Isaiah 3:15
Isaiah 3:15 in Multiple Translations
Why do you crush My people and grind the faces of the poor?” declares the Lord GOD of Hosts.
What mean ye that ye beat my people to pieces, and grind the faces of the poor? saith the Lord GOD of hosts.
what mean ye that ye crush my people, and grind the face of the poor? saith the Lord, Jehovah of hosts.
By what right are you crushing my people, and putting a bitter yoke on the necks of the poor? This is the word of the Lord, the Lord of armies.
Why have you crushed my people? Why have you ground the faces of the poor into the dirt? the Lord Almighty demands to know.
What haue ye to do, that ye beate my people to pieces, and grinde the faces of the poore, saith the Lord, euen the Lord of hoasts?
What — to you? ye bruise My people, And the faces of the poor ye grind.' An affirmation of the Lord, Jehovah of Hosts, And Jehovah saith:
What do you mean that you crush my people, and grind the face of the poor?” says the Lord, GOD of Armies.
What mean ye that ye beat my people to pieces, and grind the faces of the poor? saith the LORD God of hosts.
Why do you consume my people, and grind the faces of the poor? saith the Lord the God of hosts.
You should stop [RHQ] crushing my people! It is as though you are pushing the faces of poor people into the dirt!” That is what the Commander of the armies of angels says.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 3:15
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 3:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מ/ל/כם
מַה
לָּ/כֶם֙
תְּדַכְּא֣וּ
עַמִּ֔/י
וּ/פְנֵ֥י
עֲנִיִּ֖ים
תִּטְחָ֑נוּ
נְאֻם
אֲדֹנָ֥/י
יְהוִ֖ה
צְבָאֽוֹת
מ/ל/כם
Prep | Prep | Suff
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
לָּ/כֶם֙
Prep | Suff
תְּדַכְּא֣וּ
dâkâʼ
H1792
to crush
V-Piel-Imperf-2mp
עַמִּ֔/י
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms | Suff
וּ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
face
Conj | N-cp
עֲנִיִּ֖ים
ʻânîy
H6041
afflicted
Adj
תִּטְחָ֑נוּ
ṭâchan
H2912
to grind
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
נְאֻם
nᵉʼum
H5002
utterance
N-ms
אֲדֹנָ֥/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
יְהוִ֖ה
Yᵉhôvih
H3069
YHWH/God
N-proper
צְבָאֽוֹת
tsâbâʼ
H6635
army
N-cp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 3:15
מ/ל/כם
""
Prep | Prep | Suff
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
לָּ/כֶם֙
""
Prep | Suff
תְּדַכְּא֣וּ
dâkâʼ
H1792
"to crush"
V-Piel-Imperf-2mp
This verb means to crush or bruise something, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often translated as 'crush', 'bruise', or 'oppress' in English Bibles.
Definition: 1) to crush, be crushed, be contrite, be broken 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be crushed 1a2) to be contrite (fig.) 1b) (Piel) to crush 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be crushed, be shattered 1c2) to be made contrite 1d) (Hithpael) to allow oneself to be crushed
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: beat to pieces, break (in pieces), bruise, contrite, crush, destroy, humble, oppress, smite. See also: Job 4:19; Psalms 143:3; Psalms 72:4.
עַמִּ֔/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.
וּ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Conj | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
עֲנִיִּ֖ים
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.
תִּטְחָ֑נוּ
ṭâchan
H2912
"to grind"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
To grind or crush something, like grain into flour. This word is used to describe the action of grinding, often done by a concubine or servant.
Definition: (Qal) to grind, crush
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: grind(-er). See also: Exodus 32:20; Job 31:10; Isaiah 3:15.
נְאֻם
nᵉʼum
H5002
"utterance"
N-ms
This word refers to an utterance or declaration from God, often through a prophet. It is used in the Bible to describe a revelation or message from God, like in Exodus or Numbers.
Definition: 1) (Qal) utterance, declaration (of prophet) 1a) utterance, declaration, revelation (of prophet in ecstatic state) 1b) utterance, declaration (elsewhere always preceding divine name)
Usage: Occurs in 358 OT verses. KJV: (hath) said, saith. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 22:16; Psalms 36:2.
אֲדֹנָ֥/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
"Lord"
N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
יְהוִ֖ה
Yᵉhôvih
H3069
"YHWH/God"
N-proper
YHWH is a name for God, often used in combination with 'Lord'. It is similar to Yehovah, but with different vowels. This name emphasizes God's power and authority.
Definition: 1) Jehovah-used primarily in the combination 'Lord Jehovah' 1a) equal to ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068) but pointed with the vowels of e.lo.him (אֱלֹהִים "God" H0430)
Usage: Occurs in 296 OT verses. KJV: God. See also: Genesis 15:2; Ezekiel 14:21; Psalms 68:21.
