Isaiah 43:27
Thy first father hath sinned, and thy teachers have transgressed against me.
Original Language Analysis
אָבִ֥יךָ
father
H1
אָבִ֥יךָ
father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
1 of 6
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
הָרִאשׁ֖וֹן
Thy first
H7223
הָרִאשׁ֖וֹן
Thy first
Strong's:
H7223
Word #:
2 of 6
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
חָטָ֑א
hath sinned
H2398
חָטָ֑א
hath sinned
Strong's:
H2398
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
וּמְלִיצֶ֖יךָ
and thy teachers
H3887
וּמְלִיצֶ֖יךָ
and thy teachers
Strong's:
H3887
Word #:
4 of 6
properly, to make mouths at, i.e., to scoff; hence (from the effort to pronounce a foreign language) to interpret, or (generally) intercede
Cross References
Isaiah 28:7But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment.Jeremiah 5:31The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?Ezekiel 16:3And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto Jerusalem; Thy birth and thy nativity is of the land of Canaan; thy father was an Amorite, and thy mother an Hittite.Isaiah 3:12As 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.Acts 7:51Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.Jeremiah 3:25We lie down in our shame, and our confusion covereth us: for we have sinned against the LORD our God, we and our fathers, from our youth even unto this day, and have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God.Romans 5:12Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:Matthew 27:41Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,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.Matthew 27:1When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:
Historical Context
This traces Israel's sin from foundational ancestors through religious leadership, showing persistent rebellion wasn't occasional but systemic. Even those charged with teaching righteousness transgressed.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing sin's generational and leadership patterns humble personal and corporate pride?
- What responsibility do spiritual teachers bear for their own transgressions and their influence on others?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The verdict: 'Thy first father hath sinned, and thy teachers have transgressed against me.' From origin (Abraham? Jacob? Adam?) to current leadership, sin permeates Israel's history. The Hebrew 'meliyts' (teachers/interpreters) indicates those responsible for spiritual instruction failed. Leadership failure compounds corporate guilt.