King James Version

What Does Isaiah 57:4 Mean?

Isaiah 57:4 in the King James Version says “Against whom do ye sport yourselves? against whom make ye a wide mouth, and draw out the tongue? are ye not children of ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 57 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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,”

Isaiah 57:4 · KJV

Context

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

6

Among the smooth stones of the stream is thy portion; they, they are thy lot: even to them hast thou poured a drink offering, thou hast offered a meat offering. Should I receive comfort in these?

Read Isaiah 57 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The rhetorical questions expose the absurdity and arrogance of mocking God. The phrase "sport yourselves" translates the Hebrew titanagu, suggesting derisive laughter and contemptuous mockery. "Making a wide mouth" and "drawing out the tongue" describe gestures of scorn and defiance (Psalm 22:7). The interrogative "Against whom?" emphasizes that their mockery ultimately targets Yahweh Himself, not merely His prophets. The answer comes immediately: they are "children of transgression" (yalde-pesha) and "seed of falsehood" (zera shaqer). This language parallels Jesus' condemnation of the Pharisees as children of the devil (John 8:44). Reformed theology recognizes that rebellion against God's truth constitutes the essence of depravity. Those who mock divine revelation demonstrate their spiritual lineage as offspring of deception rather than children of God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The mockery described here likely refers to the scoffing response of Judah's leaders and people toward Isaiah's prophecies of judgment. Similar contemptuous responses to prophetic warnings appear throughout Israel's history (2 Chronicles 36:16, Jeremiah 20:7-8). In the ancient Near East, gestures of mockery—sticking out the tongue, opening the mouth wide—were recognized signs of contempt toward enemies. This passage reflects the hardening of hearts that occurs when people persistently reject divine truth, a pattern seen before both the Babylonian exile and throughout redemptive history.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways do contemporary Christians subtly mock God's word through disobedience?
  2. How does persistent rejection of truth lead to spiritual hardening and self-deception?
  3. What distinguishes children of God from "children of transgression" according to Scripture?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
עַל1 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מִי֙2 of 15
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

תִּתְעַנָּ֔גוּ3 of 15

“Against whom do ye sport”

H6026

to be soft or pliable, i.e., (figuratively) effeminate or luxurious

עַל4 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מִ֛י5 of 15
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

תַּרְחִ֥יבוּ6 of 15

“yourselves against whom make ye a wide”

H7337

to broaden (intransitive or transitive, literal or figurative)

פֶ֖ה7 of 15

“mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

תַּאֲרִ֣יכוּ8 of 15

“and draw out”

H748

to be (causative, make) long (literally or figuratively)

לָשׁ֑וֹן9 of 15

“the tongue”

H3956

the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,

הֲלֽוֹא10 of 15
H3808

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

אַתֶּ֥ם11 of 15
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

יִלְדֵי12 of 15

“are ye not children”

H3206

something born, i.e., a lad or offspring

פֶ֖שַׁע13 of 15

“of transgression”

H6588

a revolt (national, moral or religious)

זֶ֥רַע14 of 15

“a seed”

H2233

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

שָֽׁקֶר׃15 of 15

“of falsehood”

H8267

an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)

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 57:4 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 57:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Peter 2:13Psalms 35:21Isaiah 1:4Exodus 9:17Ephesians 2:2-3Isaiah 37:29

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