Isaiah 33:15

KJV

He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;

KJV (with Strong's)

He that walketh {H1980} righteously {H6666}, and speaketh {H1696} uprightly {H4339}; he that despiseth {H3988} the gain {H1215} of oppressions {H4642}, that shaketh {H5287} his hands {H3709} from holding {H8551} of bribes {H7810}, that stoppeth {H331} his ears {H241} from hearing {H8085} of blood {H1818}, and shutteth {H6105} his eyes {H5869} from seeing {H7200} evil {H7451};

Complete Jewish Bible

He whose life is right and whose speech is straight, he who scorns getting rich by extortion, he who shakes his hands free of bribes, stops his ears against talk of bloodshed and shuts his eyes against looking at evil.

Berean Standard Bible

He who walks righteously and speaks with sincerity, who refuses gain from extortion, whose hand never takes a bribe, who stops his ears against murderous plots and shuts his eyes tightly against evil—

American Standard Version

He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from taking a bribe, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from looking upon evil:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 33:15 stands as a profound answer to the preceding question of who can endure God's holy presence, painting a vivid portrait of the righteous individual. This verse meticulously outlines the moral and ethical qualities required to dwell securely with a holy God, emphasizing a comprehensive integrity that spans actions, words, and the disciplined guarding of one's senses against the corrupting influences of injustice, violence, and evil. It describes a person whose life is characterized by active righteousness and a steadfast rejection of all forms of illicit gain and moral compromise.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 33:15 is a direct response to the challenging question posed in [Isaiah 33:14](/isaiah/33-14 "Isaiah 33:14 - The Terrifying Question of God's Presence"): "Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?" This question, uttered by "the sinners in Zion" who are terrified by the prospect of God's judgment, sets the stage for the detailed description of the righteous in verse 15. The surrounding verses in [Isaiah 33](/isaiah/33 "Isaiah 33 - Judgment and Salvation") oscillate between pronouncements of judgment on Judah's oppressors (Assyria) and promises of divine deliverance and restoration for God's faithful people. Verse 15, therefore, serves as a crucial bridge, defining the character of those who will experience God's protection and blessing rather than His consuming wrath, leading into the assurances of security and provision found in [Isaiah 33:16](/isaiah/33-16 "Isaiah 33:16 - The Security of the Righteous").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Isaiah is set against the backdrop of significant geopolitical turmoil in the 8th century BCE, particularly the looming threat of the Assyrian Empire, which had already conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel and was menacing Judah. The Assyrian campaigns were marked by brutality, oppression, and a disregard for justice. Within Judah, there was often internal corruption, social injustice, and a tendency towards political alliances that compromised their trust in God. The prophet Isaiah consistently calls the people back to covenant faithfulness, emphasizing social justice, ethical leadership, and reliance on Yahweh alone. The descriptions in [Isaiah 33:15](/isaiah/33-15 "Isaiah 33:15 - The Character of the Righteous") reflect the societal ills of the time—bribery, oppression, and violence—and present a counter-cultural ideal of integrity that would distinguish God's true people from the corrupt nations and even from compromised elements within Judah itself.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Holiness and Divine Presence**, clarifying that only those who embody moral purity can endure the presence of a holy God, a concept deeply rooted in Old Testament theology (e.g., [Psalm 15](/psalms/15 "Psalm 15 - Who May Dwell on Your Holy Hill?")). Secondly, it highlights **Righteous Living and Integrity**, presenting a holistic picture of righteousness that encompasses outward actions ("walketh righteously," "speaketh uprightly") and inward moral discipline ("despiseth the gain of oppressions," "shaketh his hands from holding of bribes," "stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood," "shutteth his eyes from seeing evil"). This comprehensive integrity is a hallmark of true faithfulness, resonating with calls for justice and righteousness found throughout the prophets, such as in [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down"). Finally, the verse implicitly connects to the theme of **Divine Security and Blessing**, as the qualities described are the prerequisites for experiencing God's protection and provision, a promise explicitly stated in the subsequent [Isaiah 33:16](/isaiah/33-16 "The Blessings for the Upright").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Walketh (Hebrew, _hâlak'_):** This primitive root signifies not merely physical movement but a manner of life, a consistent pattern of behavior. When combined with "righteously," it denotes a continuous, habitual lifestyle of just and upright actions. It implies a journey or course of conduct that is consistently aligned with God's standards.
