Isaiah 9:15
Isaiah 9:15 in Multiple Translations
The head is the elder and honorable man, and the tail is the prophet who teaches lies.
The ancient and honourable, he is the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail.
The elder and the honorable man, he is the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail.
The man who is honoured and responsible is the head, and the prophet who gives false teaching is the tail.
Elders and honorable people are the head, and prophets who teach lies are the tail.
The ancient and the honorable man, he is the head: and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the taile.
Elder, and accepted of face, he [is] the head, Prophet, teacher of falsehood, he [is] the tail.
The elder and the honorable man is the head, and the prophet who teaches lies is the tail.
The ancient and honorable, he is the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail.
The aged and honourable, he is the head: and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail.
The leaders [DOU] of Israel are the head, and the prophets who tell lies are the tail.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 9:15
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 9:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּֽהְי֛וּ
מְאַשְּׁרֵ֥י
הָֽ/עָם
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
מַתְעִ֑ים
וּ/מְאֻשָּׁרָ֖י/ו
מְבֻלָּעִֽים
וַ/יִּֽהְי֛וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
מְאַשְּׁרֵ֥י
ʼâshar
H833
to bless
V-Piel
הָֽ/עָם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
מַתְעִ֑ים
tâʻâh
H8582
to go astray
V-Hiphil
וּ/מְאֻשָּׁרָ֖י/ו
ʼâshar
H833
to bless
Conj | V-Pual-Inf-c | Suff
מְבֻלָּעִֽים
bâlaʻ
H1104
to swallow up
V-Pual-Inf-c
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 9:15
וַ/יִּֽהְי֛וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
מְאַשְּׁרֵ֥י
ʼâshar
H833
"to bless"
V-Piel
To bless means to make someone happy or content. In the Bible, it can also mean to guide or lead someone in the right direction, like in the book of Psalms.
Definition: 1) to go straight, walk, go on, advance, make progress 1a)(Qal) to go straight on, make progress 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to go straight on, advance 1b2) to lead on (causative) 1b3) to set right, righten 1b4) to pronounce happy, call blessed 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be advanced, be led on 1c2) to be made happy, be blessed
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: (call, be) bless(-ed, happy), go, guide, lead, relieve. See also: Genesis 30:13; Proverbs 23:19; Psalms 41:3.
הָֽ/עָם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
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.
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
מַתְעִ֑ים
tâʻâh
H8582
"to go astray"
V-Hiphil
This word means to go astray or wander, and can be used physically or morally. It can also mean to cause someone to err or stumble.
Definition: 1) to err, wander, go astray, stagger 1a) (Qal) to err 1a1) to wander about (physically) 1a2) of intoxication 1a3) of sin (ethically) 1a4) wandering (of the mind) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made to wander about, be made to stagger (drunkard) 1b2) to be led astray (ethically) 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to wander 1c1) to cause to wander about (physically) 1c2) to cause to wander (of intoxication) 1c3) to cause to err, mislead (mentally and morally)
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) go astray, deceive, dissemble, (cause to, make to) err, pant, seduce, (make to) stagger, (cause to) wander, be out of the way. See also: Genesis 20:13; Isaiah 9:15; Psalms 58:4.
וּ/מְאֻשָּׁרָ֖י/ו
ʼâshar
H833
"to bless"
Conj | V-Pual-Inf-c | Suff
To bless means to make someone happy or content. In the Bible, it can also mean to guide or lead someone in the right direction, like in the book of Psalms.
Definition: 1) to go straight, walk, go on, advance, make progress 1a)(Qal) to go straight on, make progress 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to go straight on, advance 1b2) to lead on (causative) 1b3) to set right, righten 1b4) to pronounce happy, call blessed 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be advanced, be led on 1c2) to be made happy, be blessed
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: (call, be) bless(-ed, happy), go, guide, lead, relieve. See also: Genesis 30:13; Proverbs 23:19; Psalms 41:3.
מְבֻלָּעִֽים
bâlaʻ
H1104
"to swallow up"
V-Pual-Inf-c
This word means to swallow or destroy something completely. It can be used to describe something being eaten up or destroyed, like in a natural disaster or a strong storm. The Bible uses it to convey total destruction.
Definition: 1) to swallow down, swallow up, engulf, eat up 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to swallow down 1a2) to swallow up, engulf 1b) (Niphal) to be swallowed up 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to swallow 1c2) to swallow up, engulf 1c3) squandering (fig.) 1d) (Pual) to be swallowed up 1e) (Hithpael) to be ended
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: cover, destroy, devour, eat up, be at end, spend up, swallow down (up). See also: Genesis 41:7; Psalms 106:17; Psalms 21:10.
