King James Version

What Does Isaiah 32:7 Mean?

Isaiah 32:7 in the King James Version says “The instruments also of the churl are evil: he deviseth wicked devices to destroy the poor with lying words, even when t...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The instruments also of the churl are evil: he deviseth wicked devices to destroy the poor with lying words, even when the needy speaketh right. the needy: or, he speaketh against the poor in judgment”

Isaiah 32:7 · KJV

Context

5

The vile person shall be no more called liberal, nor the churl said to be bountiful.

6

For the vile person will speak villany, and his heart will work iniquity, to practise hypocrisy, and to utter error against the LORD, to make empty the soul of the hungry, and he will cause the drink of the thirsty to fail.

7

The instruments also of the churl are evil: he deviseth wicked devices to destroy the poor with lying words, even when the needy speaketh right. the needy: or, he speaketh against the poor in judgment

8

But the liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand. stand: or, be established

9

Rise up, ye women that are at ease; hear my voice, ye careless daughters; give ear unto my speech.

Read Isaiah 32 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The instruments also of the churl are evil (וְכֵלַי כֵּלָיו רָעִים, vekhelay kelayv ra'im)—the כֵּלִי (keli, instruments, tools, weapons) of the כִּילַי (kilay, churl, miser) are רַע (ra, evil). He deviseth wicked devices (הוּא זִמּוֹת יָעָץ, hu zimmot ya'ats)—he plans זִמָּה (zimmah, wicked schemes, evil plots). To destroy the poor with lying words (לְחַבֵּל עֲנָוִים בְּאִמְרֵי־שֶׁקֶר, lechabvel anawim be'imrey-sheqer)—to חָבַל (chaval, ruin, destroy) the עֲנָוִים (anawim, poor, afflicted) with אִמְרֵי־שֶׁקֶר (imrey-sheqer, words of falsehood). Even when the needy speaketh right (וּבְדַבֵּר אֶבְיוֹן מִשְׁפָּט, uvedaber evyon mishpat)—even when the אֶבְיוֹן (evyon, needy) speaks מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat, justice, what is right).

The churl weaponizes language and legal systems against vulnerable people. His 'instruments' (כֵּלִים, kelim) could be literal tools (false scales) or metaphorical (lies, manipulation, legal trickery). He schemes (זִמָּה, zimmah) deliberately—this isn't accidental oppression but calculated exploitation. Most perversely, he silences those speaking מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat, justice)—using lies to destroy the righteous claims of the poor. Proverbs 17:23 condemns: 'A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.'

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Historical & Cultural Context

Biblical law protected the poor, widow, orphan, and sojourner (Exodus 22:21-24, Deuteronomy 24:17-22). Yet corrupt judges took bribes, perverted justice (Isaiah 1:23, Micah 3:11). Legal systems meant to protect became tools of oppression. Jesus faced this: Sanhedrin used legal proceedings to crucify the innocent. Throughout history, the powerful have weaponized law, economics, and propaganda to crush the vulnerable who speak truth.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do modern systems (legal, economic, political) get weaponized to 'destroy the poor with lying words'?
  2. What 'wicked devices' do the powerful employ to silence those speaking justice?
  3. How can you stand with 'the needy who speak right' even when it's costly?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְכֵלַ֖י1 of 13

“also of the churl”

H3596

niggardly

כֵּלָ֣יו2 of 13

“The instruments”

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

רָעִ֑ים3 of 13

“are evil”

H7451

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

ה֚וּא4 of 13
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

זִמּ֣וֹת5 of 13

“wicked devices”

H2154

a plan, especially a bad one

יָעָ֔ץ6 of 13

“he deviseth”

H3289

to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve

לְחַבֵּ֤ל7 of 13

“to destroy”

H2254

to wind tightly (as a rope), i.e., to bind; specifically, by a pledge; figuratively, to pervert, destroy; also to writhe in pain (especially of partur

עֲנִוִּים֙8 of 13
H6035

depressed (figuratively), in mind (gentle) or circumstances (needy, especially saintly)

בְּאִמְרֵי9 of 13

“words”

H561

something said

שֶׁ֔קֶר10 of 13

“with lying”

H8267

an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)

וּבְדַבֵּ֥ר11 of 13

“speaketh”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֶבְי֖וֹן12 of 13

“even when the needy”

H34

destitute

מִשְׁפָּֽט׃13 of 13

“right”

H4941

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

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 32:7 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 32:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 5:26-28Matthew 26:14-16Matthew 26:59-60Acts 6:11-13Isaiah 5:23Psalms 64:4-6

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