Isaiah 9:15

KJV

The ancient and honourable, he [is] the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he [is] the tail.

KJV (with Strong's)

The ancient {H2205} and honourable {H6440}{H5375}, he {H1931} is the head {H7218}; and the prophet {H5030} that teacheth {H3384} lies {H8267}, he is the tail {H2180}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The old and the honored are the head, while prophets teaching lies are the tail.

Berean Standard Bible

The head is the elder and honorable man, and the tail is the prophet who teaches lies.

American Standard Version

The elder and the honorable man, he is the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 9:15 delivers a profound prophetic indictment against the northern kingdom of Israel, exposing the deep-seated moral and spiritual corruption that had permeated every stratum of its society. Through potent metaphorical language, the prophet Isaiah declares that both the established civil leaders, who should have provided wise and upright governance, and the spiritual guides, who were meant to convey divine truth, had become instruments of deceit and societal decay. This pervasive unrighteousness, originating from those in authority, inevitably propelled the nation further into rebellion and toward the certainty of divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 9:15 is situated within a powerful prophetic oracle (Isaiah 9:8-21) that meticulously details God's escalating judgment upon the northern kingdom of Israel, often referred to as Ephraim, due to its persistent pride, rebellion, and unwavering refusal to repent. This specific verse immediately follows the glorious messianic prophecy of [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign"), which speaks of a future, righteous King who will establish an eternal kingdom of peace and justice. The stark contrast between this hopeful future and the present reality of Israel's profound corruption profoundly underscores the gravity of their sin and the necessity of divine intervention. The broader passage outlines a series of God's disciplinary actions, each intended to prompt repentance, yet consistently met with stubborn defiance, as exemplified in [Isaiah 9:13](/isaiah/9-13 "Isaiah 9:13 - The People Do Not Turn to God"). Verse 15 specifically identifies the corrupt nature of the nation's leadership—both civil and spiritual—as a fundamental cause for its impending downfall, meticulously setting the stage for the complete societal collapse and the relentless divine wrath described in the subsequent verses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Isaiah 9 is primarily directed at the northern kingdom of Israel during the tumultuous 8th century BCE, a period characterized by profound political instability, frequent internal strife, and the ominous, ever-present threat of the burgeoning Assyrian Empire. During this era, kings often ascended and fell rapidly, frequently through violent assassinations, leaving the nation caught precariously between formidable regional powers. Culturally, Israel had largely and tragically abandoned its sacred covenant with Yahweh, embracing pervasive idolatry and widespread social injustice, thereby mirroring the abhorrent practices of surrounding pagan nations. The "ancient and honourable" would have referred to the respected elders, influential judges, and powerful royal officials who occupied positions of immense authority and trust, bearing the solemn responsibility for upholding justice and maintaining societal order. Prophets, conversely, were divinely appointed as God's direct spokespersons, tasked with faithfully conveying divine truth and guiding the people in righteousness. However, in this era of moral decay, many had tragically become "prophets that teacheth lies," either for personal gain, fleeting popularity, or to appease corrupt rulers, thus tragically validating the people's sin rather than courageously challenging it. This widespread corruption, infecting both the civil and religious hierarchies from the highest echelons downward, created a society utterly ripe for God's righteous judgment.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 9:15 powerfully contributes to several major theological and narrative themes woven throughout the prophetic book of Isaiah and the broader Old Testament prophetic literature. Firstly, it vividly highlights the theme of **Corrupt Leadership**, demonstrating with stark clarity how the moral decay of a nation frequently originates with, and is relentlessly perpetuated by, those who occupy positions of power and influence. Both civil and religious authorities, divinely ordained to be pillars of righteousness and truth, had tragically devolved into instruments of deception, leading the people far astray from God's path. Secondly, the verse profoundly underscores the perilous danger of **Spiritual Deception and False Prophecy**. The "prophet that teacheth lies" represents a grievous betrayal of divine trust, as those who presumptuously claimed to speak for God actively misled His covenant people, a heinous theme consistently condemned throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Jeremiah 23](/jeremiah/23 "Jeremiah 23 - Prophecy Against False Prophets") and [Ezekiel 13](/ekiel/13 "Ezekiel 13 - Prophecy Against False Prophets and Prophetesses")). Finally, this verse is an integral and chilling component of the overarching theme of **Divine Judgment and Accountability**. God unequivocally holds leaders and spiritual guides to an exceptionally higher standard, and their egregious failure to uphold truth and justice inevitably incurs severe and inescapable consequences, powerfully demonstrating God's righteous wrath against persistent sin and unrepentant rebellion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ancient (Hebrew, _zâqên'_):** From H2205, this term refers to someone who is "old; aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator." It denotes individuals who are venerable, experienced, and hold positions of authority or respect primarily due to their age and established status within the community.
