Isaiah 3:14

KJV

The LORD will enter into judgment with the ancients of his people, and the princes thereof: for ye have eaten up the vineyard; the spoil of the poor [is] in your houses.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} will enter {H935} into judgment {H4941} with the ancients {H2205} of his people {H5971}, and the princes {H8269} thereof: for ye have eaten up {H1197} the vineyard {H3754}; the spoil {H1500} of the poor {H6041} is in your houses {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI presents the indictment against the leaders and officers of his people: "It is you who devour the vineyard; in your houses is plunder taken from the poor.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD brings this charge against the elders and leaders of His people: “You have devoured the vineyard; the plunder of the poor is in your houses.

American Standard Version

Jehovah will enter into judgment with the elders of his people, and the princes thereof: It is ye that have eaten up the vineyard; the spoil of the poor is in your houses:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 3:14 delivers a potent declaration of divine judgment against the corrupt leaders of Judah—specifically the "ancients" (elders) and "princes" (rulers)—who were charged with the welfare of God's people. The verse indicts them for their gross exploitation, metaphorically depicted as "eating up the vineyard" (Israel/Judah), and for accumulating ill-gotten gains, explicitly stating that "the spoil of the poor is in your houses." This pronouncement underscores God's unwavering commitment to justice and His direct accountability of those in positions of power who betray their sacred trust by oppressing the vulnerable.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 3:14 is embedded within a larger prophetic oracle spanning chapters 2-5, which systematically denounces the widespread moral decay, social injustice, and spiritual apostasy prevalent in Judah and Jerusalem. Following a vision of future glory (chapter 2:1-5), Isaiah pivots sharply to a detailed indictment of the nation's present sin, particularly its pride, idolatry, and oppression of the vulnerable. Chapter 3 specifically details the societal breakdown that will lead to divine judgment, including the removal of effective leadership (verses 1-7) and the subsequent chaos and suffering (verses 8-12). Verse 14 directly follows a general indictment of Jerusalem and Judah for their defiant words and deeds against the LORD (verse 8) and an accusation against the leaders for misleading the people (verse 12). It serves as a specific charge sheet against the ruling elite, providing the precise reason for the impending judgment already foreshadowed. The subsequent verses continue to describe the desolation that will befall Jerusalem, particularly focusing on the haughty women of Zion (verses 16-26).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Isaiah ministered in Judah during the 8th century BCE, a period marked by significant political upheaval and social stratification. While there were periods of prosperity, particularly under King Uzziah, this wealth often led to a widening gap between the rich and the poor. The "ancients" (Hebrew: *zâqên*) were the elders, respected figures who served as local judges, advisors, and community leaders, embodying wisdom and upholding justice according to Mosaic Law. The "princes" (Hebrew: *sar*) were governmental officials, royal administrators, and military commanders. Both groups represented the ruling elite, entrusted with maintaining order, protecting the vulnerable, and administering justice. In ancient Israel, leadership was understood as a sacred trust, with leaders acting as God's representatives. Their failure to uphold justice and protect the poor was a direct violation of the covenant and a profound betrayal of their divine mandate, as seen in the repeated warnings throughout the Pentateuch concerning justice for the vulnerable (e.g., [Deuteronomy 15:7-11](/deuteronomy/15-7 "Deuteronomy 15:7-11 - Lending to the Poor")).
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 3:14 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah and the prophetic tradition. The primary theme is **Divine Judgment**, emphasizing that the LORD Himself "will enter into judgment" with the leaders, signifying His active, personal, and righteous intervention to correct injustice. This highlights God's character as a just and holy sovereign who holds all, especially those in authority, accountable for their actions. Another crucial theme is **Leadership Accountability**. The verse explicitly targets "the ancients of his people, and the princes thereof," underscoring the profound responsibility of those entrusted with governing and caring for a nation. Their failure to lead righteously and protect the vulnerable brings severe divine repercussions, a theme echoed in other prophetic books condemning corrupt shepherds (e.g., [Ezekiel 34](/ezekiel/34 "Ezekiel 34 - Indictment of Corrupt Shepherds")). Finally, the verse deeply explores **Social Injustice and Oppression**. The core accusation, "for ye have eaten up the vineyard; the spoil of the poor is in your houses," vividly portrays the leaders' exploitation. The "vineyard" (Hebrew: *kerem*) is a recurring biblical metaphor for Israel or Judah as God's carefully cultivated people (e.g., [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Song of the Vineyard")). To "eat up the vineyard" means to exploit, plunder, and destroy what belongs to God and His people. The "spoil of the poor" refers to ill-gotten gains, emphasizing the ruthless and exploitative nature of their actions, directly violating the principles of justice and compassion found throughout the Law (e.g., [Exodus 22:21-27](/exodus/22-21 "Exodus 22:21-27 - Laws Concerning the Vulnerable")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **judgment (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** From H4941, properly, a verdict pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree. It encompasses human and divine law, including the act of judging, the place of judgment, the suit, the crime, and the penalty. Abstractly, it refers to justice, a participant's right or privilege, or even a style. In Isaiah 3:14, it signifies God's formal and decisive action to hold the leaders accountable for their crimes, rendering a verdict and imposing a sentence.
