Isaiah 29:13
Isaiah 29:13 in Multiple Translations
Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men.
¶ Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:
And the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw nigh unto me, and with their mouth and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment of men which hath been taught them;
And the Lord said, because this people come near to me with their mouths, and give honour to me with their lips, but their heart is far from me, and their fear of me is false, a rule given them by the teaching of men;
The Lord says, “These people come and praise me with their words, and honor me with lip service, but their thoughts are miles away. Their worship of me only consists of them following rules people have taught them.
Therefore the Lord sayd, Because this people come neere vnto me with their mouth, and honour me with their lips, but haue remooued their heart farre from me, and their feare toward me was taught by the precept of men,
And the Lord saith: Because drawn near hath this people, with its mouth, And with its lips they have honoured Me, And its heart it hath put far off from Me, And their fear of Me is — A precept of men is taught!
The Lord said, “Because this people draws near with their mouth and honors me with their lips, but they have removed their heart far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment of men which has been taught;
Wherefore the LORD said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear towards me is taught by the precept of men:
And the Lord said: Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips glorify me, but their heart is far from me, and they have feared me with the commandment and doctrines of men:
So the Lord says, “These people say that they belong to me. They honor me by what they say [MTY], but they do not think [IDM] about what I desire. When they worship me, all they do is recite rules that people have made and that they have memorized.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 29:13
BAB
Word Study
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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 29:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
אֲדֹנָ֗/י
יַ֚עַן
כִּ֤י
נִגַּשׁ֙
הָ/עָ֣ם
הַ/זֶּ֔ה
בְּ/פִ֤י/ו
וּ/בִ/שְׂפָתָי/ו֙
כִּבְּד֔וּ/נִי
וְ/לִבּ֖/וֹ
רִחַ֣ק
מִמֶּ֑/נִּי
וַ/תְּהִ֤י
יִרְאָתָ/ם֙
אֹתִ֔/י
מִצְוַ֥ת
אֲנָשִׁ֖ים
מְלֻמָּדָֽה
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֲדֹנָ֗/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
יַ֚עַן
yaʻan
H3282
because
Conj
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
נִגַּשׁ֙
nâgash
H5066
to approach
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
הָ/עָ֣ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
הַ/זֶּ֔ה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
בְּ/פִ֤י/ו
peh
H6310
lip
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וּ/בִ/שְׂפָתָי/ו֙
sâphâh
H8193
lips
Conj | Prep | N-fd | Suff
כִּבְּד֔וּ/נִי
kâbad
H3513
to honor
V-Piel-Perf-3cp | Suff
וְ/לִבּ֖/וֹ
lêb
H3820
heart
Conj | N-ms | Suff
רִחַ֣ק
râchaq
H7368
to remove
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
מִמֶּ֑/נִּי
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
וַ/תְּהִ֤י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
יִרְאָתָ/ם֙
yârêʼ
H3373
afraid
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
אֹתִ֔/י
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
מִצְוַ֥ת
mitsvâh
H4687
commandment
N-fs
אֲנָשִׁ֖ים
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-mp
מְלֻמָּדָֽה
lâmad
H3925
to learn
V-Pual-Inf-c
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 29:13
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֲדֹנָ֗/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
"Lord"
N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
יַ֚עַן
yaʻan
H3282
"because"
Conj
This Hebrew word means because or therefore, and is used to show the reason or cause of something, like in a sentence explaining why something happened. It is often translated as because or for in the KJV Bible. This word helps us understand the motivations behind actions.
Definition: conj 1) because, therefore, because that, on account of prep 2) because of, on account of 3) why (with interrogative pron)
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: because (that), forasmuch ([phrase] as), seeing then, [phrase] that, [phrase] wheras, [phrase] why. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 25:8; Psalms 109:16.
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
נִגַּשׁ֙
nâgash
H5066
"to approach"
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
To approach or draw near, like Moses to the burning bush, and can also mean to worship or present an argument, as in Genesis 18:23.