Study Notes — Isaiah 9:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 9:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 9:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 9:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 9:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 9:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 9:15
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 9:15
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 9:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 9:15
- Sermons on Isaiah 9:15
Context — Judgment against Israel’s Hypocrisy
13But the people did not return to Him who struck them; they did not seek the LORD of Hosts.
14So the LORD will cut off Israel’s head and tail, both palm branch and reed in a single day.
15The head is the elder and honorable man, and the tail is the prophet who teaches lies.
16For those who guide this people mislead them, and those they mislead are swallowed up. 17Therefore the Lord takes no pleasure in their young men; He has no compassion on their fatherless and widows. For every one of them is godless and wicked, and every mouth speaks folly. Despite all this, His anger is not turned away; His hand is still upraised.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 29:10 | For the LORD has poured out on you a spirit of deep sleep. He has shut your eyes, O prophets; He has covered your heads, O seers. |
| 2 | Matthew 24:24 | For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders that would deceive even the elect, if that were possible. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 9:6 | “Look,” said the servant, “in this city there is a man of God who is highly respected; everything he says surely comes to pass. Let us go there now. Perhaps he will tell us which way to go.” |
| 4 | 2 Timothy 4:2–3 | Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction. For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. |
| 5 | Isaiah 3:2–3 | the mighty man and the warrior, the judge and the prophet, the soothsayer and the elder, the commander of fifty and the dignitary, the counselor, the cunning magician, and the clever enchanter. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 13:19 | You have profaned Me among My people for handfuls of barley and scraps of bread. By lying to My people who would listen, you have killed those who should not have died and spared those who should not have lived. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 29:21–22 | This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says about Ahab son of Kolaiah and Zedekiah son of Maaseiah, who are prophesying to you lies in My name: “I will deliver them to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and he will kill them before your very eyes. Because of them, all the exiles of Judah who are in Babylon will use this curse: ‘May the LORD make you like Zedekiah and Ahab, whom the king of Babylon roasted in the fire!’ |
| 8 | Jeremiah 27:9–10 | But as for you, do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your interpreters of dreams, your mediums, or your sorcerers who declare, ‘You will not serve the king of Babylon.’ For they prophesy to you a lie that will serve to remove you from your land; I will banish you and you will perish. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 14:14–15 | “The prophets are prophesying lies in My name,” replied the LORD. “I did not send them or appoint them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a false vision, a worthless divination, the futility and delusion of their own minds. Therefore this is what the LORD says about the prophets who prophesy in My name: I did not send them, yet they say, ‘No sword or famine will touch this land.’ By sword and famine these very prophets will meet their end! |
| 10 | Isaiah 28:17 | I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the level. Hail will sweep away your refuge of lies, and water will flood your hiding place. |
Isaiah 9:15 Summary
In Isaiah 9:15, God is describing the leaders and prophets of Israel who have led the people astray. The 'head' represents the leaders, who are supposed to guide the people, while the 'tail' represents the false prophets who teach lies (as seen in Jeremiah 23:25-32). This verse reminds us of the importance of following God's will and being careful who we follow, as seen in Matthew 7:15 and 1 John 4:1-6. By following God's word and seeking His guidance, we can avoid being led astray and stay on the path of righteousness (Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 119:105).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 'head' and 'tail' represent in Isaiah 9:15?
In this context, the 'head' refers to the elder and honorable man, while the 'tail' represents the prophet who teaches lies, as seen in Isaiah 9:15. This symbolism is also seen in other parts of Scripture, such as Deuteronomy 28:13, where Israel is warned not to be the tail but to be the head.
Why are the prophets who teach lies considered the 'tail'?
The prophets who teach lies are considered the 'tail' because they are misleading the people and leading them away from the truth of God, as seen in Isaiah 9:15 and Jeremiah 23:25-32. This is in contrast to true prophets, who speak the words of God and guide His people according to His will, as seen in Isaiah 6:1-13 and Ezekiel 2:1-7.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is part of a larger passage, Isaiah 9:13-17, which describes God's judgment on Israel for their rebellion against Him. The removal of the 'head and tail' in Isaiah 9:14 refers to the removal of both the leaders and the false prophets, as described in Isaiah 9:15. This is a call to repentance and a reminder of the importance of following God's will, as seen in Isaiah 1:1-20 and Hosea 6:1-3.
What is the significance of the 'elder and honorable man' in this verse?
