Isaiah 3:12
As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.
Original Language Analysis
עַמִּי֙
As for my people
H5971
עַמִּי֙
As for my people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
1 of 12
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
נֹגְשָׂ֣יו
are their oppressors
H5065
נֹגְשָׂ֣יו
are their oppressors
Strong's:
H5065
Word #:
2 of 12
to drive (an animal, a workman, a debtor, an army); by implication, to tax, harass, tyrannize
עַמִּי֙
As for my people
H5971
עַמִּי֙
As for my people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
7 of 12
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
מְאַשְּׁרֶ֣יךָ
they which lead
H833
מְאַשְּׁרֶ֣יךָ
they which lead
Strong's:
H833
Word #:
8 of 12
to be straight (used in the widest sense, especially to be level, right, happy); figuratively, to go forward, be honest, prosper
מַתְעִ֔ים
thee cause thee to err
H8582
מַתְעִ֔ים
thee cause thee to err
Strong's:
H8582
Word #:
9 of 12
to vacillate, i.e., reel or stray (literally or figuratively); also causative of both
וְדֶ֥רֶךְ
the way
H1870
וְדֶ֥רֶךְ
the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
10 of 12
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
Cross References
Isaiah 3:4And I will give children to be their princes, and babes shall rule over them.Nahum 3:13Behold, thy people in the midst of thee are women: the gates of thy land shall be set wide open unto thine enemies: the fire shall devour thy bars.2 Kings 11:1And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal.Matthew 15:14Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.
Historical Context
Judah experienced weak kings (Ahaz, Manasseh) and competing power factions. The reversal of normal order indicated divine judgment, not demographic commentary.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we discern when societal disorder reflects divine judgment versus mere cultural change?
- What does faithful leadership look like when surrounding authorities 'cause to err'?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The inverted social order where 'children are their oppressors, and women rule over them' describes covenant curse (Deuteronomy 28:30-33) manifesting in societal chaos. While not inherently denigrating women or youth, this indicates abandonment of God-ordained structures (cf. Isaiah 3:4). The phrase 'they which lead thee cause thee to err' indicts corrupt leadership that misdirects God's people. Jesus later warned against blind guides leading the blind (Matthew 15:14), emphasizing that unfaithful shepherds destroy the flock.