צְבָאֽוֹת
tsâbâʼ
H6635
"army"
N-cp
This Hebrew word means a large group of people or things, often referring to an army or a campaign, and is also used to describe the Lord's hosts. It appears in the Bible as a name for God, emphasizing His power and authority. In the KJV, it's translated as 'host' or 'army'.
Definition: : army 1) that which goes forth, army, war, warfare, host 1a) army, host 1a1) host (of organised army) 1a2) host (of angels) 1a3) of sun, moon, and stars 1a4) of whole creation 1b) war, warfare, service, go out to war 1c) service
Usage: Occurs in 463 OT verses. KJV: appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare). See also: Genesis 2:1; 1 Samuel 17:55; Psalms 24:10.
Study Notes — Isaiah 3:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 3:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 3:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 3:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 3:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 3:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 3:15
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 3:15
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 3:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 3:15
- Sermons on Isaiah 3:15
Context — Judgment on Jerusalem and Judah
13The LORD arises to contend; He stands to judge the people.
14The 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.
15Why do you crush My people and grind the faces of the poor?” declares the Lord GOD of Hosts.
16The LORD also says: “Because the daughters of Zion are haughty— walking with heads held high and wanton eyes, prancing and skipping as they go, jingling the bracelets on their ankles— 17the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will make their foreheads bare. ”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Micah 3:2–3 | You hate good and love evil. You tear the skin from my people and strip the flesh from their bones. You eat the flesh of my people after stripping off their skin and breaking their bones. You chop them up like flesh for the cooking pot, like meat in a cauldron.” |
| 2 | Psalms 94:5 | They crush Your people, O LORD; they oppress Your heritage. |
| 3 | Amos 2:6–7 | This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Israel, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they sell the righteous for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals. 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. |
| 4 | Amos 8:4–6 | Hear this, you who trample the needy, who do away with the poor of the land, asking, “When will the New Moon be over, that we may sell grain? When will the Sabbath end, that we may market wheat? Let us reduce the ephah and increase the shekel; let us cheat with dishonest scales. Let us buy the poor with silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, selling even the chaff with the wheat!” |
| 5 | Ezekiel 18:2 | “What do you people mean by quoting this proverb about the land of Israel: ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the teeth of the children are set on edge’? |
| 6 | Isaiah 58:4 | You fast with contention and strife to strike viciously with your fist. You cannot fast as you do today and have your voice be heard on high. |
| 7 | Exodus 5:14 | Then the Israelite foremen, whom Pharaoh’s taskmasters had set over the people, were beaten and asked, “Why have you not fulfilled your quota of bricks yesterday or today, as you did before?” |
| 8 | Jonah 1:6 | The captain approached him and said, “How can you sleep? Get up and call upon your God. Perhaps this God will consider us, so that we may not perish.” |
Isaiah 3:15 Summary
In Isaiah 3:15, God is speaking out against those who are oppressing and exploiting His people, particularly the poor and vulnerable. He is saying that this kind of behavior is unacceptable and will be judged. As followers of God, we are called to defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow, as seen in Isaiah 1:17, and to love our neighbors as ourselves, as commanded in Leviticus 19:18. By showing love and care to those who are struggling, we can reflect God's heart of compassion and mercy, and bring hope and encouragement to those who are hurting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'crush My people' in Isaiah 3:15?
In this context, 'crushing' refers to oppressing or exploiting God's people, which is a serious offense to the Lord, as seen in Isaiah 3:15 and also in Isaiah 1:17 where we are called to defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.
Who is the Lord GOD of Hosts in Isaiah 3:15?
The Lord GOD of Hosts is a title for God that emphasizes His power and authority over all creation, as seen in Isaiah 6:3 and Psalm 24:10, where He is worshiped as the King of glory.
What is the significance of 'grinding the faces of the poor' in Isaiah 3:15?
This phrase is a metaphor for severe oppression, where the powerful are taking advantage of the weak and vulnerable, which is condemned by God in Proverbs 22:22-23 and Isaiah 3:15.
How does God feel about the oppression of the poor in Isaiah 3:15?
God is deeply grieved and angered by the oppression of the poor, as seen in Isaiah 3:15, and He promises to bring justice and vindication to those who are suffering, as in Psalm 140:12 and Jeremiah 22:16.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I might be contributing to the oppression of the poor, whether intentionally or unintentionally, and how can I change my behavior to align with God's heart for the vulnerable?
- How can I use my resources and influence to defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow, as commanded in Isaiah 1:17?
- What are some practical ways that I can show love and care to those who are struggling in my community, and how can I be a source of hope and encouragement to them?
