Isaiah 5:8
Woe unto them that join house to house, that lay field to field, till there be no place, that they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth!
Original Language Analysis
מַגִּיעֵ֥י
unto them that join
H5060
מַגִּיעֵ֥י
unto them that join
Strong's:
H5060
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive
בְּבַ֔יִת
house
H1004
בְּבַ֔יִת
house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
3 of 14
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
בְּבַ֔יִת
house
H1004
בְּבַ֔יִת
house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
4 of 14
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יַקְרִ֑יבוּ
that lay
H7126
יַקְרִ֑יבוּ
that lay
Strong's:
H7126
Word #:
7 of 14
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
עַ֚ד
H5704
עַ֚ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
8 of 14
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
אֶ֣פֶס
till there be no
H657
אֶ֣פֶס
till there be no
Strong's:
H657
Word #:
9 of 14
cessation, i.e., an end (especially of the earth); often used adverb, no further; also the ankle (in the dual), as being the extremity of the leg or f
מָק֔וֹם
place
H4725
מָק֔וֹם
place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
10 of 14
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
וְהֽוּשַׁבְתֶּ֥ם
that they may be placed
H3427
וְהֽוּשַׁבְתֶּ֥ם
that they may be placed
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
לְבַדְּכֶ֖ם
H905
לְבַדְּכֶ֖ם
Strong's:
H905
Word #:
12 of 14
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
Historical Context
In Israel's theocracy, land was divine allotment, not commodity. Wealthy landowners consolidating property displaced families and concentrated power, directly violating Torah economic justice principles.
Questions for Reflection
- How does greed manifest in your life through accumulation beyond need?
- What does biblical economic justice look like in contemporary society?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The first of six woes targets greedy land acquisition—adding 'house to house' and 'field to field' until no space remains. This violates Jubilee principles preserving family inheritance (Leviticus 25). The Hebrew 'lebad' (alone) emphasizes isolation through wealth concentration. Their goal to be 'placed alone in the midst of the earth' reveals prideful self-sufficiency and contempt for community.