Isaiah 9 15

Isaiah 9:15 kjv

The ancient and honourable, he is the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail.

Isaiah 9:15 nkjv

The elder and honorable, he is the head; The prophet who teaches lies, he is the tail.

Isaiah 9:15 niv

the elders and dignitaries are the head, the prophets who teach lies are the tail.

Isaiah 9:15 esv

the elder and honored man is the head, and the prophet who teaches lies is the tail;

Isaiah 9:15 nlt

The leaders of Israel are the head,
and the lying prophets are the tail.

Isaiah 9 verses

Isaiah 9 15 Meaning

Isaiah 9:15 describes a judgment that will fall upon the people because of their leadership's iniquity. The elders and the prophesied leaders, through whom the nation received guidance and blessing, have become a source of deception and corruption. This divine retribution highlights the consequence of spiritual and moral failure in leadership, impacting the entire community.

Isaiah 9 15 Context

This verse is part of Isaiah's prophetic message to the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which at this time was under the threat of Assyrian invasion. The immediate context (chapters 7-12) details a prophecy of both judgment and future hope. Chapter 9 begins with a hopeful announcement of light and salvation coming to the people, but verses 11-21 speak of continuing sin and the ensuing judgment that will still fall upon them due to their persistent corruption and misleadership, even in the face of divine discipline. Isaiah 9:15 directly follows the judgment proclaimed in verse 14.

Isaiah 9 15 Word Analysis

• "For the leaders" (Hebrew: הַמַּלְמְדִים, ha-mal'māḏîm): This term literally means "the teachers" or "those who instruct." In this context, it refers to the leaders, guides, and elders of Israel who were responsible for instructing the people in the ways of the LORD and in righteousness. Their failure here is one of corrupt teaching and guiding.

• "of this people" (Hebrew: הָעָם־הַזֶּה, hāʿām-hażżeh): Refers to the specific populace of Israel, emphasizing that the judgment is targeted towards them due to the actions of their leadership.

• "have caused them to err" (Hebrew: הִתְעוּ, hiṯʿû): This is the Niphal (passive or reflexive) form of the verb 'to go astray' or 'to wander.' Here it means they have caused themselves to wander or led others astray, implying both complicity in error and active leading into error.

• "and those whom they guide" (Hebrew: וּפְקִידָיו, ūpəqîḏāyw): This phrase is complex and can be interpreted in several ways. One common translation uses a different vocalization and means "and those guided by them" or "those who are guided by them." Another understanding suggests it could refer to "officials" or "those who are appointed." The Septuagint (LXX) uses a Greek word often translated as "subordinates" or "those appointed." Given the flow, "those guided" is a strong interpretation.

• "are destroyed" (Hebrew: הֻשְׁמְדוּ, hušməḏû): This is the Hophal (causative) form of the verb "to destroy." It means "they are caused to be destroyed" or "they are made to perish." This passive form highlights that the leaders’ actions directly result in the ruin of those under their care.

Word-group Analysis

• "leaders... have caused them to err": This pairing establishes a direct cause-and-effect relationship between leadership failure and national ruin. The failure is not merely passive but an active misleading, a corruption of instruction and guidance. This reflects a pattern of leaders prioritizing their own interests over the spiritual and moral well-being of the people, leading them into destructive paths, possibly through idolatry, injustice, or other forms of rebellion against God.

• "those whom they guide are destroyed": This emphasizes the collective impact of failed leadership. The community, trusting in their appointed guides, suffers the consequences of that leadership's errors and sins. This highlights the heavy responsibility of leadership and the devastating repercussions when that responsibility is abdicated or perverted.

Isaiah 9 15 Bonus Section

The verse resonates with a consistent prophetic theme across the Old Testament: the profound responsibility of leadership before God. Throughout history, prophets like Isaiah frequently denounced kings, priests, and elders for their corrupting influence. This corruption often manifested as turning away from divine law towards syncretism, idolatry, social injustice, and deceit. The "destruction" prophesied is multifaceted, encompassing national exile, loss of security, and spiritual alienation from God. In a New Testament context, the concept of misguided leadership is often contrasted with Christ’s perfect shepherding. Jesus himself denounced the spiritual leaders of his day for leading people astray (Matthew 15:14), being more concerned with tradition and power than genuine faith and justice. The Apostle Paul also warns about false teachers who lead believers astray (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).

Isaiah 9 15 Commentary

Isaiah 9:15 underscores the critical link between corrupt leadership and national downfall. The "teachers" and "guides" (elders and leaders) of Israel, rather than leading the people in God's ways, actively misled them. This deception wasn't benign; it led to destruction. This verse serves as a stark warning about the devastating consequences of moral and spiritual failure at the top, demonstrating how leaders who deviate from righteousness can bring ruin upon the entire populace they are meant to shepherd. It emphasizes that accountability extends to those who misguide, and those who follow the misguidance will suffer. The ultimate destruction can be spiritual as well as physical, stemming from being led away from God's truth and blessing.