Definition: : approach 1) to draw near, approach 1a) (Qal) to draw or come near 1a1) of humans 1a1a) of sexual intercourse 1a2) of inanimate subject 1a2a) to approach one another 1b) (Niphal) to draw near 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to approach, bring near, bring 1d) (Hophal) to be brought near 1e) (Hithpael) to draw near Also means: na.gash (נָגַשׁ ": bring" H5066H)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: (make to) approach (nigh), bring (forth, hither, near), (cause to) come (hither, near, nigh), give place, go hard (up), (be, draw, go) near (nigh), offer, overtake, present, put, stand. See also: Genesis 18:23; 1 Samuel 28:25; Psalms 91:7.
הָ/עָ֣ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
הַ/זֶּ֔ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
בְּ/פִ֤י/ו
peh
H6310
"lip"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
וּ/בִ/שְׂפָתָי/ו֙
sâphâh
H8193
"lips"
Conj | Prep | N-fd | Suff
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Definition: : lips/mouth 1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding 1a) lip (as body part) 1b) language 1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. See also: Genesis 11:1; Psalms 120:2; Psalms 12:3.
כִּבְּד֔וּ/נִי
kâbad
H3513
"to honor"
V-Piel-Perf-3cp | Suff
This word can mean to honor or make something weighty, like when God is glorified in Psalm 138, or to be heavy with burdens, as the Israelites were in Exodus 18.
Definition: : honour/glory 1) to be heavy, be weighty, be grievous, be hard, be rich, be honourable, be glorious, be burdensome, be honoured 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be heavy 1a2) to be heavy, be insensible, be dull 1a3) to be honoured 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made heavy, be honoured, enjoy honour, be made abundant 1b2) to get oneself glory or honour, gain glory 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make heavy, make dull, make insensible 1c2) to make honourable, honour, glorify 1d) (Pual) to be made honourable, be honoured 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make heavy 1e2) to make heavy, make dull, make unresponsive 1e3) to cause to be honoured 1f) (Hithpael) 1f1) to make oneself heavy, make oneself dense, make oneself numerous 1f2) to honour oneself
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: abounding with, more grievously afflict, boast, be chargeable, [idiom] be dim, glorify, be (make) glorious (things), glory, (very) great, be grievous, harden, be (make) heavy, be heavier, lay heavily, (bring to, come to, do, get, be had in) honour (self), (be) honourable (man), lade, [idiom] more be laid, make self many, nobles, prevail, promote (to honour), be rich, be (go) sore, stop. See also: Genesis 13:2; Job 6:3; Psalms 15:4.
וְ/לִבּ֖/וֹ
lêb
H3820
"heart"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
רִחַ֣ק
râchaq
H7368
"to remove"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To remove or go far away, as in Genesis 21:16 where Hagar is sent away by Abraham. It means to create distance or separate oneself from something or someone.
Definition: v 1) to be or become far, be or become distant, be removed, go far away 1a) (Qal) to be far, be distant 1b) (Piel) to send far away, extend 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make or exhibit distance, be gone far 1c2) to remove, put far away 2) (Niphal) loose v inf (as adv) 3) at a distance
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: (a-, be, cast, drive, get, go, keep (self), put, remove, be too, (wander), withdraw) far (away, off), loose, [idiom] refrain, very, (be) a good way (off). See also: Genesis 21:16; Psalms 119:150; Psalms 22:12.
מִמֶּ֑/נִּי
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
וַ/תְּהִ֤י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
יִרְאָתָ/ם֙
yârêʼ
H3373
"afraid"
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This word describes someone who is afraid or fearful, and is also used to convey a sense of reverence or respect. It's often translated as 'afraid' in the KJV. In the Bible, it's used to describe people's reactions to God or scary situations.
Definition: fearing, reverent, afraid
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: afraid, fear (-ful). See also: Genesis 22:12; Psalms 103:17; Psalms 15:4.
אֹתִ֔/י
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מִצְוַ֥ת
mitsvâh
H4687
"commandment"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means a command or law given by God or humans, as seen in the Bible's rules and guidelines. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy. The commandments guide people's actions.
Definition: 1) commandment 1a) commandment (of man) 1b) the commandment (of God) 1c) commandment (of code of wisdom)
Usage: Occurs in 177 OT verses. KJV: (which was) commanded(-ment), law, ordinance, precept. See also: Genesis 26:5; 1 Chronicles 28:8; Psalms 19:9.
