Isaiah 5:13
Isaiah 5:13 in Multiple Translations
Therefore My people will go into exile for their lack of understanding; their dignitaries are starving and their masses are parched with thirst.
¶ Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honourable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst.
Therefore my people are gone into captivity for lack of knowledge; and their honorable men are famished, and their multitude are parched with thirst.
For this cause my people are taken away as prisoners into strange countries for need of knowledge: and their rulers are wasted for need of food, and their loud-voiced feasters are dry for need of water.
As a result my people will be exiled for their lack of understanding. Their honored leaders will starve, and the crowds will be dying of thirst.
Therefore my people is gone into captiuitie, because they had no knowledge, and the glorie thereof are men famished, and the multitude thereof is dried vp with thirst.
Therefore my people removed without knowledge, And its honourable ones are famished, And its multitude dried up of thirst.
Therefore my people go into captivity for lack of knowledge. Their honorable men are famished, and their multitudes are parched with thirst.
Therefore my people have gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honorable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst.
Therefore is my people led away captive, because they had not knowledge, and their nobles have perished with famine, and their multitude were dried up with thirst.
So, my people will be ◄exiled/taken to other countries► far away because they do not know about me. Those who are now very important and honored will starve, and the other people will die from thirst.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 5:13
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 5:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לָ/כֵ֛ן
גָּלָ֥ה
עַמִּ֖/י
מִ/בְּלִי
דָ֑עַת
וּ/כְבוֹד/וֹ֙
מְתֵ֣י
רָעָ֔ב
וַ/הֲמוֹנ֖/וֹ
צִחֵ֥ה
צָמָֽא
לָ/כֵ֛ן
kên
H3651
right
Prep | Adv
גָּלָ֥ה
gâlâh
H1540
to reveal
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
עַמִּ֖/י
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms | Suff
מִ/בְּלִי
bᵉlîy
H1097
without
Prep | N-ms
דָ֑עַת
daʻath
H1847
knowledge
N-fs
וּ/כְבוֹד/וֹ֙
kâbôwd
H3519
glory
Conj | N-cs | Suff
מְתֵ֣י
math
H4962
man
N-mp
רָעָ֔ב
râʻâb
H7458
famine
N-ms
וַ/הֲמוֹנ֖/וֹ
hâmôwn
H1995
crowd
Conj | N-ms | Suff
צִחֵ֥ה
tsicheh
H6704
parched
Adj
צָמָֽא
tsâmâʼ
H6772
thirst
N-ms
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 5:13
לָ/כֵ֛ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Prep | Adv
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
גָּלָ֥ה
gâlâh
H1540
"to reveal"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to reveal or uncover something, often in a way that's embarrassing or shameful. It can also mean to exile someone, forcing them to leave their home. In some cases, it's used to describe God revealing himself to people.
Definition: : reveal[information] 1) to uncover, remove 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to uncover 1a2) to remove, depart 1a3) to go into exile 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) (reflexive) 1b1a) to uncover oneself 1b1b) to discover or show oneself 1b1c) to reveal himself (of God) 1b2) (passive) 1b2a) to be uncovered 1b2b) to be disclosed, be discovered 1b2c) to be revealed 1b3) to be removed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to uncover (nakedness) 1c1a) nakedness 1c1b) general 1c2) to disclose, discover, lay bare 1c3) to make known, show, reveal 1d) (Pual) to be uncovered 1e) (Hiphil) to carry away into exile, take into exile 1f) (Hophal) to be taken into exile 1g) (Hithpael) 1g1) to be uncovered 1g2) to reveal oneself
Usage: Occurs in 167 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, appear, bewray, bring, (carry, lead, go) captive (into captivity), depart, disclose, discover, exile, be gone, open, [idiom] plainly, publish, remove, reveal, [idiom] shamelessly, shew, [idiom] surely, tell, uncover. See also: Genesis 9:21; Job 38:17; Psalms 18:16.
עַמִּ֖/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.
מִ/בְּלִי
bᵉlîy
H1097
"without"
Prep | N-ms
This word means without or nothing, often used for negation. It appears in various forms, such as without or not yet, in the Old Testament.
Definition: subst 1) wearing out adv of negation 2) without, no, not
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: corruption, ig(norantly), for lack of, where no...is, so that no, none, not, un(awares), without. See also: Genesis 31:20; Job 38:41; Psalms 19:4.
דָ֑עַת
daʻath
H1847
"knowledge"
N-fs
In the Bible, daath means knowledge or understanding, like when Solomon asked God for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9. It involves skill and perception, and is often linked to wisdom. This concept appears in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) knowledge 1a) knowledge, perception, skill 1b) discernment, understanding, wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: cunning, (ig-) norantly, know(-ledge), (un-) awares (wittingly). See also: Genesis 2:9; Proverbs 14:7; Psalms 19:3.
וּ/כְבוֹד/וֹ֙
kâbôwd
H3519
"glory"
Conj | N-cs | Suff
Glory refers to great honor or splendor, often used to describe God's majesty, as in Psalm 138:5 where David praises God's glorious name. It can also refer to wealth or abundance, like in Genesis 31:1 where Jacob's wealth is described.
Definition: 1) glory, honour, glorious, abundance 1a) abundance, riches 1b) honour, splendour, glory 1c) honour, dignity 1d) honour, reputation 1e) honour, reverence, glory 1f) glory
Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: glorious(-ly), glory, honour(-able). See also: Genesis 31:1; Psalms 113:4; Psalms 3:4.
מְתֵ֣י
math
H4962
"man"
N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to a grown man, as seen in Genesis 14:24 and Numbers 31:28. It can also mean a few men or a small group of people, depending on the context. The word is used to describe adult males in various biblical stories.
Definition: 1) male, man 1a) males, men 1b) few men (in prose) 1b1) less emphasis on sex 1c) men (poetic) 1c1) less emphasis on sex
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] few, [idiom] friends, men, persons, [idiom] small. See also: Genesis 34:30; Job 19:19; Psalms 17:14.
רָעָ֔ב
râʻâb
H7458
"famine"
N-ms
Famine or hunger is what this Hebrew word represents, often referring to a lack of food or spiritual nourishment. It appears in books like Genesis and Jeremiah, highlighting the importance of trust in God during difficult times.
Definition: 1) famine, hunger 1a) famine (in land, nation) 1a1) of Jehovah's word (fig) 1b) hunger (of individuals)
Usage: Occurs in 88 OT verses. KJV: dearth, famine, [phrase] famished, hunger. See also: Genesis 12:10; Jeremiah 14:12; Psalms 33:19.
וַ/הֲמוֹנ֖/וֹ
hâmôwn
H1995
"crowd"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
Being in a state of turmoil or having a lot of noise is what this Hebrew word means. It can also refer to a large crowd or abundance of something, like in the book of Proverbs where it describes a multitude of people.
Definition: 1) murmur, roar, crowd, abundance, tumult, sound 1a) sound, murmur, rush, roar 1b) tumult, confusion 1c) crowd, multitude 1d) great number, abundance 1e) abundance, wealth
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: abundance, company, many, multitude, multiply, noise, riches, rumbling, sounding, store, tumult. See also: Genesis 17:4; Isaiah 33:3; Psalms 37:16.
צִחֵ֥ה
tsicheh
H6704
"parched"
Adj
This word means parched or dried up, like a plant without water. It describes a lack of moisture or nourishment, often used to describe a barren landscape in the Old Testament.
Definition: parched
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: dried up. See also: Isaiah 5:13.
צָמָֽא
tsâmâʼ
H6772
"thirst"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to the feeling of thirst itself, whether physical or spiritual, and is used in the Bible to describe a strong desire or need, like in Exodus 17:3 where the Israelites complain about lacking water in the desert. It can also symbolize a longing for God.
Definition: thirst
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: thirst(-y). See also: Exodus 17:3; Isaiah 5:13; Psalms 69:22.
Study Notes — Isaiah 5:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 5:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 5:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 5:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 5:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 5:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 5:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 5:13
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 5:13
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 5:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 5:13
- Sermons on Isaiah 5:13
Context — Woes to the Wicked
11Woe to those who rise early in the morning in pursuit of strong drink, who linger into the evening, to be inflamed by wine.
12At their feasts are the lyre and harp, tambourines and flutes and wine. They disregard the actions of the LORD and fail to see the work of His hands.
13Therefore My people will go into exile for their lack of understanding; their dignitaries are starving and their masses are parched with thirst.
14Therefore Sheol enlarges its throat and opens wide its enormous jaws, and down go Zion’s nobles and masses, her revelers and carousers! 15So mankind will be brought low, and each man humbled; the arrogant will lower their eyes.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hosea 4:6 | My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children. |
| 2 | Isaiah 1:3 | The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s manger, but Israel does not know; My people do not understand.” |
| 3 | Isaiah 27:11 | When its limbs are dry, they are broken off. Women come and use them for kindling; for this is a people without understanding. Therefore their Maker has no compassion on them, and their Creator shows them no favor. |
| 4 | Isaiah 1:7 | Your land is desolate; your cities are burned with fire. Foreigners devour your fields before you— a desolation demolished by strangers. |
| 5 | John 3:19–20 | And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. |
| 6 | Romans 1:28 | Furthermore, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, He gave them up to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. |
| 7 | Isaiah 42:22–25 | But this is a people plundered and looted, all trapped in caves or imprisoned in dungeons. They have become plunder with no one to rescue them, and loot with no one to say, “Send them back!” Who among you will pay attention to this? Who will listen and obey hereafter? Who gave Jacob up for spoil, and Israel to the plunderers? Was it not the LORD, against whom we have sinned? They were unwilling to walk in His ways, and they would not obey His law. So He poured out on them His furious anger and the fierceness of battle. It enveloped them in flames, but they did not understand; it consumed them, but they did not take it to heart. |
| 8 | Matthew 23:16–27 | Woe to you, blind guides! You say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’ You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes it sacred? And you say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.’ You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes it sacred? So then, he who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. And he who swears by the temple swears by it and by the One who dwells in it. And he who swears by heaven swears by God’s throne and by the One who sits on it. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside may become clean as well. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside, but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 14:18 | If I go out to the country, I see those slain by the sword; if I enter the city, I see those ravaged by famine! For both prophet and priest travel to a land they do not know.’” |
| 10 | Lamentations 4:9 | Those slain by the sword are better off than those who die of hunger, who waste away, pierced with pain because the fields lack produce. |
Isaiah 5:13 Summary
This verse, Isaiah 5:13, tells us that God's people will go into exile because they don't understand or care about God's ways. It says that even their leaders and important people will suffer, feeling empty and thirsty inside, like they are starving for something more meaningful. This is a warning that when we ignore God and His teachings, we can feel unfulfilled and lost, like we are missing something important (as in 1 Timothy 6:10 where it talks about people being pierced by many griefs due to their love of money). By seeking a deeper understanding of God's love and will for us, we can find true satisfaction and fulfillment, as promised in Jeremiah 29:13 where it says we will find Him when we search for Him with all our hearts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main reason for God's people going into exile according to Isaiah 5:13?
The main reason is their lack of understanding, which implies a spiritual ignorance or disregard for God's ways, as seen in Isaiah 5:12 where they disregard the actions of the LORD and fail to see the work of His hands.
Who are the 'dignitaries' and 'masses' mentioned in Isaiah 5:13?
The dignitaries refer to the leaders or nobles of the people, while the masses refer to the common people, indicating that the judgment affects all levels of society, similar to what is described in Isaiah 24:2 where the LORD makes the earth desolate.
What is the symbolic meaning of 'starving' and 'parched with thirst' in this verse?
These phrases symbolize spiritual hunger and thirst, emphasizing the people's deep need for spiritual nourishment and satisfaction, which they are not finding due to their lack of understanding, as also expressed in Amos 8:11 where God says He will send a famine of hearing the words of the LORD.
How does this verse relate to the overall message of Isaiah?
This verse is part of Isaiah's call to repentance, emphasizing the consequences of disobedience and the importance of seeking God's wisdom and understanding, a theme that continues throughout the book, such as in Isaiah 11:2 where it speaks of the Spirit of the LORD resting on the Branch of the LORD, giving Him wisdom and understanding.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be lacking understanding or disregarding God's ways in my own life, and how can I seek a deeper understanding of His will?
- In what ways do I see the 'dignitaries' and 'masses' in my own community or society suffering from spiritual hunger or thirst, and how can I be part of the solution?
- How can I balance the pursuit of worldly pleasures, like those mentioned in Isaiah 5:11-12, with the pursuit of spiritual nourishment and a deeper relationship with God?
