Isaiah 3:5
And the people shall be oppressed, every one by another, and every one by his neighbour: the child shall behave himself proudly against the ancient, and the base against the honourable.
Original Language Analysis
וְנִגַּ֣שׂ
shall be oppressed
H5065
וְנִגַּ֣שׂ
shall be oppressed
Strong's:
H5065
Word #:
1 of 11
to drive (an animal, a workman, a debtor, an army); by implication, to tax, harass, tyrannize
הָעָ֔ם
And the people
H5971
הָעָ֔ם
And the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
2 of 11
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וְאִ֣ישׁ
and every one
H376
וְאִ֣ישׁ
and every one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 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)
וְאִ֣ישׁ
and every one
H376
וְאִ֣ישׁ
and every one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
4 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)
וְאִ֣ישׁ
and every one
H376
וְאִ֣ישׁ
and every one
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)
יִרְהֲב֗וּ
shall behave himself proudly
H7292
יִרְהֲב֗וּ
shall behave himself proudly
Strong's:
H7292
Word #:
7 of 11
to urge severely, i.e., (figuratively) importune, embolden, capture, act insolently
הַנַּ֙עַר֙
the child
H5288
הַנַּ֙עַר֙
the child
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
8 of 11
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
Historical Context
Ancient societies relied on respect for elders and social hierarchy. Isaiah's vision of these structures collapsing would be recognized as civilizational breakdown, not merely political instability.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you show honor to those in authority, even when you disagree with them?
- What happens to society when God-ordained structures of respect and authority are rejected?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Social cohesion disintegrates into mutual oppression—people turning on each other. The generational and social reversals (child against elder, base against honorable) overturn God's ordained order. Honor structures that maintain social peace collapse when divine judgment removes restraining grace. This anticipates Jesus's description of end-times betrayal (Matthew 24:10).