Isaiah 3:3

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

The captain {H8269} of fifty {H2572}, and the honourable {H5375} man {H6440}, and the counsellor {H3289}, and the cunning {H2450} artificer {H2791}, and the eloquent {H995} orator {H3908}.

Complete Jewish Bible

captains of fifty, men of rank and advisers, skillful magicians and expert enchanters.

Berean Standard Bible

the commander of fifty and the dignitary, the counselor, the cunning magician, and the clever enchanter.

American Standard Version

the captain of fifty, and the honorable man, and the counsellor, and the expert artificer, and the skilful enchanter.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 3:3 is a poignant segment of Isaiah’s prophetic declaration of divine judgment against Judah and Jerusalem. It meticulously lists key societal figures—military, civil, intellectual, and economic—who will be removed by God, signifying a catastrophic breakdown of national order and stability. This removal is not merely a consequence of societal decay but a sovereign act of God, demonstrating the severe repercussions of Judah's widespread sin, pride, and persistent rebellion against His covenant. The verse underscores the complete dismantling of the very pillars upon which a functioning society relies, leaving a vacuum of leadership and competence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 3:3 is an integral part of a larger prophecy of judgment spanning [Isaiah 2](/isaiah/2 "Isaiah 2 - The Day of the Lord") through [Isaiah 5](/isaiah/5 "Isaiah 5 - The Song of the Vineyard and Woes"). Specifically, it immediately follows [Isaiah 3:1-2](/isaiah/3-1 "Isaiah 3:1-2 - God Removes Support from Jerusalem"), where the Lord God of hosts declares His intention to remove "the stay and the staff"—every form of support, provision, and leadership from Jerusalem and Judah. This removal includes not only basic necessities but also the very leadership structures that ensure societal function. The listing of specific roles in verse 3 elaborates on the nature of this "stay and staff," detailing the precise categories of influential and essential individuals who will be taken away. This sets the stage for the chaotic and incompetent leadership described in [Isaiah 3:4-5](/isaiah/3-4 "Isaiah 3:4-5 - Childish Rulers and Oppression").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy is delivered during a period of relative prosperity but profound spiritual decline in Judah, likely during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. Jerusalem, as the capital, was the center of religious, political, and economic life. The roles listed in Isaiah 3:3—military officers, respected elders, advisors, skilled artisans, and public speakers—were the backbone of any stable ancient Near Eastern society. Their presence ensured defense, governance, economic productivity, and social cohesion. The removal of such figures would plunge the nation into chaos, leaving it vulnerable to external threats and internal disorder. This judgment was a direct consequence of Judah's idolatry, social injustice, and moral corruption, which had permeated all levels of society, from the highest officials to the common people, as highlighted throughout [Isaiah 1](/isaiah/1 "Isaiah 1 - The Great Arraignment").
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment**, where God actively intervenes in human affairs to bring about consequences for sin, demonstrating His sovereignty and justice. The removal of these vital leaders signifies **Societal Collapse**, illustrating that without competent and righteous leadership, a nation is destined for disarray and vulnerability. This collapse is presented as a direct **Consequence of Sin**, emphasizing that Judah’s moral and spiritual decay, rather than external forces alone, is the root cause of its impending desolation. The passage serves as a stark reminder that true national strength and stability are rooted in righteousness, as articulated in [Proverbs 14:34](/proverbs/14-34 "Proverbs 14:34 - Righteousness Exalts a Nation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Counsellor (Hebrew, _yâʻats'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve." This term encompasses the act of giving wise counsel, strategic direction, and making sound judgments. Its removal signifies the loss of discernment and guidance essential for effective governance and problem-solving within the nation. The absence of those who can "take advice" or "give counsel" leads to misguided decisions and national folly.
* **Cunning Artificer (Hebrew, _châkâm cheresh'_):** This phrase combines two terms. **_Châkâm_** (H2450) means "wise, intelligent, skillful, or artful," referring to one possessing practical wisdom and expertise. **_Cheresh_** (H2791) refers to a craftsman, artisan, or worker in various materials (e.g., metal, wood), often implying a master of their craft. Together, they describe highly skilled and ingenious individuals vital for infrastructure, technology, and economic productivity. Their removal means the loss of innovation, maintenance, and the very means of production.
* **Eloquent Orator (Hebrew, _bîyn lachash'_):** This phrase also combines two terms. **_Bîyn_** (H995) means "to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., understand," and can imply being "eloquent" or "skillful" in communication. **_Lachash_** (H3908) primarily refers to a whisper or incantation, but in this context, it takes on the meaning of one who speaks persuasively, perhaps with a charming or influential voice. The "eloquent orator" is a master of public discourse, crucial for law, justice, and effective communication. Their absence leads to a breakdown in public order, clarity, and the ability to articulate truth or inspire action.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The captain of fifty":** This refers to a military officer commanding a unit of fifty soldiers. Their removal signifies the loss of military leadership, discipline, and the capacity for defense, leaving the nation vulnerable to invasion and internal unrest. It points to a breakdown in national security.
