Isaiah 5:15

KJV

And the mean man shall be brought down, and the mighty man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the mean man {H120} shall be brought down {H7817}, and the mighty man {H376} shall be humbled {H8213}, and the eyes {H5869} of the lofty {H1364} shall be humbled {H8213}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The masses are lowered, the nobles are humbled - proud looks will be brought down.

Berean Standard Bible

So mankind will be brought low, and each man humbled; the arrogant will lower their eyes.

American Standard Version

And the mean man is bowed down, and the great man is humbled, and the eyes of the lofty are humbled:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 5:15 serves as a potent prophetic declaration of impending divine judgment, asserting that every segment of Judahite society—from the most common individual to the most powerful and arrogant elite—will be utterly abased. This verse functions as a climactic summation within a series of "woes" pronounced against the nation's profound moral and spiritual corruption, emphatically stating that no human status, perceived strength, or haughty demeanor can withstand the impartial and inevitable justice of God. It powerfully underscores the radical reversal of fortunes that accompanies a nation's departure from righteousness, highlighting God's absolute sovereignty over all human pride and societal structures.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 5:15 is strategically positioned within a chapter that constitutes a scathing indictment against the kingdom of Judah and Jerusalem. It immediately follows the poignant "Song of the Vineyard" in [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1-7 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Parable of the Vineyard"), an allegory depicting Israel as God's carefully cultivated vineyard that, tragically, yields only "wild grapes" of injustice and unrighteousness instead of the expected fruit of justice. This profound failure sets the stage for a series of six "woes" (beginning at [Isaiah 5:8](/isaiah/5-8 "Isaiah 5:8 - Woe to the Greedy")) pronounced against specific societal sins: covetousness and land accumulation, drunkenness and revelry, defying God's work, moral perversion and calling evil good, self-conceit and intellectual arrogance, and perverting justice for the wicked while denying it to the righteous. Verse 15, alongside verse 16, acts as a pivotal summary judgment, illustrating the comprehensive and inescapable nature of God's impending wrath, which will humble all who have exalted themselves. The subsequent verses continue to detail the devastating consequences of this judgment, including famine, exile, and desolation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophetic ministry of Isaiah unfolded during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (approximately 740-681 BC). This era was characterized by significant political instability, the menacing rise of the Assyrian Empire, and a pervasive moral and spiritual decline within Judah itself. Despite outward religious observance and temple rituals, the nation was deeply corrupted by social injustice, widespread idolatry, and a deep-seated arrogance that manifested in their blatant disregard for God's covenant law and the systemic oppression of the poor and vulnerable. The "mean man" (commoner), "mighty man" (powerful leader, warrior, or influential figure), and "lofty" (arrogant elite, often those in positions of authority or wealth) represent the entire spectrum of Judahite society. All these groups, through their collective sin and pride, had contributed to the nation's spiritual decay. The judgment described in this verse was not merely a spiritual concept but would manifest in tangible historical events, such as military defeat, economic collapse, and the eventual exile, serving as a stark warning to a people who had grown complacent in their covenant relationship with Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent in the book of Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Central among these is the theme of **Divine Judgment**, where God actively intervenes in human history to bring justice and accountability, particularly when His covenant people stray from His ways. This judgment is frequently depicted as the "Day of the Lord," a time of reckoning where human pride is utterly abased and God's holiness and righteousness are unequivocally vindicated, as vividly portrayed in [Isaiah 2:12-17](/isaiah/2-12-17 "Isaiah 2:12-17 - The Day of the Lord and the Humbling of Pride"). Closely related is the **Humbling of Human Pride**, a recurring and foundational motif throughout Scripture. Isaiah consistently warns against the dangers of arrogance, self-exaltation, and reliance on human strength, emphasizing that God fundamentally opposes the proud but extends grace to the humble, a truth echoed in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before Destruction"). Finally, the verse powerfully highlights the **Impartiality of God's Justice**, demonstrating that social status, wealth, power, or any other earthly distinction offers no immunity from divine accountability. Whether "mean" or "mighty," all stand equally subject to the divine standard, reflecting the universal truth found in [Romans 2:11](/romans/2-11 "Romans 2:11 - God Shows No Partiality").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **mean man (Hebrew, _ʼâdâm'_):** This term (H120) refers to a human being, individual, or mankind in general. In this specific context, it often denotes the common person, or one of "low degree," contrasting with the "mighty man." Its inclusion emphasizes the universal scope of God's judgment, reaching even the most ordinary individual and every level of society, signifying that no one is exempt from divine accountability.
