Isaiah 33:1

KJV

¶ Woe to thee that spoilest, and thou [wast] not spoiled; and dealest treacherously, and they dealt not treacherously with thee! when thou shalt cease to spoil, thou shalt be spoiled; [and] when thou shalt make an end to deal treacherously, they shall deal treacherously with thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Woe {H1945} to thee that spoilest {H7703}, and thou wast not spoiled {H7703}; and dealest treacherously {H898}, and they dealt not treacherously {H898} with thee! when thou shalt cease {H8552} to spoil {H7703}, thou shalt be spoiled {H7703}; and when thou shalt make an end {H5239} to deal treacherously {H898}, they shall deal treacherously {H898} with thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

Woe, destroyer, yourself undestroyed! Woe, betrayer, yourself unbetrayed! When you stop destroying, you will be destroyed; when you tire of betraying, they will betray you.

Berean Standard Bible

Woe to you, O destroyer never destroyed, O traitor never betrayed! When you have finished destroying, you will be destroyed. When you have finished betraying, you will be betrayed.

American Standard Version

Woe to thee that destroyest, and thou wast not destroyed; and dealest treacherously, and they dealt not treacherously with thee! When thou hast ceased to destroy, thou shalt be destroyed; and when thou hast made an end of dealing treacherously, they shall deal treacherously with thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 33:1 delivers a potent prophetic declaration of divine judgment against an oppressive and treacherous nation, likely Assyria. It pronounces a "woe" upon the spoiler who has acted with unprovoked aggression and deceit, promising a dramatic reversal of fortunes: the very plundering and betrayal inflicted upon others will ultimately be repaid upon the oppressor. This verse underscores God's unwavering commitment to justice, revealing a foundational principle of divine retribution where actions, whether righteous or wicked, inevitably return to the doer.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 33 opens a new and distinct section within the book of Isaiah, following a series of "woe" oracles and prophecies concerning various nations (chapters 13-23) and a significant section on Jerusalem's deliverance and future glory (chapters 24-27). Specifically, chapters 28-33 deal with the pervasive Assyrian threat and Judah's ill-advised reliance on human alliances rather than on God's divine protection. Chapter 32 speaks of a future righteous king and the transformative outpouring of the Spirit, which sets a hopeful, yet contrasting, backdrop for chapter 33. The "woe" pronounced in [Isaiah 33:1](/isaiah/33-1 "Isaiah 33:1 - Woe to the Spoiler") serves as a sharp and immediate confrontation of the Assyrian oppressor, establishing a somber tone that contrasts with the preceding promises of peace and justice, thereby setting the stage for a dramatic shift in divine intervention and the ultimate vindication of God's people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Isaiah 33:1 is the late 8th century BCE, a period dominated by the formidable and ruthless Assyrian Empire. Under kings like Sennacherib, Assyria was renowned for its brutal military campaigns, systematic plundering of conquered territories, and a notorious disregard for treaties and covenants. Judah, under King Hezekiah, found itself in a precarious position, having rebelled against Assyrian suzerainty. The Assyrian siege of Jerusalem (recorded in [2 Kings 18-19](/2_kings/18 "2 Kings 18-19 - Hezekiah's Reign and Assyrian Invasion") and [Isaiah 36-37](/isaiah/36 "Isaiah 36-37 - Sennacherib's Invasion")) is the immediate historical crisis to which this prophecy speaks. The "spoiler" and "treacherous dealer" unequivocally refer to Assyria, whose actions violated both international norms and divine justice, prompting this prophetic condemnation as a declaration of God's impending judgment upon their unrighteousness.
* **Key Themes:** [Isaiah 33:1](/isaiah/33-1 "Isaiah 33:1 - Woe to the Spoiler") contributes significantly to several major themes found throughout the book of Isaiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully articulates **Divine Justice and Retribution**, asserting that God is not passive in the face of unrighteousness but actively ensures that oppressors face consequences mirroring their actions. This reflects the broader biblical principle of "sowing and reaping," as seen in passages like [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping"). Secondly, it highlights **God's Sovereignty Over Nations**, demonstrating that even the most powerful empires are ultimately subject to His will and judgment, reinforcing the idea that "the Most High rules the kingdom of mankind" ([Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")). Thirdly, the verse underscores the **Consequences of Treachery and Deceit**, emphasizing that broken trust and faithless dealings incur divine wrath, a theme consistent with God's covenantal faithfulness and His abhorrence of injustice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Woe (Hebrew, _hôwy'_):** This exclamation is a strong prophetic interjection, often signifying a lament, a cry of distress, or a formal pronouncement of impending judgment and disaster. In [Isaiah 33:1](/isaiah/33-1 "Isaiah 33:1 - Woe to the Spoiler"), it sets a somber and serious tone, indicating a divine curse or a declaration of inevitable doom for the specified recipient. It is not merely an expression of sorrow but a formal pronouncement of calamity that is sure to come.
