Isaiah 3:9
The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves.
Original Language Analysis
פְּנֵיהֶם֙
of their countenance
H6440
פְּנֵיהֶם֙
of their countenance
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
2 of 15
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
עָ֣נְתָה
doth witness against them
H6030
עָ֣נְתָה
doth witness against them
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
3 of 15
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
וְחַטָּאתָ֛ם
their sin
H2403
וְחַטָּאתָ֛ם
their sin
Strong's:
H2403
Word #:
5 of 15
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
הִגִּ֖ידוּ
and they declare
H5046
הִגִּ֖ידוּ
and they declare
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
7 of 15
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
כִחֵ֑דוּ
they hide
H3582
כִחֵ֑דוּ
they hide
Strong's:
H3582
Word #:
9 of 15
to secrete, by act or word; hence (intensively) to destroy
לְנַפְשָׁ֔ם
unto their soul
H5315
לְנַפְשָׁ֔ם
unto their soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
11 of 15
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Genesis 13:13But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.Jeremiah 6:15Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD.
Historical Context
Sodom's comparison (Genesis 19) was the ultimate indictment. Ancient societies generally maintained some shame about immorality; Judah's open sin demonstrated complete moral collapse.
Questions for Reflection
- How does contemporary culture's celebration of sin reflect this Sodom-like shamelessness?
- In what ways might you have become desensitized to sins that should still provoke godly sorrow?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Judah's open shamelessness regarding sin parallels Sodom's blatant immorality. The phrase 'they declare their sin' indicates prideful, public wickedness without conscience or concealment. Rather than hiding sin in shame, they parade it openly. The pronouncement 'woe unto their soul' declares self-inflicted judgment—they 'have rewarded evil unto themselves' through their choices.