Paragraph 7:5–7

7:5a

The princes are inflamed with wine:
In Hebrew, this clause is literally “⌊the ⌋ princes became sick ⌊with ⌋ heat from wine.” This clause describes the effects of drinking a lot of wine.

The words “became sick” may imply that the princes were so drunk that they vomited (see the description in Isaiah 28:7–8). The word “heat” may also imply that their faces were flushed. However, it is more likely that these two descriptions are simply figurative ways to indicate that the princes were very drunk. English versions that use words such as inflamed or “heat” may do so to fit the simile of a hot oven in 7:4 and 7:6.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

• Use a natural way in your language to describe the effect of drunkenness. For example:

The rulers became crazy with wine (New Century Version)
-or-
The leaders were overcome with wine.

• Translate the idea of drunkenness directly. Leave the effects of drunkenness implied. For example:

the princes get drunk. (New Living Translation (2004))

on the day of our king: This refers to a celebration of some kind. The celebration may have been the king’s coronation day, his birthday, or some other special day to honor him. Many versions do not specify the kind of celebration it was.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

On the day of the king’s celebration (God’s Word)
-or-
At the holiday for our king (New Jerusalem Bible)

7:5b

so he joins hands with those who mock him: This clause probably means that the king participated with his officials and other wicked people in showing scorn and mockery for God or for other people. The historical context is not known, so it is not possible to determine who the mockers were or what they were saying or doing to show their scorn.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

the king joins mockers. (God’s Word)
-or-
the king joined in with others who were showing their scorn

those who mock him: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as those who mock him refers to people who are arrogant as well as scornful. But the focus of this word is on the disdainful way that mockers treat others rather than their feelings of pride. In the context of 7:1–4, they are people who reject God and refuse to follow his wise commands.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

scoffers (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
arrogant people who show their scorn/contempt for others

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