Isaiah 9:13
What does Isaiah 9:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Isaiah 9:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Isaiah 9:13 means
Despite the severe judgments described, this verse somberly states that the people refuse to turn to God. They do not acknowledge Him as the one who brought their suffering ("him that smote them"), nor do they seek "Jehovah of hosts" for deliverance or reconciliation. Their hearts remain hardened, indicating a complete absence of repentance or a desire to return to a right relationship with Him. This explains why God's anger continues, as their suffering has not accomplished its intended purpose of drawing them back to their Creator.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Yet the people have not turned unto him that smote them, neither have they sought Jehovah of hosts.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For the people turneth not unto him that smiteth them, neither do they seek the Lord of hosts.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Yet the people have not turned unto him that smote them, neither have they sought Jehovah of hosts.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But the heart of the people was not turned to him who sent punishment on them, and they made no prayer to the Lord of armies.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And the people hath not turned back unto Him who is smiting it, And Jehovah of Hosts they have not sought.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the people are not returned to him who hath struck them, and have not sought after the Lord of hosts.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But the people turneth not unto him that smiteth them, and they do not seek Jehovah of hosts.
Context
Following the detailed description of God's judgment and His persistent anger, this verse explains the *reason* for that continued wrath: the people's utter refusal to repent or seek God. It provides the spiritual explanation for the relentless nature of the divine punishment. This context is vital because it highlights Israel's culpability and sets the stage for further, more comprehensive judgments that will befall a nation unwilling to turn back.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hosea 5:15
I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me earnestly.
- Hosea 7:10
And the pride of Israel doth testify to his face: yet they have not returned unto Jehovah their God, nor sought him, for all this.
- Job 36:13
But they that are godless in heart lay up anger: They cry not for help when he bindeth them.
- Hosea 7:16
They return, but not to him that is on high; they are like a deceitful bow; their princes shall fall by the sword for the rage of their tongue: this shall be their derision in the land of Egypt.
- Isaiah 1:5
Why will ye be still stricken, that ye revolt more and more? the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.
- 2 Chronicles 28:22
And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against Jehovah, this same king Ahaz.
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