Isaiah 5:12 Meaning and Explanation
“And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The wealthy celebrate with music and wine yet ignore the Lord's works and providential care.
The Context of Isaiah 5:12
The wealthy feast in oblivion of God's provision and governance.
What Does Isaiah 5:12 Mean?
Isaiah catalogues the instruments of feasting—harp, viol, tambourine, pipe—alongside wine, painting a scene of sensual indulgence. These are not unlawful pleasures; the problem is what they eclipse: attention to the Lord's work and the divine hand sustaining creation.
The phrase 'regard not the work of the LORD' suggests contempt or willful ignorance. They live surrounded by evidence of divine care (crops, security, prosperity) yet neither acknowledge it nor structure their lives in response to it. Gratitude and covenant-keeping have been replaced by self-gratification.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 5:12
What does Isaiah 5:12 mean?
The wealthy celebrate with music and wine yet ignore the Lord's works and providential care.
What is the context of Isaiah 5:12?
The wealthy feast in oblivion of God's provision and governance.