Isaiah 1:5

KJV

Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.

KJV (with Strong's)

Why should ye be stricken {H5221} any more? ye will revolt {H5627} more and more {H3254}: the whole head {H7218} is sick {H2483}, and the whole heart {H3824} faint {H1742}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Where should I strike you next, as you persist in rebelling? The whole head is sick, the whole heart diseased.

Berean Standard Bible

Why do you want more beatings? Why do you keep rebelling? Your head has a massive wound, and your whole heart is afflicted.

American Standard Version

Why will ye be still stricken, that ye revolt more and more? the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 1:5 serves as a poignant divine lament, articulating God's profound frustration and sorrow over Judah's persistent and unyielding rebellion. Through a powerful rhetorical question and vivid somatic imagery, the prophet Isaiah portrays the nation as a body utterly consumed by spiritual sickness, from its leadership to its very core. This deep-seated corruption renders them unresponsive to divine discipline, highlighting the futility of further judgment in the face of such entrenched defiance and spiritual decay.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the opening chapter of Isaiah, which functions as a sweeping divine indictment against Judah. Following God's tender yet sorrowful declaration of His parental care and His children's ungrateful rebellion in [Isaiah 1:2-3](/isaiah/1-2-3 "Isaiah 1:2-3 - God's Parental Lament and Judah's Rebellion"), verse 5 intensifies the lament by expressing God's exasperation with their incorrigible nature. It directly precedes the graphic descriptions of their unhealed wounds and bruises (Isaiah 1:6) and the desolate state of their land, likening Zion to a besieged city (Isaiah 1:7-9). The rhetorical query posed in [Isaiah 1:5](/isaiah/1-5 "Isaiah 1:5 - Judah's Incorrigible Rebellion") thus sets the somber tone for the subsequent imagery of a nation utterly diseased, emphasizing the cumulative and pervasive effect of their apostasy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Isaiah's prophetic ministry spanned the reigns of four Judean kings: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (c. 740-687 BC). This was a tumultuous period characterized by significant political instability, the escalating threat of the Assyrian Empire, and a profound moral and spiritual decline within Judah. Despite maintaining outward religious observances, the people had become deeply corrupt, engaging in widespread idolatry, social injustice, and a superficial relationship with God. The "stricken" in the verse refers to various forms of divine discipline—likely military defeats, economic hardships, or even plagues—that God had already permitted to call His people back to Himself. Yet, as the verse laments, they had failed to heed these warnings. The imagery of a sick body would have resonated powerfully in an ancient Near Eastern context, where physical health was often intimately linked to spiritual well-being and divine favor or disfavor.
* **Key Themes:** [Isaiah 1:5](/isaiah/1-5 "Isaiah 1:5 - The Sickness of Rebellion") contributes significantly to several foundational themes prevalent throughout Isaiah and the broader prophetic corpus. The theme of **Persistent Rebellion** is central, underscoring Judah's unyielding defiance despite repeated divine discipline, illustrating a tragic cycle of sin and judgment that deepens rather than resolves. This verse also vividly portrays **Spiritual Sickness and Corruption**, employing the powerful metaphor of a diseased body to convey the pervasive moral and spiritual decay affecting every facet of the nation, from its leadership ("head") to its innermost being ("heart"). Finally, it powerfully expresses **Divine Lament and Frustration**, revealing God's sorrowful exasperation with His people's hardened hearts, a poignant demonstration of His desire for their repentance and restoration rather than continued judgment, a desire beautifully articulated in His later call to reconciliation in [Isaiah 1:18](/isaiah/1-18 "Isaiah 1:18 - God's Call to Reason and Forgiveness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stricken (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** From H5221, a primitive root meaning "to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively); beat... smite... be stricken." In this context, it refers to the divine judgments, disciplinary actions, or calamitous events God has already inflicted upon Judah. The rhetorical question "Why should ye be stricken any more?" implies that these past blows have been ineffective in producing repentance, leading to God's profound exasperation.
* **Revolt (Hebrew, _çârâh'_):** From H5627, meaning "apostasy, crime; figuratively, remission; rebellion, revolt(-ed), turn away, wrong." This word conveys a deep-seated stubbornness and a deliberate turning away from rightful authority. The phrase "ye will revolt more and more" (using H3254, _yâçaph_, "to add or augment") emphasizes the increasing and unyielding nature of their disobedience, a continuous progression deeper into rebellion rather than a return to God.
* **Sick (Hebrew, _chŏlîy'_):** From H2483, meaning "malady, anxiety, calamity; disease, grief, (is) sick(-ness)." This word, used to describe the "whole head," denotes a profound and pervasive illness, not merely a superficial ailment. It signifies a complete spiritual incapacitation and moral decay, affecting the nation's capacity for sound judgment, righteous living, and discernment of God's will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Why should ye be stricken any more?"**: This is a powerful rhetorical question that expresses God's profound frustration, sorrow, and lament. It implies that all previous divine judgments and disciplinary actions (the "striking" or "smitting") have proven utterly ineffective in bringing Judah to repentance or a change of heart. The question highlights the apparent futility of further punishment if the people remain hardened in their rebellion.
