King James Version

What Does Isaiah 10:2 Mean?

Isaiah 10:2 in the King James Version says “To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their p...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless!”

Isaiah 10:2 · KJV

Context

1

Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed; that write: or, to the writers that write grievousness

2

To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless!

3

And what will ye do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation which shall come from far? to whom will ye flee for help? and where will ye leave your glory?

4

Without me they shall bow down under the prisoners, and they shall fall under the slain. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.

Read Isaiah 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The purpose of unjust decrees is exposed: turning aside the needy from justice and robbing the poor of rights. 'Turn aside' suggests legal maneuvering to deny the poor access to justice. 'Take away the right' means stripping legal protections from the poor. Widows and orphans—the most vulnerable—become prey to be plundered. This reveals the depravity of using legal authority not to protect but to exploit. God especially cares for society's vulnerable; their oppression guarantees His intervention.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Prophetic literature consistently condemns economic exploitation of widows, orphans, and the poor (Exodus 22:22-24; James 1:27). Archaeological evidence from 8th century BC Israel shows increasing wealth concentration and poverty. Ostraca (pottery shards with writing) record debt-slavery and land seizures. The legal system that should protect the vulnerable instead facilitated their exploitation, justifying divine judgment through Assyrian and Babylonian conquests.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do modern legal and economic systems sometimes oppress the vulnerable while appearing legitimate?
  2. What does God's special concern for widows, orphans, and the poor teach about His character?
  3. How can Christians advocate for the vulnerable in systems that may legally but unjustly exploit them?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
לְהַטּ֤וֹת1 of 13

“To turn aside”

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

מִדִּין֙2 of 13

“from judgment”

H1779

judgement (the suit, justice, sentence or tribunal); by implication also strife

דַּלִּ֔ים3 of 13

“the needy”

H1800

properly, dangling, i.e., (by implication) weak or thin

וְלִגְזֹ֕ל4 of 13

“and to take away”

H1497

to pluck off; specifically to flay, strip or rob

מִשְׁפַּ֖ט5 of 13

“the right”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

עֲנִיֵּ֣י6 of 13

“from the poor”

H6041

depressed, in mind or circumstances

עַמִּ֑י7 of 13

“of my people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

לִהְי֤וֹת8 of 13
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אַלְמָנוֹת֙9 of 13

“that widows”

H490

a widow; also a desolate place

שְׁלָלָ֔ם10 of 13

“may be their prey”

H7998

booty

וְאֶת11 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יְתוֹמִ֖ים12 of 13

“the fatherless”

H3490

a bereaved person

יָבֹֽזּוּ׃13 of 13

“and that they may rob”

H962

to plunder

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 10:2 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 10:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Malachi 3:5Isaiah 3:14Ezekiel 22:7Isaiah 29:21Isaiah 5:23Isaiah 1:23

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