* **spoilest (Hebrew, _shâdad'_):** This term conveys the idea of violent destruction, devastation, and plundering. It depicts the ruthless and aggressive nature of the oppressor, highlighting their actions of laying waste, robbing, and utterly destroying. The use of this verb emphasizes the physical and material devastation wrought by the nation in question, often without provocation or justification.
* **dealest treacherously (Hebrew, _bâgad'_):** This word signifies acting deceitfully, faithlessly, or violating covenants and agreements. It speaks to a profound moral failing, encompassing betrayal and a breach of trust. In the context of international relations, it would refer to breaking treaties, making false promises, or acting with insidious intent, going beyond mere physical conquest to encompass moral corruption and a profound lack of integrity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Woe to thee that spoilest, and thou wast not spoiled; and dealest treacherously, and they dealt not treacherously with thee!":** This opening clause identifies the target of the "woe" – a nation characterized by unprovoked aggression and deceit. The parallel structure emphasizes their unilateral actions: they plunder others without having been plundered themselves, and they betray without having been betrayed. This highlights their unrighteousness and the profound injustice of their actions, acting without reciprocal provocation or prior injury.
* **"when thou shalt cease to spoil, thou shalt be spoiled;":** This segment introduces the principle of divine retribution and reversal. It declares that the moment the oppressor stops their plundering, or perhaps when their allotted time for such actions expires, they will themselves become the victim of plundering. This is a direct, proportional judgment, turning their own destructive methods back upon them, demonstrating God's perfect justice.
* **"and when thou shalt make an end to deal treacherously, they shall deal treacherously with thee.":** Completing the parallelism, this clause reiterates the principle of reciprocity for the oppressor's deceitful actions. When their period of treachery concludes, or when they exhaust their capacity for it, they will experience the very betrayal they inflicted upon others. This promises a just recompense for their faithless dealings, ensuring that their moral failings will boomerang back to them with divine precision.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 33:1 is rich in literary artistry, primarily employing **Chiasm** and **Retribution Theology**. The verse exhibits a clear chiastic structure (A-B-B'-A'), where the initial actions of "spoiling" and "dealing treacherously" (A and B) are reversed in the consequences, with the oppressor being "spoiled" and "dealt treacherously with" (B' and A'). This chiastic arrangement powerfully emphasizes the principle of divine reversal and perfect justice, creating a sense of inescapable destiny for the unrighteous. Furthermore, the entire verse is an embodiment of **Retribution Theology**, which posits that God repays individuals and nations according to their deeds. The direct, mirroring consequences ("thou shalt be spoiled" for "thou spoilest"; "they shall deal treacherously with thee" for "thou dealest treacherously") underscore this theological principle, asserting that God's justice ensures that oppressors will ultimately reap what they have sown. The use of **Irony** is also present, as the very methods of the oppressor become the means of their downfall, highlighting the futility and self-defeating nature of unrighteous power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 33:1 serves as a profound theological statement on God's active involvement in human history and His unwavering commitment to justice. It asserts that divine patience is not infinite and that unchecked wickedness will inevitably meet with a just recompense. This principle of divine retribution is not merely punitive but restorative, ensuring that the scales of justice are ultimately balanced. It offers a powerful assurance to the oppressed that their suffering is seen and that their oppressors will not escape accountability, thereby upholding God's righteous character as the sovereign ruler over all nations.

