Isaiah 57:4
Against whom do ye sport yourselves? against whom make ye a wide mouth, and draw out the tongue? are ye not children of transgression, a seed of falsehood,
Original Language Analysis
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
1 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מִי֙
H4310
מִי֙
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
2 of 15
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
תִּתְעַנָּ֔גוּ
Against whom do ye sport
H6026
תִּתְעַנָּ֔גוּ
Against whom do ye sport
Strong's:
H6026
Word #:
3 of 15
to be soft or pliable, i.e., (figuratively) effeminate or luxurious
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מִ֛י
H4310
מִ֛י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
5 of 15
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
תַּרְחִ֥יבוּ
yourselves against whom make ye a wide
H7337
תַּרְחִ֥יבוּ
yourselves against whom make ye a wide
Strong's:
H7337
Word #:
6 of 15
to broaden (intransitive or transitive, literal or figurative)
פֶ֖ה
mouth
H6310
פֶ֖ה
mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
7 of 15
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
תַּאֲרִ֣יכוּ
and draw out
H748
תַּאֲרִ֣יכוּ
and draw out
Strong's:
H748
Word #:
8 of 15
to be (causative, make) long (literally or figuratively)
לָשׁ֑וֹן
the tongue
H3956
לָשׁ֑וֹן
the tongue
Strong's:
H3956
Word #:
9 of 15
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
הֲלֽוֹא
H3808
הֲלֽוֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִלְדֵי
are ye not children
H3206
יִלְדֵי
are ye not children
Strong's:
H3206
Word #:
12 of 15
something born, i.e., a lad or offspring
Cross References
2 Peter 2:13And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;Isaiah 1:4Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.Psalms 35:21Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, and said, Aha, aha, our eye hath seen it.Exodus 9:17As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people, that thou wilt not let them go?
Historical Context
The mockery described here likely refers to the scoffing response of Judah's leaders and people toward Isaiah's prophecies of judgment. Similar contemptuous responses to prophetic warnings appear throughout Israel's history (2 Chronicles 36:16, Jeremiah 20:7-8). In the ancient Near East, gestures of mockery—sticking out the tongue, opening the mouth wide—were recognized signs of contempt toward enemies. This passage reflects the hardening of hearts that occurs when people persistently reject divine truth, a pattern seen before both the Babylonian exile and throughout redemptive history.
Questions for Reflection
- In what ways do contemporary Christians subtly mock God's word through disobedience?
- How does persistent rejection of truth lead to spiritual hardening and self-deception?
- What distinguishes children of God from "children of transgression" according to Scripture?
Analysis & Commentary
The rhetorical questions expose the absurdity and arrogance of mocking God. The phrase "sport yourselves" translates the Hebrew titanagu, suggesting derisive laughter and contemptuous mockery. "Making a wide mouth" and "drawing out the tongue" describe gestures of scorn and defiance (Psalm 22:7). The interrogative "Against whom?" emphasizes that their mockery ultimately targets Yahweh Himself, not merely His prophets. The answer comes immediately: they are "children of transgression" (yalde-pesha) and "seed of falsehood" (zera shaqer). This language parallels Jesus' condemnation of the Pharisees as children of the devil (John 8:44). Reformed theology recognizes that rebellion against God's truth constitutes the essence of depravity. Those who mock divine revelation demonstrate their spiritual lineage as offspring of deception rather than children of God.