Isaiah 32:6

KJV

For the vile person will speak villany, and his heart will work iniquity, to practise hypocrisy, and to utter error against the LORD, to make empty the soul of the hungry, and he will cause the drink of the thirsty to fail.

KJV (with Strong's)

For the vile person {H5036} will speak {H1696} villany {H5039}, and his heart {H3820} will work {H6213} iniquity {H205}, to practise {H6213} hypocrisy {H2612}, and to utter {H1696} error {H8442} against the LORD {H3068}, to make empty {H7324} the soul {H5315} of the hungry {H7457}, and he will cause the drink {H4945} of the thirsty {H6771} to fail {H2637}.

Complete Jewish Bible

for the mean person will speak meanness, his heart planning evil, so that he can act godlessly, spreading error concerning ADONAI, as he lets the hungry go on starving and deprives the thirsty of drink.

Berean Standard Bible

For a fool speaks foolishness; his mind plots iniquity. He practices ungodliness and speaks falsely about the LORD; he leaves the hungry empty and deprives the thirsty of drink.

American Standard Version

For the fool will speak folly, and his heart will work iniquity, to practise profaneness, and to utter error against Jehovah, to make empty the soul of the hungry, and to cause the drink of the thirsty to fail.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 32:6 presents a stark and sobering depiction of the "vile person," revealing their intrinsic moral depravity, the corrupt nature of their inner thoughts, and the destructive impact of their actions on both God's truth and the most vulnerable in society. This verse serves as a powerful counterpoint to the preceding vision of righteous leadership, underscoring the profound need for divine intervention to rectify human wickedness and establish justice. It highlights a character whose entire being is oriented towards deceit, spiritual rebellion, and the active deprivation of those in need.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 32:6 is situated within a broader prophetic section (chapters 28-33) that oscillates between pronouncements of judgment against Judah's sin and promises of future restoration and blessing under God's righteous rule. Chapter 32 itself opens with a glorious vision of a future king who will reign in righteousness, providing shelter, refreshment, and clarity (e.g., [Isaiah 32:1-2](/isaiah/32-1 "Isaiah 32:1-2 - The Righteous King and His Princes")). The "vile person" described in verse 6 stands in stark contrast to this ideal, representing the corrupt state of affairs that necessitates such a divine intervention. The verses immediately following (e.g., [Isaiah 32:7-8](/isaiah/32-7 "Isaiah 32:7-8 - The Deceitful and the Noble")) further elaborate on the deceitful nature of the wicked and the noble character of the just, reinforcing the moral dichotomy presented.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Isaiah primarily addresses the kingdoms of Judah and Israel during the 8th century BCE, a period marked by political instability, Assyrian expansion, and widespread moral and spiritual decline. The people, including leaders, often relied on human alliances and self-serving policies rather than trusting in the LORD. Culturally, the concept of justice and care for the poor and vulnerable was central to Israelite law and prophetic teaching, rooted in God's character (e.g., [Deuteronomy 15:7-8](/deuteronomy/15-7 "Deuteronomy 15:7-8 - Lending to the Poor")). The "vile person" in Isaiah 32:6 embodies a profound rejection of these foundational societal and religious principles, reflecting the pervasive corruption that threatened to undo the fabric of the nation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. It vividly portrays **Moral Corruption and Hypocrisy**, emphasizing that wickedness originates in the heart and manifests in deceptive speech and actions. It highlights **Opposition to God and Truth**, as the vile person actively "utters error against the LORD," signifying a deliberate rejection of divine authority and a propagation of falsehoods that undermine true faith. Most poignantly, it underscores **Social Injustice and Oppression**, revealing how the wicked exploit and deprive the most vulnerable—the hungry and thirsty—a theme echoed throughout the prophets who condemn those who "grind the faces of the poor" ([Isaiah 3:15](/isaiah/3-15 "Isaiah 3:15 - Grinding the Faces of the Poor")). This stark portrayal sets the stage for the promised coming of a righteous king who will bring true justice and restoration.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Vile person (Hebrew, _nâbâl'_):** From H5036, this term signifies more than mere vileness; it denotes a morally senseless, foolish, and impious individual. This "fool" is not intellectually deficient but morally bankrupt, acting against God and humanity without conscience or understanding of divine truth. It implies a character whose actions are despicable and whose heart is estranged from wisdom and righteousness.
