Isaiah 33 15

Isaiah 33:15 kjv

He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;

Isaiah 33:15 nkjv

He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly, He who despises the gain of oppressions, Who gestures with his hands, refusing bribes, Who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed, And shuts his eyes from seeing evil:

Isaiah 33:15 niv

Those who walk righteously and speak what is right, who reject gain from extortion and keep their hands from accepting bribes, who stop their ears against plots of murder and shut their eyes against contemplating evil?

Isaiah 33:15 esv

He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly, who despises the gain of oppressions, who shakes his hands, lest they hold a bribe, who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed and shuts his eyes from looking on evil,

Isaiah 33:15 nlt

Those who are honest and fair,
who refuse to profit by fraud,
who stay far away from bribes,
who refuse to listen to those who plot murder,
who shut their eyes to all enticement to do wrong ?

Isaiah 33 verses

Isaiah 33 15 Meaning

This verse describes the characteristics of a righteous individual living in the midst of ungodliness. Such a person walks with integrity, practices justice, and speaks truth with sincerity. They reject greed and evil counsel, and through their upright conduct, they can stand firm even when faced with challenging circumstances.

Isaiah 33 15 Context

Isaiah chapter 33 describes the impending judgment upon Israel's enemies, particularly Assyria, and the subsequent deliverance and establishment of God's righteous reign in Zion. The chapter contrasts the deceitful and oppressive actions of the wicked with the integrity and justice required of those who wish to dwell with God. Verse 15 serves as a pivotal statement within this broader theme, outlining the personal character and conduct that will be recognized and vindicated when God's kingdom is fully established. The original audience, likely facing or anticipating conflict and turmoil, would have found assurance and a clear moral imperative in these words.

Isaiah 33 15 Word analysis

• He (hu lech) (הוּא יַלְכְּ): Refers to an individual. Implies personal responsibility and agency.
• who walks (ye lech) (יֵלֵךְ): Emphasizes continuous action and a lifestyle. More than just occasional acts, it's about one's habitual way of life. It connects to the concept of "walking with God" (Gen 5:24).
• righteously (tsedakot) (בְּצֶדֶק): In accordance with divine standards of justice and morality. Implies fairness, uprightness, and doing what is right in God's eyes.
• and speaks (ve-ye davar) (וּמְדַבֵּר): Verbal communication. Highlights the importance of speech in a person's character.
• uprightly (ve-yasharot) (וִישָׁרוֹת): Truthfully, honestly, and directly. Straightforward and without deception.
• despises (bōz) (בֹּז): To scorn, disdain, or reject with contempt. Shows a strong aversion to unjust gains.
• the gain (bētsa) (בֶּצַע): Profit, especially illicit or dishonest profit gained through oppression or exploitation.
• of oppressions (mer imem) (מִרְמִיּוֹת): Deceptions, frauds, or dishonest schemes used to cheat or defraud others.
• and stops (ve-ma-na) (וּמֵנִּי): To hold back, restrain, or refrain from.
• his ears (oznayim) (אָזְנוֹ): The organs of hearing. Symbolically represents being unwilling to listen to or be influenced by harmful words.
• from hearing (lisk hama) (לִשְׁמֹעַ): To actively choose not to listen to.
• of bloodshed (dami mem) (דָּמִים): Murders, violence, or acts involving loss of life. A rejection of violence and its instigation.
• and shuts (ve-isma) (וְעֹצֵם): To close.
• his eyes (eyneyim) (עֵינָיו): The organs of sight. Symbolically represents avoiding looking at or being enticed by evil.
• from looking on (hirti aot) (מִרְאוֹת): To see or behold. A deliberate act of turning away from sinful sights.
• evil (ra) (רָע): That which is morally wrong, wicked, or harmful.
• he dwells (yishkon) (יִשְׁכּוֹן): To reside, to abide permanently. A state of secure dwelling and communion with God.
• on high (meromim) (בִּמְרוֹמִים): In the highest places, in safety and security, implying dwelling in God's presence.
• his place of defense (mesuda) (מְצוּדָה): A fortified stronghold, a place of refuge and safety. Implies reliance on God for protection.
• the crumbings of bread (hidot) (חִידֹת): Often translated as "refuges" or "strongholds" in other contexts (like Job 29:18), but here might refer to "the crumbs/leavings" of judgment or sustenance of life. The meaning here is debated, some see it as "rock" or "secure place", while others suggest it relates to provision. Considering the context of God's provision, it's likely speaking of sustenance received within God's fortress.
• his bread (lechem) (לַחְמוֹ): Sustenance, provisions, necessities of life.
• shall be given (yiten) (יֻתַּן): Will be provided. God assures provision for the righteous.
• his water (mayim) (מֵימָיו): Also signifies sustenance, purity, and spiritual nourishment.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• Walks righteously and speaks uprightly: This pairing highlights the integration of inner conviction and outward action. A truly righteous person will exhibit integrity in both their conduct and their words. There is no hypocrisy; what they do aligns with what they say.
• Despises the gain of oppressions: This phrase points to a strong ethical stance against ill-gotten wealth acquired through deceit or exploiting others. It is a declaration of abhorrence for injustice, a core tenet of God's law.
• Stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed and shuts his eyes from looking on evil: This illustrates active avoidance of sin. It’s not just about not committing evil, but about actively guarding oneself against exposure to it, to prevent temptation and complicity. This reflects the discipline of self-control and discernment.
• Dwells on high, his place of defense is the stronghold of rock; his bread shall be given him, his water shall be sure: This depicts a state of ultimate security and provision, found in dwelling close to God ("on high"). God Himself is the fortress and the source of sustenance. It signifies a complete trust in divine protection and provision, rather than relying on worldly security or wealth.

Isaiah 33 15 Bonus section

The imagery of "his bread shall be given him, his water shall be sure" speaks to the supernatural provision God affords those who are faithful. This is not just about physical sustenance but also spiritual nourishment and assurance in times of difficulty. This principle is echoed throughout Scripture, where obedience to God is consistently linked with His faithfulness in providing for His people, even in barren or difficult circumstances (e.g., Psalm 37:25; Matthew 6:33). The assurance of "sure water" also points to the life-giving and purifying presence of the Holy Spirit for the believer.

Isaiah 33 15 Commentary

This verse describes the essence of godly living as it pertains to personal integrity and ethical conduct. It paints a portrait of a person whose internal compass is aligned with divine truth, leading to consistent actions and speech characterized by righteousness and honesty. The individual actively rejects dishonesty, exploitation, and the corrupting influence of wealth gained unjustly. Furthermore, they practice a conscious separation from evil influences by deliberately tuning out harmful conversations and averting their gaze from morally corrupting sights. This disciplined approach to life allows them to find true security and unfailing provision not in material wealth or worldly defenses, but in their intimate communion with God, who is their ultimate stronghold and sustainer. This is a practical expression of faith that secures an abiding relationship with the divine.