Isaiah 10:2

Isaiah 10:2 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

to deprive the poor of fair treatment and withhold justice from the oppressed of My people, to make widows their prey and orphans their plunder.

King James Version KJV

To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless!

American Standard Version ASV

to turn aside the needy from justice, and to rob the poor of my people of their right, that widows may be their spoil, and that they may make the fatherless their prey!

Bible in Basic English BBE

Who do wrong to the poor in their cause, and take away the right of the crushed among my people, so that they may have the property of widows, and get under their power those who have no father.

Free Bible Version FBV

They pervert the legal rights of the needy, and rob justice from the poor of my people. They steal from widows and cheat orphans.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

To keepe backe ye poore from iudgement, and to take away the iudgement of the poore of my people, that widowes may be their pray, and that they may spoyle the fatherlesse.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

To turn aside from judgment the poor, And to take violently away the judgment Of the afflicted of My people, That widows may be their prey, That the fatherless they may spoil.

World English Bible WEB

to deprive the needy of justice, and to rob the poor among my people of their rights, that widows may be their plunder, and that they may make the fatherless their prey!

Noah Webster Bible WBS

To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless!

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

To oppress the poor in judgment, and do violence to the cause of the humble of my people: that widows might be their prey, and that they might rob the fatherless.

Translation for Translators T4T

You refuse to help poor people, and you do not allow them to get the things that they should get. You allow people to steal things from widows and do unfair things to orphans.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 10:2

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Isaiah 10:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB לְ/הַטּ֤וֹת מִ/דִּין֙ דַּלִּ֔ים וְ/לִ/גְזֹ֕ל מִשְׁפַּ֖ט עֲנִיֵּ֣י עַמִּ֑/י לִ/הְי֤וֹת אַלְמָנוֹת֙ שְׁלָלָ֔/ם וְ/אֶת יְתוֹמִ֖ים יָבֹֽזּוּ

לְ/הַטּ֤וֹת nâṭâh H5186 to stretch Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a

מִ/דִּין֙ dîyn H1779 judgment Prep | N-ms

דַּלִּ֔ים dal H1800 poor Adj

וְ/לִ/גְזֹ֕ל gâzal H1497 to plunder Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

מִשְׁפַּ֖ט mishpâṭ H4941 justice N-ms

עֲנִיֵּ֣י ʻânîy H6041 afflicted Adj

עַמִּ֑/י ʻam H5971 Amaw N-ms | Suff

לִ/הְי֤וֹת hâyâh H1961 to be Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

אַלְמָנוֹת֙ ʼalmânâh H490 widow N-fp

שְׁלָלָ֔/ם shâlâl H7998 spoil N-ms | Suff

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM

יְתוֹמִ֖ים yâthôwm H3490 orphan N-mp

יָבֹֽזּוּ bâzaz H962 to plunder V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 10:2

לְ/הַטּ֤וֹת nâṭâh H5186 "to stretch" Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a

To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.

Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away

Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.

מִ/דִּין֙ dîyn H1779 "judgment" Prep | N-ms

Judgment or a legal suit is the meaning of this word, used to describe a cause, plea, or dispute in the Bible.

Definition: 1) judgment 1a) judgment 1b) cause, plea 1c) condemnation, judgment 1d) dispute, legal suit, strife 1e) government Aramaic equivalent: din (דִּין "judgment" H1780)

Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: cause, judgement, plea, strife. See also: Deuteronomy 17:8; Proverbs 20:8; Psalms 9:5.

דַּלִּ֔ים dal H1800 "poor" Adj

The Hebrew word for someone who is poor or weak, often describing those in need of help or assistance. In the book of Proverbs, it warns against oppressing the poor, and in Psalm 35:10, it describes the needy and the poor. The word is also used in Isaiah 41:17.

Definition: low, poor, weak, thin, one who is low

Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: lean, needy, poor (man), weaker. See also: Exodus 23:3; Proverbs 19:17; Psalms 41:2.

וְ/לִ/גְזֹ֕ל gâzal H1497 "to plunder" Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This verb means to take something by force, like plundering or robbing, and is used in stories like David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. It can also mean to strip or flay something, and is often associated with violence.

Definition: 1) to tear away, seize, plunder, tear off, pull off, rob, take away by force 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tear away, rob 1a2) to seize, plunder (with acc cognate) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be robbed 1b2) to be taken away

Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: catch, consume, exercise (robbery), pluck (off), rob, spoil, take away (by force, violence), tear. See also: Genesis 21:25; Psalms 69:5; Psalms 35:10.

מִשְׁפַּ֖ט mishpâṭ H4941 "justice" N-ms

Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.

Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan

Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.

עֲנִיֵּ֣י ʻânîy H6041 "afflicted" Adj

This word describes someone who is depressed, humble, or weak, often due to difficult circumstances, as described in the Psalms and other biblical books.

