Isaiah 24:5

KJV

The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.

KJV (with Strong's)

The earth {H776} also is defiled {H2610} under the inhabitants {H3427} thereof; because they have transgressed {H5674} the laws {H8451}, changed {H2498} the ordinance {H2706}, broken {H6565} the everlasting {H5769} covenant {H1285}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The land lies defiled under its inhabitants; because they have transgressed the teachings, changed the law and broken the everlasting covenant.

Berean Standard Bible

The earth is defiled by its people; they have transgressed the laws; they have overstepped the decrees and broken the everlasting covenant.

American Standard Version

The earth also is polluted under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, violated the statutes, broken the everlasting covenant.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 24:5 serves as a profound indictment, declaring that the very earth itself has become polluted and morally corrupt due to the pervasive sin of its inhabitants. This defilement stems from humanity's deliberate and widespread rebellion against divine order, specifically through the transgression of God's established laws, the alteration of His sacred ordinances, and the breaking of a foundational, universal covenant that was meant to govern human society and its relationship with creation. The verse thus lays the theological groundwork for the ensuing global judgment described in Isaiah's "Little Apocalypse."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah chapter 24 initiates a distinct section of the book, often termed Isaiah's "Little Apocalypse" (chapters 24-27). This section marks a significant shift from prophecies concerning specific nations or Judah to a universal, cosmic declaration of God's impending judgment upon the entire earth. Verse 5 is pivotal within this context, as it provides the explicit theological rationale for the widespread desolation described in the preceding verses and throughout the chapter. It clarifies that the devastation is not arbitrary but a direct, just consequence of human sin and rebellion against divine standards. The "woe" pronounced in [Isaiah 24:3](/isaiah/24-3 "Isaiah 24:3 - Earth Laid Waste") finds its explanation in the moral failures detailed in verse 5, setting the stage for the earth's lament and the Lord's ultimate reign.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While Isaiah's prophecies often address the specific historical circumstances of Judah and Israel, the scope of [Isaiah 24](/isaiah/24 "Isaiah 24 - The Lord's Judgment on the Earth") transcends national boundaries, pointing to a universal moral failure. The concept of "laws," "ordinances," and "covenants" was deeply embedded in ancient Near Eastern thought. Covenants, in particular, were solemn agreements, often between a suzerain (a powerful king) and a vassal (a lesser king or people), outlining obligations and consequences for obedience or disobedience. For Israel, the Mosaic Law was a specific covenant, but the "everlasting covenant" mentioned here points to a broader, more foundational agreement applicable to all humanity, such as the [Noahic Covenant](/genesis/9 "Genesis 9 - The Noahic Covenant") established after the flood. This covenant, recorded in [Genesis 9:1-17](/genesis/9-1-17 "Genesis 9:1-17 - The Noahic Covenant"), set forth universal principles for human life, justice, and the sanctity of life, binding all of humanity. The defilement of the earth would have resonated with ancient sensibilities about land pollution due to bloodshed or idolatry, but here it's extended to a cosmic scale.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **cosmic consequences of human sin**, demonstrating that moral transgression is not merely a personal or societal issue but has repercussions that affect the very fabric of creation, leading to its defilement and groaning, as echoed in [Romans 8:22](/romans/8-22 "Romans 8:22 - Creation Groaning"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **divine justice and accountability**, revealing God as a righteous judge who holds all humanity responsible for its rebellion against His established moral order. The desolation described in [Isaiah 24:1-4](/isaiah/24-1-4 "Isaiah 24:1-4 - Desolation of the Earth") is a direct, just consequence of the moral decay detailed in verse 5. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the **unchanging nature of God's standards** and the enduring validity of His covenants. Despite humanity's attempts to "change the ordinance" or "break the everlasting covenant," God's moral principles remain firm, and His justice is certain for those who defy them. This sets up the hope for a future restoration under God's righteous rule, a theme that develops later in Isaiah.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Defiled (Hebrew, _chânêph'_):** H2610 - This root means "to soil, especially in a moral sense; corrupt, defile, pollute, profane." It carries a strong connotation of moral and spiritual impurity, often associated with idolatry or ungodliness. Here, it is used in the passive voice, indicating that the earth *has become* defiled, implying that human actions have rendered it unclean and unfit in the sight of God. The defilement is not merely physical but a profound spiritual corruption that has permeated the very ground.
* **Transgressed (Hebrew, _ʻâbar'_):** H5674 - Literally meaning "to cross over," this word is used widely to describe any transition. In a moral context, it signifies "to go beyond" or "to overstep" a boundary, thus "to transgress" or "violate." The inhabitants of the earth have deliberately crossed the line set by God's "laws" (tôwrâh), indicating a conscious act of rebellion against divine authority and established moral precepts.
* **Covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** H1285 - This term refers to a "compact" or "agreement," often made by "cutting" (referencing ancient rituals where animals were cut in half, and parties walked between them). It signifies a solemn, binding agreement, a league, or a confederacy. When paired with "everlasting" (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_ - H5769, meaning "time out of mind," "eternity," "perpetual"), it emphasizes the enduring and foundational nature of this agreement. The "everlasting covenant" here refers to a universal, foundational compact, most likely the Noahic Covenant, which established basic moral and societal norms for all humanity after the flood.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof":** This opening clause establishes the cosmic scope of human sin. It's not just individuals or societies that are corrupt; the very ground, the creation itself, bears the stain of human moral impurity. The phrase "under the inhabitants thereof" emphasizes that the defilement is a direct consequence of the actions, or rather, the iniquity, of those who dwell upon it. The earth, as a witness to human behavior, reflects their spiritual state.
* **"because they have transgressed the laws":** This provides the first specific reason for the earth's defilement. "Laws" (tôwrâh) here refers to God's general moral and ethical commands, His revealed will for humanity. This transgression implies a widespread disregard for divine authority and a conscious deviation from the righteous path God has laid out for human conduct, encompassing both ethical principles and possibly aspects of natural law.
* **"changed the ordinance":** This is the second specific accusation. "Ordinance" (chôq) refers to an enactment, a decree, an appointed statute, or a custom established by divine authority. To "change" (châlaph) it means to alter, pervert, or twist these established divine principles. This suggests a deliberate subversion of God's order, perhaps through the adoption of idolatrous practices, the redefinition of moral truth, or the corruption of justice, replacing divine standards with humanly devised ones.
* **"broken the everlasting covenant":** This final and most significant charge points to a fundamental breach of a universal, perpetual agreement. As discussed in the context, this most likely refers to the Noahic Covenant ([Genesis 9:1-17](/genesis/9-1-17 "Genesis 9:1-17 - The Noahic Covenant")), which established basic principles for human society, including the sanctity of life, justice, and humanity's stewardship over creation. To "break" (pârar) this covenant means to violate, annul, or render it void. This signifies a profound rejection of the foundational moral framework God established for all humanity, leading to cosmic consequences.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 24:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of universal judgment. The most prominent is **Personification**, where the earth is depicted as being "defiled" and later in the chapter as "languishing" or "mourning." This imbues the land with a sentient quality, allowing it to react to the moral state of its inhabitants, emphasizing the profound and tangible impact of human sin on creation itself. There is also clear **Cause and Effect** at play, explicitly stating that the earth's defilement is "because" of humanity's transgressions. The verse utilizes a form of **Parallelism** through its tripartite accusation: "transgressed the laws," "changed the ordinance," and "broken the everlasting covenant." While not perfectly synonymous, these three phrases build in intensity, each articulating a distinct yet related form of rebellion against divine authority, cumulatively underscoring the comprehensive nature of humanity's apostasy. This rhetorical layering emphasizes the depth and breadth of the moral corruption.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 24:5 profoundly connects to the biblical narrative of humanity's fall and the pervasive nature of sin. It reveals that the consequences of rebellion against God's order extend beyond individual lives or national borders, impacting the very created order. The "everlasting covenant" points to a foundational moral framework given to all humanity, implying that even apart from specific Mosaic Law, there is a universal standard of righteousness by which all are accountable. The verse thus highlights God's unwavering justice, demonstrating that His moral expectations are eternal and that defiance of them will inevitably lead to judgment and desolation, both spiritual and physical. This cosmic defilement foreshadows the ultimate need for a new creation and a new covenant.

