King James Version

What Does Isaiah 57:3 Mean?

Isaiah 57:3 in the King James Version says “But draw near hither, ye sons of the sorceress, the seed of the adulterer and the whore.” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 57 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But draw near hither, ye sons of the sorceress, the seed of the adulterer and the whore.”

Isaiah 57:3 · KJV

Context

1

The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come. merciful: Heb. men of kindness, or, godliness from: or, from that which is evil

2

He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness. enter into: or, go in in his: or, before him

3

But draw near hither, ye sons of the sorceress, the seed of the adulterer and the whore.

4

Against whom do ye sport yourselves? against whom make ye a wide mouth, and draw out the tongue? are ye not children of transgression, a seed of falsehood,

5

Enflaming yourselves with idols under every green tree, slaying the children in the valleys under the clifts of the rocks? with: or, among the oaks

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Isaiah dramatically shifts from commending the righteous to condemning the wicked with this harsh summons. The Hebrew atem ("you") is emphatic, creating sharp contrast with the previous verses about the righteous who perish. The threefold designation—"sons of the sorceress," "seed of the adulterer and the whore"—employs covenant language to depict spiritual adultery. In biblical theology, idolatry is consistently portrayed as spiritual harlotry, violating Israel's exclusive covenant relationship with Yahweh (Hosea 1-3, Ezekiel 16). This verse indicts not merely individual sins but generational patterns of covenant unfaithfulness, emphasizing that children of apostates inherit their parents' spiritual rebellion. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates the doctrine of original sin and corporate guilt, while also highlighting God's righteousness in judgment against those who persist in covenant violation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This oracle addresses the syncretistic religious practices rampant in Judah during Isaiah's ministry (8th century BC) and possibly the later period of Manasseh's reign (7th century BC). Archaeological evidence from Judah reveals widespread fertility cult practices, household idols, and worship at "high places" combining Yahwism with Canaanite Baal worship. The reference to sorcery reflects the prevalence of divination and occult practices explicitly forbidden in the Mosaic law (Deuteronomy 18:9-14). The sexual imagery draws from the terminology of sacred prostitution associated with Canaanite and Mesopotamian fertility cults, practices that had infiltrated Israelite worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does spiritual compromise in one generation impact subsequent generations?
  2. What modern forms of idolatry function as spiritual adultery against Christ?
  3. How does God's covenant faithfulness contrast with Israel's covenant unfaithfulness in this passage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְאַתֶּ֥ם1 of 8
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

קִרְבוּ2 of 8

“But draw near”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

הֵ֖נָּה3 of 8
H2008

hither or thither (but used both of place and time)

בְּנֵ֣י4 of 8

“hither ye sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עֹנְנָ֑ה5 of 8

“of the sorceress”

H6049

figuratively, to act covertly, i.e., practise magic

זֶ֥רַע6 of 8

“the seed”

H2233

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

מְנָאֵ֖ף7 of 8

“of the adulterer”

H5003

to commit adultery; figuratively, to apostatize

וַתִּזְנֶֽה׃8 of 8

“and the whore”

H2181

to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (

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 57:3 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 57:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 16:41 John 3:10James 4:4Hosea 1:2John 8:40-44Matthew 3:7

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