Isaiah 48:1

KJV

¶ Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of the LORD, and make mention of the God of Israel, [but] not in truth, nor in righteousness.

KJV (with Strong's)

Hear {H8085} ye this, O house {H1004} of Jacob {H3290}, which are called {H7121} by the name {H8034} of Israel {H3478}, and are come forth {H3318} out of the waters {H4325} of Judah {H3063}, which swear {H7650} by the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068}, and make mention {H2142} of the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, but not in truth {H571}, nor in righteousness {H6666}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Listen to this, house of Ya'akov, called by the name of Isra'el, who have come from the spring of Y'hudah, who swear by the name of ADONAI and invoke the God of Isra'el! - it is not sincerely or justifiably

Berean Standard Bible

“Listen to this, O house of Jacob, you who are called by the name of Israel, who have descended from the line of Judah, who swear by the name of the LORD, who invoke the God of Israel— but not in truth or righteousness—

American Standard Version

Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, who are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah; who swear by the name of Jehovah, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 48:1 serves as a stark divine indictment against the nation of Israel, specifically addressing the descendants of Jacob and Judah. Despite their privileged lineage and outward religious observance—swearing by the name of the LORD and mentioning the God of Israel—the verse exposes their profound spiritual hypocrisy, declaring that their worship and conduct are "not in truth, nor in righteousness." This opening sets the stage for a chapter that contrasts God's unwavering faithfulness and foreknowledge with Israel's stubborn rebellion and spiritual blindness, revealing His sovereign plan for their redemption despite their unworthiness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 48:1 initiates the final major section of the "Book of Consolation" (Isaiah 40-55), a segment primarily focused on God's promise of deliverance from Babylonian exile and the restoration of His people. Chapter 48 specifically serves as a powerful summary and concluding argument to the preceding chapters, which have emphasized God's unique sovereignty, His ability to declare the future, and His role as the only true God. This verse immediately confronts the audience, reminding them of their identity and heritage, yet simultaneously highlighting their spiritual failure, thereby justifying the coming judgment and the necessity of God's redemptive intervention, which will be carried out not for their sake, but for His own name's glory (cf. [Isaiah 48:9-11](/isaiah/48-9 "Isaiah 48:9-11 - God's Purpose in Redemption")). The ensuing verses continue to unfold God's past warnings and future plans, underscoring Israel's stubbornness and God's steadfastness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Isaiah 48 is primarily directed towards the Jewish exiles in Babylon, or those facing the imminent threat of exile. After generations of persistent idolatry, social injustice, and covenant unfaithfulness, the northern kingdom of Israel had fallen to Assyria (722 BC), and the southern kingdom of Judah was soon to experience the Babylonian captivity (586 BC). In this context, the exiles might have clung to their national and religious identity as a source of false security, believing their mere lineage or outward rituals would protect them. The phrase "waters of Judah" might allude to their origin from the tribal territory or even a metaphorical reference to their "springing forth" from the nation's spiritual and physical foundations. The practice of "swearing by the name of the LORD" was a common covenantal act, but in this case, it had become a hollow formality, devoid of genuine commitment, reflecting a widespread problem of syncretism and hypocrisy in Israel's religious life.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces and reinforces several crucial themes prevalent throughout Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, **Spiritual Hypocrisy** is paramount, as Israel's outward religious observance is sharply contrasted with their inward lack of "truth" and "righteousness." This theme resonates with later prophetic critiques, such as those found in [Amos 5:21-24](/amos/5-21 "Amos 5:21-24 - God Despises Empty Worship") or [Malachi 1:6-8](/malachi/1-6 "Malachi 1:6-8 - Priests Despise God's Name"), and ultimately finds its echo in Jesus's condemnations of the Pharisees' superficial piety (e.g., [Matthew 23:27-28](/matthew/23-27 "Matthew 23:27-28 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Covenant Relationship and Israel's Unfaithfulness**. By addressing them as "house of Jacob" and "Israel," God emphasizes their unique status as His chosen people, yet their actions demonstrate a profound breach of the covenant, necessitating divine discipline. Finally, the passage underscores **God's Unwavering Standard of Righteousness**. Despite Israel's failure, God's demand for genuine faith, moral integrity, and sincere worship remains absolute, setting the stage for His redemptive plan which will proceed not because of Israel's merit, but because of His own holy character and commitment to His name.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jacob (Hebrew, _Yaʻăqôb'_):** From H6117 (`ʻâqab`), meaning "heel-catcher" or "supplanter." This name, originally given to the patriarch Jacob, symbolizes the nation's historical identity and their often-deceitful or struggling nature. In this context, it evokes their ancestral lineage and the covenant God made with their forefather, yet ironically points to their current state of spiritual wrestling and unfaithfulness, mirroring the very character of their namesake.
* **Truth (Hebrew, _ʼemeth'_):** From H539 (`ʼâman`), meaning "stability," "certainty," "trustworthiness," and "verity." This word signifies not merely factual accuracy but also faithfulness, sincerity, and reliability in character and action. When God declares Israel acts "not in truth," it implies a profound lack of integrity, sincerity, and faithfulness in their relationship with Him, indicating their religious practices are hollow and unreliable.
* **Righteousness (Hebrew, _tsᵉdâqâh'_):** From H6663 (`tsâdaq`), meaning "rightness (abstractly)," "rectitude," "justice," and "virtue." This term encompasses moral uprightness, adherence to God's just standards, and ethical conduct. To act "not in righteousness" means Israel's behavior and decisions are not aligned with God's divine law and moral character, demonstrating a systemic failure in their covenant obligations and a departure from the justice and equity God requires of His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel,"**: This opening serves as a direct, authoritative summons from God to His covenant people. "House of Jacob" and "Israel" are synonymous terms emphasizing their national and spiritual identity, reminding them of their unique relationship with God established through their patriarchs. The command "Hear ye this" underscores the urgency and importance of the message that follows, demanding their attention to God's impending revelation and rebuke.
* **"and are come forth out of the waters of Judah,"**: This phrase further specifies the audience as the descendants of the tribe of Judah, the royal tribe from which the Davidic line and eventually the Messiah would come. "Waters of Judah" is a metaphorical expression, likely referring to their origin, lineage, or the very source of their national identity and existence, rooted in the historical and geographical reality of Judah. It highlights their deep heritage and the rich spiritual legacy they have inherited, yet failed to uphold.
* **"which swear by the name of the LORD, and make mention of the God of Israel,"**: This clause describes Israel's outward religious practices. "Swearing by the name of the LORD" (Yahweh, H3068) indicates a formal acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and a public declaration of allegiance, often accompanying oaths or covenants. "Make mention of the God of Israel" (Elohim, H430) refers to their verbal recognition of God in their prayers, praises, and public discourse. These actions, in isolation, appear to be acts of piety and devotion, acknowledging God's unique identity among the nations.
* **"[but] not in truth, nor in righteousness."**: This concluding phrase delivers the devastating indictment, revealing the hollowness of their outward religiosity. Despite their lineage and verbal affirmations, their hearts and lives are devoid of genuine sincerity ("truth," H571) and moral integrity ("righteousness," H6666). Their worship is a mere formality, their oaths empty, and their lives do not reflect the character of the God they claim to serve. This exposes their spiritual hypocrisy, which is the central problem God addresses in this chapter.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 48:1 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Apostrophe** is immediately evident as the prophet directly addresses "O house of Jacob," "Israel," and "Judah," creating a personal and confrontational tone that demands the audience's attention. This direct address underscores the personal nature of God's complaint against His people. **Metonymy** is also present in the phrases "house of Jacob" and "waters of Judah," where "house" and "waters" stand in for the people, descendants, or the very essence of the nation. This device connects the current generation to their historical and ancestral roots, emphasizing their identity as God's chosen, yet rebellious, people. Most significantly, the verse utilizes **Juxtaposition** by placing Israel's outward religious profession ("swear by the name of the LORD, and make mention of the God of Israel") in stark contrast with their inward spiritual reality ("not in truth, nor in righteousness"). This sharp contrast highlights the profound spiritual hypocrisy of the nation, setting the thematic tension for the entire chapter and revealing the chasm between their declared faith and their actual conduct.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 48:1 profoundly addresses the theological problem of spiritual hypocrisy and the nature of true worship. It reveals that God is not satisfied with mere lip service or outward religious performance if the heart is far from Him and if one's life does not reflect genuine truth and righteousness. This verse underscores God's absolute standard for His covenant people, demanding not just ritual adherence but a transformed life characterized by integrity, justice, and sincere devotion. It highlights the tension between Israel's privileged identity as God's chosen nation and their consistent failure to live up to the responsibilities of that covenant. This failure necessitates divine intervention and judgment, yet paradoxically, it also sets the stage for God to act for His own name's sake, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness despite His people's unfaithfulness.