* [Genesis 9:16](/genesis/9-16 "The Noahic Covenant") - This verse is a primary candidate for the "everlasting covenant" that humanity has broken, emphasizing its universal and perpetual nature.
* [Romans 8:22](/romans/8-22 "Creation Groaning") - Paul echoes the sentiment of creation's suffering due to human sin, stating that "the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time."
* [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "The New Covenant") - This prophecy of a new covenant, where God's law is written on the heart, stands in stark contrast to the broken covenants of the past, offering hope for true obedience and restoration.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 24:5 stands as a sobering reminder that our actions, both individual and collective, have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond ourselves, impacting the very environment and the spiritual health of the world. It challenges us to consider the profound weight of sin, not merely as a personal failing but as a cosmic pollutant that defiles creation and invites divine judgment. In a world grappling with ecological crises and moral relativism, this verse calls us to a renewed reverence for God's established order and His unchanging moral laws. It compels us to examine how we, as individuals and societies, might be "transgressing laws," "changing ordinances," or "breaking covenants" through our disregard for justice, truth, and the sanctity of life. True flourishing, for both humanity and the earth, is found in aligning ourselves with God's righteous will and living in accordance with the principles He has eternally established.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might our modern society be "transgressing laws" or "changing ordinances" that God has established for human flourishing?**
* **How does the concept of the earth being "defiled" by human sin challenge our understanding of environmental stewardship and our responsibility towards creation?**
* **What "everlasting covenants" or universal moral principles do we, as individuals or communities, often neglect or actively break in our contemporary context?**

