Isaiah 5:23
Isaiah 5:23 in Multiple Translations
who acquit the guilty for a bribe and deprive the innocent of justice.
Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!
that justify the wicked for a bribe, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!
Who for a reward give support to the cause of the sinner, and who take away the righteousness of the upright from him.
you who set the guilty free for a bribe, and yet deny justice to the innocent.
Which iustifie the wicked for a rewarde, and take away the righteousnesse of the righteous from him.
Declaring righteous the wicked for a bribe, And the righteousness of the righteous They turn aside from him.
who acquit the guilty for a bribe, but deny justice for the innocent!
Who justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!
That justify the wicked for gifts, and take away the justice of the just from him.
If people offer them bribes in order that they will enable wicked people not to be punished, they accept those bribes, and they cause people who are innocent to be punished.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 5:23
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 5:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מַצְדִּיקֵ֥י
רָשָׁ֖ע
עֵ֣קֶב
שֹׁ֑חַד
וְ/צִדְקַ֥ת
צַדִּיקִ֖ים
יָסִ֥ירוּ
מִמֶּֽ/נּוּ
מַצְדִּיקֵ֥י
tsâdaq
H6663
to justify
V-Hiphil
רָשָׁ֖ע
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
עֵ֣קֶב
ʻêqeb
H6118
consequence
N-ms
שֹׁ֑חַד
shachad
H7810
bribe
N-ms
וְ/צִדְקַ֥ת
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
righteousness
Conj | N-fs
צַדִּיקִ֖ים
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
יָסִ֥ירוּ
çûwr
H5493
to turn aside
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
מִמֶּֽ/נּוּ
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 5:23
מַצְדִּיקֵ֥י
tsâdaq
H6663
"to justify"
V-Hiphil
Refers to the act of making something right, either by justifying oneself or being declared righteous by God. It is used to describe God's justice and people's attempts to do what is right. This concept is key to understanding the Bible's teachings on sin and redemption.
Definition: 1) to be just, be righteous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to have a just cause, be in the right 1a2) to be justified 1a3) to be just (of God) 1a4) to be just, be righteous (in conduct and character) 1b) (Niphal) to be put or made right, be justified 1c) (Piel) justify, make to appear righteous, make someone righteous 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to do or bring justice (in administering law) 1d2) to declare righteous, justify 1d3) to justify, vindicate the cause of, save 1d4) to make righteous, turn to righteousness 1e) (Hithpael) to justify oneself
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: cleanse, clear self, (be, do) just(-ice, -ify, -ify self), (be turn to) righteous(-ness). See also: Genesis 38:26; Job 33:32; Psalms 19:10.
רָשָׁ֖ע
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
עֵ֣קֶב
ʻêqeb
H6118
"consequence"
N-ms
This word refers to a consequence or result of something, often used to describe a reward or payment. It is used in Genesis 49:19, where Gad's reward is described. The word can also mean 'because' or 'on account of'.
Definition: 1) consequence 1a) consequence 1b) consequence, gain, reward 1c) end adv 2) as a consequence, because, consequently conj 3) as a consequence of, that, because
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] because, by, end, for, if, reward. See also: Genesis 22:18; Psalms 19:12; Psalms 40:16.
שֹׁ֑חַד
shachad
H7810
"bribe"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a gift given to influence someone, often in a wrong way. It can also mean a present or reward, like in 1 Samuel 1:18 where Hannah gives a gift to Eli. The word is about giving something to get something in return.
Definition: present, bribe
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: bribe(-ry), gift, present, reward. See also: Exodus 23:8; Psalms 26:10; Psalms 15:5.
וְ/צִדְקַ֥ת
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
"righteousness"
Conj | N-fs
Encompasses the idea of righteousness, including justice, virtue, and morality, often describing God's attribute or the standard for human behavior. It is used to describe the ideal for personal conduct and societal norms, emphasizing the importance of living a righteous life.
Definition: 1) justice, righteousness 1a) righteousness (in government) 1a1) of judge, ruler, king 1a2) of law 1a3) of Davidic king Messiah 1b) righteousness (of God's attribute) 1c) righteousness (in a case or cause) 1d) righteousness, truthfulness 1e) righteousness (as ethically right) 1f) righteousness (as vindicated), justification, salvation 1f1) of God 1f2) prosperity (of people) 1g) righteous acts Aramaic equivalent: tsid.qah (צִדְקָה "righteousness" H6665)
Usage: Occurs in 150 OT verses. KJV: justice, moderately, right(-eous) (act, -ly, -ness). See also: Genesis 15:6; Proverbs 16:31; Psalms 5:9.
צַדִּיקִ֖ים
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
יָסִ֥ירוּ
çûwr
H5493
"to turn aside"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
מִמֶּֽ/נּוּ
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
Study Notes — Isaiah 5:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 5:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 5:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 5:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 5:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 5:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 5:23
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 5:23
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 5:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 5:23
- Sermons on Isaiah 5:23
Context — Woes to the Wicked
21Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.
22Woe to those who are heroes in drinking wine and champions in mixing strong drink,
23who acquit the guilty for a bribe and deprive the innocent of justice.