* **Iniquity (Hebrew, _ʼâven'_):** From H205, this word carries the sense of nothingness, trouble, vanity, and wickedness. It points to exertion, often in vain, leading to naught. In this context, it describes the futility and destructive nature of the vile person's internal workings—their heart produces not good but emptiness and trouble, often associated with idolatry and false practices.
* **Hypocrisy (Hebrew, _chôneph'_):** From H2612, this term directly means "moral filth" or "wickedness." It describes a state of defilement and pollution, particularly in a moral or religious sense. When applied to "practise hypocrisy," it suggests a deliberate, habitual engagement in actions that are morally corrupt and deceitful, often with an outward pretense of piety or normalcy.
* **Cause...to fail (Hebrew, _châçêr'_):** From H2637, this primitive root means "to lack," "to fail," or "to lessen." In the context of "causing the drink of the thirsty to fail," it powerfully conveys the active deprivation inflicted by the vile person. It's not merely a passive withholding but a deliberate act of making something scarce or non-existent for those in dire need, highlighting their cruel and exploitative nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the vile person will speak villany":** The verse immediately identifies the character ("vile person") and his primary mode of expression ("speak villany"). This is not accidental speech but a deliberate outpouring of moral depravity, reflecting an inner corruption that manifests outwardly in malicious and despicable words.
* **"and his heart will work iniquity":** This clause delves into the internal source of the vile person's actions. Their "heart" (the seat of intellect, will, and emotion) is actively engaged in "working iniquity," meaning their inner being is dedicated to producing evil, falsehood, and moral emptiness. This highlights the deep-seated nature of their wickedness.
* **"to practise hypocrisy":** The purpose or outcome of their heart's work is the practice of "hypocrisy." This suggests a calculated and habitual engagement in deceit, a disingenuousness that masks their true wicked intentions, often for personal gain or to mislead others.
* **"and to utter error against the LORD":** This clause reveals the spiritual dimension of their vileness. Their speech is not only generally corrupt but specifically directed against God, propagating falsehoods and challenging divine truth. This signifies open rebellion and a deliberate attempt to undermine reverence for the Creator.
* **"to make empty the soul of the hungry":** The vile person's wickedness has tangible, devastating social consequences. They actively "make empty" or deprive the "soul" (life, vitality, appetite) of the hungry. This is a deliberate act of withholding sustenance, signifying extreme callousness and exploitation of the most vulnerable.
* **"and he will cause the drink of the thirsty to fail":** This final clause reinforces the theme of active deprivation. Just as they starve the hungry, they deny drink to the thirsty. This imagery vividly portrays their complete disregard for basic human needs and their willingness to inflict suffering and even death upon the desperate, highlighting their utter lack of compassion.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 32:6 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message. The primary device is **Contrast**, as the "vile person" stands in direct opposition to the righteous king and princes described earlier in the chapter, highlighting the moral chasm between wickedness and justice. **Parallelism** is evident in the structure, particularly in the pairing of "speak villany" with "heart will work iniquity," and "make empty the soul of the hungry" with "cause the drink of the thirsty to fail." This reinforces the pervasive nature of the vile person's corruption, affecting both their inner being and outward actions. **Imagery** of hunger and thirst is powerfully employed to evoke the dire consequences of the vile person's actions, making their cruelty concrete and relatable. The active verbs like "speak," "work," "practise," "utter," "make empty," and "cause to fail" convey a sense of deliberate and active malice, emphasizing that this wickedness is not passive but aggressively destructive. The use of **Hyperbole** in describing the extent of their depravity ("utter error against the LORD," "make empty the soul") underscores the severity and comprehensiveness of their evil.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 32:6 profoundly illustrates the biblical understanding of sin as originating from a corrupt heart and manifesting in actions that defy God and oppress humanity. The "vile person" embodies the antithesis of God's character, which is just, compassionate, and life-giving. Their deliberate propagation of error against the LORD underscores the spiritual rebellion inherent in all sin, while their active deprivation of the hungry and thirsty highlights the social injustice that inevitably flows from a heart estranged from God. This verse serves as a stark reminder that true righteousness is holistic, encompassing both spiritual integrity and ethical conduct towards one's neighbor, especially the vulnerable.

