Isaiah 5:21
Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
Original Language Analysis
חֲכָמִ֣ים
unto them that are wise
H2450
חֲכָמִ֣ים
unto them that are wise
Strong's:
H2450
Word #:
2 of 6
wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)
בְּעֵֽינֵיהֶ֑ם
in their own eyes
H5869
בְּעֵֽינֵיהֶ֑ם
in their own eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
3 of 6
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
וְנֶ֥גֶד
H5048
וְנֶ֥גֶד
Strong's:
H5048
Word #:
4 of 6
a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before
Cross References
Proverbs 3:7Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.Romans 12:16Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.Proverbs 26:12Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.Proverbs 26:16The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.Romans 1:22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,John 9:41Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.Job 11:12For vain man would be wise, though man be born like a wild ass's colt.Romans 11:25For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
Historical Context
In Isaiah's era, political advisors advocated human alliances over trust in God. Their 'wisdom' led Judah to rely on Egypt and Assyria rather than covenant faithfulness, proving folly disguised as prudence.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance use of human reason with submission to biblical revelation?
- In what areas might you be trusting your own understanding rather than acknowledging God?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The fifth woe targets intellectual pride—those 'wise in their own eyes' and 'prudent in their own sight.' The doubled phrases emphasize self-referential wisdom that rejects divine revelation. This describes autonomous human reason exalted above God's revealed truth. Proverbs warns repeatedly against such self-conceit (Proverbs 3:7, 26:12). Paul identifies this as characteristic of human fallenness (Romans 1:22).