* [Matthew 15:8](/matthew/15-8 "Hypocrisy Condemned")
* [Titus 1:16](/titus/1-16 "Professing God but Denying Him by Works")
* [Psalm 51:6](/psalms/51-6 "God Desires Truth in the Inward Being")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 48:1 serves as a timeless mirror, inviting believers today to engage in profound self-examination regarding the authenticity of their faith. It challenges us to move beyond superficial religious practices or inherited spiritual identities and to cultivate a genuine, heartfelt relationship with God that is reflected in our daily lives. Are our prayers, worship, and declarations of faith accompanied by integrity, sincerity, and a commitment to living righteously? This verse reminds us that God desires truth in our innermost being and a life that aligns with His character, not just outward conformity. It calls us to consider whether our faith is merely nominal—a cultural or familial inheritance—or a vibrant, transformative relationship that impacts our ethics, our relationships, and our deepest motivations. True worship is not about going through the motions but about a heart fully surrendered to God, seeking to honor Him in spirit and in truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might my outward religious practice not align with my inward truth or righteousness?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sincerity and integrity in my faith, moving beyond mere ritual or tradition?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to ensure my daily actions reflect my professed devotion to God?**
* **How does the concept of "truth" and "righteousness" in this verse challenge my understanding of what God truly desires from me?**

### FAQ
**What does "out of the waters of Judah" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "out of the waters of Judah" is a metaphorical expression referring to the lineage and origin of the people addressed. It signifies that they are descendants of the tribe of Judah, the primary tribe of the southern kingdom and the one from which the Davidic monarchy and the Messianic line would come. It emphasizes their deep historical and ancestral connection to God's chosen people, underscoring their heritage and the covenant promises associated with Judah, even as they are rebuked for their unfaithfulness.

**Why is it significant that they "swear by the name of the LORD" but "not in truth, nor in righteousness"?**

Answer: This contrast highlights the profound spiritual hypocrisy of Israel. Swearing by the name of the LORD (Yahweh) was a solemn act, a public declaration of allegiance and a recognition of God's authority. However, doing so "not in truth, nor in righteousness" means their oaths and religious professions were empty rituals, devoid of genuine sincerity (truth) and moral uprightness (righteousness). It indicates a chasm between their outward religious performance and their inward spiritual condition, demonstrating a lack of true devotion and a failure to live according to God's covenant standards, a problem frequently addressed by the prophets (e.g., [Jeremiah 7:4-11](/jeremiah/7-4 "Jeremiah 7:4-11 - False Confidence in the Temple")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 48:1, with its scathing indictment of Israel's spiritual hypocrisy, sets the stage for the ultimate necessity of a true Israel, a perfectly righteous one who would fulfill God's standards. Israel, called by God's name, swore by the LORD, and made mention of Him, yet did so "not in truth, nor in righteousness." This profound failure points directly to Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of all truth and righteousness. He is the true Israel, the faithful Son of God who perfectly fulfilled the Law and lived a life of absolute integrity and moral uprightness, unlike the nation of Israel (cf. [Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Jesus Fulfills All Righteousness")). Where Israel failed to live in truth and righteousness, Jesus perfectly exemplified both, not only in His life but also in His atoning death, becoming the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through Him, a new covenant is established, enabling believers to worship God "in spirit and truth" (cf. [John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - True Worshipers")) and to be clothed in His righteousness (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, Israel's failure in Isaiah 48:1 underscores the profound need for a Savior who would perfectly embody God's truth and righteousness, making genuine relationship with God possible for all who believe.

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

Jeremiah 4:2

And thou shalt swear, The LORD liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.

Psalms 68:26

Bless ye God in the congregations, [even] the Lord, from the fountain of Israel.

Isaiah 65:16

That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes.

Genesis 32:28

And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

Matthew 15:8

This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with [their] lips; but their heart is far from me.

Matthew 15:9

But in vain they do worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men.

Deuteronomy 6:13

Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.