King James Version
Isaiah 1:21 in the King James Version says “How is the faithful city become an harlot! it was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers.” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“How is the faithful city become an harlot! it was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers.”
Isaiah 1:21 · KJV
If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:
But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
How is the faithful city become an harlot! it was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers.
Thy silver is become dross, thy wine mixed with water:
Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.
KJV Study — Public Domain
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
“become an harlot”
H2181to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (
“How is the faithful”
H539properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen
“it was full”
H4392full (literally or figuratively) or filling (literally); also (concretely) fulness; adverbially, fully
“of judgment”
H4941properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
“righteousness”
H6664the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
“lodged”
H3885to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)
“in it but now murderers”
H7523properly, to dash in pieces, i.e., kill (a human being), especially to murder
This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Isaiah 1:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Isaiah 1:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge