Isaiah 5:18

KJV

¶ Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope:

KJV (with Strong's)

Woe {H1945} unto them that draw {H4900} iniquity {H5771} with cords {H2256} of vanity {H7723}, and sin {H2403} as it were with a cart {H5699} rope {H5688}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Woe to those who begin by pulling at transgression with a thread, but end by dragging sin along as if with a cart rope.

Berean Standard Bible

Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of deceit and pull sin along with cart ropes,

American Standard Version

Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of falsehood, and sin as it were with a cart rope;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 5:18 pronounces a severe prophetic "woe" against those in Judah who deliberately and intensely commit themselves to sin, portraying their iniquity not as an accidental stumble but as a conscious, laborious effort. The vivid imagery of "drawing iniquity with cords of vanity" and "sin as it were with a cart rope" underscores the profound spiritual degradation and the active, persistent embrace of moral corruption, implying a defiant disregard for God's righteous standards and impending judgment upon a people who have hardened their hearts against divine truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 5:18 is situated within a powerful prophetic indictment of Judah, immediately following the poignant "Song of the Vineyard" found in [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1-7 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Song of the Vineyard"). In this evocative parable, the Lord laments over His chosen people, whom He had cultivated with utmost care, only for them to yield "wild grapes"—acts of injustice and unrighteousness. Immediately after this lament, Isaiah pronounces a series of six "woes" (ranging from [Isaiah 5:8-23](/isaiah/5-8-23 "Isaiah 5:8-23 - Six Woes Against Judah")), each targeting a specific societal sin prevalent in Judah. Verse 18 falls within the third woe (specifically [Isaiah 5:18-19](/isaiah/5-18-19 "Isaiah 5:18-19 - Woe to Those Who Mock God")), which condemns those who mock God's justice and openly challenge Him to act, daring Him to execute His judgment. This particular woe highlights a profound spiritual arrogance and insensitivity, where people are so entrenched in their sin that they have lost all fear of divine retribution, actively pulling more sin into their lives. The progression of these woes reveals a society spiraling into deeper moral decay and spiritual rebellion, setting the stage for God's inevitable judgment described later in the chapter and book.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Isaiah ministered in Judah during the 8th century BCE, a period marked by significant political upheaval, moral decline, and spiritual apostasy. The Assyrian Empire was a looming threat, and internal corruption was rampant among the leadership and populace. Social injustices, such as land accumulation by the wealthy (as condemned in [Isaiah 5:8](/isaiah/5-8 "Isaiah 5:8 - Woe to Those Who Accumulate Land")) and perversion of justice (as seen in [Isaiah 5:23](/isaiah/5-23 "Isaiah 5:23 - Woe to Those Who Acquit the Guilty")), were widespread. Culturally, the imagery of "cords" and "cart ropes" would have been immediately understood by an agrarian society. Cords were used for binding, pulling, or measuring, while thick cart ropes were essential for hauling heavy loads, often with considerable effort. This imagery vividly communicated the laborious, intentional nature of the sin being described. The people's spiritual state was characterized by a superficial religiosity coupled with deep-seated idolatry and a disregard for the Mosaic covenant, leading them to call "evil good and good evil" (as stated in [Isaiah 5:20](/isaiah/5-20 "Isaiah 5:20 - Woe to Those Who Call Evil Good")) and to scoff at the Lord's warnings.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 5:18 contributes significantly to several key themes woven throughout the book of Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. A primary theme is **Deliberate Sinfulness**, emphasizing that the iniquity described is not accidental but a conscious, sustained, and even laborious pursuit. This stands in stark contrast to the accidental or unwitting transgressions that might be atoned for. Another critical theme is **Spiritual Arrogance and Defiance**, particularly highlighted by the immediate context in [Isaiah 5:19](/isaiah/5-19 "Isaiah 5:19 - Mocking God's Judgment"), where the people challenge God to hasten His work. The "cords of vanity" introduce the theme of **Idolatry and Futility**, suggesting that the objects of their pursuit and the means by which they are drawn into sin are ultimately empty and worthless, leading to ruin. Finally, the overarching theme of **Divine Judgment** is ever-present, as this "woe" serves as a solemn warning of the inevitable consequences for a people who have so thoroughly rejected God's ways and provoked His righteous wrath, foreshadowing the judgments detailed in [Isaiah 6:9-13](/isaiah/6-9-13 "Isaiah 6:9-13 - The Hardening of Hearts and Desolation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Woe (Hebrew, _hôwy'_):** This interjection is a lament, a cry of grief, or an exclamation of impending doom. It signals a prophetic judgment, often carrying a tone of both sorrow for the state of the people and a stern warning of the inevitable consequences of their actions. It is not merely a curse but a declaration of the dire state and future of those addressed.
* **draw (Hebrew, _mâshak'_):** This verb signifies to pull, drag, or draw along, often with effort or persistence. In this context, it vividly portrays the active, intentional, and sustained effort the people exert in accumulating and embracing sin. It implies a deliberate engagement, as if one is pulling a heavy load towards oneself.
* **iniquity (Hebrew, _ʻâvôn'_):** This term denotes perversity, moral evil, or fault. It often carries the connotation of a twisted or distorted action, a deviation from God's righteous path. It encompasses not just the act of sin but also its guilt and the punishment associated with it, highlighting the deep moral corruption of those described.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes a prophetic judgment. The "woe" signifies a lament and a pronouncement of impending disaster upon those who actively "draw" or pull "iniquity" (moral evil, perversity) towards themselves. The means by which they do this are "cords of vanity," suggesting that the enticements or justifications for their sin are empty, worthless, or deceptive. They are binding themselves to futility, using flimsy pretenses to pull deeper into wrongdoing. This imagery speaks to a deliberate, conscious, and even laborious engagement with evil, indicating a profound spiritual blindness.
* **"and sin as it were with a cart rope:"**: This second clause intensifies the previous imagery through a powerful simile. A "cart rope" is a thick, strong rope used to pull a heavy wagon or cart, requiring significant effort and strength. By comparing the drawing of "sin" (transgression, missing the mark) to this arduous act, Isaiah emphasizes the immense, persistent, and determined commitment these individuals have to their sinful ways. It's not a casual dalliance but a deep, ingrained lifestyle choice, a heavy burden of wickedness they willingly and laboriously accumulate and embrace. This portrays a hardened heart, fully devoted to rebellion against God, despite the grievous weight of their actions.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 5:18 is rich in **Metaphor** and **Simile**, creating a vivid and disturbing picture of spiritual degradation. The act of "drawing iniquity with cords of vanity" is a powerful **Metaphor** for the deliberate and active pursuit of sin, where "cords of vanity" represent the deceptive, empty allurements or rationalizations that bind people to their wrongdoing. This is further amplified by the **Simile** "and sin as it were with a cart rope," which compares the accumulation of sin to the arduous task of pulling a heavy load with a strong, thick rope. This **Hyperbole** emphasizes the extraordinary effort and commitment these individuals dedicate to their sinful lifestyle, suggesting an almost perverse diligence in their wickedness. The verse also employs a form of **Personification**, as "iniquity" and "sin" are treated as tangible objects that can be drawn or pulled, highlighting their oppressive weight and the active role of the sinner in acquiring them. The underlying **Irony** is profound: while the people believe they are gaining something by their sin, they are, in fact, binding themselves to "vanity" and a heavy, destructive burden, leading not to freedom but to spiritual slavery and divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 5:18 powerfully articulates the profound depth of human rebellion against God, moving beyond mere accidental transgression to a deliberate, active, and even laborious commitment to evil. This "woe" reveals a hardened heart that not only tolerates sin but actively cultivates it, binding itself to futility and deception. The theological implication is that such a state of willful sinfulness provokes God's righteous judgment, as it represents a complete rejection of His covenant and a mocking of His authority. This passage underscores the deceptive nature of sin, which promises satisfaction but delivers only emptiness ("vanity"), and the heavy burden it imposes on those who embrace it. It serves as a stark reminder that persistent, unrepentant sin leads to spiritual bondage and divine reckoning.