* **lofty (Hebrew, _gâbôahh'_):** This word (H1364) describes something or someone elevated, high, or exalted. Figuratively, it powerfully conveys the idea of arrogance, pride, or haughtiness. When specifically applied to "eyes," as it is here, it speaks to a proud demeanor, a look that exudes self-importance, disdain for others, or defiance toward God. The humbling of the "eyes of the lofty" signifies the utter crushing of this arrogant spirit, perspective, and outward manifestation of pride.
* **humbled (Hebrew, _shâphêl'_):** This primitive root (H8213) means to depress, sink, or bring low. While it can refer to a physical lowering, its use here is profoundly figurative, denoting humiliation, debasement, or abasement. Its powerful repetition within the verse ("shall be humbled... shall be humbled") serves to intensely emphasize the certainty, totality, and inescapable nature of the divine action to bring down all those who have exalted themselves in pride.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the mean man shall be brought down":** This opening clause declares that even the common person, the one of ordinary standing or "low degree" (Hebrew _ʼâdâm'_ H120), will not be exempt from the impending judgment. The phrase "shall be brought down" (Hebrew _shâchach'_, H7817) signifies a profound sinking, bowing, or depression, indicating a severe loss of status, security, or even life itself. It powerfully underscores the pervasive reach of God's judgment across all segments of society, leaving no one untouched.
* **"and the mighty man shall be humbled":** This parallel clause shifts focus to those of power, influence, or strength (Hebrew _ʼîysh'_ H376, referring to a man, often a person of significance or authority). The term "shall be humbled" (Hebrew _shâphêl'_, H8213) here emphasizes the debasement, abasement, and utter humiliation of those who once held authority, commanded respect, or relied on their own might. It unequivocally highlights that no human strength, position, or influence can stand against the sovereign hand of God's justice.
* **"and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled":** This final and climactic clause specifically targets the proud and arrogant. "Lofty" (Hebrew _gâbôahh'_, H1364) refers to those who are elevated in their own estimation, characterized by haughtiness and self-exaltation. The "eyes" (Hebrew _ʻayin'_, H5869) are a potent biblical symbol of one's perspective, pride, outward demeanor, and the very window to the soul. To have their "eyes humbled" means that their arrogant gaze, their self-exalted perspective, their disdainful look, and their entire prideful bearing will be utterly crushed and brought low. This emphasizes the deep spiritual and psychological dimension of the judgment, directly targeting the very root and outward manifestation of their sin.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 5:15 masterfully employs several **Literary Devices** to convey its profound and inescapable message of judgment. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically a combination of **Synonymous Parallelism** and **Climactic Parallelism**. The second and third clauses ("the mighty man shall be humbled," "the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled") reiterate and intensify the meaning of the first ("the mean man shall be brought down"). This repetition underscores the universality and certainty of the judgment, affecting all social classes and escalating in its focus from general abasement to the specific crushing of pride. The use of **Merism** is also evident, as "mean man" and "mighty man" represent the two extremes of the social spectrum (the lowest and the highest), thereby encompassing everyone in between and emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's judgment. Furthermore, the phrase "eyes of the lofty" employs **Synecdoche**, where a part (eyes) represents the whole (the proud person or their proud demeanor), effectively highlighting the source and manifestation of their arrogance. The overall tone is one of stark **Prophetic Declaration**, emphasizing the dramatic, inescapable, and absolute nature of God's justice, ensuring that no one, regardless of their status, can escape the consequences of their sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 5:15 stands as a profound theological statement on God's character as a righteous and impartial judge who will not tolerate unrepentant pride, injustice, and rebellion. It reveals that divine judgment is not arbitrary or capricious but an inevitable and just consequence of humanity's persistent defiance against His holy standards and covenant demands. This comprehensive humbling of all human authority, perceived strength, and inherent arrogance serves to unequivocally exalt God alone, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over all creation and the affairs of humankind. The leveling of all social distinctions in judgment powerfully underscores God's impartiality, a foundational truth that permeates biblical theology, reminding us that all stand equally accountable before Him, irrespective of earthly status, wealth, or power.