* **Head (Hebrew, _rôʼsh'_):** From H7218, this word signifies "the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, etc.)." It powerfully functions as a metaphor for supreme authority, preeminence, leadership, and the ultimate source of direction or control within a given structure.
* **Prophet (Hebrew, _nâbîyʼ'_):** From H5030, this term designates "a prophet or (generally) inspired man; prophecy, that prophesy, prophet." A prophet was understood as God's chosen messenger, divinely commissioned to speak divine truth, call people to repentance, and reveal God's will directly to humanity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The ancient and honourable, he [is] the head":** This clause identifies the highest echelons of civil authority within Israel—the revered elders, respected officials, and those occupying positions of significant leadership—as metaphorically being the "head" of the nation. The term "honourable" (derived from H6440 _pânîym_ "face" and H5375 _nâsâʼ_ "to lift") literally translates to "one lifted up in face," signifying an individual held in high esteem whose very presence commands respect and deference. Isaiah's indictment asserts that these very individuals, who were expected to be the wellspring of wise and righteous governance, had tragically become the primary source of the nation's profound corruption, actively leading it astray from God's covenant path.
* **"and the prophet that teacheth lies, he [is] the tail":** This clause starkly identifies the religious authorities—specifically, false prophets (H5030 _nâbîyʼ_ combined with H8267 _sheqer_ "untruth, falsehood")—as metaphorically being the "tail." The verb "teacheth" (H3384 _yârâh_) means "to shoot, to point out, to teach," indicating their active and deliberate role in disseminating falsehoods and misleading the people. The "tail" is a deeply derogatory and demeaning image, signifying something that follows, is inferior, subservient, and often drags through dirt or causes defilement. In this context, it stands in sharp and deliberate contrast to the "head," indicating a grievous reversal of proper divine order and a severe degradation of sacred spiritual authority. These prophets, instead of courageously guiding the nation in divine truth, tragically confirmed the people in their sin and led them further into spiritual deception, thereby contributing to the nation's spiritual and moral decay from a different, yet equally devastating, position.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 9:15 masterfully employs striking **Metaphor** and powerful **Symbolism** to convey its scathing message of societal corruption. The central metaphor is the human body, specifically contrasting the "head" and the "tail," which are used to represent the highest and lowest, or most debased, forms of leadership within Israelite society. The "head" **symbolizes** supreme authority, clear direction, and preeminence, typically associated with wise, righteous, and upright governance. Conversely, the "tail" **symbolizes** subservience, degradation, and a misleading or corrupting influence, often associated with false prophets who, instead of leading with integrity, merely follow the whims of corrupt rulers or popular opinion. The deliberate use of these contrasting body parts vividly illustrates the complete and tragic perversion of leadership in Israel, where both civil and religious authorities, from the apex to the periphery, have become instruments of corruption and falsehood. This stark and memorable imagery serves to underscore the profound depth of the nation's moral decay and the comprehensive, pervasive nature of God's impending judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 9:15 stands as a profound theological declaration on the inherent nature of leadership and the devastating, far-reaching consequences of spiritual and moral compromise within a covenant community. It unequivocally reveals God's unwavering expectation for truth, integrity, and righteousness from all those entrusted with the sacred responsibility of guiding His people, whether they operate within civil or religious spheres. The verse underscores the critical principle that when leaders, who are divinely appointed to be the "head" of integrity and wisdom, become tragically corrupt, and when spiritual guides, who should be the authoritative voice of divine truth, devolve into the "tail" of deceit, the entire societal fabric begins to unravel, inevitably facing the certainty of divine judgment. This powerful passage highlights God's absolute abhorrence of falsehood and His righteous indignation against those who betray their sacred trust by deliberately misleading His precious flock for selfish gain or popularity.