* **"and the honourable man":** This phrase, combining H5375 (_nâsâʼ_, "to lift, bear, honorable") and H6440 (_pânîym_, "face, presence, honorable"), denotes a person of high standing, respect, integrity, and dignity within the community. Their absence implies a decline in moral authority, public trust, and the societal standards that uphold righteousness and justice.
* **"and the counsellor":** As detailed in the Key Word Analysis, this refers to one who provides wise advice, strategic direction, and sound judgment. Their removal means the nation will lack prudent guidance, leading to poor decisions and a state of confusion in governance.
* **"and the cunning artificer":** This describes a skilled craftsman or artisan, a master of a trade vital for the nation's infrastructure, economy, and everyday life. Their removal cripples productivity, innovation, and the practical skills necessary for societal maintenance and advancement.
* **"and the eloquent orator":** This refers to a persuasive and articulate speaker, essential for public discourse, legal proceedings, and unifying the populace. Their absence results in a loss of clear communication, the ability to articulate justice, and the persuasive power needed for effective leadership and social cohesion.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 3:3 employs several powerful literary devices to underscore the severity of God's judgment. The most prominent is **Enumeration**, as the prophet lists a series of distinct, yet equally vital, societal roles. This detailed listing creates a cumulative effect, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the impending collapse—no essential function will be spared. The repeated use of "and the" serves as a form of **Anaphora**, lending a rhythmic, almost relentless quality to the pronouncement, reinforcing the idea that *all* pillars of society are being systematically removed. There is also an implicit **Irony** at play: the very people Judah relied upon for its stability and success—its wise, skilled, and powerful—are precisely those God will remove, demonstrating that human strength is futile when divine favor is withdrawn. Each role also functions as a **Symbolism** for a broader aspect of national well-being: the captain for security, the honorable man for moral integrity, the counsellor for wisdom, the artificer for economic prosperity, and the orator for communication and justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 3:3 vividly portrays God's sovereign hand in judgment, not merely allowing decay but actively orchestrating the removal of society's foundational elements. This act underscores the profound theological truth that national well-being is ultimately dependent on divine favor and adherence to God's covenant. When a people persistently rebels, God, in His justice, may withdraw the very competencies and structures they relied upon, exposing their inherent vulnerability and the emptiness of self-reliance. This divine intervention is a call to repentance, demonstrating that true security and wisdom come only from the Lord. The dismantling of human leadership highlights God's ultimate authority over all earthly powers and His intolerance for unrighteousness, revealing that the strength of a nation lies not in its human resources alone, but in its relationship with its Creator.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Hosea 4:6](/hosea/4-6 "Hosea 4:6 - Destruction Due to Lack of Knowledge")
* [Proverbs 29:2](/proverbs/29-2 "Proverbs 29:2 - When the Righteous Rule, the People Rejoice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 3:3 serves as a timeless mirror for any society, community, or even individual. It challenges us to consider the true sources of stability and prosperity. When a society prioritizes self-interest, injustice, and moral decay over righteousness and God's principles, it risks losing the very foundations that sustain it. This passage calls for a critical evaluation of leadership, urging us to seek and support those who embody wisdom, integrity, and competence, not merely charisma or power. More profoundly, it reminds us that human ingenuity and strength, while valuable, are ultimately insufficient without divine blessing. Our ultimate reliance must be on God, whose wisdom and justice are the only true "stay and staff" that can never be removed. For believers, this means praying for godly leaders, actively participating in society with integrity and skill, and advocating for justice, knowing that our ultimate hope is not in earthly structures but in the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "pillars" or essential roles in our contemporary society that, if removed, would lead to significant instability?**
* **How might a society's spiritual condition influence the quality of its leadership and the effectiveness of its institutions?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or communities, be relying on human "stay and staff" rather than seeking God's wisdom and guidance?**
* **What practical steps can we take to promote integrity, wisdom, and competence in leadership within our spheres of influence?**