The 'elder and honorable man' in Isaiah 9:15 represents the leaders of Israel who are supposed to guide the people according to God's will, as seen in Exodus 18:13-27 and Deuteronomy 1:9-18. However, in this context, even these leaders are being removed due to their participation in the rebellion against God, as described in Isaiah 9:13-17 and Micah 3:1-12.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be following false prophets or teachers, and how can I ensure that I am following the truth of God?
- How can I, as a leader or influence in my community, ensure that I am guiding others according to God's will and not leading them astray?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be rebelling against God's will, and how can I repent and turn back to Him?
- How can I distinguish between true and false prophets, and what role should I play in speaking out against false teachings?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 9:15
The ancient and honourable, he [is] the head,.... The elder in office, not in age; and who, on account of his office, dignity, and riches, is honoured by men, is of a venerable countenance himself,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 9:15
The ancient and honourable, he is the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail. The ancient - the older. Honourable - the man of rank. The prophet that teacheth lies, he (is) the tail.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 9:15
He is, i.e. signifies, as that word is commonly used in the Hebrew tongue, as ,27, and every where. The prophet that teacheth lies; whose destruction he mentions, not as if it were a punishment to them to be deprived of such persons, but partly to show the extent of the calamity, that it should reach all sorts of persons; and partly to beat down their vain presumptions of peace and prosperity, by showing that those false prophets, which had fed their vain hopes, should perish, and all their false prophecies of peace with them. He is the tail; these I mean by the tail, as being in’ truth the basest part of the whole body of the people.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 9:15
Isaiah 9:15 The ancient and honourable, he [is] the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he [is] the tail.Ver. 15. The ancient and honourable is the head.] Thus the Scripture frequently expoundeth itself. In a general calamity all fare alike, lords and losels. And the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail.] Such, like dogs, do cauda adblandiri, soothe and smooth men up in their sins, and are the vilest of men. Quid enim contemptius et abiectius animo fingi potest quam assentari divitibus, linguamque venalim habere? Such also, as serpents, glide smoothly over the body, but sting with their tails.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 9:15
(15) The ancient and honourable . . .—Comp. Isaiah 3:2-3, for the meaning of the words. These, the prophet seems to say, were the true leaders of the people. The ideal work of the prophet was, indeed, that of a teacher who was to lead even them, but corruptio optimi pessima; and to Isaiah, as to Jeremiah, there was no class so contemptible and base as that of spiritual guides whose policy was that of a time-serving selfishness. The verse is rejected by some critics as a marginal note that has found its way into the text; but the prophet may well have given his own interpretation of this formula. (Comp. Isaiah 28:7; Isaiah 29:10; Jeremiah 14:14; Jeremiah 23:9-40.)
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 9:15
13–17. Second strophe. It describes a “day” of terror (which may be either a battle or a revolution) in which the leaders of the people suddenly perished. What incident is referred to cannot be determined; royal assassinations were frequent after the death of Jeroboam II. (see 2 Kings 15:10; 2 Kings 15:14; 2 Kings 15:25), and these would naturally be accompanied by such a massacre of the King’s supporters as is here spoken of (cf. ch. Isaiah 3:1-4). See also the graphic, though obscure, description of a conspiracy in Hosea 7:3-7.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 9:15
The ancient - The elder; the old man. And honorable - Hebrew, ‘The man of elevated countenance.’ The man of rank and office. The prophet that teacheth lies - The false prophet.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 9:15
13-15. For the people turneth not — One trial passes without result, except continued hardening; and now a new crime is suggested: the people know the object of the judgment, and they still repent not.
Sermons on Isaiah 9:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(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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New Years' Address, January 1869 by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the contrast between the spiritually-minded child of God and the carnally-minded worldling, emphasizing the separation between the church and the world |
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A Spirit of Slumber! by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson's sermon 'A Spirit of Slumber!' warns of the spiritual blindness affecting both Jews and Christians, emphasizing that many are trapped in a deep sleep, unable to pe |
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The Last Revival by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having faith that drives out fear. He quotes Isaiah 54:4, which reassures believers that they will not be ashamed or repro |
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(Christian Leadership) Lovers of the Truth by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the Bible is not written in a logical or mathematical way, but rather speaks to the heart. He shares an anecdote about preaching in a se |
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Spiritual Avalanche: The Threat of False Teachings That Could Destroy Millions by Steve Hill | This sermon warns about a spiritual avalanche of false teachings that is covering the body of Christ, likened to a dangerous snowfall on a majestic mountain. The vision reveals the |
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Eight Ways of Deceiving Ourselves - Part 1 by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the theme of deception as highlighted in 2 Corinthians 11 and Revelation, emphasizing how deception has been a tool of the enemy from the beginning with Eve |