* **eaten up (Hebrew, _bâʻar'_):** From H1197, a primitive root meaning to kindle, i.e., consume (by fire or by eating). It can also mean to be or become brutish, or to waste. Here, it vividly describes the leaders' complete and destructive exploitation of the "vineyard," implying a ravenous, unchecked consumption of resources that should have nourished the people, instead leaving them desolate.
* **spoil (Hebrew, _gᵉzêlâh'_):** From H1500, meaning robbery or (concretely) plunder; that which was taken violently away. This term precisely defines the nature of the wealth accumulated by the leaders: it was not earned legitimately but acquired through violent, unjust means, directly at the expense of the most vulnerable members of society.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD will enter into judgment with the ancients of his people, and the princes thereof:"** This clause establishes the divine initiative and the specific targets of God's wrath. "The LORD" (Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel) is not an indifferent observer but an active participant. To "enter into judgment" signifies a formal legal proceeding, a divine court where God Himself acts as the supreme Judge. The "ancients" (elders, respected community leaders) and "princes" (governmental and royal officials) represent the entire ruling class of Judah, highlighting that no one in authority, regardless of their position, is exempt from God's scrutiny and justice.
* **"for ye have eaten up the vineyard;"** This is the primary accusation, introduced by "for" (indicating the reason for judgment). The "vineyard" is a powerful metaphor, frequently used in the Old Testament (e.g., [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Song of the Vineyard")) to represent Israel or Judah, God's chosen people, whom He had carefully planted, cultivated, and expected to yield good fruit (justice and righteousness). The phrase "eaten up" (Hebrew: *bâʻar*) implies a destructive, voracious consumption, suggesting that the leaders have not merely neglected or mismanaged the people, but have actively devoured and exploited them for their own gain, leaving the "vineyard" desolate and barren.
* **"the spoil of the poor is in your houses."** This final clause provides concrete evidence of the leaders' guilt and the nature of their crime. "The spoil of the poor" (Hebrew: *gᵉzêlâh*) refers to ill-gotten gains, wealth acquired through robbery, extortion, or violent oppression. The phrase "is in your houses" points to the tangible evidence of their injustice—their opulent homes filled with riches directly plundered from the most vulnerable members of society. This highlights the stark contrast between the leaders' luxurious living and the destitution of the poor, directly linking their wealth to their exploitation.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 3:14 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message of divine judgment and social indictment. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically the "vineyard" representing the people of Israel/Judah. This metaphor is rich with theological significance, portraying God as the meticulous owner and cultivator of His people, whose care and investment are being tragically undermined by the very individuals entrusted with its stewardship. The phrase "eaten up the vineyard" is a vivid and visceral **idiom** for destructive exploitation, suggesting a ravenous consumption that leaves nothing but ruin. The verse also uses **Juxtaposition** to highlight the stark contrast between the leaders' ill-gotten wealth ("spoil of the poor is in your houses") and the suffering of the vulnerable, emphasizing the moral outrage of their actions. Furthermore, the declaration that "The LORD will enter into judgment" utilizes **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like action (entering into a legal process) to God, thereby emphasizing His active, personal, and righteous involvement in upholding justice and holding the powerful accountable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 3:14 is a profound theological statement on God's unwavering commitment to justice and His particular concern for the vulnerable. It reveals Yahweh as the righteous Judge who actively intervenes in human affairs, especially when those entrusted with power abuse their authority and oppress the marginalized. This verse underscores the biblical principle that leadership is a sacred trust, not an opportunity for self-enrichment or exploitation. The leaders' failure to protect the "vineyard"—God's people—and their accumulation of "spoil of the poor" represents a direct affront to God's character and His covenantal demands for righteousness and compassion. This prophetic indictment serves as a timeless warning that divine justice will ultimately prevail, holding even the most powerful accountable for their stewardship.

