King James Version

What Does Isaiah 57:9 Mean?

Isaiah 57:9 in the King James Version says “And thou wentest to the king with ointment, and didst increase thy perfumes, and didst send thy messengers far off, and ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 57 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And thou wentest to the king with ointment, and didst increase thy perfumes, and didst send thy messengers far off, and didst debase thyself even unto hell. thou: or, thou respectedst”

Isaiah 57:9 · KJV

Context

7

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

8

Behind the doors also and the posts hast thou set up thy remembrance: for thou hast discovered thyself to another than me, and art gone up; thou hast enlarged thy bed, and made thee a covenant with them; thou lovedst their bed where thou sawest it. made: or, hewed it for thyself larger than theirs where: or, thou providedst room

9

And thou wentest to the king with ointment, and didst increase thy perfumes, and didst send thy messengers far off, and didst debase thyself even unto hell. thou: or, thou respectedst

10

Thou art wearied in the greatness of thy way; yet saidst thou not, There is no hope: thou hast found the life of thine hand; therefore thou wast not grieved. life: or, living

11

And of whom hast thou been afraid or feared, that thou hast lied, and hast not remembered me, nor laid it to thy heart? have not I held my peace even of old, and thou fearest me not?

Read Isaiah 57 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"Going to the king with ointment" likely refers to diplomatic missions seeking foreign alliances, particularly with Assyria or Egypt. The Hebrew melek can mean "king" or, with different vowel pointing, "Molech" (the god to whom children were sacrificed). Both interpretations fit the context: political alliances requiring religious compromise, or direct worship of pagan deities. "Increasing perfumes" suggests lavish gifts or the aromatics used in pagan worship. "Sending messengers far off" depicts desperate attempts to secure help from distant powers rather than trusting Yahweh. Most striking is "didst debase thyself even unto hell" (ad-sheol hishpalti)—you descended to Sheol itself. This hyperbolic language expresses the depths of degradation in abandoning God for false securities. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates humanity's natural trajectory apart from grace: descending ever lower in pursuit of autonomy, seeking salvation everywhere except from God. It parallels the prodigal son's descent (Luke 15:13-16) and foreshadows Christ's descent to the grave to redeem such wayward souls.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Judah's foreign policy during Isaiah's era was characterized by vacillating alliances with regional powers. Kings like Ahaz and Hezekiah (in moments of weakness) sought security from Assyria or Egypt rather than trusting Yahweh's protection (Isaiah 30:1-5, 31:1-3). These alliances typically required adopting the patron nation's religious symbols as signs of fealty (2 Kings 16:10-16). The language of descent to Sheol may also allude to necromancy and divination practices, consulting the dead for guidance—practices explicitly condemned in Scripture (Deuteronomy 18:11, Isaiah 8:19) but apparently practiced even by King Saul (1 Samuel 28).

Reflection Questions

  1. Where do we seek security and significance apart from God's provision?
  2. How do political or social pressures tempt us to compromise biblical conviction?
  3. What does Christ's descent to the grave accomplish for those who have descended into sin?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַתָּשֻׁ֤רִי1 of 12

“And thou wentest”

H7788

properly, to turn, i.e., travel about (as a harlot or a merchant)

לַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙2 of 12

“to the king”

H4428

a king

בַּשֶּׁ֔מֶן3 of 12

“with ointment”

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

וַתַּרְבִּ֖י4 of 12

“and didst increase”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

רִקֻּחָ֑יִךְ5 of 12

“thy perfumes”

H7547

a scented substance

וַתְּשַׁלְּחִ֤י6 of 12

“and didst send”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

צִרַ֙יִךְ֙7 of 12

“thy messengers”

H6735

a throe (as a phys. or mental pressure)

עַד8 of 12
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

מֵ֣רָחֹ֔ק9 of 12

“far off”

H7350

remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)

וַתַּשְׁפִּ֖ילִי10 of 12

“and didst debase”

H8213

to depress or sink (especially figuratively, to humiliate, intransitive or transitive)

עַד11 of 12
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

שְׁאֽוֹל׃12 of 12

“thyself even unto hell”

H7585

hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates

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 57:9 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 57:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 23:16Isaiah 31:1-3Isaiah 30:1-6Colossians 2:18Ezekiel 23:40Hosea 7:11

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