Isaiah 28:13

KJV

But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, [and] there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} was unto them precept {H6673} upon precept {H6673}, precept {H6673} upon precept {H6673}; line {H6957} upon line {H6957}, line {H6957} upon line {H6957}; here a little {H2191}, and there a little {H2191}; that they might go {H3212}, and fall {H3782} backward {H268}, and be broken {H7665}, and snared {H3369}, and taken {H3920}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So now the word of ADONAI for them comes "precept by precept, precept by precept, line by line, line by line, a little here, a little there," so that when they walk, they stumble backward, and are broken, trapped and captured!

Berean Standard Bible

Then the word of the LORD to them will become: “Order on order, order on order, line on line, line on line; a little here, a little there,” so that they will go stumbling backward and will be injured, ensnared, and captured.

American Standard Version

Therefore shall the word of Jehovah be unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, there a little; that they may go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 28:13 delivers a stark prophetic message concerning the people of Judah, particularly their leadership, who had grown spiritually complacent and scornful of God's patient, incremental instruction. Despite the Lord's consistent and clear revelation, delivered "precept upon precept, line upon line," they mocked its simplicity, viewing it as childish babble. This verse declares the divine consequence of their arrogant rejection: their very refusal to heed God's straightforward truth would lead them to stumble backward, be broken, snared, and ultimately taken captive, illustrating the tragic irony of despising divine wisdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 28:13 stands as a pivotal declaration within a broader oracle (Isaiah 28:1-29) directed primarily at the northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and, by extension, Judah. The preceding verses (Isaiah 28:7-12) vividly portray the spiritual degradation of the priests and prophets, who are depicted as "staggering from wine" and "reeling from beer," utterly unfit to lead. Their spiritual drunkenness leads them to scorn the prophet Isaiah's message, deriding its simple, repetitive nature. They mockingly mimic his words, likening them to the rudimentary instruction given to infants: "For it is precept upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little, there a little" [Isaiah 28:10](/isaiah/28-10 "Isaiah 28:10 - Mockery of God's Word"). Verse 13 serves as God's direct, ironic response: because they found His clear, patient teaching contemptible, He would indeed speak to them in a foreign tongue (through the Assyrian invaders) and their rejection would lead to their downfall, fulfilling the very judgment they scoffed at.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Isaiah 28 is delivered during a tumultuous period in Israel's history, likely during the reign of King Ahaz or Hezekiah, when the Assyrian Empire posed a significant and growing threat. The northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) was on the verge of collapse, eventually falling to Assyria in 722 BC. Judah, the southern kingdom, faced similar pressures and temptations to seek alliances with foreign powers rather than trusting in God. Culturally, the leaders and people had become self-sufficient, proud, and spiritually dull. They preferred complex political maneuvering and pagan practices over the seemingly simple, yet profound, demands of Yahweh's covenant. Their disdain for Isaiah's "simple" teaching reflects a widespread spiritual apathy and a rejection of the foundational truths that had sustained Israel for centuries, leading them to misinterpret God's patient instruction as weakness or foolishness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Instruction and Human Rebellion**. God, in His steadfast love, consistently provides clear, accessible guidance, yet humanity, in its pride, often rejects or distorts it. The "precept upon precept" motif underscores God's patient, methodical revelation, which is tragically met with scorn and spiritual arrogance, echoing the warning against despising wisdom found in [Proverbs 1:24-33](/proverbs/1-24 "Proverbs 1:24-33 - Consequences of Rejecting Wisdom"). This leads directly to the theme of **Consequence and Judgment**. The latter part of the verse details the inevitable outcome of rejecting divine truth: stumbling, brokenness, and captivity. This serves as a potent reminder that God's patience has limits and that persistent rebellion incurs severe divine judgment. Finally, there is the theme of **Divine Irony**, where God uses the very thing the people despised (simple, foreign-sounding instruction) as the means of their judgment, turning their mockery back upon them, as seen in the broader context of God's use of foreign nations to discipline His people [Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5 "Assyria as God's Rod").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** (H1697) This word, translated "word" in "the word of the LORD," is rich in meaning, encompassing not just spoken words but also matters, affairs, decrees, and even deeds. Here, it refers to the authoritative, active communication from God—His revealed will and instruction. It emphasizes that what the people mocked was not merely human speech but the very utterance and command of the self-existent God.
