King James Version

What Does Isaiah 56:10 Mean?

Isaiah 56:10 in the King James Version says “His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 56 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. sleeping: or, dreaming, or, talking in their sleep”

Isaiah 56:10 · KJV

Context

8

The Lord GOD which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him. beside: Heb. to his gathered

9

All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea, all ye beasts in the forest.

10

His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. sleeping: or, dreaming, or, talking in their sleep

11

Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. greedy: Heb. strong of appetite can: Heb. know not to be satisfied

12

Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.

Read Isaiah 56 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Israel's watchmen are indicted: they are 'blind' (unable to see threats), 'ignorant' (lacking knowledge), 'dumb dogs, they cannot bark' (failing to warn). They are 'sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.' These shepherds who should alert and protect instead sleep and ignore danger.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Prophets and priests were Israel's watchmen. This indictment describes leaders in Isaiah's day who failed their warning function, allowing judgment to approach unannounced.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are the consequences when spiritual leaders fail to warn of danger?
  2. How do you evaluate whether spiritual leaders are truly watching and warning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
צֹפָ֞ו1 of 15

“His watchmen”

H6822

properly, to lean forward, i.e., to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await

עִוְרִ֤ים2 of 15

“are blind”

H5787

blind (literally or figuratively)

כֻּלָּם֙3 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

לֹ֣א4 of 15
H3808

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

יָדָ֔עוּ5 of 15

“they are all ignorant”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כֻּלָּם֙6 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

כְּלָבִ֣ים7 of 15

“dogs”

H3611

a dog; hence (by euphemism) a male prostitute

אִלְּמִ֔ים8 of 15

“they are all dumb”

H483

speechless

לֹ֥א9 of 15
H3808

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

יוּכְל֖וּ10 of 15

“they cannot”

H3201

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

לִנְבֹּ֑חַ11 of 15

“bark”

H5024

to bark (as a dog)

הֹזִים֙12 of 15

“sleeping”

H1957

to dream

שֹֽׁכְבִ֔ים13 of 15

“lying down”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

אֹהֲבֵ֖י14 of 15

“loving”

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

לָנֽוּם׃15 of 15

“to slumber”

H5123

to slumber (from drowsiness)

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 56:10 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 56:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 29:10Isaiah 58:1Philippians 3:2Matthew 15:14Ezekiel 33:6Hosea 9:7-8

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 56 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Isaiah 56 with CommentaryAll Isaiah ChaptersComplete Isaiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes