Isaiah 9:17

KJV

Therefore the Lord shall have no joy in their young men, neither shall have mercy on their fatherless and widows: for every one [is] an hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaketh folly. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand [is] stretched out still.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore the Lord {H136} shall have no joy {H8055} in their young men {H970}, neither shall have mercy {H7355} on their fatherless {H3490} and widows {H490}: for every one is an hypocrite {H2611} and an evildoer {H7489}, and every mouth {H6310} speaketh {H1696} folly {H5039}. For all this his anger {H639} is not turned away {H7725}, but his hand {H3027} is stretched out still {H5186}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore Adonai takes no joy in their young men and has no compassion on their orphans and widows; for everyone is ungodly and does evil, every mouth speaks foolishly. Even after all this, his anger remains, his upraised hand still threatens.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore the Lord takes no pleasure in their young men; He has no compassion on their fatherless and widows. For every one of them is godless and wicked, and every mouth speaks folly. Despite all this, His anger is not turned away; His hand is still upraised.

American Standard Version

Therefore the Lord will not rejoice over their young men, neither will he have compassion on their fatherless and widows; for every one is profane and an evil-doer, and every mouth speaketh folly. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 9:17 delivers a stark prophecy of divine judgment against the Northern Kingdom of Israel, highlighting God's profound displeasure and the withdrawal of His accustomed mercy due to their pervasive moral corruption. The verse underscores that the nation's widespread hypocrisy, evildoing, and foolish speech have solidified God's righteous anger, which remains unappeased despite prior calamities, signaling a continued and relentless outpouring of His judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a larger prophetic oracle spanning [Isaiah 9](/isaiah/9 "Isaiah 9 - Prophecy of Judgment and Hope") and [Isaiah 10](/isaiah/10 "Isaiah 10 - Further Prophecies of Judgment and Restoration"). It forms part of a repetitive refrain that punctuates the escalating pronouncements of judgment against Israel (specifically Ephraim). The phrase "For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still" appears multiple times, serving as a powerful literary device to emphasize the persistent and unyielding nature of God's wrath in response to their unrepentant sin ([Isaiah 9:12](/isaiah/9-12 "Isaiah 9:12 - God's Unrelenting Anger"), [Isaiah 9:21](/isaiah/9-21 "Isaiah 9:21 - The Persistence of God's Judgment"), and [Isaiah 10:4](/isaiah/10-4 "Isaiah 10:4 - The Final Declaration of Judgment")). The preceding verses detail military defeats and internal strife, yet Israel's defiance and spiritual apostasy only intensify God's displeasure, leading to this declaration of withheld mercy.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Isaiah's prophecies were delivered during a tumultuous period for the Northern Kingdom of Israel, primarily in the 8th century BCE, leading up to its eventual conquest by Assyria in 722 BCE. The nation had long abandoned the covenant with Yahweh, engaging in idolatry, social injustice, and political intrigue. Despite numerous warnings and disciplinary actions, including military incursions and internal strife, the people remained stubbornly unrepentant. Culturally, the "fatherless and widows" (often grouped with the sojourner) represented the most vulnerable segments of society, whom the Mosaic Law explicitly commanded the Israelites to protect and care for ([Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18 - God's Care for the Vulnerable") and [Exodus 22:22-24](/exodus/22-22 "Exodus 22:22-24 - Laws Concerning Widows and Orphans")). God's declaration of withholding mercy from these groups underscores the extreme depth of Israel's apostasy and the severity of the judgment, as even those typically deserving of divine compassion are caught in the general sweep of national punishment due to pervasive sin.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah's prophecy. It highlights the theme of **Divine Justice and Judgment**, demonstrating that God's patience has limits and His righteous character demands a response to persistent rebellion and moral decay. The widespread nature of sin—"every one is an hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaketh folly"—emphasizes the theme of **Pervasive Corruption**, indicating that the nation's spiritual sickness was not confined to a few but had infected all strata of society, from the youth to the most vulnerable. Furthermore, the repeated refrain "For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still" underscores the theme of **Unrelenting Divine Wrath** in the face of unyielding human sin, signaling that the consequences of their actions would continue to unfold until God's purposes were fully accomplished, ultimately leading to the judgment described in [Isaiah 10:5-11](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-11 - Assyria as God's Instrument of Judgment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hypocrite** (Hebrew, _chânêph'_): From H2611, this term signifies more than mere pretense; it denotes someone "soiled (i.e. with sin)," "impious," or "godless." In this context, it describes a deep moral corruption and alienation from God, indicating that Israel's outward religious observance was a sham, masking a profound inner depravity and lack of true devotion.