* [Isaiah 2:11](/isaiah/2-11 "Isaiah 2:11 - Human Pride Humbled")
* [Proverbs 29:23](/proverbs/29-23 "Proverbs 29:23 - Humility Leads to Honor")
* [Luke 14:11](/luke/14-11 "Luke 14:11 - The Exaltation of the Humble")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 5:15 offers a timeless and profoundly sobering reflection for all generations. It serves as a powerful reminder that human pride—whether manifested in personal arrogance, societal status, nationalistic hubris, or self-sufficiency—is ultimately unsustainable and will inevitably crumble in the face of divine justice. This verse challenges us to critically examine where we place our trust and from what sources we derive our sense of worth and security. Do we rely on our achievements, our accumulated wealth, our social standing, our intellectual prowess, or our physical strength? Or do we, in true humility, acknowledge our utter dependence on God, seeking His righteousness and justice above all else? The inevitable humbling of the "mean man," the "mighty man," and the "lofty" compels us to cultivate a spirit of profound humility, recognizing that true security, lasting honor, and genuine peace come only from a right and submissive relationship with our Creator. It calls us to repent of any pride that may reside in our hearts and to align our lives wholeheartedly with God's will, knowing with certainty that His justice will ultimately prevail over all forms of human exaltation and sin.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be prone to subtle or overt pride, self-exaltation, or a reliance on my own strength rather than God's?**
* **How does the impartiality of God's judgment, as powerfully highlighted in this verse, challenge my assumptions about social status, worldly power, or personal privilege?**
* **What practical, tangible steps can I take this week to cultivate a more humble spirit, a deeper reliance on God, and a greater commitment to justice in my daily interactions?**

### FAQ
**What does "mean man" signify in this context, and why is he included in the judgment?**

Answer: In Isaiah 5:15, the "mean man" (Hebrew _ʼâdâm'_, H120) refers to the common person, the ordinary individual, or humanity in general, often implying someone of "low degree" or common standing. He is included in the judgment to powerfully emphasize its universal scope and comprehensive reach. God's judgment is not narrowly limited to the powerful elite or the overtly wicked; it extends to all who have participated in the nation's pervasive spiritual and moral decay. This inclusion underscores that absolutely no one, regardless of their social standing, perceived insignificance, or lack of outward power, is exempt from accountability before God. It highlights the pervasive nature of sin within Judah and the comprehensive reach of divine justice, ensuring that all are brought low before the exalted holiness of the Lord, as also suggested in [Isaiah 2:17](/isaiah/2-17 "Isaiah 2:17 - The Humbling of Human Haughtiness").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 5:15 speaks directly of a corporate judgment upon a rebellious nation, its profound and ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment is found in the radical reversal of human pride and the divine exaltation realized through the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Jesus, though eternally God and possessing all divine prerogatives, "made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Self-Emptying Humility")). He, the truly "mighty man" of God, humbled Himself to the most extreme point of obedience, suffering death on a cross, thereby becoming the "mean man" in the eyes of the world, despised and utterly rejected by humanity ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - The Suffering Servant")). In His crucifixion, the "lofty" pride of humanity, which perpetually seeks to usurp God's authority and define its own truth, was ultimately condemned and defeated. Yet, through His glorious resurrection and triumphant ascension, God "exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - Christ's Supreme Exaltation")). Thus, Christ's unparalleled humility became the very means by which humanity can be truly exalted, not in sinful pride, but in divine grace. For all who humble themselves before Him in faith and believe, the judgment of Isaiah 5:15 is transformed from a terrifying condemnation into a gracious invitation to embrace the One who was humbled for our sake, so that we might be lifted up with Him, for "everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted" ([Luke 18:14](/luke/18-14 "Luke 18:14 - The Principle of Humility and Exaltation")).

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

Isaiah 2:11

The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.

Isaiah 2:9

And the mean man boweth down, and the great man humbleth himself: therefore forgive them not.

Jeremiah 5:4

Therefore I said, Surely these [are] poor; they are foolish: for they know not the way of the LORD, [nor] the judgment of their God.

Jeremiah 5:5

I will get me unto the great men, and will speak unto them; for they have known the way of the LORD, [and] the judgment of their God: but these have altogether broken the yoke, [and] burst the bonds.

Isaiah 10:33

Behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, shall lop the bough with terror: and the high ones of stature [shall be] hewn down, and the haughty shall be humbled.

Daniel 4:37

Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works [are] truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.

Exodus 9:17

As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people, that thou wilt not let them go?