Isaiah 3:9

KJV

¶ The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide [it] not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves.

KJV (with Strong's)

The shew {H1971} of their countenance {H6440} doth witness against them {H6030}; and they declare {H5046} their sin {H2403} as Sodom {H5467}, they hide {H3582} it not. Woe {H188} unto their soul {H5315}! for they have rewarded {H1580} evil {H7451} unto themselves.

Complete Jewish Bible

Their very look witnesses against them! They parade their sin, like S'dom; they don't even try to hide it - all the worse for them! - they bring evil on themselves.

Berean Standard Bible

The expression on their faces testifies against them, and like Sodom they flaunt their sin; they do not conceal it. Woe to them, for they have brought disaster upon themselves.

American Standard Version

The show of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! for they have done evil unto themselves.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 3:9 delivers a scathing indictment against the people of Judah and Jerusalem, exposing their profound moral decay and spiritual rebellion. The verse vividly portrays a society so steeped in sin that their very demeanor betrays their wickedness, openly declaring their transgressions without shame, much like the infamous city of Sodom. This unrepentant brazenness provokes a prophetic declaration of "woe," underscoring the self-destructive nature of their choices, as their evil deeds ultimately bring deserved retribution upon themselves.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 3:9 is deeply embedded within a larger prophetic oracle spanning [Isaiah chapters 2-5](/isaiah/2 "Isaiah 2-5 - Judgment on Judah and Jerusalem"), which details God's impending judgment on Judah and Jerusalem for their widespread sin. Chapter 3 specifically focuses on the societal breakdown resulting from corrupt leadership and moral depravity. The preceding verses ([Isaiah 3:1-8](/isaiah/3-1 "Isaiah 3:1-8 - Removal of Leaders and Societal Collapse")) describe the removal of competent leaders, leading to chaos, oppression of the vulnerable, and the rise of the immature and unqualified. Verse 9 serves as a theological justification for this judgment, highlighting the blatant and unashamed nature of the people's sin, which has reached a point of open defiance against God's moral law. It sets the stage for further descriptions of the consequences of their wickedness, including the desolation of the land and the suffering of its inhabitants.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Isaiah prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, in the 8th century BCE. This period was marked by significant political upheaval, including the rising threat of Assyria, and internal moral decay. While Judah experienced periods of prosperity, this often led to spiritual complacency and social injustice. The comparison to "Sodom" (H5467, _Çᵉdôm_) in this verse is particularly potent, invoking a well-known historical and cultural reference from [Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "Genesis 19 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah"). Sodom was synonymous with overt and egregious sin, leading to catastrophic divine judgment. By likening Judah's sin to Sodom's, Isaiah emphasizes the extreme nature of their depravity and foreshadows a similar, devastating divine response. The societal norms of the time, which should have upheld justice and righteousness, had been corrupted, leading to the oppression of the poor and a general disregard for God's covenant.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in Isaiah's prophecy. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **open and unashamed sin**, where the people's actions and even their outward appearance ("the shew of their countenance") betray their guilt, demonstrating a profound lack of shame or repentance. This brazenness is a stark contrast to the expected humility and fear of the Lord. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **self-inflicted consequences** or **retributive justice**. The phrase "they have rewarded evil unto themselves" emphasizes that their sin is not merely an offense against God but also inherently self-destructive, leading to their own downfall and misery. This aligns with the biblical principle that [the wages of sin is death](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and Gift of God"). Thirdly, it reinforces the overarching theme of **divine judgment** as a righteous response to unrepentant rebellion. The pronouncement "Woe unto their soul!" serves as a solemn declaration of the severe judgment awaiting those who persist in such overt defiance of God's moral order, a judgment often detailed throughout [Isaiah's prophecies](/isaiah/1 "The Book of Isaiah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **shew (Hebrew, _hakkârâh'_):** From the root _nâkar_, meaning to recognize or discern. This term refers to the outward appearance, expression, or demeanor. In this context, it implies that the very look on their faces, their bearing, or their public conduct serves as undeniable evidence of their inner corruption and guilt. Their sin is so pervasive that it is visibly manifest, leaving no room for denial or concealment.
