Isaiah 2:9
And the mean man boweth down, and the great man humbleth himself: therefore forgive them not.
Original Language Analysis
אָדָ֖ם
And the mean man
H120
אָדָ֖ם
And the mean man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
2 of 7
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
וַיִּשְׁפַּל
humbleth
H8213
וַיִּשְׁפַּל
humbleth
Strong's:
H8213
Word #:
3 of 7
to depress or sink (especially figuratively, to humiliate, intransitive or transitive)
אִ֑ישׁ
and the great man
H376
אִ֑ישׁ
and the great man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
4 of 7
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
וְאַל
H408
וְאַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
5 of 7
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
Cross References
Isaiah 5:15And the mean man shall be brought down, and the mighty man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled:Isaiah 27:11When the boughs thereof are withered, they shall be broken off: the women come, and set them on fire: for it is a people of no understanding: therefore he that made them will not have mercy on them, and he that formed them will shew them no favour.Nehemiah 4:5And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked thee to anger before the builders.Mark 3:29But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:Romans 3:23For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;Joshua 24:19And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the LORD: for he is an holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.
Historical Context
Isaiah's era witnessed both royal apostasy (Ahaz) and reform (Hezekiah), demonstrating mixed response to prophetic call. Those persisting in idolatry despite warning faced covenant curses.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we distinguish between appropriate humility and self-abasement before false gods?
- What does the severity of this judgment teach about the seriousness with which God views idolatry?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The dual action—'boweth down' and 'humbleth himself'—describes self-abasement before idols, inverting proper worship where humans stand upright before God through Christ's mediation. The plea 'forgive them not' (absent in some manuscripts) seems harsh but reflects covenantal judgment: persistent impenitence forfeits mercy. This anticipates Jesus' teaching that blasphemy against the Spirit—persistent rejection of conviction—remains unforgivable (Matthew 12:31-32). God's forgiveness, while freely offered, requires repentant reception; those who refuse to bow to God will remain bowing to idols.