Definition: 1) poor, afflicted, humble, wretched 1a) poor, needy 1b) poor and weak 1c) poor, weak, afflicted, wretched 1d) humble, lowly

Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: afflicted, humble, lowly, needy, poor. See also: Exodus 22:24; Psalms 88:16; Psalms 9:13.

עַמִּ֑/י ʻam H5971 "Amaw" N-ms | Suff

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

לִ/הְי֤וֹת hâyâh H1961 "to be" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

אַלְמָנוֹת֙ ʼalmânâh H490 "widow" N-fp

A widow is a woman whose husband has died, often left alone and vulnerable. The Bible teaches care and compassion for widows, as seen in the stories of Ruth and Naomi. God commands his people to look out for them.

Definition: widow

Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: desolate house (palace), widow. See also: Genesis 38:11; Job 29:13; Psalms 68:6.

שְׁלָלָ֔/ם shâlâl H7998 "spoil" N-ms | Suff

Shâlâl refers to the spoils of war, or the booty taken from enemies. It is used in the Bible to describe the plunder or prey taken in battle. In the KJV, it is translated as 'prey' or 'spoil'.

Definition: 1) prey, plunder, spoil, booty 1a) prey 1b) booty, spoil, plunder (of war) 1c) plunder (private) 1d) gain (meaning uncertain)

Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: prey, spoil. See also: Genesis 49:27; 2 Chronicles 15:11; Psalms 68:13.

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

יְתוֹמִ֖ים yâthôwm H3490 "orphan" N-mp

This Hebrew word refers to an orphan or a child without a father, like in Exodus where God commands the Israelites to care for the fatherless.

Definition: an orphan, fatherless

Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: fatherless (child), orphan. See also: Exodus 22:21; Psalms 10:18; Psalms 10:14.

יָבֹֽזּוּ bâzaz H962 "to plunder" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

This verb means to violently take something, like plundering or seizing, often used to describe war and conquest in books like Joshua and Ezekiel. It can also mean to be robbed or taken advantage of.

Definition: 1) to spoil, plunder, prey upon, seize 1a) (Qal) to spoil, plunder, despoil 1b) (Niphal) to be spoiled, plundered 1c) (Pual) to be taken as spoil

Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: catch, gather, (take) for a prey, rob(-ber), spoil, take (away, spoil), [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:27; Psalms 109:11; Isaiah 10:2.

Study Notes — Isaiah 10:2

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Isaiah 10:2 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 10:2
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 10:2
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 10:2
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 10:2
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 10:2
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 10:2
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 10:2
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 10:2
Sermons on Isaiah 10:2

Context — Woe to Tyrants

1Woe to those who enact unjust statutes and issue oppressive decrees,

2to deprive the poor of fair treatment and withhold justice from the oppressed of My people, to make widows their prey and orphans their plunder.

3What will you do on the day of reckoning when devastation comes from afar? To whom will you flee for help? Where will you leave your wealth? 4Nothing will remain but to crouch among the captives or fall among the slain. Despite all this, His anger is not turned away; His hand is still upraised.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Malachi 3:5	“Then I will draw near to you for judgment. And I will be a swift witness against sorcerers and adulterers and perjurers, against oppressors of the widowed and fatherless, and against those who defraud laborers of their wages and deny justice to the foreigner but do not fear Me,” says the LORD of Hosts.
2	Isaiah 3:14	The LORD brings this charge against the elders and leaders of His people: “You have devoured the vineyard; the plunder of the poor is in your houses.
3	Isaiah 29:21	those who indict a man with a word, who ensnare the mediator at the gate, and who with false charges deprive the innocent of justice.
4	Isaiah 1:23	Your rulers are rebels, friends of thieves. They all love bribes and chasing after rewards. They do not defend the fatherless, and the plea of the widow never comes before them.
5	Ezekiel 22:7	Father and mother are treated with contempt. Within your walls the foreign resident is exploited, the fatherless and the widow are oppressed.
6	Isaiah 5:23	who acquit the guilty for a bribe and deprive the innocent of justice.
7	Matthew 23:13	Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter.
8	Amos 2:7	They trample on the heads of the poor as on the dust of the earth; they push the needy out of their way. A man and his father have relations with the same girl and so profane My holy name.
9	Lamentations 3:35	to deny a man justice before the Most High,
10	Amos 5:11–12	Therefore, because you trample on the poor and exact from him a tax of grain, you will never live in the stone houses you have built; you will never drink the wine from the lush vineyards you have planted. For I know that your transgressions are many and your sins are numerous. You oppress the righteous by taking bribes; you deprive the poor of justice in the gate.