- What does it mean to 'grind the faces of the poor' in my own life, and how can I avoid this kind of behavior, instead choosing to lift up and support those who are struggling?
- How can I cultivate a heart of compassion and empathy for those who are oppressed, and how can I pray for God to give me His heart for the poor and vulnerable?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 3:15
What mean ye, [that] ye beat my people to pieces,.... Reduce them to the utmost poverty; so the Targum, "wherefore do ye impoverish my people?'' as they did by exacting tithes of all that they
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 3:15
What mean ye that ye beat my people to pieces, and grind the faces of the poor? saith the Lord GOD of hosts. What mean ye (that) ye beat my people to pieces? - What right have ye to beat?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 3:15
What mean ye? what warrant have ye for it? how durst you presume to do it? Grind, or batter, as the word is used, ; smite them cruelly: see .
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 3:15
Isaiah 3:15 What mean ye [that] ye beat my people to pieces, and grind the faces of the poor? saith the Lord GOD of hosts.Ver. 15. What mean you, that you beat my people to pieces?] Heb., What to you? all in a word, short and sharp - q.d., What reason had you, what authority to do thus? That was a witty answer that was given once here to the Pope’ s exactor, who pleaded that all churches were his, and therefore he might call for what sums he pleased; a nimble disputant replied that all churches were the Pope’ s in a sense, viz., Tuitione sed non fruitione; defensione, non dissipatione - i.e., to defend them, but not to destroy them. If God give any man power, it is for "edification, and not for destruction." And grind the faces.] Holding their noses to the grindstone, as we say - by hard usage. See on Micah 3:3. Saith the Lord God.] Dixit Dominator Dominus; he who is higher than the highest, and being Lord of hosts, hath those at hand that are higher than they.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 3:15
Verse 15. And grind the faces] The expression and the image is strong, to denote grievous oppression but is exceeded by the prophet Micah, Micah 3:1-3: - "Hear, I pray you, ye chiefs of Jacob, And ye princes of the house of Israel: Is it not yours to know what is right? Ye that hate good and love evil: Who tear their skins from off them, And their flesh from off their bones; Who devour the flesh of my people; And flay from off them their skin; And their bones they dash in pieces; And chop them asunder, as morsels for the pot: And as flesh thrown into the midst of the caldron." In the last line but one, for כאשר keasher, read, by the transposition of a letter, כשאר kisher, with the Septuagint and Chaldee.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 3:15
15. The strongest metaphors are used to express the cruelty with which the poor are treated. What mean ye that ye crush my people (Proverbs 22:22), and grind the face of the afflicted as between two millstones, determined to wring the uttermost farthing from them. The expression does not occur elsewhere, but in its fierce energy it may be compared with Micah 3:2 and Amos 2:7. 16–4:1. An oracle addressed to the women of Jerusalem. Like Amos (Isaiah 4:1-3) in Samaria, Isaiah sees in the luxury of these pampered ladies a measure of the extortions practised by their husbands (cf. also ch. Isaiah 32:9-12). 16, 17 are connected as protasis and apodosis.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 3:15
What mean ye - What is your object? Or, What advantage is it to you? Or, By what right or pretence do you do this? Beat my people to pieces - That is, that you trample on them; or cruelly oppress them; Psalms 94:5.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 3:15
15. What mean ye — What induces such foul injustice? What motive, what right, impels such action toward the poor?
Sermons on Isaiah 3:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Seven Levels of Judgment - Improper Response Part 3 by Dan Biser | This sermon emphasizes the importance of responding properly to God's call, highlighting the consequences of improper responses seen in various biblical examples. It discusses the |
|
On Prayer by St. John Climacus | St. John Climacus preaches about the profound nature of prayer as a dialogue and union with God, emphasizing its role in maintaining harmony in the world and achieving reconciliati |
|
What Is Prophetic? - Part 1 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being prepared to preach the word of God. He reflects on the example of Moses and the depth of God's dealing with him durin |
|
(The Lord - Merciful and Gracious) 2. Man- Poor and Needy by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the plight of being poor and needy in this world. He explains that those who are in such a condition have a special appeal to the merciful a |
|
The Poor of the Land and the Pride of Jacob by John Piper | John Piper preaches on the message of Amos, a shepherd turned prophet, who delivered a warning of coming judgment upon the northern kingdom of Israel. Despite Amos' faithful procla |
|
Breaking the Bondage of an Ungodly Heritage by Don Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the concept of breaking the chains of an ungodly heritage. He criticizes the idea that individuals are not personally responsible for their ac |
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Sour Grapes by Chuck Smith | This sermon focuses on the importance of personal responsibility before God, emphasizing the need for individuals to acknowledge their sins and seek forgiveness directly from God. |