King James Version

What Does Isaiah 1:23 Mean?

Isaiah 1:23 in the King James Version says “Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge n...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Isaiah 1:23 · KJV

Context

21

How is the faithful city become an harlot! it was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers.

22

Thy silver is become dross, thy wine mixed with water:

23

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.

24

Therefore saith the Lord, the LORD of hosts, the mighty One of Israel, Ah, I will ease me of mine adversaries, and avenge me of mine enemies:

25

And I will turn my hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin: purely: Heb. according to pureness

Read Isaiah 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Isaiah indicts leaders as 'rebellious' (Hebrew 'sarar'—stubborn, defiant) and 'companions of thieves,' exposing systemic corruption. Bribery perverts justice, while neglect of orphans and widows violates covenantal obligation to the vulnerable (Deuteronomy 10:18). Leadership failure compounds covenant unfaithfulness, as those charged with modeling righteousness lead in rebellion. This anticipates Jesus' denunciation of religious leaders (Matthew 23) and underscores that authority entails heightened accountability (James 3:1).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Judean rulers, meant to shepherd God's people (Ezekiel 34), exploited their position for personal gain. Archaeological evidence from the period reveals a growing wealth gap, consistent with Isaiah's charges.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do leaders today similarly pervert justice through self-interest?
  2. What responsibility do we bear to advocate for the voiceless in our communities?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
שָׂרַ֣יִךְ1 of 17

“Thy princes”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

סוֹרְרִ֗ים2 of 17

“are rebellious”

H5637

to turn away, i.e., (morally) be refractory

וְחַבְרֵי֙3 of 17

“and companions”

H2270

an associate

גַּנָּבִ֔ים4 of 17

“of thieves”

H1590

a stealer

כֻּלּוֹ֙5 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֹהֵ֣ב6 of 17

“every one loveth”

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

שֹׁ֔חַד7 of 17

“gifts”

H7810

a donation (venal or redemptive)

וְרֹדֵ֖ף8 of 17

“and followeth”

H7291

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

שַׁלְמֹנִ֑ים9 of 17

“after rewards”

H8021

a bribe

יָתוֹם֙10 of 17

“not the fatherless”

H3490

a bereaved person

לֹ֣א11 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִשְׁפֹּ֔טוּ12 of 17

“they judge”

H8199

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

וְרִ֥יב13 of 17

“neither doth the cause”

H7379

a contest (personal or legal)

אַלְמָנָ֖ה14 of 17

“of the widow”

H490

a widow; also a desolate place

לֹֽא15 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָב֥וֹא16 of 17

“come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֲלֵיהֶֽם׃17 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

Study Guide

Historical Context

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.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 1:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 1:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Micah 7:3Exodus 23:8Zechariah 7:10Acts 4:5-11Luke 18:2-5Isaiah 3:14

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Isaiah 1 with CommentaryAll Isaiah ChaptersComplete Isaiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes