Isaiah Chapter 28 · Verse 14

Authorized King James Version

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Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem.

Original Language Analysis

לָכֵ֛ן H3651
לָכֵ֛ן
Strong's: H3651
Word #: 1 of 11
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
שִׁמְע֥וּ Wherefore hear H8085
שִׁמְע֥וּ Wherefore hear
Strong's: H8085
Word #: 2 of 11
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
דְבַר the word H1697
דְבַר the word
Strong's: H1697
Word #: 3 of 11
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָ֖ה of the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֖ה of the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 4 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אַנְשֵׁ֣י H376
אַנְשֵׁ֣י
Strong's: H376
Word #: 5 of 11
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)
לָצ֑וֹן ye scornful H3944
לָצ֑וֹן ye scornful
Strong's: H3944
Word #: 6 of 11
derision
מֹֽשְׁלֵי֙ that rule H4910
מֹֽשְׁלֵי֙ that rule
Strong's: H4910
Word #: 7 of 11
to rule
הָעָ֣ם this people H5971
הָעָ֣ם this people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 8 of 11
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַזֶּ֔ה H2088
הַזֶּ֔ה
Strong's: H2088
Word #: 9 of 11
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
אֲשֶׁ֖ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 10 of 11
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בִּירוּשָׁלִָֽם׃ which is in Jerusalem H3389
בִּירוּשָׁלִָֽם׃ which is in Jerusalem
Strong's: H3389
Word #: 11 of 11
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

Analysis & Commentary

Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem. Having addressed Northern Israel (Ephraim, vv.1-4) and rebellious leaders generally (vv.7-13), Isaiah now specifically targets Jerusalem's rulers. Scornful men (anshei latson, אַנְשֵׁי לָצוֹן, men of scoffing/mocking) identifies them as the mockers of verses 9-10. Latson (לָצוֹן) means scorn, derision—these are cynical leaders who ridicule prophetic warning. Proverbs frequently condemns scorners as unteachable (Proverbs 9:7-8, 13:1, 14:6, 15:12).

That rule this people which is in Jerusalem (moshlei ha'am hazeh asher bi-Yrushalayim, מֹשְׁלֵי הָעָם הַזֶּה אֲשֶׁר בִּירוּשָׁלָ‍ִם) emphasizes their responsibility. They're not powerless victims but leaders accountable for shepherding God's people. Their scornful attitude toward God's word makes them dangerous—they lead the flock astray. Jesus condemned scribes and Pharisees as blind guides (Matthew 23:16). Peter warns of scoffers in last days (2 Peter 3:3). Jude describes mockers who cause divisions (Jude 1:18-19). Scornful leaders poison those under their influence.

Historical Context

During Hezekiah's reign, Jerusalem's court had pro-Egyptian politicians who scorned Isaiah's warnings against allying with Egypt (Isaiah 30:1-7, 31:1-3). They considered themselves politically savvy realists; Isaiah was impractical idealist. Later, Jeremiah faced similar scorn from Jerusalem's leaders who rejected his warnings about Babylon (Jeremiah 37:15, 38:6). Jesus confronted Jerusalem's rulers who mocked His claims (Luke 23:35). Throughout history, scornful leaders have led people to destruction by dismissing prophetic warnings as fanaticism.

Questions for Reflection