King James Version

What Does Isaiah 57:5 Mean?

Isaiah 57:5 in the King James Version says “Enflaming yourselves with idols under every green tree, slaying the children in the valleys under the clifts of the rock...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 57 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Isaiah 57:5 · KJV

Context

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?

7

Upon a lofty and high mountain hast thou set thy bed: even thither wentest thou up to offer sacrifice.

Read Isaiah 57 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse graphically depicts the two most heinous aspects of Canaanite idolatry: sexual immorality and child sacrifice. "Enflaming yourselves" (neechamim) carries sexual connotations, describing ritual orgies associated with fertility cult worship. The phrase "under every green tree" became a standard prophetic expression for idolatrous practices (Deuteronomy 12:2, Jeremiah 2:20, 3:6). Most horrifying is "slaying the children in the valleys"—a clear reference to child sacrifice, particularly the burning of children to Molech in the Valley of Hinnom (Jeremiah 7:31, 32:35). The Hebrew shochatei ("slaying") is the same word used for ritual animal sacrifice, indicating these murders were performed as religious acts. From a Reformed perspective, this demonstrates the ultimate depravity of unregenerate humanity: when people reject God's revelation, they descend into the most grotesque immorality, calling evil good and good evil. This also prefigures the innocent suffering of Christ, the true child given for sacrifice.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Archaeological excavations have uncovered evidence of child sacrifice in Canaanite culture, including burial jars containing infant remains at sites like Carthage (a Phoenician colony). The "green trees" were sacred groves associated with Asherah worship, the Canaanite mother goddess. The "valleys" specifically reference the Valley of Hinnom (Gehenna) south of Jerusalem, where apostate Israelite kings like Ahaz and Manasseh offered their own children to Molech (2 Kings 16:3, 21:6). These practices, which God utterly abhorred, had infiltrated Judah despite explicit Mosaic prohibitions (Leviticus 18:21, 20:2-5).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the sacrifice of children to false gods contrast with God's sacrifice of His own Son?
  2. What contemporary practices might parallel the ancient substitution of false religion for true worship?
  3. How does total depravity manifest when societies reject God's moral law?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
הַנֵּֽחָמִים֙1 of 12

“Enflaming”

H2552

to be hot (literally or figuratively)

בָּֽאֵלִ֔ים2 of 12

“yourselves with idols”

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

תַּ֖חַת3 of 12
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

כָּל4 of 12
H3605

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

עֵ֣ץ5 of 12

“tree”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

רַעֲנָ֑ן6 of 12

“under every green”

H7488

verdant; by analogy, new; figuratively, prosperous

שֹׁחֲטֵ֤י7 of 12

“slaying”

H7819

to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)

הַיְלָדִים֙8 of 12

“the children”

H3206

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

בַּנְּחָלִ֔ים9 of 12

“in the valleys”

H5158

a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)

תַּ֖חַת10 of 12
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

סְעִפֵ֥י11 of 12

“under the clifts”

H5585

a fissure (of rocks); also a bough (as subdivided)

הַסְּלָעִֽים׃12 of 12

“of the rocks”

H5553

a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress)

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 57:5 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 57:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 1:292 Kings 16:3-4Ezekiel 16:20Jeremiah 2:202 Kings 23:10Jeremiah 3:13

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