* **Precept (Hebrew, _tsav'_):** (H6673) Derived from a root meaning "to command" or "to enjoin," _tsav_ refers to an injunction or commandment. Its repetition, "precept upon precept," highlights the methodical, incremental, and perhaps even elementary nature of God's teaching. It suggests a building block approach to spiritual understanding, where foundational truths are laid down repeatedly and consistently.
* **Line (Hebrew, _qav'_):** (H6957) This term literally means "a cord" or "a measuring line," often used in construction or surveying to ensure straightness and order. Metaphorically, it refers to a rule or standard. "Line upon line" reinforces the idea of systematic, ordered instruction, like drawing straight lines or laying out a blueprint. It speaks to the clarity and precision of God's moral and spiritual standards.
* **Fall (Hebrew, _kâshal'_):** (H3782) This primitive root means "to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall." In this verse, it vividly describes the physical and spiritual collapse of those who reject God's word. It signifies a loss of stability, a moral and societal collapse, and ultimately, a defeat that stems directly from their refusal to walk in God's prescribed path.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little":** This opening clause describes God's persistent and patient method of instruction. The repetition of "precept upon precept" and "line upon line" emphasizes the continuous, foundational, and perhaps even elementary nature of God's teaching. It suggests that God provided His truth in a clear, accessible, and repeated manner, much like a teacher patiently instructs a child, building knowledge incrementally ("here a little, and there a little"). This was God's gracious provision for their spiritual growth and stability.
* **"that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken":** This clause reveals the tragic, ironic outcome of their rejection. The "that" (לְמַעַן, _lema'an_) indicates purpose or result. Because they scorned God's simple, clear instruction, the very path they chose—the path of rebellion and self-reliance—would lead them not to progress but to regress ("fall backward"). This backward fall would result in their being "broken" (shattered, defeated), "snared" (caught in a trap), and "taken" (captured, exiled). This is the divine judgment, where their own choices become the instrument of their downfall, fulfilling the very fate they sought to avoid by rejecting God's way.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 28:13 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, seen in the phrases "precept upon precept" and "line upon line," which are repeated twice, followed by "here a little, and there a little." This repetition not only mimics the persistent, incremental nature of God's teaching but also, in the context of the preceding verses, satirically reflects the people's scornful perception of it as tedious and childish. This leads to the device of **Onomatopoeia**, as the Hebrew phrases _tsaw latsaw, tsaw latsaw; qaw laqaw, qaw laqaw_ are thought to mimic the sounds of babbling or simple, repetitive instruction, reinforcing the mockery. The verse also employs profound **Irony**: God's patient, clear instruction, intended for their salvation and stability, becomes the very means by which they stumble and are destroyed because of their proud rejection. What they deemed foolish becomes their undoing. Finally, there is a strong sense of **Parallelism** in the structure of the consequences ("fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken"), creating a rhythmic progression of escalating judgment, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of their impending doom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 28:13 profoundly illustrates the critical importance of humility and attentiveness to God's revealed word. It underscores that divine truth, even when presented in seemingly simple or repetitive forms, is foundational for spiritual life and stability. The people's scorn for God's "precept upon precept" teaching demonstrates a dangerous spiritual arrogance that prefers human wisdom or self-sufficiency over divine guidance. The tragic outcome—stumbling, brokenness, and captivity—serves as a timeless warning that rejecting God's clear instruction inevitably leads to ruin. This passage reveals God as a patient Teacher who consistently provides truth, but also as a righteous Judge who allows those who despise His grace to experience the natural consequences of their rebellion. It highlights the principle that true wisdom begins with reverent submission to God's word, regardless of how basic or profound it may seem.

* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "The Beginning of Knowledge")
* [Jeremiah 6:16](/jeremiah/6-16 "Standing in the Ways")
* [Hosea 4:6](/hosea/4-6 "Lack of Knowledge Leads to Destruction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 28:13 offers a powerful mirror for contemporary believers and communities. It challenges us to examine our own attitudes toward God's word. Do we approach Scripture with humility, eager to receive "precept upon precept," even the seemingly simple or repetitive truths? Or do we, like the Israelites, grow weary of foundational teachings, seeking novel insights or complex intellectual stimulation while neglecting the basics of faith and obedience? The verse reminds us that true spiritual maturity is not found in despising simplicity but in diligently building upon the consistent, incremental revelation of God. Our spiritual stability and flourishing depend on our willingness to submit to God's clear commands, even when they challenge our pride or seem inconvenient. To scorn the "precept upon precept" is to invite spiritual stumbling and brokenness, whereas embracing it leads to a life firmly established in God's truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my spiritual life might I be prone to despising "simple" or foundational truths, seeking something more "advanced" instead?**
* **How consistently do I engage with God's word, allowing Him to teach me "precept upon precept" rather than only seeking dramatic revelations?**
* **What are the practical consequences in my life or community when God's clear instructions are ignored or mocked?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater humility and teachability, ensuring I do not "fall backward" due to spiritual arrogance?**

### FAQ
**What does "precept upon precept, line upon line" mean in this context?**

Answer: This phrase describes God's method of patiently and consistently instructing His people. "Precept" (Hebrew _tsav_) refers to a command or injunction, while "line" (Hebrew _qav_) refers to a measuring line or rule. Together, they depict God giving His truth incrementally, building block by block, like a teacher patiently instructing a child, or an architect laying out a precise blueprint. However, in Isaiah 28:13, it also carries a sarcastic undertone, mimicking the mocking words of the unrepentant Israelites who found God's clear, repetitive teaching tedious and childish, likening it to babbling or rudimentary instruction given to infants [Isaiah 28:10](/isaiah/28-10 "Isaiah 28:10 - Mockery of God's teaching").

**Why did God allow them to "fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken"?**

Answer: The latter part of the verse describes the divine judgment that resulted from the people's stubborn rebellion and their scornful rejection of God's clear and patient instruction. Because they refused to walk in the light of God's truth, choosing instead to rely on their own wisdom and alliances, God allowed them to experience the natural, yet divinely ordained, consequences of their choices. Their "falling backward" signifies a spiritual and national collapse, leading to defeat ("broken"), entrapment ("snared"), and ultimately, exile ("taken") by foreign powers, particularly the Assyrians. This outcome was not arbitrary but a direct result of their persistent disobedience and contempt for the Lord's word, as warned in passages like [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 28:13 finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. First, Jesus Himself is the ultimate "Word of the LORD" [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "The Word Became Flesh"), the perfect embodiment of God's instruction and revelation. Like the "precept upon precept" given in the Old Testament, Jesus taught with divine authority and simplicity, often using parables and straightforward commands that were accessible to all, yet profound in their depth. Just as the Israelites scorned God's "simple" word, many in Jesus' day, particularly the religious elite, rejected His plain teaching, finding it too basic or beneath their sophisticated theological frameworks [Matthew 11:25](/matthew/11-25 "Wisdom Hidden from the Wise"). This rejection led to their spiritual stumbling and judgment.

Furthermore, Jesus is presented as the "cornerstone" laid in Zion in the very next verse [Isaiah 28:16](/isaiah/28-16 "The Precious Cornerstone"), a prophecy directly applied to Christ in the New Testament [1 Peter 2:6-8](/1_peter/2-6 "Christ the Cornerstone and Stumbling Stone"). For those who believe, He is the sure foundation; but for those who reject Him, He becomes "a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense." The "falling backward, and being broken, and snared, and taken" in Isaiah 28:13 vividly prefigures the spiritual and eternal consequences for all who refuse to submit to the clear, simple truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His teachings, though seemingly simple, are the very path to life, and to despise them is to choose a path that inevitably leads to spiritual ruin and separation from God, fulfilling the judgment pronounced upon those who reject God's patient instruction.

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

Matthew 13:14

And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:

Isaiah 6:9

¶ And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.

Isaiah 6:10

Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.

Matthew 21:44

And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

Isaiah 28:10

For precept [must be] upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, [and] there a little:

Jeremiah 23:36

And the burden of the LORD shall ye mention no more: for every man's word shall be his burden; for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the LORD of hosts our God.

Jeremiah 23:38

But since ye say, The burden of the LORD; therefore thus saith the LORD; Because ye say this word, The burden of the LORD, and I have sent unto you, saying, Ye shall not say, The burden of the LORD;