- What are some practical steps I can take to seek spiritual understanding and satisfaction, rather than relying on worldly sources of comfort or entertainment?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 5:13
Therefore my people are gone into captivity,.... Or rather, as Kimchi explains it, "shall go into captivity"; the past for the future; for this cannot be understood even of the captivity of the ten
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 5:13
Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honourable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 5:13
Are gone into captivity; either, 1. Are actually gone, which was true of the ten tribes in Hezekiah’ s reign, , under whom this prophecy might be uttered; or, 2. Shall certainly and shortly go, as the two tribes afterward did. They have no knowledge; no serious consideration of God’ s works, and of their own duty and danger. Their honourable men, who thought themselves quite out of reach of famine.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 5:13
Isaiah 5:13 Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because [they have] no knowledge: and their honourable men [are] famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst.Ver. 13. Therefore my people are gone into captivity,] i.e, They are sure to go. Because they have no knowledge.] Heb., Propter non-scientiam; i.e., ut ita dicam, non-curantiam, For their brutish oscitancy and lack of consideration, as having buried their wits in their guts, and being miserably besotted by their daily sensualities. "Surely they are poor, they are foolish; for they know not the way of the Lord, nor the judgment of their God." And their honourable men are famished.] Heb., Are men of hunger or famine; Congrua huic malo lues. They had abused their food and drink to surfeiting and drunkenness; now they shall know the worth of those good creatures by the want of them. And their multitude dried up with thirst.] The common sort also shall taste of the common calamity; as they did very deeply, when besieged by Vespasian, for five months. Ox dung was then a precious dish unto them, and the shreddings of pot herbs, cast out and trodden under foot and withered, were taken up again for nourishment; yea some, to prolong their lives, would not stick to eat up that which others had vomited and cast up; see Isaiah 9:19-20. Joseph.; Egesip.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 5:13
(13) My people are gone into captivity.—The great captivity of Judah lay as yet far off, but the prophet may be speaking of it as already present in his vision of the future. Probably, however, the disastrous wars of Ahaz had involved many captures of the kind referred to (2 Chronicles 28:5; 2 Chronicles 28:8; 2 Chronicles 28:17-18). Because they have no knowledge.—Better, and they knew not—i.e., did not foresee that this must be the outcome of their conduct. The “honourable men” and the “multitude” are named as representing all classes of society.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 5:13
Verse 13. And their honourable men - "And the nobles"] These verses have likewise a reference to the two preceding. They that indulged in feasting and drinking shall perish with hunger and thirst; and Hades shall indulge his appetite as much as they had done, and devour them all. The image is strong and expressive in the highest degree. Habakkuk, Habakkuk 2:5, uses the same image with great force: - the ambitious and avaricious conqueror. "Enlargeth his appetite like Hades; And he is like Death, and will never be satisfied," But, in Isaiah, Hades is introduced to much greater advantage, in person; and placed before our eyes in the form of a ravenous monster, opening wide his immeasurable jaws, and swallowing them all together: "Therefore Sheol hath dilated her soul, she hath opened her mouth beyond limit." Destruction expects more than a common meal, when God visits Jerusalem for her iniquities. This seems to refer to the ruin brought on the Jews by the Romans. Our blessed Lord repeats this parable, and applies it to this very transaction, Matthew 21:33.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 5:13
13. Therefore (because its leaders are so blind) my people goeth into captivity (proph. perf.). This is the only explicit mention of exile in Isaiah. Cf. again Amos 6:7. The next words may be rendered either from lack of knowledge (R.V.) or without knowing it—“unawares” (Cheyne). The former gives the better sense (cf. Hosea 4:6). their honourable men … their multitude] lit. “its glory” … “its tumult.” The contrast, however, is rightly indicated by A.V.—the noblesse over against the populace. famished] Hebr. “men of hunger.” But the word for “men” is poetic (Isaiah 3:25) and never found in such phrases as this. The ancient versions, with a different vocalisation, read “dead with hunger,” which is obviously too strong. Most commentators now follow Ewald and Hitzig, and alter the text in accordance with Deuteronomy 32:24 (R.V. “wasted”), reading “sucked out (exhausted) with hunger.” This involves the change of a single letter, and yields a suitable parallelism to “dried up with thirst.”
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 5:13
Therefore my people are gone - This is evidently used with reference to the “future.” The prophet described events as “passing before his eyes” as a vision (note, Isaiah 1:1); and he here seems to
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 5:13
13. Therefore — In consequence of the delinquencies that bring down both these woes. My people — Still His, (iii, 12,) but therefore all the more to be chastised. Amos 3:2.
Sermons on Isaiah 5:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Horizon of Divine Purpose - Part 1 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeing the person and purpose as interconnected. They express a strong burden for delivering this message and believe it is |
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The Reality of Hell by Don Perkins | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of teaching about the reality of hell in churches. He prays for God to open the scriptures and help the congregation understa |
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Ignorant People by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the dangers of ignorance in his sermon 'Ignorant People,' arguing that while some may believe ignorance fosters devotion, the Bible clearly states it leads |
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Ignorance Is the Mother of Destruction by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that ignorance leads to destruction, citing Hosea 4:6 to illustrate that a lack of knowledge can render people unfit for salvation. He contrasts the notion |
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(Biblical Manhood) -Evening Banquet by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker expresses his deep concern for the upbringing of his young children and acknowledges his own shortcomings. He emphasizes the importance of studying and |
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(Biblical Manhood) -Morning Brunch by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a godly example to our children. He shares his desire for his son to see him on his knees, weeping with joy about Jes |
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"Too Intense?" "Radical?" by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker passionately shares his personal experiences of sacrifice and persecution for his faith in Jesus Christ. He recounts witnessing people dying and a young |