King James Version

What Does Isaiah 3:10 Mean?

Isaiah 3:10 in the King James Version says “Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.

Isaiah 3:10 · KJV


Context

8

For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen: because their tongue and their doings are against the LORD, to provoke the eyes of his glory.

9

The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves.

10

Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.

11

Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him. given: Heb. done to him

12

As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths. lead: or, call thee blessed destroy: Heb. swallow up


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Amid judgment, Isaiah offers hope to the individual righteous. 'Say ye to the righteous, it shall be well with him' promises divine protection and blessing even during national judgment. The principle that the righteous will 'eat the fruit of their doings' establishes individual accountability—corporate judgment doesn't nullify personal faith's benefits. This anticipates Ezekiel's teaching on individual responsibility (Ezekiel 18).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Righteous individuals like Daniel, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel were preserved through Babylonian exile. God's faithfulness to His own continues even when covenant curses fall on the nation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does personal righteousness through faith in Christ protect you spiritually even amid societal judgment?
  2. What 'fruit of your doings' are you sowing that will endure beyond this life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
אִמְר֥וּ1 of 8

Say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

צַדִּ֖יק2 of 8

ye to the righteous

H6662

just

כִּי3 of 8
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

ט֑וֹב4 of 8

that it shall be well

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

כִּֽי5 of 8
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

פְרִ֥י6 of 8

the fruit

H6529

fruit (literally or figuratively)

מַעַלְלֵיהֶ֖ם7 of 8

of their doings

H4611

an act (good or bad)

יֹאכֵֽלוּ׃8 of 8

with him for they shall eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)


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 3:10 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 3:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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