 1 Chr. 16:3; Cant. 2:5; Hos. 3:1), which, however, rather denotes a solid cake of pressed grapes, or, as in the Revised Version, a cake of raisins.
(2.) ‘Asis, “sweet wine,” or “new wine,” the product of the same year (Cant. 8:2;
The manufacture of wine is carried back in the Bible to the age of Noah, (Genesis 9:20,21) to whom the discovery of the process is apparently, though not explicitly, attributed. The natural history and culture of the vine are described under a separate head. [VINE] The only other plant whose fruit is noticed as having been converted into wine was the pomegranate. (Solomon 8:2) In Palestine the vintage takes place in September, and is celebrated with great rejoicing. The ripe fruit was gathered in baskets, (Jeremiah 6:9) as represented in Egyptian paintings, and was carried to the wine-press. It was then placed in the upper one of the two vats or receptacles of which the winepress was formed, and was subjected to the process of "treading," which has prevailed in all ages in Oriental…
The vine being natural to the soil of Canaan and its vicinity, wine was much used as a beverage, especially at festivals, Es 1:7 5:6 Da 5:1-4 Joh 2:3. As one of the staple products of the Holy Land, it was employed for drink-offerings in the temple service, Ex 20:26 Nu 15:4-10; it was included among the "first-fruits," De 18:4, and was used in the celebration of the Passover, and subsequently of the Lord’s supper, Mt 26:27-29. Together with corn and oil it denoted all temporal supplies,
מָרַר (marar) is a Hebrew verb meaning to be bitter, with various forms indicating actions like making something bitter or showing bitterness. It can express both literal and figurative bitterness, and can also imply provoking or vexing. The entries suggest its usage in different grammatical forms, including Qal, Piel, Hiphil, and Hithpalpel, but do not provide specific verse references.
מָרַר vb. be bitter
Qal be bitter
Pi. make bitter, shew bitterness
Hiph. make bitter, shew bitterness
Hithpalp. and the king of the south shall embitter himself (be enraged)
base
H4843 מָרַר be bitter
4843 marar maw-rar'
a primitive root; properly, to trickle (see 4752); but used
only as a denominative from 4751; 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.
see HEBREW for 04752
see HEBREW for 04751
מָרַר (ma.rar) — to provoke.
1) to be bitter
1a) (Qal) to be bitter
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to show bitterness
1b2) to make bitter
1c) (Hiphil) to make bitter, embitter
1d) (Hithpalpel)
1d1) to embitter oneself
1d2) to be enraged
2) (TWOT) to be strong, strengthen
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singularHVqi3ms
Bitter
Bitterness is symbolical of affliction, misery, and servitude (Ex. 1:14; Ruth 1:20; Jer. 9:15). The Chaldeans are called the “bitter and hasty nation” (Hab. 1:6). The “gall of bitterness” expresses a state of great wickedness (Acts 8:23). A “root of bitterness” is a wicked person or a dangerous sin (Heb. 12:15).
The Passover was to be eaten with “bitter herbs” (Ex. 12:8; Num. 9:11). The kind of herbs so designated is not known. Probably they were…
שֵׁכָר (shekar) refers to an intoxicating or strong drink, often associated with alcoholic beverages. It is derived from a root meaning to be drunk and encompasses intensely alcoholic liquor. The term appears in contexts discussing strong drink and drunkenness.
שֵׁכָר n.[m.] intoxicating drink, strong drink
base
H7941 שֵׁכָר intoxicating dring, strong drink
7941 shekar shay-kawr'
from 7937; an intoxicant, i.e. intensely alcoholic
liquor:--strong drink, + drunkard, strong wine.
see HEBREW for 07937
שֵׁכָר (she.khar) — strong drink.
strong drink, intoxicating drink, fermented or intoxicating liquor
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
See WINE.
שָׁתָה (shathah) means 'to drink' and can refer to both literal drinking and figurative uses, such as feasting or experiencing God's wrath. It is a primitive root that appears in various forms, including Qal and Niphal, indicating actions like drinking and being drunk. The lexicons note its connection to the Aramaic equivalent שְׁתָה (she.tah), but do not present significant disagreements.
שָׁתָה 217 vb. drink
Qal 216
Niph. all which is (may be) drunk
base
H8354 שָׁתָה drink
8354 shathah shaw-thaw'
a primitive root; to imbibe (literally or figuratively):--X
assuredly, banquet, X certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk
(X -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of 8248.)
see HEBREW for 08248
שָׁתָה (sha.tah) — to drink.
1) to drink
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to drink
1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig)
1a2) to feast
1b) (Niphal) to be drunk
Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)
Prep | V-Qal | Suff — Preposition · verb qal participle (active) masculine plural common · suffixHR/Vqrmpc/Sp3ms