Thy princes [are] rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.
Thy princes {H8269} are rebellious {H5637}, and companions {H2270} of thieves {H1590}: every one loveth {H157} gifts {H7810}, and followeth {H7291} after rewards {H8021}: they judge {H8199} not the fatherless {H3490}, neither doth the cause {H7379} of the widow {H490} come {H935} unto them.
Your leaders are rebels, friends of thieves. They all love bribes and run after gifts. They give no justice to orphans, the widow's complaint doesn't catch their attention.
Your rulers are rebels, friends of thieves. They all love bribes and chasing after rewards. They do not defend the fatherless, and the plea of the widow never comes before them.
Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves; every one loveth bribes, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.
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Micah 7:3
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. -
Exodus 23:8
And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous. -
Zechariah 7:10
And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart. -
Acts 4:5
¶ And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, -
Acts 4:11
This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. -
Luke 18:2
Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: -
Luke 18:5
Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
Isaiah 1:23 (KJV): Thy princes [are] rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.
Context
Isaiah chapter 1 serves as a powerful indictment against the nation of Judah and Jerusalem, describing their spiritual sickness and rebellion against God despite outward religious practices. The prophet Isaiah contrasts the nation's potential with its current state of corruption and sin. Verses 21-22 lament how the once faithful city has become like a harlot, full of murderers, with its silver becoming dross and its wine mixed with water, symbolizing a degeneration of purity and justice. Verse 23 specifically targets the failure of the nation's leadership – the princes and judges – highlighting their role in the widespread injustice.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew words translated "gifts" (שֹׁחַד - shochad) and "rewards" (גְּמוּלִים - gemulim) both carry connotations of bribes or illicit payments received for perverting justice or favor. The term "rebellious" (סוֹרְרִים - sorerim) indicates a stubborn, turning away from rightful authority, in this case, God's standards for leadership and justice. The description of them as "companions of thieves" (חַבְרֵי גַּנָּבִים - chabrey gannabim) suggests active participation in or association with criminal activities, not just passive acceptance of bribes.
Reflection and Application
Isaiah 1:23 serves as a timeless warning about the dangers of corrupt leadership and the perversion of justice by greed. It highlights that true righteousness is not just about religious observance but fundamentally about how we treat the most vulnerable among us. This verse calls believers today to be vigilant against corruption in all its forms and to actively pursue justice for the oppressed, following the example of God Himself, who is a defender of the fatherless and the widow. Pure and undefiled religion, according to James, includes visiting orphans and widows in their distress, echoing the very concerns raised by Isaiah about the leaders of his day.