Isaiah 32:6
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Isaiah 32:6
6 For the vile person will speak villany, and his heart will work iniquity, to practise hypocrisy, and to utter error against the LORD, to make empty the soul of the hungry, and he will cause the drink of the thirsty to fail.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 32 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, judgment, salvation. Written during the Assyrian and pre-exilic periods (c. 740-680 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed Judah during Assyria's rise, Babylon's threat, and anticipated restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Isaiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Isaiah 32:6
6 For the vile person will speak villany, and his heart will work iniquity, to practise hypocrisy, and to utter error against the LORD, to make empty the soul of the hungry, and he will cause the drink of the thirsty to fail.
Analysis
For the vile person will speak villany (כִּי נָבָל נְבָלָה יְדַבֵּר, ki naval nevalah yedaber)—the נָבָל (naval) speaks נְבָלָה (nevalah, foolishness, vileness, disgrace). And his heart will work iniquity, to practise hypocrisy (וְלִבּוֹ יַעֲשֶׂה־אָוֶן לַעֲשׂוֹת חֹנֶף, velibo ya'aseh-aven la'asot chonef)—his לֵב (lev, heart) works אָוֶן (aven, iniquity) to practice חֹנֶף (chonef, hypocrisy, godlessness). And to utter error against the LORD, to make empty the soul of the hungry (וּלְדַבֵּר אֶל־יְהוָה תּוֹעָה לְהָרִיק נֶפֶשׁ רָעֵב, uledaber el-YHWH to'ah lehriq nefesh ra'ev). And he will cause the drink of the thirsty to fail (וּמַשְׁקֵה צָמֵא יַחְסִיר, umashqeh tsame yachsir).
Isaiah exposes the vile person's true nature: speech reveals heart-wickedness. The progression moves from speech (speaks villainy) to motive (heart works iniquity) to religious hypocrisy (חֹנֶף, chonef) to theological error (utters תּוֹעָה, to'ah, error against God) to social cruelty (starving the hungry, denying drink to thirsty). Jesus denounced scribes and Pharisees with similar catalogs (Matthew 23)—outward religion masking inner corruption, using theology to oppress rather than liberate. James 1:27 defines pure religion: caring for widows and orphans—the opposite of this vile person's exploitation.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern society depended on powerful people showing generosity to vulnerable populations. Leaders who hoarded resources while claiming piety violated covenant obligations. Amos 8:4-6 condemns merchants who exploited poor people. Jesus faced Pharisees who 'devour widows' houses' while making 'long prayers' (Mark 12:40). Throughout church history, corrupt clergy enriched themselves while parishioners starved—vileness disguised as godliness.
Reflection
- How do you recognize vile people who use religious language while practicing oppression?
- What's the connection between theological error and social cruelty—how does bad doctrine lead to bad ethics?
- In what ways might you be tempted to practice 'hypocrisy'—religious externalism while harboring selfish motives?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Isaiah 3:15
- Parallel theme: 1 Samuel 24:13, Matthew 15:19, 23:13