* **"ye will revolt more and more:"**: This clause provides the sorrowful answer to the preceding question and explains the divine exasperation. It describes Judah's persistent, escalating, and unyielding rebellion. Despite experiencing the painful consequences of their sin, they choose to deepen their defiance, indicating a fundamental, ingrained spiritual problem rather than isolated acts of transgression.
* **"the whole head is sick,"**: This vivid and potent metaphor describes the nation as a diseased body. The "head" (H7218, _rôʼsh_) typically represents leadership, authority, or the guiding intellect and decision-making capacity of a people. Its sickness (H2483, _chŏlîy_) implies that the spiritual and moral corruption has permeated the highest levels of society, affecting rulers, judges, and priests, leading to unsound judgment, misguided policies, and pervasive sin from the top down.
* **"and the whole heart faint."**: Complementing the previous clause, the "heart" (H3824, _lêbâb_) represents the core of one's being—the will, emotions, conscience, and moral center. Its being "faint" (H1742, _davvây_, meaning sick, troubled, or faint) signifies a complete spiritual exhaustion, a loss of vitality, courage, moral discernment, and the capacity for genuine affection for God. Together, the sick head and faint heart paint a comprehensive picture of total national spiritual incapacitation and moral decay.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 1:5 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message of divine lament and national decay. The opening phrase, a **Rhetorical Question** ("Why should ye be stricken any more?"), immediately engages the reader, not seeking an answer but expressing God's profound exasperation and the seeming futility of further discipline for an unrepentant people. The most prominent device is **Metaphor**, where the nation of Judah is vividly likened to a diseased body ("the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint"). This **Somatic Imagery** powerfully conveys the pervasive and systemic nature of their spiritual and moral corruption, indicating that no part of the nation—from its leadership to its very core—is healthy or functional. The repeated use of "whole" before "head" and "heart" also functions as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the complete and utter extent of this spiritual sickness, suggesting that the corruption is not superficial but has consumed the entire national body, rendering it spiritually moribund.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 1:5 serves as a stark theological commentary on the nature of persistent sin and God's sorrowful response to it. It underscores the profound principle that divine discipline, while always intended for correction and restoration, can be rendered utterly ineffective by an unyielding and hardened heart. The vivid imagery of a sick and faint body highlights the pervasive spiritual illness that inevitably results from rebellion against God, affecting both the nation's capacity for righteous leadership and its moral core. This passage powerfully illustrates God's lament over His people's self-inflicted wounds, revealing His deep sorrow and His persistent desire for their repentance rather than their continued suffering. It sets the stage for the broader prophetic message of impending judgment, yet also holds the ultimate hope of restoration that permeates the book of Isaiah.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience and Their Consequences")
* [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitfulness of the Human Heart")
* [Hosea 4:6](/hosea/4-6 "Hosea 4:6 - Destruction Due to Lack of Knowledge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 1:5 offers a profound and challenging mirror for self-examination, both individually and corporately. It compels us to honestly consider our own responses to God's gentle corrections, His patient warnings, and the natural consequences of our choices. Are we, like ancient Judah, prone to hardening our hearts and deepening our rebellion even in the face of divine discipline or the painful outcomes of our own actions? The vivid imagery of a sick head and faint heart urges us to assess the spiritual health of our minds (our thoughts, beliefs, discernment, and understanding of God's truth) and our hearts (our desires, affections, motivations, and moral compass). True spiritual vitality and flourishing come from a humble, responsive, and surrendered relationship with God, allowing His Word and Spirit to continually heal, refine, and transform us. Neglecting this vital connection inevitably leads to a pervasive spiritual illness that affects every aspect of our lives, relationships, and our capacity to live righteously.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be exhibiting a "sick head" or a "faint heart," indicating a spiritual decline, a lack of discernment, or persistent rebellion against God's will?**
* **How do I typically respond to challenges, difficulties, or moments of divine correction? Do I harden my heart in defiance, or do I humbly seek repentance and restoration?**
* **What specific steps can I take today to cultivate a healthier spiritual life, ensuring my "head" is guided by God's wisdom and my "heart" is vibrant with His love and responsiveness?**