* **sin (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʼâh'_):** This word encompasses an offense, habitual sinfulness, its penalty, or even a sin offering. Here, it denotes their moral transgression and rebellion against God's law. The use of this term highlights the nature of their actions as a violation of divine standards, leading to guilt and deserving of punishment. The fact that they "declare" it openly signifies a deep-seated spiritual sickness where the awareness of wrongdoing has been lost or willfully suppressed.
* **rewarded (Hebrew, _gâmal'_):** A primitive root meaning to treat a person (well or ill), to benefit or requite. It carries the sense of recompense or retribution. When applied to "evil," it signifies that their actions are bringing back upon themselves the very harm or destruction they have sown. This is not arbitrary punishment from God, but the natural and just consequence of their own choices, an inherent principle of divine justice where the wicked bring about their own undoing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The shew of their countenance doth witness against them;":** This clause indicates that the people's outward appearance, their facial expressions, or their general demeanor visibly testifies to their inner depravity and guilt. Their sin is not hidden; it is so ingrained that it is evident to all, serving as an undeniable witness against them.
* **"and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide [it] not.":** This powerfully emphasizes the brazenness and lack of shame with which they commit and display their transgressions. Their sin is not concealed but openly proclaimed, paralleling the notorious and overt wickedness of Sodom, which was characterized by public and unrepentant immorality.
* **"Woe unto their soul!":** This is a prophetic lament and a solemn declaration of impending judgment. "Woe" (H188, _ʼôwy_) signifies deep sorrow, calamity, and divine condemnation. It is a pronouncement of the severe suffering and destruction that awaits them as a direct consequence of their unrepentant sin. The term "soul" (H5315, _nephesh_) here refers to their very being, their life, or their person, indicating a comprehensive and devastating judgment.
* **"for they have rewarded evil unto themselves.":** This concluding clause provides the reason for the "woe." It asserts the principle of self-inflicted harm or divine retribution. Their wicked actions are not just offenses against God but are inherently self-destructive, leading to their own ruin and misery. They are reaping the bitter harvest of the evil they have sown, bringing about their own deserved punishment.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 3:9 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message of judgment. The phrase "The shew of their countenance doth witness against them" utilizes **personification**, attributing the human action of "witnessing" to an inanimate "countenance," thereby emphasizing the undeniable and self-incriminating nature of their outward appearance. This also contains an element of **metonymy**, where the "countenance" stands for the entire person and their public conduct. The most striking device is the **simile** in "they declare their sin as Sodom," drawing a direct and damning comparison to a city synonymous with egregious and unrepentant wickedness, immediately evoking images of catastrophic divine judgment. The exclamation "Woe unto their soul!" serves as a powerful **prophetic interjection** or **lament**, a declaration of impending doom that carries significant emotional and theological weight, reinforcing the severity of God's displeasure. Finally, the concluding statement "they have rewarded evil unto themselves" contains a grim **irony**, as their pursuit of evil ultimately brings about their own destruction, turning their intended "gain" into devastating loss.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 3:9 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that unrepentant sin, especially when openly flaunted, inevitably leads to divine judgment and self-inflicted destruction. It underscores God's unwavering moral standard and His justice in holding humanity accountable for their actions. The brazenness of Judah's sin, mirrored by Sodom, reveals a deep spiritual sickness where the conscience is seared, and the fear of God is absent. This verse serves as a stark reminder that sin is not merely an external act but a reflection of an internal rebellion that ultimately brings about its own devastating consequences, highlighting the inherent self-destructive nature of evil. It emphasizes that God's judgment is not arbitrary but a just response to human choices.