* [Proverbs 14:14](/proverbs/14-14 "Proverbs 14:14 - The Backslider's Ways")
* [Romans 1:21-25](/romans/1-21-25 "Romans 1:21-25 - Suppressing the Truth")
* [James 1:14-15](/james/1-14-15 "James 1:14-15 - The Progression of Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 5:18 serves as a profound and unsettling mirror for every generation, challenging us to examine the true nature of our relationship with sin. It forces us to confront whether we are merely stumbling into sin out of weakness, or if we are, in fact, actively "drawing" it into our lives with deliberate intent and persistent effort. The imagery of "cords of vanity" and "cart ropes" powerfully exposes the self-deception inherent in sin—what we perceive as gain or freedom is ultimately empty and burdensome, leading to spiritual slavery. This verse calls us to a radical self-assessment: Are there areas in our lives where we are not just tolerating sin, but actively cultivating it, perhaps through rationalization, hidden habits, or a defiant attitude towards God's commands? True spiritual health demands that we recognize sin for what it is—a heavy, destructive burden—and actively repent, turning away from its deceptive pull and drawing near to the God of righteousness and truth, embracing His liberating grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "drawing iniquity" or "sin" with deliberate effort, rather than merely falling into it?**
* **What "cords of vanity"—empty promises, deceptive rationalizations, or fleeting pleasures—might be binding me to sin?**
* **How does the imagery of a "cart rope" challenge my perception of the weight and consequences of my own sinful choices?**
* **What practical steps can I take to actively "draw near to God" and pursue righteousness, in contrast to drawing iniquity?**

