King James Version

What Does Isaiah 1:28 Mean?

Isaiah 1:28 in the King James Version says “And the destruction of the transgressors and of the sinners shall be together, and they that forsake the LORD shall be c...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the destruction of the transgressors and of the sinners shall be together, and they that forsake the LORD shall be consumed. destruction: Heb. breaking”

Isaiah 1:28 · KJV

Context

26

And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellors as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city.

27

Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness. her: or, they that return of her

28

And the destruction of the transgressors and of the sinners shall be together, and they that forsake the LORD shall be consumed. destruction: Heb. breaking

29

For they shall be ashamed of the oaks which ye have desired, and ye shall be confounded for the gardens that ye have chosen.

30

For ye shall be as an oak whose leaf fadeth, and as a garden that hath no water.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The contrasting fate of the repentant (v. 27) versus 'transgressors and sinners'—who face destruction—underscores the binary outcome of covenant relationship. The phrase 'they that forsake the LORD' identifies the damned not as those who never knew God but apostates who abandoned covenant commitment. This warns against presuming on covenant status without persevering faith (Hebrews 10:26-31). Reformed theology sees this as evidencing that true elect faith perseveres, while spurious profession falls away (1 John 2:19).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Many in Judah presumed that temple presence and Abrahamic descent guaranteed security (Jeremiah 7:4), yet Isaiah warns that covenant unfaithfulness brings consumption, not protection.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we distinguish genuine faith from mere external association with God's people?
  2. What warning does this verse sound against presumption on religious heritage or past experience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וְשֶׁ֧בֶר1 of 7

“And the destruction”

H7667

a fracture, figuratively, ruin; specifically, a solution (of a dream)

פֹּשְׁעִ֛ים2 of 7

“of the transgressors”

H6586

to break away (from just authority), i.e., trespass, apostatize, quarrel

וְחַטָּאִ֖ים3 of 7

“and of the sinners”

H2400

a criminal, or one accounted guilty

יַחְדָּ֑ו4 of 7

“shall be together”

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

וְעֹזְבֵ֥י5 of 7

“and they that forsake”

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

יְהוָ֖ה6 of 7

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

יִכְלֽוּ׃7 of 7

“shall be consumed”

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

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 1:28 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 1:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Thessalonians 1:8-9Psalms 1:6Revelation 21:8Isaiah 30:13Job 31:3Isaiah 66:24

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