King James Version

What Does Isaiah 5:7 Mean?

Isaiah 5:7 in the King James Version says “For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry. his: Heb. plant of his pleasures oppression: Heb. a scab”

Isaiah 5:7 · KJV

Context

5

And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down: trodden: Heb. for a treading

6

And I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it.

7

For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry. his: Heb. plant of his pleasures oppression: Heb. a scab

8

Woe unto them that join house to house, that lay field to field, till there be no place, that they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth! they: Heb. ye

9

In mine ears said the LORD of hosts, Of a truth many houses shall be desolate, even great and fair, without inhabitant. In: or, This is in mine ears, saith the LORD, etc Of a: Heb. If not, etc

Read Isaiah 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Isaiah identifies the parable's meaning: the vineyard is Israel and Judah, 'the men of His pleasure' (literally, 'plant of His delight'). The devastating wordplay in Hebrew contrasts God's expectation with reality: He expected 'mishpat' (justice) but found 'mispach' (bloodshed/oppression); He sought 'tsedaqah' (righteousness) but heard 'tse'aqah' (a cry of distress). Similar sounds, opposite meanings emphasize the perversion.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Eighth-century Judah was marked by economic oppression, corrupt courts, and social injustice despite religious observance (Isaiah 1:11-17). The cry of the oppressed reached God's ears like Abel's blood.

Reflection Questions

  1. How might you be practicing religious activities while ignoring justice and righteousness?
  2. What 'cries' of those you've wronged or neglected might be reaching God's ears?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
כִּ֣י1 of 17
H3588

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

כֶ֜רֶם2 of 17

“For the vineyard”

H3754

a garden or vineyard

יְהוָ֤ה3 of 17

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

צְבָאוֹת֙4 of 17

“of hosts”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

בֵּ֣ית5 of 17

“is the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל6 of 17

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְאִ֣ישׁ7 of 17

“and the men”

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)

יְהוּדָ֔ה8 of 17

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

נְטַ֖ע9 of 17

“plant”

H5194

a plant; collectively, a plantation; abstractly, a planting

שַׁעֲשׁוּעָ֑יו10 of 17

“his pleasant”

H8191

enjoyment

וַיְקַ֤ו11 of 17

“and he looked”

H6960

to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e., collect; (figuratively) to expect

לְמִשְׁפָּט֙12 of 17

“for judgment”

H4941

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

וְהִנֵּ֣ה13 of 17
H2009

lo!

מִשְׂפָּ֔ח14 of 17

“but behold oppression”

H4939

slaughter

לִצְדָקָ֖ה15 of 17

“for righteousness”

H6666

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

וְהִנֵּ֥ה16 of 17
H2009

lo!

צְעָקָֽה׃17 of 17

“but behold a cry”

H6818

a shriek

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 5:7 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 5:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 80:8-11James 5:4Jeremiah 12:10Matthew 3:8-10Job 34:28Luke 18:7

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Isaiah 5 with CommentaryAll Isaiah ChaptersComplete Isaiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes