King James Version

What Does Isaiah 9:16 Mean?

Isaiah 9:16 in the King James Version says “For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed. the leaders: or, they tha...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed. the leaders: or, they that call them blessed led of: or, called blessed of destroyed: Heb. swallowed up”

Isaiah 9:16 · KJV

Context

14

Therefore the LORD will cut off from Israel head and tail, branch and rush, in one day.

15

The ancient and honourable , he is the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail.

16

For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed. the leaders: or, they that call them blessed led of: or, called blessed of destroyed: Heb. swallowed up

17

Therefore the Lord shall have no joy in their young men, neither shall have mercy on their fatherless and widows: for every one is an hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaketh folly. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still. folly: or, villany

18

For wickedness burneth as the fire: it shall devour the briers and thorns, and shall kindle in the thickets of the forest, and they shall mount up like the lifting up of smoke.

Read Isaiah 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Leaders who should guide people to safety instead lead them to destruction. 'The leaders of this people cause them to err' assigns responsibility to those in authority. 'They that are led of them are destroyed' shows the tragic consequence—followers perish due to corrupt leadership. The passive voice 'are destroyed' might suggest victimhood, but Scripture also holds followers accountable for following false teachers. This illustrates corporate solidarity in sin—both leaders and followers share guilt, though leaders bear greater responsibility.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's kings, priests, and prophets systematically led people into idolatry and injustice. Jeroboam I established false worship centers (1 Kings 12:28-33), setting a pattern followed by successors. Each generation of leaders 'caused them to err' further from God's law. By Isaiah's time, the nation was thoroughly corrupted from top to bottom. The destruction came in waves: 732 BC (partial conquest), 722 BC (final fall).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we take personal responsibility for what we believe, even while acknowledging leadership influence?
  2. What is our obligation to test teaching against Scripture rather than blindly following human authorities?
  3. In what ways can we be better leaders who guide others toward truth rather than error?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וַיִּֽהְי֛וּ1 of 7
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

וּמְאֻשָּׁרָ֖יו2 of 7

“For the leaders”

H833

to be straight (used in the widest sense, especially to be level, right, happy); figuratively, to go forward, be honest, prosper

הָֽעָם3 of 7

“of this people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הַזֶּ֖ה4 of 7
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

מַתְעִ֑ים5 of 7

“cause them to err”

H8582

to vacillate, i.e., reel or stray (literally or figuratively); also causative of both

וּמְאֻשָּׁרָ֖יו6 of 7

“For the leaders”

H833

to be straight (used in the widest sense, especially to be level, right, happy); figuratively, to go forward, be honest, prosper

מְבֻלָּעִֽים׃7 of 7

“of them are destroyed”

H1104

to make away with (specifically by swallowing); generally, to destroy

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 9:16 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 9:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 3:12Matthew 15:14Matthew 23:16-361 Kings 8:55-562 Chronicles 30:27Hebrews 7:7

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 9 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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