King James Version
Isaiah 5:23 in the King James Version says “Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!”
Isaiah 5:23 · KJV
Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! in their own sight: Heb. before their face
Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:
Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!
Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. fire: Heb. tongue of fire
Therefore is the anger of the LORD kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them: and the hills did tremble, and their carcases were torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still. torn: or, as dung
KJV Study — Public Domain
“Which justify”
H6663to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense)
“for”
H6118a heel, i.e., (figuratively) the last of anything (used adverbially, for ever); also result, i.e., compensation; and so (adverb with preposition or re
“the righteousness”
H6666rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
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.
Isaiah 5:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Isaiah 5:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge