Isaiah 1:22 Meaning and Explanation
“Thy silver is become dross, thy wine mixed with water:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →What was valuable has become worthless through corruption: silver is contaminated and wine is diluted, symbolizing moral and economic degradation.
The Context of Isaiah 1:22
Metaphor of economic and moral degradation through corruption.
What Does Isaiah 1:22 Mean?
The imagery shifts to economic corruption. Silver was wealth and value; dross (impurities) is waste. Wine mixed with water is dilution—the adulteration of something pure with something inferior, reducing its worth and benefit. These images convey how corruption has spread through Jerusalem's economic and social systems. What should be pure and valuable has been made worthless through adulteration.
Both images—dross and diluted wine—suggest deliberate corruption rather than natural decay. Someone has chosen to contaminate the precious metals and water down the wine. This reflects the earlier accusations of leadership that accepts bribes and perverts justice. Economic corruption is the visible sign of deeper moral decay.
Isaiah 1:22 in the Original Language
siglim (סִגְלִים), 'dross' — waste matter, impurities removed from metal; represents what has no value.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 1:22
What does Isaiah 1:22 mean?
What was valuable has become worthless through corruption: silver is contaminated and wine is diluted, symbolizing moral and economic degradation.
What is the context of Isaiah 1:22?
Metaphor of economic and moral degradation through corruption.