Isaiah 57:4

Against whom do ye sport yourselves? against whom make ye a wide mouth, [and] draw out the tongue? [are] ye not children of transgression, a seed of falsehood,

Against whom do ye sport {H6026} yourselves? against whom make ye a wide {H7337} mouth {H6310}, and draw out {H748} the tongue {H3956}? are ye not children {H3206} of transgression {H6588}, a seed {H2233} of falsehood {H8267},

Whom are you making fun of? At whom are you laughing and sticking out your tongue? Aren't you rebellious children, just a brood of liars?

Whom are you mocking? At whom do you snarl and stick out your tongue? Are you not children of transgression, offspring of deceit,

Against whom do ye sport yourselves? against whom make ye a wide mouth, and put out the tongue? are ye not children of transgression, a seed of falsehood,

Commentary

Isaiah 57:4 presents a powerful and scathing rebuke from the Lord against those who have turned away from Him, engaging in idolatry and spiritual infidelity.

Context

This verse is part of a larger prophetic indictment in Isaiah 57, where God confronts the unfaithful elements within Judah. Following a lament over the righteous perishing unnoticed (Isaiah 57:1), the chapter quickly shifts to expose the widespread spiritual corruption, idolatry, and moral decay among the people. The "sporting yourselves," "wide mouth," and "drawing out the tongue" are vivid images of open mockery and contempt, likely directed at God, His prophets, or His faithful remnant. This derision stems from their deep-seated rebellion and false worship practices, which are detailed in the subsequent verses of the chapter.

Key Themes

  • Blatant Mockery and Scorn: The rhetorical questions emphasize the audacious and disrespectful attitude of the unfaithful. Their gestures of a "wide mouth" and "drawn out tongue" are ancient expressions of extreme contempt and ridicule, often directed at perceived enemies or those held in disdain.
  • Spiritual Degeneracy: By identifying them as "children of transgression" and a "seed of falsehood," the verse highlights not just isolated acts of sin but a fundamental spiritual nature rooted in rebellion against God's law and a pervasive deceitfulness. This contrasts sharply with being children of God.
  • Divine Indignation: The Lord's questioning tone conveys His profound displeasure and judgment towards their unfaithfulness and open defiance.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "sport yourselves" (Hebrew: tit'annagu) can mean to delight or take pleasure, but here it is used ironically to describe their mocking amusement at sacred things. The actions of making a "wide mouth" (Hebrew: hir'havtem peh) and "draw out the tongue" (Hebrew: hotzetem lashon) are culturally specific gestures of intense derision and insult in the ancient Near East, akin to sticking one's tongue out today, but with more severe implications of contempt and rebellion. The terms "children of transgression" (b’nei pesha) and "seed of falsehood" (zera shaqaer) powerfully convey that their very identity and origin are defined by rebellion and deceit, rather than integrity or truth.

Practical Application

Isaiah 57:4 serves as a strong warning against mocking or scoffing at spiritual truths, God's Word, or His messengers. It challenges believers to examine their own hearts: are we truly walking in integrity, or do our attitudes and actions betray a "seed of falsehood"? The verse underscores the importance of genuine reverence for God and His ways, reminding us that spiritual rebellion and hypocrisy lead to divine displeasure. Instead of derision, we are called to a life of truth, obedience, and heartfelt worship, recognizing the Lord's authority and goodness, as highlighted in Psalm 1:1, which warns against sitting in the seat of the scornful.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Peter 2:13

    And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, [as] they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots [they are] and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;

  • Isaiah 1:4

    Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.

  • Psalms 35:21

    Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, [and] said, Aha, aha, our eye hath seen [it].

  • Exodus 9:17

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

  • Isaiah 37:23

    Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted [thy] voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? [even] against the Holy One of Israel.

  • Matthew 27:39

    And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,

  • Matthew 27:44

    The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.