Isaiah 2:9

KJV

And the mean man boweth down, and the great man humbleth himself: therefore forgive them not.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the mean man {H120} boweth down {H7817}, and the great man {H376} humbleth {H8213} himself: therefore forgive {H5375} them not.

Complete Jewish Bible

A person bows down, a man lowers himself - don't forgive them!

Berean Standard Bible

So mankind is brought low, and man is humbled— do not forgive them!

American Standard Version

And the mean man is bowed down, and the great man is brought low: therefore forgive them not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 2:9 serves as a stark prophetic indictment against the pervasive spiritual decay within Judah, declaring that both the common person and the elite have fallen into idolatry and self-exaltation. This widespread rebellion against God leads to a divine pronouncement of withheld forgiveness, signaling an impending judgment for their unrepentant unfaithfulness. The verse underscores the universality of sin and the inevitability of divine justice when a people persistently rejects the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 2:9 is situated within a powerful prophetic oracle that begins with a glorious vision of God's future kingdom and universal peace centered in Jerusalem ([Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - The Mountain of the Lord's House")). However, this ideal future immediately contrasts with the grim reality of Judah's present spiritual state. The preceding verses ([Isaiah 2:6-8](/isaiah/2-6 "Isaiah 2:6-8 - Judah's Idolatry and Foreign Alliances")) detail the nation's abandonment of the Lord for foreign customs, idolatry, and reliance on material wealth and military might. Verse 9, therefore, acts as a direct consequence and summation of the widespread sin described, setting the stage for the coming "Day of the Lord" ([Isaiah 2:12](/isaiah/2-12 "Isaiah 2:12 - The Day of the Lord Against Human Pride"))—a day of divine reckoning against all human pride and idolatry that permeates the remainder of the chapter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Isaiah ministered in Judah during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (c. 740-681 BC). This period was marked by significant political instability in the Near East, with the rising Assyrian Empire posing a constant threat. In response to these external pressures, Judah often sought alliances with powerful nations and adopted their pagan religious practices, rather than trusting in the Lord. Culturally, there was a syncretistic blend of Yahwism with Canaanite and other foreign religious rites, including the proliferation of idols and reliance on divination. Economically, there was a growing disparity between the rich and the poor, and a general moral decline characterized by injustice and corruption. Isaiah's prophecy directly addresses this societal breakdown, where the covenant people of God had become indistinguishable from the surrounding idolatrous nations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in the book of Isaiah. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **universal corruption and human pride**, demonstrating that sin permeates all levels of society, from the "mean man" to the "great man," leaving no one exempt from accountability before God. Secondly, it underscores the pervasive nature of **idolatry**, which in Isaiah is not merely the worship of physical idols but also includes reliance on wealth, military power, and human wisdom, all of which displace God as the ultimate source of security and authority. Thirdly, the verse introduces the theme of **divine judgment and justice**, emphasizing that God's patience has limits and that unrepentant sin will inevitably lead to severe consequences, foreshadowing the "Day of the Lord" where God will humble all that is exalted apart from Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mean man (Hebrew, _ʼâdâm'_):** This term (H120) refers to a human being in general, often used to denote humanity or common people, sometimes with an implication of low degree or common sort. In this context, it emphasizes that even the ordinary person, not just the powerful, is implicated in the widespread sin and idolatry.
* **Great man (Hebrew, _ʼîysh'_):** This word (H376) typically refers to a man as an individual, often a prominent or powerful person. Its juxtaposition with "mean man" highlights the comprehensive nature of the societal corruption, indicating that no social stratum, from the lowest to the highest, is exempt from the spiritual decay and the resulting judgment.
* **Forgive (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_):** This root (H5375) means "to lift," "to carry," or "to take away." In the context of sin, it means to lift or take away the burden of guilt, hence "to pardon" or "to forgive." The negative imperative "forgive them not" is a powerful declaration that God will not remove their sin or its consequences, signifying a divine withholding of pardon due to their persistent and unrepentant rebellion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the mean man boweth down":** This clause describes the common person's act of prostration, likely in worship or submission, but in this context, it refers to bowing down to idols, foreign customs, or human pride rather than to the one true God. It signifies the widespread spiritual compromise among the general populace.
* **"and the great man humbleth himself":** This parallel clause refers to the prominent or powerful individuals in society. The KJV's "humbleth himself" is ironic here; it does not denote genuine humility before God but rather their submission to false gods, their own self-exaltation, or their reliance on worldly power and wealth, mirroring the idolatry of the common people. This highlights that sin and spiritual corruption are not limited by social status.
* **"therefore forgive them not":** This is a solemn divine declaration of judgment. Because of the pervasive and unrepentant idolatry and pride of both the common and the great, God declares that He will not "lift" or "take away" their sin. This signifies a withdrawal of divine pardon and mercy, indicating that the consequences of their rebellion will be fully realized, leading to the impending judgment described later in the chapter.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 2:9 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Parallelism** is evident in the balanced structure of "the mean man boweth down, and the great man humbleth himself," which emphasizes the universality of sin across all social strata. This form of parallelism, where the second line reinforces or expands upon the first, highlights the comprehensive spiritual decay. There is also a profound **Irony** in the phrase "humbleth himself" when applied to the "great man." While "humbling oneself" typically implies submission to God, in this context, it refers to bowing down to idols or human pride, exposing the perversion of true humility. The declaration "therefore forgive them not" acts as a stark **Pronouncement of Judgment**, leaving no ambiguity about the divine response to their persistent unfaithfulness. The entire passage, leading up to the "Day of the Lord," also utilizes **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extent of human pride and the totality of God's coming judgment against it.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 2:9 powerfully articulates the theological principle that widespread and unrepentant sin, particularly idolatry and human pride, inevitably invites divine judgment. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His intolerance for anything that usurps His rightful place in the hearts of His people. The verse reveals that God's justice is impartial, holding all individuals accountable regardless of their social standing, and that His mercy, while abundant, is not limitless in the face of persistent rebellion. It serves as a stark reminder that true worship and allegiance belong solely to the Lord, and any deviation leads to spiritual desolation and divine reckoning.

