Isaiah 1:28 kjv

And the destruction of the transgressors and of the sinners shall be together, and they that forsake the LORD shall be consumed.

Isaiah 1:28 nkjv

The destruction of transgressors and of sinners shall be together, And those who forsake the LORD shall be consumed.

Isaiah 1:28 niv

But rebels and sinners will both be broken, and those who forsake the LORD will perish.

Isaiah 1:28 esv

But rebels and sinners shall be broken together, and those who forsake the LORD shall be consumed.

Isaiah 1:28 nlt

But rebels and sinners will be completely destroyed,
and those who desert the LORD will be consumed.

Isaiah 1 verses

Isaiah 1 28 Meaning

Isaiah 1:28 proclaims the assured and comprehensive destruction awaiting those who rebel against the LORD and forsake Him. It contrasts sharply with the offer of redemption and purification, highlighting God's impartial justice. Transgressors, defined as those who deliberately rebel, and sinners, representing those who miss God's standard, will meet their demise simultaneously. Moreover, those who consciously abandon their relationship with the God of Israel will face utter consumption and come to an end. This verse serves as a stark warning of the unavoidable consequences of persistent disobedience and spiritual apostasy.

Isaiah 1 28 Context

Isaiah chapter 1 serves as a prophetic prelude to the entire book, functioning as a "great indictment" against the nation of Judah and Jerusalem during Isaiah's time. The LORD speaks directly, lamenting the spiritual rebellion of His people, whom He had nourished but who had rebelled (Isa 1:2-3). The nation is portrayed as morally sick and diseased, "a sin-sick body" from head to toe (Isa 1:4-6). Despite their external religious observances and sacrifices, their hearts were far from God, and they practiced injustice (Isa 1:10-15). The chapter offers a crucial dichotomy: a gracious call to repentance and cleansing (Isa 1:16-19), promising restoration for obedience ("You shall eat the good of the land," Isa 1:19), contrasted sharply with the certain judgment and destruction for persistent disobedience ("if you refuse and rebel, you shall be eaten by the sword," Isa 1:20). Verse 28 falls within this latter warning, specifying the fate of the "transgressors and sinners" and "those who forsake the LORD," distinct from the righteous remnant God would preserve and refine (Isa 1:27). Historically, Judah faced external threats and internal corruption, tempting them to rely on political alliances and religious formalism instead of true fidelity to YHWH, setting the stage for the desolation warned of in the verse.

Isaiah 1 28 Word analysis

• But: This introductory word signifies a stark contrast with the preceding verses (e.g., Isa 1:27, which speaks of Zion's redemption through justice and righteousness). It signals a turning point from hope for the redeemed to a definitive statement of doom for the unrepentant.
• the destruction: The Hebrew word is shever (שֶׁבֶר). It means "a breaking," "shattering," "calamity," or "ruin." It denotes a violent, comprehensive, and irreversible act of destruction, not just defeat or misfortune, but utter devastation. This term emphasizes the complete breaking apart of whatever is subjected to it.
• of transgressors: The Hebrew is posh'im (פֹּשְׁעִים). This term derives from the root pasha' (פָּשַׁע), meaning "to rebel," "to revolt," "to trespass willfully," or "to betray." It implies a conscious, deliberate, and high-handed act of rebellion against a recognized authority, specifically God and His covenant. It suggests breaking faith and active defiance.
• and of sinners: The Hebrew is v'chatta'im (וְחַטָּאִים). This term comes from the root chata' (חָטָא), which means "to miss the mark," "to go astray," "to err," or "to commit sin." While posh'im signifies rebellion, chatta'im is a broader term for those who fail to live up to God's standard or covenant obligations, whether through deliberate act or omission. Often used in parallelism, here it complements posh'im to include all forms of moral failing against God.
• shall be together: The Hebrew is yachdav (יַחְדָּו). This adverb means "together," "at the same time," "all at once," or "alike." It stresses that their fate will be unified and shared, implying no individual escape or delay in their shared doom. Both categories of the wicked—the rebels and the general sinners—will face destruction simultaneously.
• and they that forsake: The Hebrew is v'ozvei (וְעֹזְבֵי). This comes from the root azav (עָזַב), meaning "to leave," "to abandon," "to relinquish," or "to give up." It describes a deliberate act of desertion, a breaking away from allegiance or relationship. Here, it signifies those who willfully renounce their covenant relationship with God.
• the LORD: The Hebrew here is YHWH (יְהוָה), the covenant name of God, revealing His personal, relational, and self-existent nature. This specifies that the act of forsaking is directed against the true, covenant-making, and redeeming God of Israel, not just any deity or abstract principle. This makes the forsaking an act of supreme spiritual betrayal.
• shall be consumed: The Hebrew is yiklu (יִכְלוּ). This is from the root kalah (כָּלָה), meaning "to be complete," "to be finished," "to be spent," "to waste away," or "to be utterly destroyed." It implies a total end, either by perishing or being completely used up and brought to nothing. For people, it signifies annihilation or an ultimate end to their life or standing.

• the destruction of transgressors and of sinners shall be together: This phrase underscores the comprehensive nature of divine judgment. Whether one is an overt rebel or simply a consistent transgressor, their end will be the same—utter destruction, faced collectively. It erases any false distinction or hope that one category of wrongdoer might escape the fate of the other. The deliberate nature of 'transgressors' and the broader category of 'sinners' are united in judgment, emphasizing God's holiness that tolerates no form of unrighteousness in the long run.
• they that forsake the LORD shall be consumed: This clause highlights the specific and ultimate consequence of covenant infidelity and spiritual abandonment. It points to a direct correlation between active rejection of God and utter desolation. The focus on 'the LORD' (YHWH) emphasizes that this judgment is deeply personal, flowing from a broken relationship with the covenant God who is faithful to His own standards. 'Consumed' here denotes a finality, a complete obliteration of their life or privileged status, signifying spiritual ruin. This phrase provides the specific rationale and consequence for the generalized "destruction."

Isaiah 1 28 Bonus section

This verse carries a profound polemical edge against the contemporary Israelite belief that outward religious observance (sacrifices, festivals mentioned in Isa 1:10-15) alone secured God's favor and protection. Isaiah clearly refutes this, demonstrating that even those participating in religious rituals, if their hearts were rebellious and they had truly forsaken the Lord, would not escape judgment. Their shever (destruction) was imminent, despite their ceremonial fidelity. This also implicitly critiques reliance on political alliances rather than the LORD, as turning from God meant seeking help elsewhere, leading to inevitable ruin. The destruction spoken of would not merely be political or military defeat but an act of divine consumption for violating the covenant. It underscores that covenant violation, rather than simply political maneuvering, was the root cause of their impending demise. The term posh'im highlights not just sin, but an act of disloyalty akin to treason against their divine King.

Isaiah 1 28 Commentary

Isaiah 1:28 serves as a chilling summary of the ultimate fate awaiting those in Judah who stubbornly refused God's gracious call to repentance and restoration. It is the logical conclusion of rebellion articulated throughout the opening chapter. The terms "transgressors" and "sinners" capture the full spectrum of moral failing—from high-handed defiance of God's will to pervasive unrighteousness—emphasizing that all who stray from God's path, regardless of the severity or nature of their sin, will face His unwavering justice. The inclusion of "together" powerfully communicates the inescapability and shared destiny of the unrepentant, allowing for no distinctions or exemptions in the coming judgment.

Furthermore, the explicit mention of "those who forsake the LORD" cuts to the heart of their spiritual malady. Their sin is not merely a misstep but an abandonment of their covenant God, YHWH. This forsaking implies a conscious renunciation of allegiance and relationship, rejecting the very source of life and blessing. For such willful apostasy, the consequence is consumption—a final and absolute end to their existence as a blessed people, implying removal from the land, loss of divine protection, and potentially spiritual death. The verse functions as a stark and urgent warning, framing the destructive judgment not as arbitrary wrath but as the righteous consequence of a profound breach of covenant relationship, solidifying God's unwavering commitment to both justice and holiness within His dealings with His chosen people.