* [Proverbs 1:31](/proverbs/1-31 "Proverbs 1:31 - Consequences of Rejecting Wisdom")
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")
* [Romans 1:28-32](/romans/1-28 "Romans 1:28-32 - God's Judgment on Unrighteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 3:9 serves as a timeless and convicting mirror for all generations, urging us to deeply examine our own hearts and lives. It challenges us to consider whether our outward demeanor, our public actions, and even our private thoughts are truly aligned with God's righteousness, or if they, like ancient Judah, openly betray a hidden or even unashamed sinfulness. The sobering comparison to Sodom compels us to confront any areas where we might be desensitized to sin or, worse, openly defiant of God's moral law. This verse powerfully reminds us that sin is not a victimless crime; it carries inherent, self-destructive consequences that lead to spiritual and often physical "woe." True wisdom lies in recognizing the destructive path of unrepentant sin and turning decisively towards God in humility and repentance, seeking His forgiveness and transformative grace. It calls us to cultivate a life of integrity, where our inner convictions match our outward conduct, and where we strive to honor God in all things, thereby avoiding the self-inflicted sorrow that accompanies rebellion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my "countenance" or outward demeanor be "witnessing" for or against my true spiritual state?**
* **Am I, like ancient Judah, becoming desensitized to certain sins, perhaps even openly displaying them without shame?**
* **How have I "rewarded evil unto myself" by pursuing choices contrary to God's will?**
* **What specific steps can I take to cultivate a deeper sense of conviction about sin and a more profound commitment to living a life of integrity before God and others?**

### FAQ
**What does "The shew of their countenance doth witness against them" mean?**

Answer: This phrase means that the people's outward appearance, their facial expressions, or their general demeanor visibly betrayed their inner moral corruption and guilt. Their sin was so pervasive and unashamed that it was evident to anyone observing them, serving as a clear and undeniable testimony against their character. It suggests a lack of remorse or an open defiance that manifested itself physically.

**Why is their sin compared to Sodom?**

Answer: The comparison to [Sodom](/genesis/19 "Genesis 19 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah") is extremely significant because Sodom was an ancient city famously destroyed by God due to its extreme and overt wickedness, as described in [Genesis 18-19](/genesis/18 "Genesis 18-19 - God's Judgment on Sodom"). By drawing this parallel, Isaiah emphasizes the severity and brazenness of Judah's sin. It implies that their transgressions were not only grievous but also openly displayed and unashamed, mirroring Sodom's notorious depravity and signaling that a similar, devastating divine judgment was imminent for Judah.

**What does "they have rewarded evil unto themselves" imply?**

Answer: This phrase highlights the principle of inherent consequences for sin. It means that the people's wicked actions were not just offenses against God, but they were also inherently self-destructive. By choosing evil, they were, in effect, bringing harm, suffering, and divine retribution upon themselves. It underscores the biblical truth that sin carries its own "wages" ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")), and that those who persist in wickedness ultimately reap the bitter harvest of their own choices, leading to their own undoing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 3:9, with its stark portrayal of unashamed sin and self-inflicted woe, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Judah's "countenance" bore witness to their sin, Jesus's countenance, marred by suffering and rejection ([Isaiah 53:2-3](/isaiah/53-2 "Isaiah 53:2-3 - The Suffering Servant")), bore the witness of our sin. He, the sinless Lamb of God, became sin for us, enduring the "woe" that was due to humanity's rebellion. The judgment declared upon Judah, "Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves," was a foreshadowing of the ultimate judgment against sin, which Christ fully absorbed on the cross. He did not reward evil unto Himself, but rather, in His perfect obedience, He allowed the evil of the world to be rewarded upon Him, so that we might receive the reward of righteousness. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus takes away the sin that we openly declare or try to hide, offering forgiveness and the transformation of a seared conscience into one made new by the Holy Spirit ([Hebrews 10:22](/hebrews/10-22 "Hebrews 10:22 - Cleansed Hearts")). The shame and self-destruction inherent in sin are overcome by His grace, allowing believers to live lives that, by God's Spirit, reflect His glory rather than declare their own sin, looking forward to the day when He will return to judge the living and the dead, bringing final justice to all unrepentant evil ([Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")).

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

Genesis 13:13

But the men of Sodom [were] wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.

Jeremiah 6:15

Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time [that] I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD.

Genesis 18:20

And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;

Genesis 18:21

I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Ezekiel 23:16

And as soon as she saw them with her eyes, she doted upon them, and sent messengers unto them into Chaldea.

Jeremiah 44:16

[As for] the word that thou hast spoken unto us in the name of the LORD, we will not hearken unto thee.