Isaiah 10:2 Summary

This verse is talking about how some people in power are being very unfair and mean to those who are already struggling, like the poor and widows and orphans. God is saying that this is not okay and that He will judge those who are being cruel and unfair, as seen in Psalm 10:17-18. We can learn from this verse by being kind and fair to everyone, especially those who are struggling, and by standing up for what is right, just like God does in Isaiah 1:17. By doing so, we can show God's love and care to those around us, and live out our faith in a way that honors Him.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to deprive the poor of fair treatment?

This means to deny the poor and vulnerable their basic rights and dignity, which is contrary to God's command to love and care for the needy, as seen in Deuteronomy 15:7-8 and Proverbs 31:8-9.

Why are widows and orphans specifically mentioned in this verse?

Widows and orphans are often the most vulnerable members of society, and God has a special concern for their well-being, as seen in Exodus 22:22 and James 1:27, where He commands us to care for them and defend their rights.

What is the consequence of withholding justice from the oppressed?

Withholding justice from the oppressed will ultimately lead to God's judgment and punishment, as seen in Isaiah 10:3, where it says that devastation will come from afar, and in Psalm 82:3-4, where God commands us to defend the weak and fatherless.

How can we apply this verse to our lives today?

We can apply this verse by being mindful of our actions and decisions, and making sure they do not harm or exploit the poor, widows, and orphans, but rather promote justice and compassion, as seen in Micah 6:8 and Matthew 25:31-46.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can show love and care to the poor and vulnerable in my community?
How can I use my resources and influence to promote justice and defend the rights of the oppressed?
What are some personal biases or prejudices that may be causing me to withhold justice or fairness from certain groups of people?
How can I practically live out the command to care for widows and orphans, as seen in James 1:27?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 10:2

To turn aside the needy from judgment,.... Such laws being made as discouraged them from any application for justice; and, when they did, were harassed with such long, vexatious, and expensive suits,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 10:2

To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless! To turn aside the needy from judgment.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 10:2

From judgment; or, from their right, as it is in the next clause; or, from obtaining a just sentence, because they either denied or delayed to hear their causes, or gave a wrong sentence. From the poor, whom I have in a special manner committed to your care. Of my people; of Israelites. who profess themselves to be my people, and whom I did take into covenant with myself; and therefore this is an injury not only to them, but to me also.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 10:2

Isaiah 10:2 To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and [that] they may rob the fatherless!Ver. 2. To turn away the needy from judgment.] To put them beside their right, because indigent, and overweighed by the wealthy ones: Quorum aureae literae apud tales iudices possunt omnia. And to take away the right.] Heb., To tear it away by force. And that they may rob the fatherless.] Rob the spittle, as we used to say. Unrighteous ruledom is but robbery with authority. Iudex iniustus latro cum privilegio est. - Columel., lib. i.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 10:2

Verse 2. My people] Instead of עמי ammi, my people, many MSS., and one of my own, ancient, read עמו ammo, his people. But this is manifestly a corruption.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 10:2

2. The effect and real purpose of this legislative activity. To turn aside the needy from judgment] See on ch. Isaiah 1:23. my people] as Isaiah 3:12; Isaiah 3:15.

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 10:2

To turn aside - Their sentences have the effect, and are designed to have, to pervert justice, and to oppress the poor, or to deprive them of their rights and just claims; compare Isaiah 29:21; Proverbs 27:5.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 10:2

2. This verse specifies some of those decisions. See further on chapter Isaiah 29:21. To take away — Or, tear away, the right. Or, as rendered in Ecclesiastes 5:8, violent perverting.

Sermons on Isaiah 10:2

	Sermon	Description
	Pharisees Take Advantage of Poor People by Zac Poonen	Zac Poonen delivers a powerful message on the exploitation of widows by the Pharisees, highlighting how they deceived and took advantage of vulnerable individuals for their own gai
	God Changeth Not by Joshua Daniel	In this sermon, Joshua Daniel discusses the need for a revival of faith and a return to God's unchanging truth. He emphasizes that while God and the gospel remain constant, it is o
	I Am the God That Changeth Not by Joshua Daniel	In this sermon, Joshua Daniel emphasizes the importance of recognizing our accountability to God. He warns that without the blessing of God and the guidance of His Word, we are los
	A Cry Against Wicked Youth! by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson delivers a powerful sermon titled 'A Cry Against Wicked Youth!' where he draws parallels between the wickedness of Nineveh and the moral decline of modern youth. He
	Don’t Let Discouragement Take Your Strength by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joshua and the battle of Jericho. The Israelites are faced with a fortified city that they don't have the weaponry to fight agai
	Mormonism 05 by Gordon Fraser	In this sermon, the speaker recounts a conversation with a student who had been given a challenge to answer a question. The student describes a vision he had where he saw a book ma
	Epistle 92 by George Fox	George Fox encourages all believers who are imprisoned for their faith to surrender to the truth, which will ultimately set them free. He emphasizes the importance of relying on th