### FAQ
**What is the "everlasting covenant" mentioned in Isaiah 24:5?**

Answer: While the term "everlasting covenant" (Hebrew: *bᵉrîyth ʻôwlâm*) can refer to various perpetual agreements in the Bible (e.g., God's covenant with David or Abraham), in the context of [Isaiah 24](/isaiah/24 "Isaiah 24 - The Lord's Judgment on the Earth") and its universal scope of judgment, it is most widely understood to refer to the [Noahic Covenant](/genesis/9 "Noahic Covenant") found in [Genesis 9:1-17](/genesis/9-1-17 "Genesis 9:1-17 - The Noahic Covenant"). This covenant was established with Noah and all humanity after the flood, setting forth universal principles for human life, including the sanctity of life, the prohibition against murder, and a basic moral framework for society. Breaking this covenant implies a fundamental rebellion against the foundational order God established for all people, not just Israel.

**How does human sin "defile" the earth?**

Answer: The concept of the earth being "defiled" (Hebrew: *chânêph*) by human sin is deeply rooted in biblical thought. It signifies a moral and spiritual pollution, not merely a physical one. In the Old Testament, land could be defiled by bloodshed ([Numbers 35:33](/numbers/35-33 "Numbers 35:33 - Land Defiled by Bloodshed")), idolatry ([Jeremiah 3:9](/jeremiah/3-9 "Jeremiah 3:9 - Land Defiled by Idolatry")), or sexual immorality ([Leviticus 18:25](/leviticus/18-25 "Leviticus 18:25 - Land Defiled by Immorality")). Isaiah 24:5 expands this idea to a cosmic scale, suggesting that humanity's widespread transgression of God's laws, alteration of His ordinances, and breaking of the universal covenant have so corrupted the moral atmosphere that the very ground itself is rendered unclean in God's sight. This defilement is the spiritual justification for the physical desolation and judgment that follows.

**Is this prophecy about a past event or a future one?**

Answer: Isaiah 24 is often called Isaiah's "Little Apocalypse" because it describes a judgment of universal scope, transcending specific historical events. While some aspects may have found partial fulfillment in historical judgments (e.g., the Assyrian or Babylonian exiles), the language of [Isaiah 24](/isaiah/24 "Isaiah 24 - The Lord's Judgment on the Earth") points to a climactic, global, and eschatological judgment at the end of time. The "defilement of the earth" and the "breaking of the everlasting covenant" are presented as universal human conditions that will ultimately culminate in a final, decisive intervention by God, leading to the establishment of His righteous kingdom. Therefore, it has both immediate prophetic implications for Isaiah's audience and ultimate eschatological fulfillment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 24:5 paints a bleak picture of a defiled earth under the weight of human sin, highlighting humanity's failure to uphold God's laws, ordinances, and the everlasting covenant. This profound brokenness and the ensuing judgment find their ultimate resolution and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Humanity, represented by Adam, broke the original covenant of works, leading to sin and death for all ([Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin Entered the World Through One Man")). The Mosaic Law, given to Israel, further exposed humanity's inability to perfectly keep God's commands. However, Jesus Christ came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it perfectly ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He lived a life of perfect obedience, never transgressing God's laws or changing His ordinances. More significantly, Christ willingly became the curse for our brokenness, taking upon Himself the penalty for humanity's violation of God's covenant ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeems Us from the Curse of the Law")). Through His sacrificial death on the cross, He established a "better covenant, founded on better promises" ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant")), a new covenant in His blood that forgives sins and writes God's law on the hearts of believers ([Hebrews 8:10-12](/hebrews/8-10-12 "Hebrews 8:10-12 - The New Covenant Promises")). Furthermore, Christ's ultimate return will bring about the full restoration of creation, a "new heaven and a new earth" where righteousness dwells and the defilement of sin is no more ([Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - A New Heaven and a New Earth")), thus reversing the cosmic consequences of the broken covenant described in Isaiah.

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

Hebrews 13:20

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

Romans 8:20

For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected [the same] in hope,

Romans 8:21

Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Hebrews 9:1

¶ Then verily the first [covenant] had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.

Daniel 7:25

And he shall speak [great] words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.

Numbers 35:33

So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye [are]: for blood it defileth the land: and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it.

Numbers 35:34

Defile not therefore the land which ye shall inhabit, wherein I dwell: for I the LORD dwell among the children of Israel.