Isaiah 1:17
Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.
Original Language Analysis
לִמְד֥וּ
Learn
H3925
לִמְד֥וּ
Learn
Strong's:
H3925
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)
הֵיטֵ֛ב
to do well
H3190
הֵיטֵ֛ב
to do well
Strong's:
H3190
Word #:
2 of 10
to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
דִּרְשׁ֥וּ
seek
H1875
דִּרְשׁ֥וּ
seek
Strong's:
H1875
Word #:
3 of 10
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
מִשְׁפָּ֖ט
judgment
H4941
מִשְׁפָּ֖ט
judgment
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
אַשְּׁר֣וּ
relieve
H833
אַשְּׁר֣וּ
relieve
Strong's:
H833
Word #:
5 of 10
to be straight (used in the widest sense, especially to be level, right, happy); figuratively, to go forward, be honest, prosper
שִׁפְט֣וּ
judge
H8199
שִׁפְט֣וּ
judge
Strong's:
H8199
Word #:
7 of 10
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
Cross References
Jeremiah 22:3Thus saith the LORD; Execute ye judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor: and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow, neither shed innocent blood in this place.Micah 6:8He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?Isaiah 1:23Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.Proverbs 31:9Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.Zechariah 8:16These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:Daniel 4:27Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.Zephaniah 2:3Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD'S anger.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern kings were judged by their protection of society's powerless. Isaiah holds Judah's leaders to this standard, indicting their failure to administer covenant justice that reflects God's character.
Questions for Reflection
- How does advocating for the marginalized demonstrate authentic faith today?
- In what practical ways can we 'seek judgment' and 'relieve the oppressed' in our contexts?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
True religion manifests in justice ('mishpat'), relief of the oppressed, and advocacy for the vulnerable—orphan and widow. The imperatives 'learn to do well' and 'seek judgment' reveal that righteousness is cultivated, not instinctive, requiring deliberate pursuit of God's moral order. This social ethic flows from covenant love (hesed) and anticipates Jesus' summary of the law as love for God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40). Reformed theology affirms good works as the fruit, not root, of justification.