* **mouth** (Hebrew, _peh'_): From H6310, this word refers to the physical mouth, but figuratively, it represents speech, utterance, and the source of words. The declaration that "every mouth speaketh folly" emphasizes that the corruption was not merely in actions but also in communication, reflecting a society where truth, wisdom, and godly counsel had been replaced by foolish, morally depraved, and perhaps even blasphemous speech.
* **hand** (Hebrew, _yâd'_): From H3027, "hand" is a primitive word with a vast range of applications, often signifying power, means, direction, or agency. In the phrase "his hand is stretched out still," it powerfully symbolizes God's active, ongoing, and unceasing judgment. It is not a passive anger but an active, extended demonstration of divine power in bringing about the consequences of Israel's sin. The accompanying word "stretched out" (H5186, _nâṭâh'_) reinforces this active extension, implying an unwavering and persistent posture of divine action.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore the Lord shall have no joy in their young men":** This clause signifies a profound withdrawal of divine favor and delight. "Young men" (H970, _bâchûwr'_) often represent the strength, future, and vitality of a nation. God's declaration that He finds no joy in them indicates that the corruption is so pervasive that even the potential and promise of the next generation are tainted, rendering them objects of divine displeasure rather than blessing.
* **"neither shall have mercy on their fatherless and widows":** This is a particularly poignant and shocking declaration. The "fatherless" (H3490, _yâthôwm'_) and "widows" (H490, _ʼalmânâh'_) are consistently portrayed in the Old Testament as the most vulnerable members of society, for whom God has a special, compassionate concern. The withdrawal of mercy from these groups underscores the extreme depth of the nation's corporate sin, which has become so overwhelming that even the typical channels of divine compassion are blocked, encompassing all within the scope of judgment.
* **"for every one is an hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaketh folly":** This clause provides the justification for God's severe judgment. It describes the pervasive moral decay that has infected every individual ("every one"), characterizing them as "hypocrites" (godless, impious) and "evildoers" (those who spoil or make bad). Furthermore, their communication ("every mouth") is filled with "folly" (moral depravity, wickedness, senseless rejection of divine wisdom). This paints a picture of a society utterly steeped in sin, both in action and word.
* **"For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still":** This concluding refrain, repeated throughout this section of Isaiah, emphasizes the unwavering and persistent nature of God's wrath. Despite the calamities and judgments already experienced by Israel, their unrepentance means God's anger remains unabated. His "hand stretched out still" signifies an active, continuous, and unrelenting posture of judgment, indicating that the punishment is far from over and will continue until His righteous purposes are fulfilled.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 9:17 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message of divine judgment. The most prominent is **Refrain**, with the repeated phrase "For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still" serving as a chilling recurring motif throughout [Isaiah 9](/isaiah/9 "Isaiah 9 - Prophecy of Judgment and Hope") and [Isaiah 10](/isaiah/10 "Isaiah 10 - Further Prophecies of Judgment and Restoration"). This repetition emphasizes the unwavering nature of God's wrath and the unyielding stubbornness of Israel. **Personification** is evident in the description of God's "anger" and "hand." Anger is depicted as something that "is not turned away," giving it an active, persistent quality, while God's "hand" is "stretched out still," symbolizing His active and continuous judgment, almost as if it were a physical, unmoving posture. The verse also uses **Hyperbole** or **Generalization** with phrases like "every one is an hypocrite" and "every mouth speaketh folly," which, while not literally meaning every single individual, powerfully conveys the pervasive and overwhelming nature of the nation's corruption, leaving virtually no segment of society untainted. This widespread moral decay is the justification for the seemingly indiscriminate nature of the judgment, even impacting the vulnerable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 9:17 profoundly articulates the biblical truth that God, while abounding in steadfast love and mercy, is also a God of uncompromising justice. His character demands a response to persistent, pervasive sin and unrepentance. The withdrawal of mercy from even the most vulnerable, like the fatherless and widows, underscores the corporate nature of Israel's covenant breaking; the nation's sin was so deeply ingrained and widespread that it affected the entire social fabric, nullifying the very basis upon which divine compassion would normally be extended. This passage serves as a stark reminder that prolonged rebellion hardens hearts, exhausts divine patience, and inevitably leads to the full measure of righteous judgment, demonstrating that God's anger is not capricious but a holy response to profound moral decay and a rejection of His covenant.

