Isaiah 5:18

Woes to the Wicked · Isaiah 5:8–30
Read Isaiah 5

Translations

Modern
Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of deceit and pull sin along with cart ropes,
Traditional
Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope:
Literal
Woe to those drawing out iniquity with cords of falsehood, and sin with a rope of the cart,
Latin
Væ qui trahitis iniquitatem in funiculis vanitatis, et quasi vinculum plaustri peccatum!

Original

Hebrew
English
Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of deceit and pull sin along with cart ropes,

Notes

God's ropes were "cords of kindness, with ropes of love" for Israel (Hosea 11:4).

Woe: The third threat of judgment was against those who mocked and openly disrespected God's authority.

This section contains six pronouncements of sorrow. They are six warnings of dreadful judgment (Isaiah 5:8, 11, 18, 20, 21, 22). These sorrows highlight some of the "sour grapes" produced by the vineyard of Israel (5:1–7).

The prophet delivered judgment through a song (Isaiah 5:1–7) and prophecies of sorrow (5:8–30). Although Israel's future will be pure and in fellowship with God (Isaiah 4:2–6), it must address the current sinful state of the people and their leaders.

Theme notes and profiles

Isaiah Salvation in Isaiah

Events

Glossary

Coins Curse, Cursed Isaiah, Book of Strong Drink

Topics

Backsliders: Backsliding of Israel Infidelity: General Scriptures Concerning Isaiah: Prophecies, Reproofs, and Exhortations of Denounces Existing Corruptions Presumption: General Scriptures Concerning Scoffing: General Scriptures Concerning Scorning and Mocking: Woe Denounced Against Sin: Progressive Sin: The Wicked: Defy God in Committing Wicked (People): Described