Isaiah 1:28
And the destruction of the transgressors and of the sinners shall be together, and they that forsake the LORD shall be consumed.
Original Language Analysis
וְשֶׁ֧בֶר
And the destruction
H7667
וְשֶׁ֧בֶר
And the destruction
Strong's:
H7667
Word #:
1 of 7
a fracture, figuratively, ruin; specifically, a solution (of a dream)
פֹּשְׁעִ֛ים
of the transgressors
H6586
פֹּשְׁעִ֛ים
of the transgressors
Strong's:
H6586
Word #:
2 of 7
to break away (from just authority), i.e., trespass, apostatize, quarrel
יַחְדָּ֑ו
shall be together
H3162
יַחְדָּ֑ו
shall be together
Strong's:
H3162
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly
וְעֹזְבֵ֥י
and they that forsake
H5800
וְעֹזְבֵ֥י
and they that forsake
Strong's:
H5800
Word #:
5 of 7
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
Cross References
Psalms 1:6For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.Revelation 21:8But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.Isaiah 30:13Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant.Job 31:3Is not destruction to the wicked? and a strange punishment to the workers of iniquity?
Historical Context
Many in Judah presumed that temple presence and Abrahamic descent guaranteed security (Jeremiah 7:4), yet Isaiah warns that covenant unfaithfulness brings consumption, not protection.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we distinguish genuine faith from mere external association with God's people?
- What warning does this verse sound against presumption on religious heritage or past experience?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The contrasting fate of the repentant (v. 27) versus 'transgressors and sinners'—who face destruction—underscores the binary outcome of covenant relationship. The phrase 'they that forsake the LORD' identifies the damned not as those who never knew God but apostates who abandoned covenant commitment. This warns against presuming on covenant status without persevering faith (Hebrews 10:26-31). Reformed theology sees this as evidencing that true elect faith perseveres, while spurious profession falls away (1 John 2:19).