Isaiah 9:16
For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּֽהְי֛וּ
H1961
וַיִּֽהְי֛וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 7
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
וּמְאֻשָּׁרָ֖יו
For the leaders
H833
וּמְאֻשָּׁרָ֖יו
For the leaders
Strong's:
H833
Word #:
2 of 7
to be straight (used in the widest sense, especially to be level, right, happy); figuratively, to go forward, be honest, prosper
הָֽעָם
of this people
H5971
הָֽעָם
of this people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
3 of 7
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַזֶּ֖ה
H2088
מַתְעִ֑ים
cause them to err
H8582
מַתְעִ֑ים
cause them to err
Strong's:
H8582
Word #:
5 of 7
to vacillate, i.e., reel or stray (literally or figuratively); also causative of both
Cross References
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.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.
Historical Context
Israel's kings, priests, and prophets systematically led people into idolatry and injustice. Jeroboam I established false worship centers (1 Kings 12:28-33), setting a pattern followed by successors. Each generation of leaders 'caused them to err' further from God's law. By Isaiah's time, the nation was thoroughly corrupted from top to bottom. The destruction came in waves: 732 BC (partial conquest), 722 BC (final fall).
Questions for Reflection
- How do we take personal responsibility for what we believe, even while acknowledging leadership influence?
- What is our obligation to test teaching against Scripture rather than blindly following human authorities?
- In what ways can we be better leaders who guide others toward truth rather than error?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Leaders who should guide people to safety instead lead them to destruction. 'The leaders of this people cause them to err' assigns responsibility to those in authority. 'They that are led of them are destroyed' shows the tragic consequence—followers perish due to corrupt leadership. The passive voice 'are destroyed' might suggest victimhood, but Scripture also holds followers accountable for following false teachers. This illustrates corporate solidarity in sin—both leaders and followers share guilt, though leaders bear greater responsibility.