Isaiah 3 6

Isaiah 3:6 kjv

When a man shall take hold of his brother of the house of his father, saying, Thou hast clothing, be thou our ruler, and let this ruin be under thy hand:

Isaiah 3:6 nkjv

When a man takes hold of his brother In the house of his father, saying, "You have clothing; You be our ruler, And let these ruins be under your power,"

Isaiah 3:6 niv

A man will seize one of his brothers in his father's house, and say, "You have a cloak, you be our leader; take charge of this heap of ruins!"

Isaiah 3:6 esv

For a man will take hold of his brother in the house of his father, saying: "You have a cloak; you shall be our leader, and this heap of ruins shall be under your rule";

Isaiah 3:6 nlt

In those days a man will say to his brother,
"Since you have a coat, you be our leader!
Take charge of this heap of ruins!"

Isaiah 3 verses

Isaiah 3 6 Meaning

Isaiah 3:6 is a prophetic depiction of Judah's utter societal collapse and the depth of its desperation during a period of divine judgment. It describes a time so chaotic that leadership, once a position of honor, becomes an undesirable burden. In this dire scenario, individuals cling to others, begging them to take charge, not based on wisdom, strength, or ability, but on the mere possession of a 'cloak,' symbolizing any trace of substance or superficial standing, even if it means governing a society reduced to ruins. This verse vividly portrays an unprecedented level of national breakdown and despair.

Isaiah 3 6 Context

Isaiah chapter 3 prophesies God's judgment on Judah and Jerusalem for their profound sin, arrogance, and moral decay, which led to a complete societal breakdown. Before verse 6, Isaiah lists the various pillars of society – the mighty, the soldiers, judges, prophets, elders, and skillful artisans – that the Lord God of hosts would remove (Is 3:1-3), leaving only incompetent and childish rulers (Is 3:4-5) and widespread oppression. Isaiah 3:6, therefore, paints the stark reality of the aftermath of this removal and oppression. It describes a society in such desperation that they would grasp at anyone, even those merely possessing a "cloak," a symbol of meager status, begging them to assume leadership over the coming devastation. The chapter progresses to describe the general humiliation and suffering of Judah, culminating in the severe judgment on the arrogant women of Jerusalem (Is 3:16-24), further emphasizing the extent of their depravity and God's corresponding wrath. The historical context is the pre-exilic period of Judah, likely amidst threats from powerful empires like Assyria, where internal moral corruption mirrored the external pressures, making the nation vulnerable to divine judgment.

Isaiah 3 6 Word analysis

• "For a man": Hebrew 'ish (אִישׁ). This generic term emphasizes that the desperation for leadership affects every ordinary person, not just officials or elites. It highlights a widespread, communal crisis where even common individuals are involved in a futile search for guidance.
• "will take hold": Hebrew yitposh (יִתְפֹּשׂ). This verb means "to seize," "to grasp," or "to lay hold of." It denotes a desperate, almost forceful clinging, driven by urgent need rather than respect or ceremony. It paints a picture of societal chaos where order is abandoned.
• "of his brother": Hebrew 'akhiw (אָחִיו). Referring to a close kinsman or fellow Israelite, this phrase underscores the deeply personal and internal nature of the societal collapse. It signifies that the crisis has penetrated to the most fundamental relationships, affecting families and close community members.
• "in the house of his father": This phrase highlights the intimate domestic sphere where this desperate appeal takes place, emphasizing how the judgment pervades every aspect of life, down to the family unit. The usual sources of family protection and honor are gone, leaving behind only the shared burden of despair.
• "saying, 'You have a cloak'": Hebrew simlah (שִׂמְלָה). This is a simple outer garment, but in ancient Near Eastern society, it could also denote a person's financial standing, means, or even the mantle of office (as in the case of Elijah's mantle, 1 Ki 19:19). The implication here is ironic: the only qualification offered for leadership is merely possessing a visible sign of substance or the slight impression of responsibility. It mocks the absurdity of leadership criteria in such a debased society, indicating a complete absence of true virtues like wisdom, justice, or courage.
• "you be our leader": Hebrew qatzin (קָצִין). This word refers to a chief, ruler, commander, or captain. The plea for this title, devoid of actual qualifications beyond a garment, highlights the dire need for any authority, no matter how unqualified or ill-equipped. The desperate situation turns a position of power into a loathed responsibility.
• "and let this heap of ruins be under your rule": Hebrew hammikhshēlāh hazzō'th takhath yādekha.
  • "heap of ruins": Hebrew mikhshēlāh (מִכְשֵׁלָה) primarily means "stumbling block" or "ruin." Here, it graphically depicts the state of the nation and Jerusalem: utter desolation and devastation resulting from God's judgment. No one wishes to preside over such a wretched inheritance.
  • "be under your rule": Literally "under your hand," this idiom signifies being under someone's control or authority. The irony is stark: the man is asked to take control not of a thriving nation but of its devastated remnants. The power offered is to steward utter destruction, reflecting the complete reversal of fortune and desirability.

Isaiah 3 6 Bonus section

The desperate plea in Isaiah 3:6 stands in stark contrast to the divine callings for leadership found throughout the Bible, particularly the clear, Spirit-anointed leadership God intended for Israel (e.g., Moses, Joshua, David, and ultimately the Messiah). While earthly leadership is often coveted for power and prestige, this verse portrays a scenario where the consequences of ruling over God's judgment are so terrifying that the role is forcefully shunned. This passage foreshadows the complete moral and political breakdown before the coming of the true and perfect Leader, Jesus Christ, who will finally establish a kingdom that is not a "heap of ruins" but one of peace, justice, and righteousness, for His rule is not merely over ruins but over the whole renewed earth (Is 9:6-7, Rev 11:15). It underlines humanity's profound inability to manage its own affairs when separated from divine guidance and wisdom, setting the stage for the essential need for a divine King.

Isaiah 3 6 Commentary

Isaiah 3:6 is a potent prophetic image revealing the extreme desolation awaiting Judah and Jerusalem due to their widespread sin and rejection of God. It dramatically portrays a future where God's judgment will strip away every form of capable leadership, creating such social anarchy and distress that the very idea of governing becomes abhorrent. The "cloak" symbolizes how utterly baseless and desperate the criteria for leadership become, showcasing a society devoid of wisdom, righteousness, or discerning judgment. This isn't about seeking true wisdom; it's about shifting an unbearable burden. The verse captures the ultimate humiliation where dignity is replaced by desperation, and the symbol of a leader's authority is tragically applied to overseeing a desolate wasteland. It serves as a stark warning about the consequences of societal and spiritual decay.