* [Psalm 7:11](/psalm/7-11 "Psalm 7:11 - God is a Righteous Judge")
* [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness")
* [Hebrews 10:31](/hebrews/10-31 "Hebrews 10:31 - A Terrifying Thing to Fall into God's Hands")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 9:17 challenges us to confront the reality of God's holy character, which encompasses both boundless love and righteous indignation against sin. It serves as a sobering reminder that persistent and pervasive moral corruption, whether in an individual's life or within a society, does not go unnoticed or unaddressed by a just God. The verse compels us to examine the sincerity of our own faith, asking if our lives are marked by genuine devotion or by the "hypocrisy" and "folly" that characterized ancient Israel. It underscores that true spiritual health extends beyond outward appearances to the very words we speak and the intentions of our hearts. Furthermore, it calls us to consider the corporate impact of sin; when a community or nation turns away from God's standards, the consequences can be far-reaching, affecting even the most innocent and vulnerable, as the protective hand of divine mercy is withdrawn. This should motivate us to pursue personal repentance and to advocate for righteousness within our spheres of influence, understanding that God's patience, while vast, is not infinite.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might "hypocrisy" and "folly" manifest in my own life or in the community around me today?**
* **How does the concept of God's "hand stretched out still" for judgment deepen my understanding of His justice and holiness?**
* **What responsibility do I have, as an individual, to counter the pervasive moral decay described in this verse within my own sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**Why would God withdraw mercy from the "fatherless and widows," who are typically objects of His compassion?**

Answer: This is a powerful and unsettling aspect of the judgment. It does not imply that God ceases to care for the vulnerable, but rather that the corporate sin of the nation of Israel had become so pervasive and deeply entrenched that it had, in effect, nullified the covenant relationship that typically guaranteed God's protection and mercy. The nation's widespread "hypocrisy" and "evildoing" meant that the very societal structures meant to uphold justice and care for the vulnerable had collapsed or become corrupted. Therefore, the withdrawal of mercy from these groups signifies the comprehensive nature of God's judgment upon the entire nation for its unrepentant rebellion, where even those who would normally receive special divine care are swept up in the consequences of the collective sin ([Lamentations 4:1-12](/lamentations/4-1 "Lamentations 4:1-12 - The Consequences of Jerusalem's Sin") offers a parallel lament). It highlights the profound seriousness of corporate apostasy.

**Is God's anger truly "not turned away" forever, or is there hope for repentance and restoration?**

Answer: The phrase "For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still" is a recurring refrain in [Isaiah 9](/isaiah/9 "Isaiah 9 - Prophecy of Judgment and Hope") and [Isaiah 10](/isaiah/10 "Isaiah 10 - Further Prophecies of Judgment and Restoration"), emphasizing the immediate and persistent nature of God's judgment *in response to their current unrepentance*. While these chapters focus on the severity of the judgment, the broader book of Isaiah is also filled with prophecies of future hope, restoration, and ultimate salvation for a remnant of Israel and for all nations ([Isaiah 11:1-10](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1-10 - The Branch from Jesse") and [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - Light to the Gentiles")). So, the anger described here is not an eternal, unchangeable state for all time, but a righteous and sustained response to a specific period of profound and unyielding rebellion. God's ultimate character includes both justice and mercy, and His long-term plan involves redemption for those who turn to Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 9:17, with its stark declaration of God's unappeased anger and outstretched hand of judgment against a rebellious people, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in both the necessity of Christ's atoning work and the nature of His kingdom. The pervasive "hypocrisy" and "folly" described in the verse underscore humanity's universal sinfulness, demonstrating that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). This deep-seated corruption necessitated a divine intervention far beyond mere human effort. The "hand stretched out still" for judgment in Isaiah's day points to the righteous wrath of God against sin, which could only be fully satisfied through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. On the cross, the Son of God became the recipient of this divine judgment, bearing the full weight of God's anger against human sin, so that those who believe might be reconciled to God and escape the wrath to come ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Justification by Christ's Blood")). Furthermore, while God had "no joy" in the young men and "no mercy" on the vulnerable due to Israel's corporate sin, Christ, the true Israel, perfectly embodied righteousness and compassion. He is the one who brings true joy to those who follow Him and extends profound mercy to the "fatherless and widows" of society, both literally and spiritually, welcoming all who are outcast and broken into His kingdom ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Thus, the judgment foreshadowed in Isaiah 9:17 highlights the desperate need for a Savior, and Christ's finished work provides the only means by which God's anger can be truly turned away for those who are in Him, as His hand is now stretched out in grace and invitation ([John 3:16-17](/john/3-16 "John 3:16-17 - God's Love and Salvation")).

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 18:21

Therefore deliver up their children to the famine, and pour out their [blood] by the force of the sword; and let their wives be bereaved of their children, and [be] widows; and let their men be put to death; [let] their young men [be] slain by the sword in battle.

Isaiah 10:6

I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets.

Isaiah 5:25

Therefore is the anger of the LORD kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them: and the hills did tremble, and their carcases [were] torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand [is] stretched out still.

Isaiah 27:11

When the boughs thereof are withered, they shall be broken off: the women come, [and] set them on fire: for it [is] a people of no understanding: therefore he that made them will not have mercy on them, and he that formed them will shew them no favour.

Isaiah 9:12

The Syrians before, and the Philistines behind; and they shall devour Israel with open mouth. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand [is] stretched out still.

Matthew 12:34

O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

Isaiah 9:21

Manasseh, Ephraim; and Ephraim, Manasseh: [and] they together [shall be] against Judah. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand [is] stretched out still.