### FAQ
**What does "cords of vanity" mean in Isaiah 5:18?**

Answer: The phrase "cords of vanity" refers to the means or allurements by which people are drawn into sin. "Vanity" (Hebrew: *shav'*) signifies emptiness, futility, worthlessness, or deceit. It often relates to idolatry or anything that is ultimately hollow and unsatisfying. Therefore, "cords of vanity" suggests that the things that entice people into sin—whether false beliefs, deceptive promises, fleeting pleasures, or worldly pursuits—are ultimately empty, worthless, and will lead to ruin. The "cords" themselves are not strong or true, yet people willingly use them to pull themselves deeper into moral corruption. This highlights the deceptive and self-destructive nature of sin, a theme also echoed in [Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - Vanity of Vanities").

**How does this "woe" relate to the other woes in Isaiah 5?**

Answer: Isaiah 5 presents a series of six "woes" (specifically [Isaiah 5:8-23](/isaiah/5-8-23 "Isaiah 5:8-23 - Six Woes Against Judah")), each condemning a specific societal sin prevalent in Judah. The woe in [Isaiah 5:18-19](/isaiah/5-18-19 "Isaiah 5:18-19 - Woe to Those Who Mock God") is particularly directed at those who are so entrenched in their sin that they not only commit it deliberately but also openly mock God, challenging Him to act and hasten His judgment. This specific woe builds upon the previous ones (condemning covetousness in [Isaiah 5:8-10](/isaiah/5-8-10 "Isaiah 5:8-10 - Woe to Land Accumulators") and drunkenness in [Isaiah 5:11-17](/isaiah/5-11-17 "Isaiah 5:11-17 - Woe to Drunkards")) by revealing the spiritual arrogance and hardened heart that underlies such deliberate sin. It sets the stage for the subsequent woes against moral perversion ([Isaiah 5:20](/isaiah/5-20 "Isaiah 5:20 - Woe to Those Who Call Evil Good")), pride ([Isaiah 5:21](/isaiah/5-21 "Isaiah 5:21 - Woe to the Wise in Their Own Eyes")), and bribery ([Isaiah 5:22-23](/isaiah/5-22-23 "Isaiah 5:22-23 - Woe to the Corrupt Judges")), collectively painting a comprehensive picture of Judah's deep moral and spiritual decay, which ultimately necessitated God's severe judgment described throughout the chapter and book.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 5:18 vividly portrays humanity's profound bondage to sin, depicting it not as a passive state but as an active, laborious, and self-chosen pursuit, a heavy burden willingly dragged along by "cords of vanity." This imagery of spiritual slavery and the futility of human effort to escape its grip finds its ultimate solution and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Humanity, in its fallen state, is indeed "sold under sin" (as described in [Romans 7:14](/romans/7-14 "Romans 7:14 - Enslaved to Sin")), incapable of breaking free from the "cart rope" of iniquity. Christ, however, came precisely to "destroy the works of the devil" (as promised in [1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Christ Destroys the Works of the Devil")) and to liberate those enslaved by sin. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (as proclaimed in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bearing the full weight of humanity's "iniquity" and "sin" on the cross, thus breaking the binding power of those "cords of vanity." Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ offers true freedom from the burden and penalty of sin, inviting all who are weary and heavy-laden to find rest in Him (as He declares in [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). His resurrection signifies His triumph over sin and death, offering a new life of righteousness where believers are no longer compelled to "draw iniquity" but are empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in newness of life (as taught in [Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life")). Thus, the "woe" of Isaiah 5:18, while a dire warning, ultimately points to the desperate need for a Savior, a need fully met in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who alone can unbind the cords of vanity and lift the heavy cart rope of sin.

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 23:14

I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.

Psalms 36:2

For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful.

Jeremiah 5:31

The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love [to have it] so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?

Jeremiah 23:10

For the land is full of adulterers; for because of swearing the land mourneth; the pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up, and their course is evil, and their force [is] not right.

Ezekiel 13:22

Because with lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, by promising him life:

Isaiah 59:4

None calleth for justice, nor [any] pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.

Isaiah 59:8

The way of peace they know not; and [there is] no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace.