Isaiah 5:3

KJV

And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard.

KJV (with Strong's)

And now, O inhabitants {H3427} of Jerusalem {H3389}, and men {H376} of Judah {H3063}, judge {H8199}, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard {H3754}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now, citizens of Yerushalayim and people of Y'hudah, judge between me and my vineyard.

Berean Standard Bible

“And now, O dwellers of Jerusalem and men of Judah, I exhort you to judge between Me and My vineyard.

American Standard Version

And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 5:3 serves as a pivotal moment in the "Song of the Vineyard" (Isaiah 5:1-7), where the prophet Isaiah, speaking on behalf of God, directly challenges the inhabitants of Jerusalem and Judah. Having meticulously described His exhaustive care for His vineyard, God now invites His people to act as impartial judges in a divine lawsuit, asking them to discern between His faithful provision and the vineyard's failure to produce righteous fruit. This rhetorical question sets the stage for the pronouncement of just judgment against a nation that has strayed from its covenant obligations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 5:3 is the dramatic turning point in the "Song of the Vineyard" (Isaiah 5:1-7). The preceding verses (Isaiah 5:1-2) meticulously detail the beloved vineyard owner's (God's) exhaustive efforts to cultivate a fruitful vineyard (Israel/Judah), providing everything necessary for a bountiful harvest. He dug it, cleared it of stones, planted choice vines, built a watchtower, and even hewed out a wine vat. The expectation was good grapes. Verse 3 then abruptly shifts from the owner's lament to a direct appeal to the very people who are the "vineyard," inviting them to judge the case. This direct challenge prepares the audience for the devastating question in Isaiah 5:4, "What more could have been done to my vineyard that I have not done in it?" and leads directly into the pronouncement of judgment and desolation in Isaiah 5:5-7, where the vineyard will be laid waste due to its production of "wild grapes" (injustice and unrighteousness).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Isaiah ministered in Judah during the 8th century BCE, a period marked by significant political upheaval, social injustice, and spiritual decline. The northern kingdom of Israel was facing imminent destruction by Assyria, and Judah itself was increasingly threatened. Culturally, viticulture (vineyard cultivation) was a cornerstone of ancient Israelite agriculture, making the vineyard metaphor immediately relatable and potent for Isaiah's audience. A well-tended vineyard was a symbol of prosperity and divine blessing. The legalistic framing, with God presenting a "case" and inviting "judges," reflects the common practice of legal proceedings in ancient Near Eastern society, where disputes were often settled publicly. The "inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah" represent the entire covenant community, from the religious and political elite to the common people, all of whom were implicated in the nation's spiritual failure.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Justice and Righteousness**, portraying God not as an arbitrary ruler but as a just judge who presents a clear, undeniable case before enacting judgment. His actions are always righteous responses to human unfaithfulness. Secondly, it highlights **Accountability and Responsibility**, emphasizing that despite God's immense provision and meticulous care for His people, they are held responsible for their moral and spiritual output. The failure of the vineyard is entirely its own, not the owner's. Thirdly, the verse reveals **God's Expectations** for His covenant people. Having been uniquely chosen and blessed, Israel was expected to live righteously and justly, reflecting God's character to the nations. This expectation is a recurring motif, as seen in [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires"), where the Lord asks for justice, mercy, and humility. Finally, the **Vineyard Metaphor** itself is a profound biblical symbol for Israel, representing God's chosen people and His tender cultivation of them, desiring them to bear spiritual fruit. This imagery is found throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Psalm 80:8](/psalms/80-8 "Psalm 80:8 - Israel as a Vine")) and later powerfully reinterpreted by Jesus in the New Testament (e.g., [John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus, the True Vine")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **inhabitants (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** This word, derived from a primitive root meaning "to sit down," carries the sense of dwelling, residing, or abiding. In this context, "inhabitants of Jerusalem" refers to those who have settled and made their home in the capital city, implying a stable, established presence. It underscores that God is addressing those who have long benefited from His dwelling among them and His care over their land. The word also carries a connotation of being "seated" as a judge, subtly foreshadowing the very role they are asked to perform.
* **Judah (Hebrew, _Yᵉhûwdâh'_):** From the root "yadah" meaning "to celebrate" or "praise," Judah refers to the southern kingdom, the tribal territory, and its people. It signifies the specific audience of Isaiah's prophecy, the remnant of Israel that God had continued to nurture after the division of the kingdom. The name itself, "celebrated," ironically contrasts with the uncelebrated, "wild grapes" they produced.
