Isaiah 56:10
His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.
Original Language Analysis
צֹפָ֞ו
His watchmen
H6822
צֹפָ֞ו
His watchmen
Strong's:
H6822
Word #:
1 of 15
properly, to lean forward, i.e., to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await
כֻּלָּם֙
H3605
כֻּלָּם֙
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָדָ֔עוּ
they are all ignorant
H3045
יָדָ֔עוּ
they are all ignorant
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
5 of 15
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כֻּלָּם֙
H3605
כֻּלָּם֙
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יוּכְל֖וּ
they cannot
H3201
יוּכְל֖וּ
they cannot
Strong's:
H3201
Word #:
10 of 15
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
שֹֽׁכְבִ֔ים
lying down
H7901
שֹֽׁכְבִ֔ים
lying down
Strong's:
H7901
Word #:
13 of 15
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
Cross References
Philippians 3:2Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.Isaiah 29:10For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered.Isaiah 58:1Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.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.Nahum 3:18Thy shepherds slumber, O king of Assyria: thy nobles shall dwell in the dust: thy people is scattered upon the mountains, and no man gathereth them.Ezekiel 33:6But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand.Isaiah 52:8Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the LORD shall bring again Zion.Ezekiel 13:16To wit, the prophets of Israel which prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and which see visions of peace for her, and there is no peace, saith the Lord GOD.Hosea 4:6My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
Historical Context
Prophets and priests were Israel's watchmen. This indictment describes leaders in Isaiah's day who failed their warning function, allowing judgment to approach unannounced.
Questions for Reflection
- What are the consequences when spiritual leaders fail to warn of danger?
- How do you evaluate whether spiritual leaders are truly watching and warning?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Israel's watchmen are indicted: they are 'blind' (unable to see threats), 'ignorant' (lacking knowledge), 'dumb dogs, they cannot bark' (failing to warn). They are 'sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.' These shepherds who should alert and protect instead sleep and ignore danger.