Why are Your clothes redThis phrase is part of a dialogue where the speaker questions the appearance of the figure described. The imagery of red clothing is symbolic and often associated with judgment and wrath in biblical literature. In the context of Isaiah, this red color is indicative of blood, suggesting a divine warrior who has been engaged in battle. The color red is also significant in the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, where blood was a central element in atonement rituals, pointing to the seriousness of sin and the need for purification. This imagery can be connected to
Revelation 19:13, where Christ is depicted wearing a robe dipped in blood, symbolizing His role as the ultimate judge and redeemer.
and Your garments like one who treads the winepress?
The winepress imagery is a powerful metaphor for judgment. In ancient times, treading the winepress involved crushing grapes to extract juice, which is likened to the execution of divine judgment upon the nations. This metaphor is used elsewhere in Scripture, such as inJoel 3:13 andRevelation 14:19-20, to depict God's wrath being poured out. The act of treading the winepress signifies the thoroughness and inevitability of divine judgment. Historically, winepresses were common in Israel and surrounding regions, and the process was well understood by the original audience, making it a vivid illustration of God's power and justice. This imagery also foreshadows the ultimate judgment at the end of the age, where Christ, as the righteous judge, will execute justice.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The Lord (Yahweh)The speaker in this passage is addressing the Lord, who is depicted as having garments stained red, symbolizing judgment and wrath.
2.
EdomAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of
Isaiah 63 includes Edom, representing nations opposed to God and His people.
3.
WinepressA metaphorical place where grapes are crushed to produce wine, symbolizing God's judgment and the execution of His wrath upon the nations.
Teaching Points
The Seriousness of SinThe imagery of the winepress underscores the severity of sin and the certainty of divine judgment. Believers are reminded to take sin seriously and seek repentance.
God's Righteous JudgmentGod's judgment is depicted as thorough and just. This serves as a reminder of His holiness and the ultimate accountability all will face before Him.
The Hope of RedemptionWhile the imagery is stark, it also points to the hope of redemption through Christ, who bore the wrath of God on our behalf, offering salvation to those who believe.
Living in Light of JudgmentUnderstanding the reality of God's judgment should motivate believers to live righteously and share the gospel with urgency.
The Sovereignty of GodThe passage highlights God's control over history and His ability to execute justice, encouraging trust in His sovereign plans.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 63:2?
2.What does Isaiah 63:2 reveal about God's judgment and righteousness?
3.How can we apply the imagery of "garments stained" to our spiritual lives?
4.Connect Isaiah 63:2 with Revelation 19:13. How do these verses relate?
5.How does understanding God's wrath in Isaiah 63:2 affect our daily repentance?
6.What lessons from Isaiah 63:2 can guide us in our evangelism efforts?
7.Why is the imagery of red garments used in Isaiah 63:2 significant in biblical prophecy?
8.How does Isaiah 63:2 relate to the concept of divine judgment?
9.What historical context influences the interpretation of Isaiah 63:2?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 63?
11.Given the ancient Near Eastern context, can Isaiah 63’s descriptions be verified by any archaeological or historical records, or do they remain purely theological assertions?
12.In Revelation 19:13, why would a divine figure be covered in blood if redemption was already achieved at the cross?
13.In Isaiah 63:1-3, how can the imagery of garments stained with blood be reconciled with the prophet's claim of divine justice without external historical evidence?
14.Is nudity allowed in heaven?What Does Isaiah 63:2 Mean
Why are Your clothes red“Why are Your clothes red” (Isaiah 63:2) opens with a bewildered observer looking at the LORD’s Servant-Warrior. In plain sight His garments are stained scarlet.
• The scene follows 63:1, where One “coming from Edom, with crimson-stained garments from Bozrah” declares, “It is I who speak in righteousness, mighty to save.” The flow makes clear this is no ordinary traveler but the LORD Himself, appearing after a decisive act of judgment.
• The color red here is not metaphorical only; it represents literal bloodshed—the aftermath of divine justice (Isaiah 34:2-6;Revelation 14:19-20).
• The prophetic picture anticipates Christ’s return as conquering King (Revelation 19:11-13), where He is again seen in a robe “dipped in blood.” The linkage underscores the consistency of Scripture: the same Warrior appears in both Testaments, proving the reliability of God’s Word.
• Red clothing contrasts sharply with His holy character (Isaiah 6:3); yet the Judge willingly dons garments spattered with the blood of His enemies to vindicate His people (Joel 3:12-16).
and Your garments like one who treads the winepressWinepress imagery deepens the explanation. In ancient Israel grapes were crushed barefoot in a pit; juice splashed onto the workers’ robes.
• The LORD says in the next verse, “I have trodden the winepress alone” (Isaiah 63:3). No human army assists Him; salvation and vengeance are entirely His work (Isaiah 59:16-17).
• The winepress symbolizes total, crushing judgment. Just as every grape yields its juice, every unrepentant foe will face His wrath (Lamentations 1:15;Revelation 19:15).
• For believers, this fierce image is also comforting: the same Messiah who shed His own blood for redemption will shed His enemies’ blood for final justice, ensuring evil is not left unanswered (2 Thessalonians 1:6-9).
• The solitary treader highlights His unique qualifications—only the sinless, sovereign Lord can both save and judge (John 5:22-27).
summaryIsaiah 63:2 pictures the LORD Jesus returning from judgment, His garments reddened like a wine-treader’s. The crimson stains are literal evidence of divine vengeance on wickedness and deliverance for His people. Scripture weaves this truth from Isaiah through Revelation, assuring us that the righteous Judge will one day right every wrong, vindicating His holiness and the faith of all who trust Him.
(2)
Wherefore art thou red . . .?--The wondering question shows that the colour is not that of the warrior's usual dress. The Hebrew word for "red" (
?dom) connects itself with Edom (comp.
Genesis 25:30), as
batsir("vintage") probably with Bozrah.
Verse 2. -
Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel? The prophet resumes his questioning. What means the redness of thine apparel? Whence the stains? Are they wine-stains consequent on treading the winepress? Among the Hebrews, as among the Egyptians (Wilkinson, 'Ancient Egyptians,' vol. 1. p. 46), the juice of the grape was trodden out by the feet of men, who often splashed some upon their garments (
Genesis 49:11).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Whyמַדּ֥וּעַ(mad·dū·a‘)Interrogative
Strong's 4069:Why? for what reason?are Your clothesלִלְבוּשֶׁ֑ךָ(lil·ḇū·še·ḵā)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3830:A garment, clothing, raimentred,אָדֹ֖ם(’ā·ḏōm)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 122:Rosyand Your garmentsוּבְגָדֶ֖יךָ(ū·ḇə·ḡā·ḏe·ḵā)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 899:A covering, clothing, treachery, pillagelike one who treadsכְּדֹרֵ֥ךְ(kə·ḏō·rêḵ)Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1869:To tread, to walk, to string a, bowthe winepress?בְּגַֽת׃(bə·ḡaṯ)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1660:A wine-press
Links
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 63:2 Why are you red in your clothing (Isa Isi Is) 
