King James Version

What Does Isaiah 5:13 Mean?

Isaiah 5:13 in the King James Version says “Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honourable men are famished, and ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honourable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst. honourable: Heb. glory are men of famine”

Isaiah 5:13 · KJV

Context

11

Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them! inflame: of, pursue

12

And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands.

13

Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honourable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst. honourable: Heb. glory are men of famine

14

Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.

15

And the mean man shall be brought down, and the mighty man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Exile results from lack of knowledge (Hebrew 'da'at')—not mere ignorance but willful rejection of covenant instruction. The consequence—honorable men famished and multitude dried up with thirst—depicts exile's deprivation. Knowledge of God is prerequisite to covenant blessing; its absence invites curse (Hosea 4:6). This underscores that ignorance isn't innocence; refusing to know God brings judgment. The New Testament similarly warns that those who don't know God face eternal destruction (2 Thessalonians 1:8).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Despite temple presence and prophetic ministry, Judah remained willfully ignorant of covenant demands. This culpable ignorance, not innocent lack of exposure, brought exile.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does willful spiritual ignorance—refusing to know God deeply—lead to captivity?
  2. What 'knowledge' are we resisting that could spare us judgment's consequences?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
לָכֵ֛ן1 of 11
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

גָּלָ֥ה2 of 11

“are gone into captivity”

H1540

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

עַמִּ֖י3 of 11

“Therefore my people”

H5971

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

מִבְּלִי4 of 11
H1097

properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc

דָ֑עַת5 of 11

“because they have no knowledge”

H1847

knowledge

וּכְבוֹדוֹ֙6 of 11

“and their honourable”

H3519

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

מְתֵ֣י7 of 11

“men”

H4962

properly, an adult (as of full length); by implication, a man (only in the plural)

רָעָ֔ב8 of 11

“are famished”

H7458

hunger (more or less extensive)

וַהֲמוֹנ֖וֹ9 of 11

“and their multitude”

H1995

a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth

צִחֵ֥ה10 of 11

“dried up”

H6704

parched

צָמָֽא׃11 of 11

“with thirst”

H6772

thirst (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 5:13 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 5:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hosea 4:6Isaiah 1:3Isaiah 27:11Isaiah 1:7Romans 1:28John 3:19-20

Test Your Knowledge

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