### FAQ
**What does "stricken any more" refer to in Isaiah 1:5?**

Answer: "Stricken any more" refers to the various forms of divine discipline, judgments, or calamitous events that God had already allowed to befall Judah. These could include military defeats, economic hardship, famine, plagues, or other forms of national distress. The rhetorical question "Why should ye be stricken any more?" expresses God's profound frustration and sorrow, implying that these past "blows" or punishments have failed to bring about genuine repentance in His people. It suggests a point of divine exasperation where further discipline seems futile because Judah's heart is so hardened and their rebellion so entrenched.

**What is the significance of the "head" and "heart" being sick and faint?**

Answer: The "head" and "heart" are powerful and comprehensive metaphors for the totality of the nation's spiritual and moral corruption. The "head" (Hebrew: _rôʼsh_) typically symbolizes leadership, authority, and intellectual discernment. Its sickness implies that the nation's rulers, judges, and wise men are spiritually diseased, leading to corrupt governance, misguided decisions, and a failure to lead the people in righteousness. The "heart" (Hebrew: _lêbâb_) represents the core of one's being—the will, emotions, conscience, and moral center. Its being "faint" (Hebrew: _davvây_) signifies a profound loss of spiritual vitality, courage, and moral integrity. Together, these images convey that the entire national body, from its highest echelons of leadership to its deepest moral foundations, is utterly incapacitated by sin, incapable of true spiritual health or righteous action before God. It's a picture of comprehensive spiritual decay, as seen in the broader indictment of [Isaiah 1](/isaiah/1 "Isaiah 1 - The Great Indictment").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 1:5, with its lament over Judah's pervasive spiritual sickness and persistent rebellion, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "sick head" and "faint heart" of Israel foreshadow the universal spiritual disease of all humanity, a condition powerfully described by the Apostle Paul as being "dead in trespasses and sins" ([Ephesians 2:1](/ephesians/2-1 "Ephesians 2:1 - Dead in Sins")). God's exasperated question, "Why should ye be stricken any more?", reflects the profound inability of the Law, repeated judgments, and human effort to truly heal the human heart and turn it from its rebellious bent. It is precisely this incurable spiritual illness that necessitated the coming of the Great Physician, Jesus Christ, who declared that "those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick" ([Matthew 9:12](/matthew/9-12 "Matthew 9:12 - Jesus Calls Sinners")). He did not come to merely strike us with more judgment or to inflict further wounds, but to bear our stripes and sicknesses upon Himself, as so beautifully prophesied in [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - By His Wounds We Are Healed"). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ offers a radical, internal healing—a new heart and a new spirit ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit"))—transforming our inherent rebellion into humble obedience and our spiritual sickness into vibrant, eternal life in Him. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), providing the ultimate and only remedy for the "whole head" and "whole heart" that are sick with sin.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Daniel 9:8

O Lord, to us [belongeth] confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against thee.

Daniel 9:11

Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that [is] written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him.

Ezekiel 24:13

In thy filthiness [is] lewdness: because I have purged thee, and thou wast not purged, thou shalt not be purged from thy filthiness any more, till I have caused my fury to rest upon thee.

Revelation 16:8

¶ And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.

Revelation 16:11

And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.

Isaiah 31:6

¶ Turn ye unto [him from] whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted.

Jeremiah 5:3

O LORD, [are] not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, [but] they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return.