Isaiah 1:22

22 Thy silver is turned into dross: thy wine is mingled with water.

Isaiah 1:22 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 1:22

Thy silver is become dross
Meaning either that such persons, who had the appearance of goodness, looked like genuine silver, were now become reprobate, and, as the wicked of the earth, like dross, ( Jeremiah 6:30 ) ( Psalms 119:119 ) or that the word of God, which is as silver purified seven times, was now corrupted with false glosses and human traditions, which were as dross: thy wine mixed with water
^F13; the wine of the divine word, which was mixed and blended with the inventions of men, as before; so the roof of the church's mouth, which is no other than the ministry of the word, is compared to the best wine, ( Song of Solomon 7:9 Song of Solomon 7:11 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F13 It being usual to mix water with wine, and drink it, and this being not at all reproachful, but commendable, Gussetius thinks such a version does not express the sense of the words; he therefore thinks that (lhm) is the same as (llwhm) contracted, which signified "infatuated"; and so the words should be rendered, "thy wine is infatuated into water"; is degenerated, and has lost its spirit and sprightliness, and is become insipid and tasteless. So Jarchi mentions a Midrash, which interprets it by the same word in ( Ecclesiastes 2:2 ) . It is a word only used in this place. Joseph Kimchi says that <arabic> in the Arabic, language has the signification of mixture, but without giving any instance. Indeed, according to Castel, it is used for the lees of oil.

Isaiah 1:22 In-Context

20 But if you will not, and will provoke me to wrath: the sword shall devour you because the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

21 How is the faithful city, that was full of judgment, become a harlot? justice dwelt in it, but now murderers.

22 Thy silver is turned into dross: thy wine is mingled with water.

23 Thy princes are faithless, companions of thieves: they all love bribes, they run after rewards. They judge not for the fatherless: and the widow’s cause cometh not in to them.

24 Therefore saith the Lord the God of hosts, the mighty one of Israel: Ah! I will comfort myself over my adversaries: and I will be revenged of my enemies.