King James Version

What Does Isaiah 28:9 Mean?

Isaiah 28:9 in the King James Version says “Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and dr...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. doctrine: Heb. the hearing?”

Isaiah 28:9 · KJV

Context

7

But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment.

8

For all tables are full of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place clean.

9

Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. doctrine: Heb. the hearing?

10

For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: must be: or, hath been

11

For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. stammering: Heb. stammerings of lip will: or, he hath spoken

Read Isaiah 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. Verses 9-13 present disputed interpretation. Either: (1) drunk leaders mockingly ask who Isaiah thinks he's teaching—toddlers?, or (2) Isaiah/God asks rhetorically who can receive teaching—only those mature enough. Context favors (1): drunken leaders resent Isaiah's rebuke, sarcastically asking whom shall he teach knowledge? (et-mi yoreh de'ah, אֶת־מִי יוֹרֶה דֵּעָה) and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? (ve'et-mi yavin shemu'ah, וְאֶת־מִי יָבִין שְׁמוּעָה, whom will he make understand the message?).

Their sneering answer: them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts (gmule mechalav atiqei mishaddayim, גְּמוּלֵי מֵחָלָב עַתִּיקֵי מִשָּׁדָיִם, those weaned from milk, removed from breasts)—little children just past nursing! They mock Isaiah as treating them like infants needing elementary instruction. The irony: their drunken stupor proves they DO need basic teaching. They think themselves wise but are actually immature (1 Corinthians 3:1-2, Hebrews 5:12-14). Those who should teach others still need milk, not solid food.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Throughout history, corrupt leaders resent prophetic rebuke. Amaziah told Amos to leave (Amos 7:12-13). Pashhur struck Jeremiah (Jeremiah 20:1-2). Herodias killed John the Baptist (Matthew 14:3-10). Jesus faced religious leaders who rejected His teaching as offensive (John 6:60, 66). Paul rebuked Corinthians for remaining infants in Christ (1 Corinthians 3:1). The church has always struggled with leaders who think themselves advanced but lack basic spiritual maturity. Pride blinds people to their need for instruction.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you resented correction because you thought yourself beyond needing 'elementary' teaching?
  2. How does spiritual pride (thinking we're mature) actually prove our immaturity and need for God's word?
  3. What marks genuine spiritual maturity versus the false sophistication that rejects basic biblical truth?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
אֶת1 of 12
H853

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

מִי֙2 of 12
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

יוֹרֶ֣ה3 of 12

“Whom shall he teach”

H3384

properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by

דֵעָ֔ה4 of 12

“knowledge”

H1844

knowledge

וְאֶת5 of 12
H853

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

מִ֖י6 of 12
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

יָבִ֣ין7 of 12

“and whom shall he make to understand”

H995

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

שְׁמוּעָ֑ה8 of 12

“doctrine”

H8052

something heard, i.e., an announcement

גְּמוּלֵי֙9 of 12

“them that are weaned”

H1580

to treat a person (well or ill), i.e., benefit or requite; by implication (of toil), to ripen, i.e., (specifically) to wean

מֵֽחָלָ֔ב10 of 12

“from the milk”

H2461

milk (as the richness of kine)

עַתִּיקֵ֖י11 of 12

“and drawn”

H6267

removed, i.e., weaned; also antique

מִשָּׁדָֽיִם׃12 of 12

“from the breasts”

H7699

the breast of a woman or animal (as bulging)

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 28:9 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 28:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 131:2Jeremiah 6:10John 12:38Matthew 11:25Matthew 21:15-16John 3:19

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