Isaiah 1:23
Thy 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.
Original Language Analysis
סוֹרְרִ֗ים
are rebellious
H5637
סוֹרְרִ֗ים
are rebellious
Strong's:
H5637
Word #:
2 of 17
to turn away, i.e., (morally) be refractory
כֻּלּוֹ֙
H3605
כֻּלּוֹ֙
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֹהֵ֣ב
every one loveth
H157
אֹהֵ֣ב
every one loveth
Strong's:
H157
Word #:
6 of 17
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
וְרֹדֵ֖ף
and followeth
H7291
וְרֹדֵ֖ף
and followeth
Strong's:
H7291
Word #:
8 of 17
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִשְׁפֹּ֔טוּ
they judge
H8199
יִשְׁפֹּ֔טוּ
they judge
Strong's:
H8199
Word #:
12 of 17
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
15 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Micah 7:3That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge asketh for a reward; and the great man, he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up.Exodus 23:8And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.Zechariah 7:10And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.Isaiah 3:14The LORD will enter into judgment with the ancients of his people, and the princes thereof: for ye have eaten up the vineyard; the spoil of the poor is in your houses.Luke 19:46Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves.Malachi 3:5And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.
Historical Context
Judean rulers, meant to shepherd God's people (Ezekiel 34), exploited their position for personal gain. Archaeological evidence from the period reveals a growing wealth gap, consistent with Isaiah's charges.
Questions for Reflection
- How do leaders today similarly pervert justice through self-interest?
- What responsibility do we bear to advocate for the voiceless in our communities?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Isaiah indicts leaders as 'rebellious' (Hebrew 'sarar'—stubborn, defiant) and 'companions of thieves,' exposing systemic corruption. Bribery perverts justice, while neglect of orphans and widows violates covenantal obligation to the vulnerable (Deuteronomy 10:18). Leadership failure compounds covenant unfaithfulness, as those charged with modeling righteousness lead in rebellion. This anticipates Jesus' denunciation of religious leaders (Matthew 23) and underscores that authority entails heightened accountability (James 3:1).