* [Psalm 14:1](/psalms/14-1 "Psalm 14:1 - The Fool Says There Is No God"): The description of the "vile person" resonates with the "fool" who says in his heart, "There is no God," leading to corrupt and abominable deeds.
* [Proverbs 19:17](/proverbs/19-17 "Proverbs 19:17 - Lending to the Poor is Lending to the LORD"): This verse sharply contrasts with the vile person's actions, emphasizing that showing kindness to the poor is an act of lending to the LORD, who will repay.
* [Matthew 25:42-43](/matthew/25-42 "Matthew 25:42-43 - Judgment of the Nations"): Jesus' teaching on caring for the hungry and thirsty directly parallels the deprivation caused by the vile person, underscoring the eternal consequences of neglecting those in need.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 32:6 offers a sobering mirror, challenging us to examine the condition of our own hearts and the impact of our words and actions. It warns against the insidious nature of hypocrisy and the devastating effects of spiritual and social injustice. For believers, this verse calls for deep self-reflection: Do our words and inner thoughts align with the truth of God, or do we harbor deceit and error? Are we actively seeking to fill the needs of the hungry and thirsty around us, both physically and spiritually, or are we, through neglect or active harm, contributing to their emptiness? The "vile person" is characterized by a deliberate turning away from God and neighbor; therefore, our application must involve a conscious turning towards God's truth and active compassion for others, recognizing that true faith is demonstrated by a life that uplifts and provides, rather than exploits and deprives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my own "heart work iniquity" or "practise hypocrisy" without me fully realizing it?**
* **How do my words and actions either "utter error against the LORD" or faithfully bear witness to His truth?**
* **Am I actively contributing to "making empty the soul of the hungry" or "causing the drink of the thirsty to fail" in my community, either through direct action or passive neglect?**
* **How can I more intentionally embody the character of the righteous king described in Isaiah 32:1-2, providing shelter, refreshment, and justice to those around me?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "vile person" described in Isaiah 32:6?**

Answer: The "vile person" (Hebrew: *nâbâl*) is not merely someone who commits vile acts, but rather a character whose entire being is morally corrupt and foolish. This term signifies an individual who is devoid of spiritual understanding and moral conscience, often acting impiously against God and cruelly against humanity. They are characterized by a deep-seated wickedness that manifests in deceptive speech, malicious intentions, and active oppression of the vulnerable. This person is the antithesis of the righteous leader and the just individual, embodying the moral decay that Isaiah condemns throughout his prophecy. Their actions are deliberate and harmful, reflecting an inner state of rebellion against divine truth and human compassion.

**How does this verse relate to modern societal issues of injustice and poverty?**

Answer: Isaiah 32:6 remains remarkably relevant to modern societal issues. The "vile person's" actions of "making empty the soul of the hungry" and "causing the drink of the thirsty to fail" are powerful metaphors for systemic injustices that perpetuate poverty, hunger, and lack of access to basic necessities. In contemporary society, this can manifest as economic exploitation, political corruption that diverts resources from the needy, the spread of misinformation that harms vulnerable populations, or a general societal indifference to suffering. The verse challenges us to identify and confront those forces—whether individual, corporate, or systemic—that actively deprive people of their fundamental rights and dignity, and to advocate for policies and practices that promote justice, equity, and compassion, echoing the biblical call to care for the least of these ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Whatever You Did for One of the Least of These")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 32:6, with its stark portrayal of the "vile person" who speaks villany, works iniquity, practices hypocrisy, utters error against the LORD, and deprives the hungry and thirsty, finds its ultimate contrast and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While human leaders and even entire societies fail, proving themselves to be "vile" in their actions and motives, Christ stands as the perfectly righteous King, foreshadowed in [Isaiah 32:1-2](/isaiah/32-1 "Isaiah 32:1-2 - The Righteous King and His Princes"). He is the one whose heart never worked iniquity, whose words were always truth, never uttering "error against the LORD" but always declaring the Father's will ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does What Pleases the Father")). Unlike the vile person who empties the soul, Jesus is the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") who satisfies the hungry and the [Living Water](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus, the Living Water") who quenches the thirsty, offering eternal sustenance and spiritual fulfillment ([John 7:37-38](/john/7-37 "John 7:37-38 - Rivers of Living Water")). His life and ministry were characterized by compassion for the marginalized and a relentless pursuit of justice, culminating in His self-sacrifice on the cross to atone for the very "iniquity" and "villany" described in this verse. Through Him, the reign of true righteousness and abundant provision, which the "vile person" actively denies, is ushered in, transforming hearts and bringing true life to those who were spiritually hungry and thirsty ([Matthew 5:6](/matthew/5-6 "Matthew 5:6 - Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness")).

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 15:19

For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

Matthew 23:13

¶ But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in [yourselves], neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

Acts 8:21

Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

Acts 8:22

Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

1 Samuel 24:13

As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.

Proverbs 11:24

¶ There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and [there is] that withholdeth more than is meet, but [it tendeth] to poverty.

Proverbs 11:26

¶ He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing [shall be] upon the head of him that selleth [it].