* **Despiseth (Hebrew, _mâʼaç'_):** This verb conveys a strong sense of spurning, abhorring, or utterly rejecting something. It's not a passive dislike but an active, decisive moral disgust for "the gain of oppressions." This word emphasizes a deep-seated revulsion for ill-gotten wealth, indicating a fundamental moral stance.
* **Evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** This broad term encompasses anything bad, wicked, harmful, or morally corrupt. It can refer to natural calamity or moral depravity. In this context, "seeing evil" refers to witnessing, contemplating, or being enticed by moral wickedness, injustice, or violence. The act of "shutteth his eyes" against it signifies a deliberate turning away from anything that would defile or corrupt.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly":** This opening clause establishes the foundational character of the righteous person, emphasizing both their actions and their words. "Walketh righteously" (literally "walks righteousnesses") denotes a consistent lifestyle marked by just deeds and moral integrity. "Speaketh uprightly" (literally "speaks straight things") refers to truthful, honest, and straightforward communication, free from deceit, manipulation, or crookedness. These two aspects cover the outward expression of one's character.
* **"he that despiseth the gain of oppressions":** This phrase targets a specific form of moral corruption: wealth acquired through injustice, exploitation, or coercion. The righteous person does not merely avoid such gain but actively "despiseth" it, indicating a deep moral revulsion and an unwillingness to profit from the suffering of others or from dishonest means.
* **"that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes":** This is a vivid idiom, portraying a decisive and complete refusal to accept illicit payments. The act of "shaking the hands" suggests casting off something defiling, like dirt or contamination, symbolizing a resolute rejection of corruption and compromise in financial or judicial matters.
* **"that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil":** These final two clauses emphasize the active guarding of one's senses and inner being from corrupting influences. "Hearing of blood" refers to refusing to listen to schemes of violence, murder, or bloodshed, or to gossip and slander that harm others. "Seeing evil" means deliberately turning away from witnessing or contemplating wickedness, injustice, or anything that would defile the mind or entice to sin. These are volitional acts of self-control and moral discipline, demonstrating a proactive pursuit of holiness.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 33:15 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message. The verse is structured as a series of **parallel clauses**, each describing a facet of the righteous person's character, creating a cumulative effect that builds a comprehensive portrait of integrity. The use of vivid **imagery** is prominent, particularly in phrases like "shaketh his hands from holding of bribes," which is a powerful **idiom** that concretely illustrates the decisive rejection of corruption. The actions of "stoppeth his ears" and "shutteth his eyes" are examples of **synecdoche**, where a part (ears, eyes) represents the whole person's deliberate moral choice to guard their inner life and avoid complicity with evil. Furthermore, the verse can be seen as a form of **merism**, where opposing or distinct parts (actions, words, rejection of gain, guarding of senses) are mentioned to represent a complete and total commitment to righteousness. This comprehensive description underscores that true integrity is not partial but holistic, encompassing every aspect of one's being and conduct.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 33:15 profoundly articulates the Old Testament's emphasis on practical righteousness as a prerequisite for dwelling in God's holy presence. It underscores that God's holiness demands a corresponding holiness in His people, not merely ritualistic observance but a deep-seated moral integrity that permeates every aspect of life. This verse highlights the inseparability of true faith from ethical conduct, affirming that genuine relationship with God is evidenced by a life actively pursuing justice, truth, and purity. The qualities described are not merely external behaviors but reflect an internal disposition that despises evil and actively chooses good, demonstrating a heart aligned with God's own character.

* [Psalm 15:1-5](/psalms/15-1 "Psalm 15:1-5 - Who May Dwell on Your Holy Hill?")
* [Psalm 24:3-4](/psalms/24-3 "Psalm 24:3-4 - Who Shall Ascend the Hill of the Lord?")
* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What Does the Lord Require?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 33:15 offers timeless and challenging principles for contemporary believers, calling us to a radical integrity that stands in stark contrast to a world often characterized by compromise and corruption. In an era saturated with information and temptations, the call to "stop one's ears from hearing of blood" and "shut one's eyes from seeing evil" is particularly poignant. This isn't a call to ignorance, but to discerning engagement and active moral discipline, choosing to turn away from content that promotes violence, immorality, or injustice, and instead focusing on what is pure and true. It compels us to examine our financial dealings, ensuring we despise ill-gotten gain and reject all forms of bribery or exploitation. Ultimately, this verse reminds us that our walk with God is not merely about belief, but about a consistent, holistic lifestyle of righteousness that aligns our actions, words, and even our internal desires with His holy character, making us fit to dwell in His presence and be His witnesses in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life (personal, professional, digital) do you need to more actively "walk righteously" and "speak uprightly"?**
* **How do you actively "despise the gain of oppressions" in a consumer-driven society? What practical steps can you take to ensure your economic choices reflect justice?**
* **What specific "blood" (violence, gossip, slander) or "evil" (immorality, injustice) are you allowing into your ears and eyes through media or conversations, and how can you more intentionally "stop" and "shut" them off?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply salvation by works?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply salvation by works in the New Testament sense of earning God's favor through human effort. Instead, it describes the *character* and *lifestyle* that naturally flow from a genuine relationship with a holy God. In the Old Testament covenant, righteousness was the expected response of a people who had already been chosen and redeemed by God's grace (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:6-8](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6-8 - God's Chosen People")). The qualities listed in [Isaiah 33:15](/isaiah/33-15 "Isaiah 33:15 - The Character of the Righteous") are the fruit of a heart devoted to Yahweh, demonstrating that one truly belongs to Him and is fit to dwell in His holy presence, as opposed to those who are consumed by His "devouring fire" (cf. [Isaiah 33:14](/isaiah/33-14 "Isaiah 33:14 - The Terrifying Question of God's Presence")). It's a description of *who* the righteous person is, not *how* they become righteous in the first place.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 33:15, while describing the ideal righteous person in the Old Covenant, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He alone perfectly "walked righteously" and "spoke uprightly," embodying absolute moral integrity in every thought, word, and deed (cf. [1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinless Life")). Jesus utterly "despised the gain of oppressions," consistently challenging the corrupt religious and political systems of His day that exploited the vulnerable (e.g., [Matthew 21:12-13](/matthew/21-12 "Matthew 21:12-13 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")). He never "held bribes" or succumbed to any form of temptation, even when offered all the kingdoms of the world (cf. [Matthew 4:8-10](/matthew/4-8 "Matthew 4:8-10 - The Temptation of Jesus")). Furthermore, Christ perfectly "stopped His ears from hearing of blood" in the sense of refusing to participate in or condone violence, and "shut His eyes from seeing evil" by resisting all sin, even to the point of death on the cross (cf. [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")). For believers, this verse points to the righteousness of Christ imputed to us through faith (cf. [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")), enabling us to stand before a holy God. Moreover, as we are united with Christ, the Holy Spirit empowers us to progressively live out the very righteousness described here, becoming imitators of Him who perfectly fulfilled every demand of God's law (cf. [Ephesians 5:1-2](/ephesians/5-1 "Ephesians 5:1-2 - Imitators of God")). Thus, Isaiah 33:15 is both a testament to Christ's perfect life and a call to Christ-like living for those who are 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

Psalms 119:37

¶ Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; [and] quicken thou me in thy way.

1 John 3:7

Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

Ephesians 5:11

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove [them].

Ephesians 5:13

But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.

Psalms 1:1

¶ Blessed [is] the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

Psalms 1:3

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Titus 2:11

¶ For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,