### FAQ
**Why does God remove these specific types of leaders and professionals?**

Answer: God removes these specific figures—military leaders, honorable men, counselors, skilled artisans, and eloquent orators—because they represent the very pillars of a functional society: security, moral authority, wisdom, economic stability, and effective communication. Their removal is not arbitrary but a deliberate act of divine judgment, demonstrating that Judah's persistent sin has rendered them unworthy of these blessings. By taking away those whom the nation relied upon, God exposes their vulnerability and the futility of human strength apart from Him, forcing them to confront the consequences of their rebellion and perhaps prompting repentance. This judgment fulfills the warnings given in the covenant, such as those found in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

**Does this passage imply that all societal problems are a direct result of divine judgment?**

Answer: While Isaiah 3:3 clearly depicts a direct divine judgment, it's important to understand the broader biblical context. Not every societal problem is a direct, immediate, and punitive judgment from God. However, the Bible consistently teaches that there are inherent consequences to sin and disobedience, both for individuals and nations. When a society collectively turns away from God's principles, embraces injustice, and rejects wisdom, it naturally erodes the moral and structural foundations necessary for its well-being. This passage highlights that God, in His sovereignty, can and does allow or orchestrate the removal of blessings, including competent leadership, as a form of discipline or to demonstrate the ultimate emptiness of a life lived apart from Him. It underscores the principle that "righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people" ([Proverbs 14:34](/proverbs/14-34 "Proverbs 14:34 - Righteousness Exalts a Nation")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 3:3 paints a bleak picture of Judah's impending judgment and the removal of its human "stay and staff," it also implicitly points to the ultimate and enduring "stay and staff" found in Jesus Christ. The very roles that Judah lost—counselor, leader, wise artisan, eloquent orator—are perfectly and eternally fulfilled in Christ. He is the true and perfect [Wonderful Counselor](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prophecy of the Messiah"), whose wisdom surpasses all human understanding, in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom All Wisdom Dwells")). Unlike the temporary and fallible human leaders who are removed, Christ is the [eternal King](/hebrews/7-24 "Hebrews 7:24 - Christ's Unchanging Priesthood"), the ultimate Captain of our salvation who will never be taken away ([Hebrews 2:10](/hebrews/2-10 "Hebrews 2:10 - Jesus, the Captain of Salvation")). He is the embodiment of true honor and integrity, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and the skilled architect of creation ([John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Him")). Furthermore, He is the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), the most eloquent and authoritative orator who "spoke as one who had authority, and not as their scribes" ([Matthew 7:29](/matthew/7-29 "Matthew 7:29 - Jesus Teaches with Authority")). In Christ, we find the permanent solution to humanity's brokenness and the unwavering foundation for true societal and spiritual order, reversing the chaos described in Isaiah. He is the one who brings true peace and establishes a kingdom that will never be destroyed, providing the ultimate "stay and staff" for all who trust in Him.

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

Judges 8:18

¶ Then said he unto Zebah and Zalmunna, What manner of men [were they] whom ye slew at Tabor? And they answered, As thou [art], so [were] they; each one resembled the children of a king.

Deuteronomy 1:15

So I took the chief of your tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads over you, captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, and captains over fifties, and captains over tens, and officers among your tribes.

1 Samuel 8:12

And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and [will set them] to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots.

Exodus 18:21

Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place [such] over them, [to be] rulers of thousands, [and] rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:

Exodus 4:10

¶ And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I [am] not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I [am] slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.

Exodus 4:14

And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, [Is] not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.

Exodus 4:16

And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, [even] he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God.