Isaiah Chapter 27 · Verse 9
By this therefore shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged; and this is all the fruit to take away his sin; when he maketh all the stones of the altar as chalkstones that are beaten in sunder, the groves and images shall not stand up.
Original Language Analysis
לָכֵ֗ן
H3651
לָכֵ֗ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
1 of 21
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
וְזֶ֕ה
H2088
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 21
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
חַטָּאת֑וֹ
his sin
H2403
חַטָּאת֑וֹ
his sin
Strong's:
H2403
Word #:
10 of 21
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
בְּשׂוּמ֣וֹ׀
when he maketh
H7760
בְּשׂוּמ֣וֹ׀
when he maketh
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
11 of 21
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
12 of 21
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מְנֻפָּצ֔וֹת
that are beaten in sunder
H5310
מְנֻפָּצ֔וֹת
that are beaten in sunder
Strong's:
H5310
Word #:
17 of 21
to dash to pieces, or scatter
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
18 of 21
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָקֻ֥מוּ
shall not stand up
H6965
יָקֻ֥מוּ
shall not stand up
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
19 of 21
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
Cross References
Isaiah 48:10Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.Romans 11:27For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.Isaiah 17:8And he shall not look to the altars, the work of his hands, neither shall respect that which his fingers have made, either the groves, or the images.Daniel 11:35And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.
Historical Context
Throughout Israel's history, incomplete reforms left pagan elements standing (2 Kings 18:4 notes Hezekiah removed high places previous kings left). Post-exilic Judaism became fiercely monotheistic, having learned through exile's bitter lesson. Jesus similarly demands radical removal of sin (Matthew 5:29-30). The New Testament temple is believers' hearts (1 Corinthians 3:16), requiring purging of spiritual idols—anything receiving devotion belonging only to God (1 John 5:21).
Questions for Reflection
- What does this verse teach about the purpose of God's discipline—is it primarily punitive or purifying?
- How thorough must repentance be ('chalkstones beaten in sunder')—what half-measures is God calling you to eliminate?
- What modern 'groves and images' (idols of the heart) need to be completely removed from your life?
Analysis & Commentary
By this therefore shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged; and this is all the fruit to take away his sin; when he maketh all the stones of the altar as chalkstones that are beaten in sunder, the groves and images shall not stand up. This verse reveals the purpose of measured discipline: purging sin. Iniquity...purged (avon...yekupar, עָוֺן...יְכֻפַּר) uses the Hebrew root for atonement/covering—discipline serves redemptive purposes. This is all the fruit indicates the complete result or purpose of God's dealings.
To take away his sin (hasir chattato, הָסִר חַטָּאתוֹ) literally means "the removing of his sin"—the goal is sin's elimination, not mere punishment. The evidence of genuine repentance follows: when he maketh all the stones of the altar as chalkstones that are beaten in sunder—destroying pagan altars so thoroughly they become like pulverized chalk. The groves and images shall not stand up (asherim vechamanim lo yaqumu, אֲשֵׁרִים וְחַמָּנִים לֹא יָקֻמוּ)—no toleration of idolatrous asherim (wooden poles representing fertility goddess Asherah) or chamanim (incense altars/sun pillars). True repentance means radical rejection of false worship.