King James Version

What Does Isaiah 3:14 Mean?

Isaiah 3:14 in the King James Version says “The LORD will enter into judgment with the ancients of his people, and the princes thereof: for ye have eaten up the vin...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The LORD will enter into judgment with the ancients of his people, and the princes thereof: for ye have eaten up the vineyard; the spoil of the poor is in your houses. eaten: or, burnt”

Isaiah 3:14 · KJV

Context

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

13

The LORD standeth up to plead, and standeth to judge the people.

14

The LORD will enter into judgment with the ancients of his people, and the princes thereof: for ye have eaten up the vineyard; the spoil of the poor is in your houses. eaten: or, burnt

15

What mean ye that ye beat my people to pieces, and grind the faces of the poor? saith the Lord GOD of hosts.

16

Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet: wanton: Heb. deceiving with their eyes mincing: or, tripping nicely

Read Isaiah 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's judgment specifically targets 'the ancients' (elders) and 'princes' who exploited the poor, using the metaphor of vineyard consumption—devouring what they should have stewarded. The accusation 'the spoil of the poor is in your houses' indicts systemic economic injustice. Leaders enriched themselves through oppression, violating covenant obligations to protect the vulnerable (Exodus 22:21-27). This anticipates James 5:1-6's woe against rich oppressors and Jesus' teaching that judgment weighs heavily on those given greater responsibility (Luke 12:48).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Archaeological evidence from 8th century Judah reveals growing wealth disparity. Prophetic critique consistently targeted economic oppression (Amos 2:6-7; Micah 2:1-2), showing God's concern for justice.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do modern economic systems enable similar 'spoil of the poor' in our houses?
  2. What accountability do leaders bear for systemic injustice versus individual sin?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
יְהוָה֙1 of 13

“The LORD”

H3068

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

בְּמִשְׁפָּ֣ט2 of 13

“into judgment”

H4941

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

יָב֔וֹא3 of 13

“will enter”

H935

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

עִם4 of 13
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

זִקְנֵ֥י5 of 13

“with the ancients”

H2205

old

עַמּ֖וֹ6 of 13

“of his people”

H5971

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

וְשָׂרָ֑יו7 of 13

“and the princes”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

וְאַתֶּם֙8 of 13
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

בִּֽעַרְתֶּ֣ם9 of 13

“thereof for ye have eaten up”

H1197

to be(-come) brutish

הַכֶּ֔רֶם10 of 13

“the vineyard”

H3754

a garden or vineyard

גְּזֵלַ֥ת11 of 13

“the spoil”

H1500

to rob

הֶֽעָנִ֖י12 of 13

“of the poor”

H6041

depressed, in mind or circumstances

בְּבָתֵּיכֶֽם׃13 of 13

“is in your houses”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

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 3:14 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 3:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 22:4James 2:6Psalms 143:2Isaiah 3:2-3Job 24:9Isaiah 5:7

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