King James Version

What Does Isaiah 3:5 Mean?

Isaiah 3:5 in the King James Version says “And the people shall be oppressed, every one by another, and every one by his neighbour: the child shall behave himself ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the people shall be oppressed, every one by another, and every one by his neighbour: the child shall behave himself proudly against the ancient, and the base against the honourable.”

Isaiah 3:5 · KJV

Context

3

The captain of fifty, and the honourable man, and the counsellor, and the cunning artificer, and the eloquent orator. the honourable: Heb. a man eminent in countenance eloquent: or, skilful of speech

4

And I will give children to be their princes, and babes shall rule over them.

5

And the people shall be oppressed, every one by another, and every one by his neighbour: the child shall behave himself proudly against the ancient, and the base against the honourable.

6

When a man shall take hold of his brother of the house of his father, saying, Thou hast clothing, be thou our ruler, and let this ruin be under thy hand:

7

In that day shall he swear, saying, I will not be an healer; for in my house is neither bread nor clothing: make me not a ruler of the people. swear: Heb. lift up the hand healer: Heb. binder up

Read Isaiah 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Social cohesion disintegrates into mutual oppression—people turning on each other. The generational and social reversals (child against elder, base against honorable) overturn God's ordained order. Honor structures that maintain social peace collapse when divine judgment removes restraining grace. This anticipates Jesus's description of end-times betrayal (Matthew 24:10).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient societies relied on respect for elders and social hierarchy. Isaiah's vision of these structures collapsing would be recognized as civilizational breakdown, not merely political instability.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you show honor to those in authority, even when you disagree with them?
  2. What happens to society when God-ordained structures of respect and authority are rejected?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְנִגַּ֣שׂ1 of 11

“shall be oppressed”

H5065

to drive (an animal, a workman, a debtor, an army); by implication, to tax, harass, tyrannize

הָעָ֔ם2 of 11

“And the people”

H5971

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

וְאִ֣ישׁ3 of 11

“and every one”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

וְאִ֣ישׁ4 of 11

“and every one”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

וְאִ֣ישׁ5 of 11

“and every one”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

בְּרֵעֵ֑הוּ6 of 11

“by his neighbour”

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

יִרְהֲב֗וּ7 of 11

“shall behave himself proudly”

H7292

to urge severely, i.e., (figuratively) importune, embolden, capture, act insolently

הַנַּ֙עַר֙8 of 11

“the child”

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

בַּזָּקֵ֔ן9 of 11

“against the ancient”

H2205

old

וְהַנִּקְלֶ֖ה10 of 11

“and the base”

H7034

to be light (as implied in rapid motion), but figuratively, only (be [causatively, hold] in contempt)

בַּנִּכְבָּֽד׃11 of 11

“against the honourable”

H3513

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

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 3:5 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 3:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Malachi 3:5Jeremiah 9:3-8Micah 3:11Ezekiel 22:6-7Job 30:1-12Isaiah 9:19-21

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