* [Psalm 7:11](/psalm/7-11 "Psalm 7:11 - God is a righteous judge")
* [Jeremiah 5:1-5](/jeremiah/5-1 "Jeremiah 5:1-5 - No one righteous in Jerusalem")
* [Romans 1:18-25](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18-25 - God's Wrath Against Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 2:9 serves as a timeless mirror, reflecting the enduring human propensity for idolatry and pride, regardless of societal advancement or perceived spiritual enlightenment. It challenges us to critically examine what truly holds the highest place in our hearts and lives. In a world saturated with distractions and competing allegiances, anything that promises ultimate security, identity, or satisfaction apart from God can become an idol—be it wealth, power, social media influence, personal achievements, or even our own self-sufficiency. This verse reminds us that genuine humility is not bowing to worldly pressures or self-serving ambitions, but rather prostrating ourselves before the one true God in worship and obedience. It calls us to a deep repentance, recognizing that unaddressed sin, whether individual or corporate, invites divine consequences, not out of malice, but out of God's righteous character and His desire for our ultimate good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "idols" or sources of misplaced trust might be present in my own life, or in our contemporary society, that draw allegiance away from God?**
* **How does the concept of "universal corruption" (mean man and great man) challenge my assumptions about who is accountable for sin?**
* **In what ways might I be "bowing down" or "humbling myself" to things other than God, even subtly?**
* **What does God's declaration, "therefore forgive them not," teach me about the seriousness of unrepentant sin and the nature of divine justice?**

### FAQ
**What does "forgive them not" imply about God's character?**

Answer: The phrase "forgive them not" does not imply that God is inherently unforgiving or that His mercy has run out for all time. Rather, in this specific prophetic context, it signifies a divine declaration of righteous judgment against a people whose sin, particularly their idolatry and pride, has become pervasive and unrepentant. It indicates that the burden of their sin will not be "lifted" or "taken away" because they have persistently rejected God's covenant and His calls to repentance. It underscores God's justice and holiness, demonstrating that He will not condone sin indefinitely. This is a temporary withholding of pardon in response to hardened hearts, leading to the necessary consequences of their actions, often intended to bring about a future repentance, as seen in other prophetic passages like [Hosea 5:15](/hosea/5-15 "Hosea 5:15 - God's Judgment to Bring Repentance").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 2:9, with its stark pronouncement of judgment against universal human pride and idolatry, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "mean man" and the "great man" alike, depicted as bowing down to idols and self, represent all humanity under the condemnation of sin, unable to lift the burden of their own guilt. Yet, the New Testament reveals that God, in His boundless mercy, did not ultimately "forgive them not" but provided a way for true forgiveness. Jesus, the perfect [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of humanity's sin and its consequences on the cross, becoming the ultimate sacrifice that "lifts" or "takes away" the sin of the world ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Sacrifice for Sin")). Through His atoning work, the very forgiveness that seemed withheld in Isaiah 2:9 is now freely offered to all who turn from their idols and pride and place their faith in Him ([Acts 10:43](/acts/10-43 "Acts 10:43 - Forgiveness of Sins Through Jesus")). Moreover, Christ Himself embodies the true humility that Isaiah's "great man" lacked, for though He was God, He "made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/phil/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility")). Thus, the judgment foreshadowed in Isaiah is both fulfilled and overcome in Christ, offering a path to genuine reconciliation and a future where all knees will truly bow to Him, not in idolatry, but in worship and adoration ([Philippians 2:10-11](/phil/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus")).

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

Isaiah 5:15

And the mean man shall be brought down, and the mighty man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled:

Romans 3:23

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Mark 3:29

But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:

Isaiah 27:11

When the boughs thereof are withered, they shall be broken off: the women come, [and] set them on fire: for it [is] a people of no understanding: therefore he that made them will not have mercy on them, and he that formed them will shew them no favour.

Joshua 24:19

And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the LORD: for he [is] an holy God; he [is] a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.

Nehemiah 4:5

And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked [thee] to anger before the builders.

Jeremiah 18:23

Yet, LORD, thou knowest all their counsel against me to slay [me]: forgive not their iniquity, neither blot out their sin from thy sight, but let them be overthrown before thee; deal [thus] with them in the time of thine anger.