* [Psalm 7:16](/psalm/7-16 "Psalm 7:16 - The Wicked's Own Mischief")
* [Obadiah 1:15](/obadiah/1-15 "Obadiah 1:15 - The Day of the Lord Against Edom")
* [Revelation 13:10](/revelation/13-10 "Revelation 13:10 - Captivity and the Sword")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 33:1 offers timeless wisdom for both individuals and nations, serving as a stark reminder that actions have consequences, and no one is exempt from the ultimate accountability before God. It challenges us to examine our own conduct, urging us away from exploitation, deceit, and the abuse of power, and towards integrity, justice, and faithfulness. For those who feel oppressed or witness injustice, this verse provides a profound source of hope and assurance: God sees, God hears, and God will act. It encourages steadfast trust in His sovereign justice, even when human systems of justice fail or seem slow or inadequate. Ultimately, it calls us to align our lives with God's righteous character, understanding that true security and flourishing come not from earthly power or cunning, but from living justly and faithfully in His sight.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of "sowing and reaping" in this verse challenge my own daily actions and decisions?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to act "treacherously" or "spoil" others, even in subtle ways, and how can I resist these temptations?**
* **How can I maintain hope and trust in God's justice when I witness pervasive injustice in the world today, and what is my role in seeking justice?**

### FAQ

**Who is the "thee" being addressed in Isaiah 33:1?**

Answer: While the prophecy is broadly applicable to any oppressor, the primary historical "thee" in [Isaiah 33:1](/isaiah/33-1 "Isaiah 33:1 - Woe to the Spoiler") is overwhelmingly understood to be the Assyrian Empire. Assyria was the dominant and ruthless superpower of Isaiah's time, notorious for its unprovoked military aggression, systematic plundering of conquered nations, and blatant breaking of treaties. The prophet's "woe" is a direct condemnation of their specific actions against Judah and other nations, promising divine retribution for their unchecked power and deceit.

**What does "dealest treacherously" imply in this context?**

Answer: "Dealing treacherously" (Hebrew: *bâgad*) implies a profound breach of trust, a violation of agreements, and an act of faithlessness. In the context of ancient Near Eastern international relations, it would refer to breaking treaties, making false promises, or engaging in insidious plots against allies or even conquered peoples. It highlights a moral failing beyond mere physical conquest, emphasizing the deceit and unreliability of the oppressor. This treachery is contrasted with the fact that no one had acted treacherously towards them, underscoring the unprovoked and morally reprehensible nature of their actions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 33:1, with its stark declaration of divine judgment against the spoiler and treacherous dealer, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the immediate context points to the defeat of earthly oppressors like Assyria, the deeper theological principle of divine justice and the reversal of fortunes culminates in Christ's redemptive work. Jesus, the ultimate "Lamb of God" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), was "spoiled" and "dealt treacherously with" by humanity's sin and the forces of darkness, yet through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, He utterly spoiled the true spoiler – Satan, and all the powers of evil ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). The one who seemed to have the upper hand, the "prince of this world" ([John 12:31](/john/12-31 "John 12:31 - Judgment of the World")), was decisively defeated. Furthermore, Christ's second coming will bring the final, cosmic fulfillment of this verse, as He will judge all nations and bring an absolute end to all injustice and treachery, establishing His righteous kingdom where "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore" ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Sorrow")). Thus, the promise of retribution against the spoiler is ultimately realized in the triumph of God's perfect justice through Christ, offering profound hope for a world where all wrongs are made eternally right.

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 7:2

For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

Isaiah 24:16

¶ From the uttermost part of the earth have we heard songs, [even] glory to the righteous. But I said, My leanness, my leanness, woe unto me! the treacherous dealers have dealt treacherously; yea, the treacherous dealers have dealt very treacherously.

Isaiah 10:12

Wherefore it shall come to pass, [that] when the Lord hath performed his whole work upon mount Zion and on Jerusalem, I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks.

Obadiah 1:10

¶ For [thy] violence against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever.

Obadiah 1:16

For as ye have drunk upon my holy mountain, [so] shall all the heathen drink continually, yea, they shall drink, and they shall swallow down, and they shall be as though they had not been.

Revelation 17:17

For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.

Isaiah 21:2

A grievous vision is declared unto me; the treacherous dealer dealeth treacherously, and the spoiler spoileth. Go up, O Elam: besiege, O Media; all the sighing thereof have I made to cease.