* **judge (Hebrew, _shâphaṭ'_):** This primitive root means "to judge," "pronounce sentence (for or against)," "vindicate," or "govern." Here, it is an imperative, an urgent command for the people to act as arbiters. God is inviting them to engage in a legal proceeding, to weigh the evidence and render a verdict. This highlights God's perfect justice, as He is confident that any impartial judgment would confirm His righteousness and their culpability.
* **vineyard (Hebrew, _kerem'_):** This term refers to a garden or vineyard, the place where vines are cultivated for grapes. It is the central metaphor of the passage, representing the nation of Israel/Judah. The choice of this word emphasizes the agricultural context and the expectation of fruitfulness, making the failure to produce good grapes a profound indictment of the nation's spiritual barrenness and moral decay.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah,"**: This opening phrase marks a dramatic shift in the "Song of the Vineyard." After God's lament about His vineyard's failure, He directly addresses the very people who are the subject of the allegory. "Jerusalem" signifies the spiritual and political heart of the nation, while "men of Judah" encompasses the broader population of the southern kingdom. The address is direct, personal, and confrontational, drawing the audience into the divine courtroom.
* **"judge, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard."**: This is the core of God's challenge. The imperative "judge" (Hebrew: *shiphtu*) is a legal term, inviting them to act as impartial arbiters in a dispute. God presents Himself as the wronged party, and "my vineyard" (the people themselves) as the defendant. The phrase "I pray you" (literally, "please") adds a tone of earnest appeal, not because God needs their validation, but to underscore the undeniable fairness of His case. He is so confident in His righteous actions and their unrighteous response that He asks them to weigh the evidence themselves, knowing they will be forced to self-condemn.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 5:3 is rich in literary artistry, primarily employing **Allegory** as its overarching framework, where the "vineyard" represents Israel/Judah and the "vineyard owner" is God. This specific verse functions as a powerful **Rhetorical Question** (though phrased as an imperative), challenging the audience to judge a case where they are simultaneously the jury and the accused. The direct address, "O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah," uses **Apostrophe**, speaking directly to an absent or personified entity, in this case, the very people being indicted. There is also a strong element of **Irony**, as God asks the very people who have failed to produce good fruit to judge His case against their own failure. This ironic twist forces a moment of self-reflection and implicit self-condemnation, making God's subsequent judgment appear undeniably just.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 5:3 encapsulates the profound theological truth of God's covenant faithfulness contrasted with human unfaithfulness. It reveals God as a diligent and loving cultivator who provides every necessary resource for His people to thrive and bear righteous fruit. When they fail, He does not immediately condemn but presents His case with undeniable clarity, inviting self-judgment before enacting a just sentence. This divine patience and meticulous justice are central to understanding God's character throughout Scripture. The "wild grapes" represent the social injustice, oppression, and spiritual idolatry that permeated Judah, demonstrating a stark departure from the righteousness God expected. This passage serves as a timeless reminder that divine blessing comes with divine expectation, and accountability is an inherent part of the covenant relationship.
* [Jeremiah 2:21](/jeremiah/2-21 "Jeremiah 2:21 - A Degenerate Vine")
* [Matthew 21:33-46](/matthew/21-33 "Matthew 21:33-46 - Parable of the Wicked Tenants")
* [Luke 13:6-9](/luke/13-6 "Luke 13:6-9 - Parable of the Barren Fig Tree")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 5:3 powerfully calls us to a deep and honest self-examination, much like God called Judah to judge their own spiritual fruitfulness. It reminds us that God, as our divine cultivator, has invested immeasurably in our lives—through His Word, His Spirit, His community, and His Son. The question for us today is, "What fruit are we producing?" Are our lives characterized by the "wild grapes" of injustice, selfishness, or apathy, or by the "good fruit" of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit"))? This verse challenges us to acknowledge God's perfect justice and our own accountability, prompting us to align our lives with His expectations, not out of fear, but out of a grateful response to His unfailing love and meticulous care. It's an invitation to repent, to yield to His cultivation, and to bear fruit that honors His name.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life has God invested His care and provision, and what "fruit" am I producing in return?**
* **How does understanding God's justice in this passage shape my view of His expectations for my life?**
* **Am I willing to allow God to "judge" my life impartially, identifying areas where I am producing "wild grapes" instead of good fruit?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate more of the fruit of the Spirit in my daily walk?**

