Isaiah 5:23
Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!
Which justify {H6663} the wicked {H7563} for {H6118} reward {H7810}, and take away {H5493} the righteousness {H6666} of the righteous {H6662} from him!
who acquit the guilty for bribes but deny justice to the righteous!
who acquit the guilty for a bribe and deprive the innocent of justice.
that justify the wicked for a bribe, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!
Cross-References
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Isaiah 10:2 (6 votes)
To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and [that] they may rob the fatherless! -
Psalms 94:21 (5 votes)
They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood. -
Proverbs 17:15 (5 votes)
¶ He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both [are] abomination to the LORD. -
James 5:6 (5 votes)
Ye have condemned [and] killed the just; [and] he doth not resist you. -
Micah 7:3 (4 votes)
That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge [asketh] for a reward; and the great [man], he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up. -
Proverbs 31:4 (4 votes)
[It is] not for kings, O Lemuel, [it is] not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: -
Proverbs 31:5 (4 votes)
Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
Commentary
Isaiah 5:23 in the King James Version describes a severe indictment against those who pervert justice and show favoritism for personal gain.
Context
This verse is part of the "Song of the Vineyard" in Isaiah chapter 5, where the prophet uses the metaphor of a vineyard (representing Israel/Judah) that failed to produce good fruit despite God's care. Following this allegory, Isaiah lists a series of "woes" or judgments upon the nation for specific sins. Verse 23 is one such woe, condemning those in positions of authority who abuse their power, particularly within the legal or judicial system. It follows woes against greed, drunkenness, scoffing at God, and moral confusion (see Isaiah 5:20).
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word translated "justify" (צָדַק - tsadaq) in this context means to declare righteous, acquit, or treat as innocent in a legal or moral sense. The verse describes the perverse act of declaring someone innocent who is, in fact, guilty, often due to receiving a bribe ("for reward"). Taking away the "righteousness" (צִדְקַת - tsidqat) of the righteous means denying their just case or innocence, effectively condemning them despite their uprightness.
Reflection and Application
Isaiah's condemnation of twisted justice remains profoundly relevant. This verse speaks against any system or individual who uses authority to favor the guilty and oppress the innocent for personal gain. It challenges us to consider where such corruption might exist today, not just in legal courts but in any situation where fairness and truth should prevail. God's standard is true justice, where the wicked are held accountable and the righteous are vindicated (compare Proverbs 17:15). This verse is a call to uphold integrity and righteousness in all our dealings and to pray for justice for those who are oppressed.
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