Isaiah 10:1 kjv
Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed;
Isaiah 10:1 nkjv
"Woe to those who decree unrighteous decrees, Who write misfortune, Which they have prescribed
Isaiah 10:1 niv
Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees,
Isaiah 10:1 esv
Woe to those who decree iniquitous decrees, and the writers who keep writing oppression,
Isaiah 10:1 nlt
What sorrow awaits the unjust judges
and those who issue unfair laws.
Isaiah 10 1 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Isaiah 10:1 | "Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed;" | Condemnation of unjust rulers |
| Micah 3:2 | "Who hate the good, and love the evil; who pluck off their skin from off them, and their flesh from off their bones;" | Rulers' cruelty |
| Amos 5:12 | "Forasmuch therefore ye trample upon the poor, and take thereof a tribute of wheat: ye have built ye high places of stone, but ye shall not dwell in them; ye have planted pleasant vineyards, but ye shall not drink the wine thereof." | Oppression of the poor |
| Psalm 94:20 | "Shall the throne ofiquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?" | Wicked rulers making laws |
| Proverbs 17:15 | "He that justifieth the wicked, and condemneth the just, even they both are abomination unto the LORD." | Unjust judgments |
| Romans 2:1 | "Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things." | Hypocritical judgment |
| Galatians 1:7 | "Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ." | False teachings/decrees |
| James 4:11 | "Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge." | Judging brothers |
| Jeremiah 7:9 | "Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not;" | Idolatry and wicked acts |
| Matthew 23:4 | "For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers." | Hypocrisy of religious leaders |
| Luke 11:46 | "And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers." | Burdening others with law |
| Isaiah 5:20 | "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" | Twisting moral codes |
| Isaiah 5:23 | "Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness from the righteous from him." | Corrupt judges |
| Psalm 10:2-3 | "The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they shall imagine. For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth." | Wickedness and covetousness |
| Ezekiel 45:9 | "Thus saith the Lord GOD; Let it suffice you, O princes of Israel: remove violence and spoil, and execute judgment and justice, take away your exactions from my people, saith the Lord GOD." | Princes exhorted to justice |
| Isaiah 28:14 | "Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem;" | Scornful rulers addressed |
| Isaiah 10:2 | "To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless:" | Specific acts of injustice |
| Isaiah 10:3 | "And what will ye do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation which shall come from far? to whom will ye flee for help? and where will ye leave your glory?" | Consequences of injustice |
| John 7:24 | "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." | Righteous judgment |
| Romans 13:4 | "For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil." | Role of governing authorities |
| Jeremiah 22:3 | "Thus saith the LORD; Execute ye judgment and justice, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor: and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow: neither shed thou innocent blood in this place." | Royal duty of justice |
Isaiah 10 verses
Isaiah 10 1 Meaning
"Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed." This verse introduces a strong condemnation ("woe") directed at those in authority who enact unjust laws and oppressive regulations. The core of their sin lies in the intention and the content of their official pronouncements, which are designed to cause harm and burden the people.
Isaiah 10 1 Context
This verse stands as the opening statement of a powerful oracle against Assyria in chapter 10 of Isaiah. Isaiah is addressing the corrupt leadership in Judah and the surrounding nations, particularly those who wield power unjustly. The immediate historical context is likely during the Assyrian threat to Israel and Judah. The Assyrians, as a superpower, were known for their military might and administrative control, often imposed through oppressive policies. The prophet Isaiah, under divine inspiration, exposes the inherent sinfulness of such rule. The "woe" is a prophetic declaration of doom and judgment, indicating severe consequences for those who disregard righteousness and justice in their governance.
Isaiah 10 1 Word analysis
- Woe (הוֹי - hōwî): An exclamation of grief, sorrow, or denunciation. It signifies impending disaster or judgment.
- unto (אֶל - el): To, towards. Indicates the target of the "woe."
- them (הֵמָּה - hemmāh): Pronoun referring to specific individuals or groups in positions of power.
- that (אֲשֶׁר - ’ăšer): A relative pronoun, introducing a descriptive clause.
- decree (חוֹק - ḥōq): An ordinance, statute, law, decree, or portion. It refers to something established or appointed.
- unrighteous (צֶדֶק - tsedeq): Here it is negated or contrasted by an implied opposite due to context and parallel structure with "grievousness." While tsedeq primarily means righteousness, in negative constructions or contrast, it can signify what is not right.
- decrees (מְחֹקְקִים - mᵉḥōqqîm): Legislators, those who decree or draw boundaries/laws.
- and (וְ - wᵉ): A conjunction connecting clauses.
- that (אֲשֶׁר - ’ăšer): Relative pronoun.
- write (כָּתְבוּ - kāṯəḇû): To inscribe, to write. Refers to the official recording and implementation of policies.
- grievousness (עַוְלָה - ʿāwĕlâ): Injustice, iniquity, wrongdoing, perversity. It describes the oppressive and harmful nature of the prescribed actions.
- which (אֲשֶׁר - ’ăšer): Relative pronoun.
- they (הֵמָּה - hemmāh): Pronoun.
- have prescribed (הִתְפַּלְּלוּ - hitpallelû): This Hebrew verb primarily means "to pray" or "to intercede." However, in certain contexts, and with specific prepositions or nuances, it can refer to "deliberating," "appointing," or "making a determination." The nifal stem here suggests a reflexive or passive sense of determining something for themselves or being self-willed in their decrees. Some scholars suggest it implies a "scheming" or "intending" to establish their wicked laws. Another interpretation connects it to the idea of "making oneself out to be" something, implying self-importance in their law-making.
Words Group Analysis:
- "decree unrighteous decrees" implies making laws that are inherently unjust, lacking fairness, and violating divine standards of righteousness.
- "write grievousness which they have prescribed" speaks to the formalization and deliberate implementation of policies that cause pain, hardship, and suffering to those subjected to them. The use of "write" emphasizes that these are not just verbal commands but formally documented oppressive mandates.
Isaiah 10 1 Bonus Section
The Hebrew verb hitpallel (הִתְפַּלְּלוּ), translated here as "have prescribed," presents an interesting linguistic nuance. While its most common meaning is "to pray," in its reflexive or nifal form, it can imply devising or determining something with self-will or for oneself. This adds a layer of intentionality and personal agenda to the oppressive laws they create. It suggests a disregard for divine guidance and a reliance on their own wicked counsel. This self-willed formulation of decrees highlights the depth of their apostasy and the calculated nature of their injustice, distinguishing it from mere incompetence or error.
Isaiah 10 1 Commentary
Isaiah 10:1 initiates a powerful prophetic indictment against those who abuse their authority by crafting and enforcing unjust laws and policies. The "woe" signifies God's judgment against such rulers, who actively work to disadvantage and oppress the vulnerable. This isn't merely about accidental misfortune but about deliberate intent to cause harm through formal decrees. Such actions corrupt the very concept of governance, turning it into a tool for exploitation rather than for justice and the common good. The verse serves as a stark reminder that leaders are accountable to a higher standard, ultimately to God, and that unrighteous laws incur divine wrath.