* [Jeremiah 14:14](/jeremiah/14-14 "Jeremiah 14:14 - False Prophets Condemned"): "Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I have not sent them, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart."
* [Micah 3:11](/micah/3-11 "Micah 3:11 - Corrupt Leaders and Prophets"): "The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? no evil can come upon us."
* [Zephaniah 3:4](/zephaniah/3-4 "Zephaniah 3:4 - Corrupt Prophets and Priests"): "Her prophets are light and treacherous persons: her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 9:15 offers timeless and piercing lessons for both leaders and individuals in any society or era. It calls us to a sober and critical reflection on the profound and far-reaching impact of leadership, whether exercised in government, community organizations, or the church. When those in positions of authority—the "head"—compromise their integrity, or when spiritual guides—the "prophet that teacheth lies"—deliberately distort divine truth for personal gain, fleeting popularity, or to appease cultural trends, the entire moral and spiritual fabric of society begins its perilous unraveling. This verse urgently implores us to cultivate a deep and discerning spirit, to critically evaluate the messages and teachings we receive from all sources, and to rigorously hold all claims against the unchanging, infallible standard of God's revealed Word. It serves as a potent reminder that true leadership, whether civil or spiritual, is unequivocally characterized by righteousness, unwavering truth, and a humble, selfless commitment to serving God and His people, rather than being driven by self-interest, deception, or the pursuit of power. We are therefore called to earnestly pray for our leaders, to actively support and uphold those who courageously champion truth and justice, and to bravely stand against falsehood and corruption wherever it manifests, recognizing the devastating and eternal consequences of widespread moral and spiritual decay.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the vivid imagery of "head" and "tail" challenge our contemporary understanding of leadership and influence within our own communities and nations?**
* **In what subtle or overt ways might spiritual deception and false teaching manifest in contemporary society, and how can believers effectively cultivate discernment to distinguish truth from lies?**
* **What is our personal and collective responsibility as individuals when we observe corruption, compromise, or false teaching emanating from positions of authority, whether civil or religious?**
* **How can we, as followers of Christ, personally contribute to fostering and upholding a culture of truth, integrity, and righteousness within our families, churches, and broader spheres of influence, rather than succumbing to the pressures of compromise or silence?**

### FAQ
**What is the primary message of Isaiah 9:15?**

Answer: The primary message of [Isaiah 9:15](/isaiah/9-15 "Isaiah 9:15 - Corrupt Leadership in Israel") is a severe condemnation of the pervasive corruption within the northern kingdom of Israel, specifically targeting its leadership. It declares that both the civil authorities ("the ancient and honourable, he is the head") and the religious guides ("the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail") had become profound sources of deceit and moral decay. This widespread unrighteousness, affecting society from the highest levels of power to those who should have provided spiritual guidance, ultimately led the nation further into sin and deserving of God's righteous judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 9:15 starkly details the tragic failure and profound corruption of human leadership and prophecy in ancient Israel, it implicitly and powerfully points to the absolute necessity of a perfect, divine leader and prophet—a role supremely and perfectly fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. Unlike the "ancient and honourable" who tragically became a corrupt "head" leading their nation astray, Christ is the true and righteous [Head of the Church](/ephesians/5-23 "Ephesians 5:23 - Christ is Head of the Church"), exercising perfect, benevolent authority and unfailingly leading His people in righteousness, truth, and genuine life. He is the [Chief Cornerstone](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ, the Chief Cornerstone") upon whom the entire spiritual edifice of God's kingdom is immovably built, providing unwavering direction, perfect integrity, and divine stability. Furthermore, in stark and glorious contrast to the "prophet that teacheth lies" who was the "tail" of deceit and spiritual destruction, Jesus is the ultimate [Prophet like Moses](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - A Prophet Like Moses"), the climactic and final revelation of God's truth, who spoke only what He heard directly from the Father (e.g., [John 12:49-50](/john/12-49-50 "John 12:49-50 - Jesus Speaks the Father's Words")). He is the very embodiment of truth (e.g., [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), whose words bring eternal life, profound freedom, and ultimate salvation, never deception or destruction. Thus, Isaiah 9:15, by exposing the profound depth of human corruption and the dire, desperate need for righteous and truthful leadership, magnificently amplifies the glory of Christ as the perfectly true, righteous, and faithful King and Prophet, who alone possesses the power and authority to truly lead, redeem, and save His people.

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

Matthew 24:24

For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Isaiah 29:10

For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered.

Isaiah 3:2

The mighty man, and the man of war, the judge, and the prophet, and the prudent, and the ancient,

Isaiah 3:3

The captain of fifty, and the honourable man, and the counsellor, and the cunning artificer, and the eloquent orator.

2 Timothy 4:2

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

2 Timothy 4:3

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

1 Samuel 9:6

And he said unto him, Behold now, [there is] in this city a man of God, and [he is] an honourable man; all that he saith cometh surely to pass: now let us go thither; peradventure he can shew us our way that we should go.