King James Version

What Does Isaiah 3:9 Mean?

Isaiah 3:9 in the King James Version says “The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Isaiah 3:9 · KJV


Context

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

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Judah's open shamelessness regarding sin parallels Sodom's blatant immorality. The phrase 'they declare their sin' indicates prideful, public wickedness without conscience or concealment. Rather than hiding sin in shame, they parade it openly. The pronouncement 'woe unto their soul' declares self-inflicted judgment—they 'have rewarded evil unto themselves' through their choices.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Sodom's comparison (Genesis 19) was the ultimate indictment. Ancient societies generally maintained some shame about immorality; Judah's open sin demonstrated complete moral collapse.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does contemporary culture's celebration of sin reflect this Sodom-like shamelessness?
  2. In what ways might you have become desensitized to sins that should still provoke godly sorrow?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
הַכָּרַ֤ת1 of 15

The shew

H1971

respect, i.e., partiality

פְּנֵיהֶם֙2 of 15

of their countenance

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

עָ֣נְתָה3 of 15

doth witness against them

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

בָּ֔ם4 of 15
H0
וְחַטָּאתָ֛ם5 of 15

their sin

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

כִּסְדֹ֥ם6 of 15

as Sodom

H5467

sedom, a place near the dead sea

הִגִּ֖ידוּ7 of 15

and they declare

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לֹ֣א8 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

כִחֵ֑דוּ9 of 15

they hide

H3582

to secrete, by act or word; hence (intensively) to destroy

א֣וֹי10 of 15

it not Woe

H188

lamentation; also interjectionally oh!

לְנַפְשָׁ֔ם11 of 15

unto their soul

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

כִּֽי12 of 15
H3588

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

גָמְל֥וּ13 of 15

for they have rewarded

H1580

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

לָהֶ֖ם14 of 15
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

רָעָֽה׃15 of 15

evil

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)


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 3:9 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 3:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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