King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
The instruments also of the churl [are] evil: he deviseth wicked devices to destroy the poor with lying words, even when the needy speaketh right.
Complete Jewish Bible:
The mean person's means are mean - he devises wicked devices to ruin the poor and needy with lies, even when their cause is just.
Berean Standard Bible:
The weapons of the scoundrel are destructive; he hatches plots to destroy the poor with lies, even when the plea of the needy is just.
American Standard Version:
And the instruments of the churl are evil: he deviseth wicked devices to destroy the meek with lying words, even when the needy speaketh right.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
The instruments{H3627} also of the churl{H3596} are evil{H7451}: he deviseth{H3289} wicked devices{H2154} to destroy{H2254} the poor{H6041}{H6035} with lying{H8267} words{H561}, even when the needy{H34} speaketh{H1696} right{H4941}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Jeremiah 5:26
- For among my people are found wicked [men]: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men.
Jeremiah 5:28
- They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge.
Isaiah 5:23
- Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!
Psalms 64:4
- That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not.
Psalms 64:6
- They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward [thought] of every one [of them], and the heart, [is] deep.
Isaiah 61:1
- ¶ The Spirit of the Lord GOD [is] upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound;
Micah 7:2
- The good [man] is perished out of the earth: and [there is] none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Isaiah 32:7
Isaiah 32:7 is a verse from the Old Testament book of Isaiah, which is a collection of prophecies attributed to the prophet Isaiah, who lived in the 8th century BCE. This verse is part of a larger section in the book that deals with themes of justice and righteousness, contrasting the behaviors of the wicked and the righteous.
In the historical context, Isaiah's prophecies often addressed the social and political issues of his time, particularly the injustices perpetrated by the wealthy and powerful against the vulnerable in society. The verse speaks to the character and actions of a "churl," a term that in this context refers to a person who is base or vile in character, particularly in their dishonesty and exploitation of the less fortunate.
The verse condemns the churl's tools or instruments, which are metaphorical for the means by which he carries out his wickedness. These tools are described as evil because they are used to devise schemes that harm the poor. The churl is portrayed as crafty and manipulative, using lying words to deceive and oppress those who are already in need. This reflects a broader biblical concern for the welfare of the poor and the call for justice on their behalf.
Moreover, the verse highlights the stark contrast between the churl's deceitful speech and the righteous plea of the needy. Even when the poor speak the truth and advocate for justice, the churl twists words and situations to maintain power and wealth at their expense. This verse serves as a warning against such unethical behavior and underscores the importance of honesty and integrity, especially for those in positions of influence or authority.
In summary, Isaiah 32:7 criticizes the unjust practices of the wicked, who use deceit to oppress the poor. It calls for a moral standard where the rights of the needy are respected and their voices heard, reflecting the broader biblical mandate to pursue justice and defend the rights of the marginalized.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H3627
There are 276 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כְּלִי
Transliteration: kᵉlîy
Pronunciation: kel-ee'
Description: from כָּלָה; something prepared, i.e. any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon); armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. - Strong's Number: H3596
There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כִּילַי
Transliteration: kîylay
Pronunciation: kee-lah'-ee
Description: or כֵּלַי; from כּוּל in the sense of withholding; niggardly; churl. - Strong's Number: H7451
There are 623 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: רַע
Transliteration: raʻ
Pronunciation: rah
Description: from רָעַע; bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral); adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). - Strong's Number: H3289
There are 74 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יָעַץ
Transliteration: yâʻats
Pronunciation: yaw-ats'
Description: a primitive root; to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve; advertise, take advise, advise (well), consult, (give, take) counsel(-lor), determine, devise, guide, purpose. - Strong's Number: H2154
There are 27 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: זִמָּה
Transliteration: zimmâh
Pronunciation: zim-maw'
Description: or זַמָּה; from זָמַם; a plan, especially a bad one; heinous crime, lewd(-ly, -ness), mischief, purpose, thought, wicked (device, mind, -ness). - Strong's Number: H2254
There are 25 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חָבַל
Transliteration: châbal
Pronunciation: khaw-bal'
Description: a primitive root; to wind tightly (as a rope), i.e. to bind; specifically, by a pledge; figuratively, to pervert, destroy; also to writhe in pain (especially of parturition); [idiom] at all, band, bring forth, (deal) corrupt(-ly), destroy, offend, lay to (take a) pledge, spoil, travail, [idiom] very, withhold. - Strong's Number: H6041
There are 78 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עָנִי
Transliteration: ʻânîy
Pronunciation: aw-nee'
Description: from עָנָה; (practically the same as עָנָו, although the margin constantly disputes this, making עָנָו subjective and objective); depressed, in mind or circumstances; afflicted, humble, lowly, needy, poor. - Strong's Number: H6035
There are 24 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עָנָו
Transliteration: ʻânâv
Pronunciation: aw-nawv'
Description: or (by intermixture with עָנִי) עָנָיו; from עָנָה; depressed (figuratively), in mind (gentle) or circumstances (needy, especially saintly); humble, lowly, meek, poor. Compare עָנִי. - Strong's Number: H8267
There are 109 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שֶׁקֶר
Transliteration: sheqer
Pronunciation: sheh'-ker
Description: from שָׁקַר; an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial); without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, [phrase] lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully. - Strong's Number: H561
There are 259 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אֵמֶר
Transliteration: ʼêmer
Pronunciation: ay'-mer
Description: from אָמַר; something said; answer, [idiom] appointed unto him, saying, speech, word. - Strong's Number: H34
There are 4910 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אֶבְיוֹן
Transliteration: ʼebyôwn
Pronunciation: eb-yone'
Description: from אָבָה, in the sense of want (especially in feeling); destitute; beggar, needy, poor (man). - Strong's Number: H1696
There are 1050 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: דָבַר
Transliteration: dâbar
Pronunciation: daw-bar'
Description: a primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue; answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. - Strong's Number: H4941
There are 406 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מִשְׁפָּט
Transliteration: mishpâṭ
Pronunciation: mish-pawt'
Description: from שָׁפַט; properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, individual or collective), including the act, the place, the suit, the crime, and the penalty; abstractly, justice, including a participant's right or privilege (statutory or customary), or even a style; [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong.