Devine Scripture

Isaiah 9:16

What does Isaiah 9:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Isaiah 9:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Isaiah 9:16 means

This verse explains the devastating consequence of having corrupt leadership. It states that those who are meant to guide the people—the "leaders" (both elders and false prophets as identified in verse 15)—actively cause them to go astray, leading them into error through wrong counsel and deceptive teachings. As a result, "they that are led of them are destroyed." This highlights the severe moral decay within Israel and the catastrophic impact of unrighteous guidance, where both leaders and followers suffer divine judgment for their shared wickedness.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For they that lead this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For they that lead this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For the guides of this people are the cause of their wandering from the right way, and those who are guided by them come to destruction.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And the eulogists of this people are causing to err, And its eulogised ones are consumed.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And they that call this people blessed, shall cause them to err: and they that are called blessed, shall be thrown down, headlong.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For the guides of this people mislead [them]; and they that are guided by them are swallowed up.

Context

Following the identification of the corrupt leaders in verse 15, this verse explains the direct consequence of their actions: they lead the people astray, resulting in widespread destruction. It provides the rationale for God's judgment on both leaders and followers. This context is crucial because it links the moral failure of the leadership to the ultimate ruin of society, leading to God's lack of compassion even for the vulnerable.

v.15The elder and the honorable man, he is the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail.

v.16This passage

v.17Therefore the Lord will not rejoice over their young men, neither will he have compassion on their fatherless and widows; for every one is profane and an evil-doer, and every mouth speaketh folly. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 15:14

    Let them alone: they are blind guides. And if the blind guide the blind, both shall fall into a pit.

  • Isaiah 3:12

    As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they that lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.

  • 1 Kings 8:55

    And he stood, and blessed all the assembly of Israel with a loud voice, saying,

  • 2 Chronicles 30:27

    Then the priests the Levites arose and blessed the people: and their voice was heard, and their prayer came up to his holy habitation, even unto heaven.

  • Hebrews 7:7

    But without any dispute the less is blessed of the better.

  • Numbers 6:23

    Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel: ye shall say unto them,

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