24Therefore, as a tongue of fire consumes the straw, and as dry grass shrivels in the flame, so their roots will decay and their blossoms will blow away like dust; for they have rejected the instruction of the LORD of Hosts and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. 25Therefore the anger of the LORD burns against His people; His hand is raised against them to strike them down. The mountains quake, and the corpses lie like refuse in the streets. Despite all this, His anger is not turned away; His hand is still upraised.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 10:2 | 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. |
| 2 | James 5:6 | You have condemned and murdered the righteous, who did not resist you. |
| 3 | Psalms 94:21 | They band together against the righteous and condemn the innocent to death. |
| 4 | Proverbs 17:15 | Acquitting the guilty and condemning the righteous— both are detestable to the LORD. |
| 5 | Proverbs 31:4–5 | It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to crave strong drink, lest they drink and forget what is decreed, depriving all the oppressed of justice. |
| 6 | Micah 7:3 | Both hands are skilled at evil; the prince and the judge demand a bribe. When the powerful utters his evil desire, they all conspire together. |
| 7 | 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. |
| 8 | Micah 3:11 | Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets practice divination for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD, saying, “Is not the LORD among us? No disaster can come upon us.” |
| 9 | Proverbs 24:24 | Whoever tells the guilty, “You are innocent”— peoples will curse him, and nations will denounce him; |
| 10 | Proverbs 17:23 | A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice. |
Isaiah 5:23 Summary
This verse talks about people who are corrupt and unfair, letting guilty people go free if they pay a bribe, and hurting innocent people who don't deserve it. This is not what God wants, as we see in Exodus 23:8 and Deuteronomy 16:19, where He commands us to do justice and not take bribes. We should strive to be honest and fair in all our interactions, and seek to promote justice and righteousness, just like Micah 6:8 encourages us to do what is right and just. By doing so, we can live with integrity and please God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue with the people described in Isaiah 5:23?
The main issue is that they are corrupt and prioritize personal gain over justice, as seen in their willingness to acquit the guilty for a bribe, which is similar to the corruption described in Exodus 23:8 and Deuteronomy 16:19.
How does this verse relate to the concept of justice in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of justice and the need for fairness and impartiality, as emphasized in Proverbs 24:23-25 and Jeremiah 22:3, where God commands us to do justice and righteousness.
What are the consequences of such corruption and injustice?
The consequences are severe, as seen in the surrounding verses, Isaiah 5:24-25, where God's anger burns against His people, and in other passages like Psalms 37:28 and Proverbs 21:15, which warn against the wicked and the importance of justice.
How can we apply this verse to our own lives?
We can apply this verse by examining our own hearts and actions, ensuring that we are not compromising justice or integrity for personal gain, and instead seeking to live with integrity and honesty, as encouraged in Psalms 15:1-5 and Micah 6:8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be compromising justice or integrity in my own life, and how can I make a change?
- How can I prioritize fairness and impartiality in my relationships and interactions with others?
- What does it mean to 'deprive the innocent of justice', and how can I ensure that I am not contributing to this problem?
- In what ways can I seek to promote justice and righteousness in my community, as encouraged in Jeremiah 22:3 and Micah 6:8?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 5:23
Which justify the wicked for reward,.... This is either spoken of judges, and civil magistrates, who gave the cause in favour of the wicked, that bribed them, contrary to law, Deuteronomy 16:19 or
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 5:23
Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: Woe unto (them that are) mighty to drink wine ... Which justify the wicked for reward.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 5:23
Justify the wicked for reward; not by mistake or incogitancy, but wilfully for bribes. Take away the righteousness of the righteous from him, to wit, juridically; they pronounce sentence against him, as if he and his cause were unjust.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 5:23
Isaiah 5:23 Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!Ver. 23. Which justify the wicked for reward,] q.d., Woe to such also, for even they both are abomination to the Lord
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 5:23
Verse 23. The righteous] צדיק tsaddik, singular, Sept. Vulg., and two editions.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 5:23
23. These valiant drinkers are weak enough in their official capacity; they acquit the guilty and condemn the innocent. justify the wicked] “wicked” and “righteous” are here used in their forensic sense: “he who is in the wrong” and “he who is in the right” (cf. Exodus 9:27). So “take away the righteousness” means “declare guilty”—the opposite of “justify.”
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 5:23
Which justify - This refers, doubtless, to magistrates. They gave unjust decisions. For reward - For bribes.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 5:23
Sixth woe — on public dissoluteness, Isaiah 5:22-23.Drunkards, too, again receive their woe; (see Isaiah 5:11;) where the people indulge in thoughtless, rollicking dissoluteness.22, 23.
Sermons on Isaiah 5:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Isaiah) the Cause & Cure of Spiritual Blindness by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on God's message to the spiritually blind people of Jerusalem. He emphasizes that it is not enough to speak spiritually and honor God with word |
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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 |
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Epistle 251 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects the purity and righteousness of God, urging his friends to walk worthy of their calling in Christ Jesus. He call |
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Babies Are Murdered Here (Documentary Trailer) by Jon Speed | This sermon addresses the issue of abortion as a curse and judgment on the nation, questioning the silence and inaction of the church in the face of innocent lives being taken. It |
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(Missions Conference Shoals) - Part 2 by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the movie "The Passion" and his response to it. He expresses his fear of watching the film due to the emotional impact it may have on him. Th |
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(Blood Covenant) the Mark of God or the Mark of the Beast - 1 by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the judgment that will come on the last day. He emphasizes that many people have been spiritually asleep and have confused good with evil and |
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The Meaning of the Cross by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker begins by asserting his right to critique the church's understanding of the gospel based on historical context. He distinguishes between theologians and |