### FAQ
**What is the "vineyard" in Isaiah 5:3?**

Answer: In Isaiah 5:3 and the broader "Song of the Vineyard" (Isaiah 5:1-7), the "vineyard" is a powerful allegory representing the nation of Israel, and specifically the kingdom of Judah. It symbolizes God's chosen people whom He meticulously cared for, provided for, and expected to produce righteous fruit. This metaphor is deeply rooted in Old Testament imagery (e.g., [Psalm 80:8](/psalms/80-8 "Psalm 80:8 - Israel as a Vine")) and highlights God's intimate relationship and covenant with His people, as well as His disappointment when they failed to live up to their calling.

**Why does God ask the people to "judge" between Him and His vineyard?**

Answer: God asks the "inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah" to "judge" (Hebrew: *shâphaṭ*) not because He needs their validation, but as a rhetorical device to underscore the undeniable justice of His case. By inviting them to be the arbiters, God forces them into a position where any honest assessment would lead to their self-condemnation. It highlights His perfect righteousness and their profound unfaithfulness. This approach demonstrates that God's forthcoming judgment is not arbitrary but a just and deserved consequence of their actions, making them accountable for their own spiritual barrenness and moral corruption.

**How does this verse relate to God's justice?**

Answer: Isaiah 5:3 is a profound demonstration of God's justice. It portrays God as a benevolent yet righteous judge who presents a clear and irrefutable case. He meticulously outlines His exhaustive efforts in cultivating His vineyard, leaving no doubt that He provided everything necessary for its flourishing. When the vineyard yields "wild grapes" (injustice and unrighteousness, as revealed in [Isaiah 5:7](/isaiah/5-7 "Isaiah 5:7 - The Meaning of the Vineyard")), God's subsequent judgment is shown to be entirely warranted and fair. This verse emphasizes that God's judgments are always rooted in His perfect character and are a just response to human sin and rebellion, not arbitrary acts of power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 5:3, with its depiction of God's meticulous care for His vineyard and the vineyard's subsequent failure, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Israel, the original vineyard, failed to produce the expected fruit of righteousness and justice, Jesus declares Himself to be the "true vine" in [John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus, the True Vine"). He is the perfectly fruitful Israel, the one who perfectly fulfills God's expectations. In Christ, God's investment is finally met with perfect obedience and fruitfulness. The judgment that hung over the barren vineyard of old is absorbed by Christ on the cross, as He becomes the perfect sacrifice for the "wild grapes" of humanity's sin. Through His atoning work, believers are grafted into Him, the true vine, enabling them by the power of the Holy Spirit to finally bear the "fruit of the Spirit" ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")) that God always desired from His people. Thus, the divine expectation of fruitfulness, once a source of condemnation, becomes a promise of transformation and life in union with Christ ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in the True Vine")), the one who perfectly judged and fulfilled God's righteous requirements.

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

Romans 3:4

God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

Psalms 51:4

Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done [this] evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, [and] be clear when thou judgest.

Jeremiah 2:4

Hear ye the word of the LORD, O house of Jacob, and all the families of the house of Israel:

Jeremiah 2:5

Thus saith the LORD, What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain?

Romans 2:5

But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

Psalms 50:4

He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.

Psalms 50:6

And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God [is] judge himself. Selah.