* [Jeremiah 22:3](/jeremiah/22-3 "Jeremiah 22:3 - Do Justice and Righteousness")
* [Ezekiel 34:7-10](/ezekiel/34-7 "Ezekiel 34:7-10 - Indictment of Unfaithful Shepherds")
* [Amos 5:11-12](/amos/5-11 "Amos 5:11-12 - Condemnation of Oppression")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 3:14 serves as a timeless mirror, reflecting the enduring struggle between power and justice, and the divine imperative for righteous leadership. For contemporary society, this verse challenges leaders in all spheres—government, business, religious institutions, and community organizations—to examine their stewardship. It demands that power be wielded not for personal gain or the oppression of others, but for the welfare of all, especially the vulnerable. It calls believers to cultivate a prophetic imagination, advocating for justice, speaking truth to power, and holding leaders accountable to ethical and moral standards that reflect God's heart for the poor and oppressed. Furthermore, it reminds us that God is a righteous judge who sees and will ultimately address all forms of exploitation, offering hope to the marginalized and a sobering challenge to those who benefit from injustice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might we, individually or communally, be "eating up the vineyard" or allowing the "spoil of the poor" to accumulate in our "houses" today?**
* **How can we, as followers of Christ, actively advocate for justice and hold leaders accountable in our own contexts, reflecting God's concern for the oppressed?**
* **What personal responsibilities do we have to ensure our own prosperity is not built upon the exploitation or neglect of others?**

### FAQ

**What does "eating up the vineyard" mean metaphorically in this verse?**

Answer: In Isaiah 3:14, "eating up the vineyard" is a powerful metaphor for the destructive exploitation of God's people, Israel or Judah. The "vineyard" often represents God's chosen nation, whom He carefully planted, cultivated, and expected to bear good fruit (righteousness and justice), as seen in the [Song of the Vineyard in Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Song of the Vineyard"). For the leaders to "eat up" this vineyard means they have not nurtured or protected the people, but have instead ravenously consumed their resources, plundered their heritage, and exploited them for personal gain, leaving the nation desolate and barren. It signifies a complete and destructive betrayal of their stewardship.

**Who are the "ancients" and "princes" mentioned as targets of judgment?**

Answer: The "ancients" (Hebrew: *zâqên*) refer to the elders, who were respected figures in ancient Israelite society, serving as local judges, advisors, and community leaders. They were traditionally seen as embodying wisdom and upholding justice. The "princes" (Hebrew: *sar*) denote the governmental and administrative officials, including royal administrators and military commanders. Together, these terms encompass the entire ruling elite and leadership class of Judah. The verse explicitly targets both groups to emphasize that all those in positions of authority, from traditional community leaders to high-ranking state officials, were implicated in the widespread corruption and would be held accountable by God.

**How does this verse relate to God's character?**

Answer: Isaiah 3:14 profoundly reveals God's character as a righteous and just Judge. The declaration that "The LORD will enter into judgment" underscores His active involvement in human affairs and His unwavering commitment to upholding justice. It demonstrates that God is not indifferent to the suffering of the oppressed or the abuses of power. He champions the cause of the poor and vulnerable, and He holds those in authority to a strict account for their stewardship. This verse highlights God's holiness and His covenant faithfulness, showing that He will not tolerate injustice, particularly when perpetrated by those entrusted with the care of His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 3:14's indictment of corrupt leaders who exploit God's "vineyard" and accumulate the "spoil of the poor" finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament prophets condemned unrighteous shepherds who devoured the flock, Jesus emerges as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd")). He is the true and righteous King, contrasting sharply with the self-serving "princes" of Isaiah's day. Jesus consistently challenged and condemned the religious leaders of His time who, like the "ancients" and "princes," burdened the people with heavy loads while doing nothing to help them ([Matthew 23:1-39](/matthew/23-1 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). He identified profoundly with the poor and marginalized, declaring that what is done to "the least of these" is done to Him ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - When You Did It to the Least of These")). Furthermore, Jesus Himself is the True Vine ([John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus the True Vine")), establishing a new covenant community where justice, righteousness, and selfless service are paramount. Through His sacrificial death, Christ not only paid the ultimate price for human sin, which is the root of all oppression and injustice, but also inaugurated a kingdom where true justice will ultimately prevail, culminating in the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")). He is the one who perfectly fulfills the role of a righteous leader, ensuring that the spoil of sin is overcome and true sustenance is provided for His people.

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

Job 22:4

Will he reprove thee for fear of thee? will he enter with thee into judgment?

Isaiah 5:7

For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts [is] the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.

Psalms 14:4

¶ Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people [as] they eat bread, and call not upon the LORD.

Isaiah 3:2

The mighty man, and the man of war, the judge, and the prophet, and the prudent, and the ancient,

Isaiah 3:3

The captain of fifty, and the honourable man, and the counsellor, and the cunning artificer, and the eloquent orator.

James 2:6

But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?

Job 24:9

They pluck the fatherless from the breast, and take a pledge of the poor.