Isaiah Chapter 28 · Verse 10
For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לָקָ֑ו
line
H6957
לָקָ֑ו
line
Strong's:
H6957
Word #:
6 of 13
a cord (as connecting), especially for measuring; figuratively, a rule; also a rim, a musical string or accord
לָקָ֑ו
line
H6957
לָקָ֑ו
line
Strong's:
H6957
Word #:
7 of 13
a cord (as connecting), especially for measuring; figuratively, a rule; also a rim, a musical string or accord
לָקָ֑ו
line
H6957
לָקָ֑ו
line
Strong's:
H6957
Word #:
8 of 13
a cord (as connecting), especially for measuring; figuratively, a rule; also a rim, a musical string or accord
לָקָ֑ו
line
H6957
לָקָ֑ו
line
Strong's:
H6957
Word #:
9 of 13
a cord (as connecting), especially for measuring; figuratively, a rule; also a rim, a musical string or accord
שָׁ֖ם
H8033
Cross References
Isaiah 28:13But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.2 Timothy 3:7Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.Jeremiah 11:7For I earnestly protested unto your fathers in the day that I brought them up out of the land of Egypt, even unto this day, rising early and protesting, saying, Obey my voice.Hebrews 5:12For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.Isaiah 5:4What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?Philippians 3:1Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.
Historical Context
Sophisticated Greeks mocked Paul's preaching as foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:18-25). Athenian philosophers scorned resurrection (Acts 17:32). Modern critics dismiss biblical authority as simplistic. Throughout church history, those considering themselves intellectually superior have mocked Scripture's repetitive, incremental teaching. Yet this is exactly how God works—milk before meat (1 Corinthians 3:2), leading gradually toward maturity (Hebrews 5:12-6:1). Patient, repetitive instruction isn't primitive; it's divine pedagogy accommodating our limited capacity.
Questions for Reflection
- Why do proud hearts resist the 'precept upon precept, line upon line' method of learning God's word?
- How does God's patient, incremental teaching reveal His grace toward our slowness to understand?
- What 'elementary' biblical truths might you be dismissing as too simple, when you actually need to build on them more carefully?
Analysis & Commentary
For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: Continuing their mocking, drunken leaders mimic Isaiah's teaching style in baby-talk. The Hebrew tsav la-tsav tsav la-tsav qav la-qav qav la-qav (צַו לָצָו צַו לָצָו קַו לָקָו קַו לָקָו) uses short, repetitive syllables like teaching a child—"command upon command, rule upon rule, line upon line." Here a little, and there a little (ze'er sham ze'er sham, זְעֵיר שָׁם זְעֵיר שָׁם) adds to the mocking: Isaiah gives only tiny bits of information like feeding babies.
Ironically, what they mock IS how God teaches—progressively, line upon line, building precept on precept. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 commands constant, repetitive teaching. Jesus taught in parables, repeating themes (Matthew 13). Disciples needed repeated lessons (Matthew 16:5-12). The mocking reveals their contempt for careful, thorough biblical instruction. They want flashy wisdom, not careful exegesis. They despise the humble methodology of God's word built slowly, methodically. Their sarcasm becomes prophetic truth: yes, God teaches line by line because we're slow learners needing patient instruction.