אֲנָשִׁ֖ים
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מְלֻמָּדָֽה
lâmad
H3925
"to learn"
V-Pual-Inf-c
To learn or teach in the Bible means to guide someone, like using a rod to direct an animal. It is about instructing or training someone, as seen in Proverbs and Psalms. Teaching is an important theme in the Bible.
Definition: : teach 1) to learn. teach, exercise in 1a) (Qal) to learn 1b) (Piel) to teach 1c) (Pual) to be taught, be trained Also means: la.mad (לָמַד ": learn" H3925H)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: (un-) accustomed, [idiom] diligently, expert, instruct, learn, skilful, teach(-er, -ing). See also: Deuteronomy 4:1; Psalms 119:66; Psalms 18:35.
Study Notes — Isaiah 29:13
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Context — Woe to David’s City
11And the entire vision will be to you like the words sealed in a scroll. If it is handed to someone to read, he will say, “I cannot, because it is sealed.”
12Or if the scroll is handed to one unable to read, he will say, “I cannot read.”
13Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men.
14Therefore I will again confound these people with wonder upon wonder. The wisdom of the wise will vanish, and the intelligence of the intelligent will be hidden. ” 15Woe to those who dig deep to hide their plans from the LORD. In darkness they do their works and say, “Who sees us, and who will know?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 12:2 | You planted them, and they have taken root. They have grown and produced fruit. You are ever on their lips, but far from their hearts. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 33:31–33 | So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain. Indeed, you are to them like a singer of love songs with a beautiful voice, who skillfully plays an instrument. They hear your words but do not put them into practice. So when it comes to pass—and surely it will come—then they will know that a prophet has been among them.” |
| 3 | Mark 7:2–13 | and they saw some of His disciples eating with hands that were defiled—that is, unwashed. Now in holding to the tradition of the elders, the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat until they wash their hands ceremonially. And on returning from the market, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other traditions for them to observe, including the washing of cups, pitchers, kettles, and couches for dining. So the Pharisees and scribes questioned Jesus: “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders? Instead, they eat with defiled hands.” Jesus answered them, “Isaiah prophesied correctly about you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’ You have disregarded the commandment of God to keep the tradition of men. ” He went on to say, “You neatly set aside the command of God to maintain your own tradition. For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ But you say that if a man says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever you would have received from me is Corban’ (that is, a gift devoted to God), he is no longer permitted to do anything for his father or mother. Thus you nullify the word of God by the tradition you have handed down. And you do so in many such matters.” |
| 4 | Jeremiah 3:10 | Yet in spite of all this, her unfaithful sister Judah did not return to Me with all her heart, but only in pretense,” declares the LORD. |
| 5 | Matthew 15:2–9 | “Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They do not wash their hands before they eat.” Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ But you say that if anyone says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever you would have received from me is a gift devoted to God,’ he need not honor his father or mother with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. You hypocrites! Isaiah prophesied correctly about you: ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’ ” |
| 6 | Isaiah 58:2–3 | For day after day they seek Me and delight to know My ways, like a nation that does what is right and does not forsake the justice of their God. They ask Me for righteous judgments; they delight in the nearness of God.” “Why have we fasted, and You have not seen? Why have we humbled ourselves, and You have not noticed?” “Behold, on the day of your fast, you do as you please, and you oppress all your workers. |
| 7 | Proverbs 30:6 | Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you and prove you a liar. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 5:2 | Although they say, ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’ they are swearing falsely.” |
| 9 | Isaiah 48:1–2 | “Listen to this, O house of Jacob, you who are called by the name of Israel, who have descended from the line of Judah, who swear by the name of the LORD, who invoke the God of Israel— but not in truth or righteousness— who indeed call yourselves after the holy city and lean on the God of Israel; the LORD of Hosts is His name. |
| 10 | Colossians 2:22 | These will all perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. |
Isaiah 29:13 Summary
This verse, Isaiah 29:13, is saying that some people claim to worship God with their words, but their hearts are not really with Him. They are just following rules and traditions, rather than truly loving and obeying God. This is similar to what Jesus taught in Matthew 15:8-9, where He quotes Isaiah 29:13, saying that people honor God with their lips, but their hearts are far from Him. To really worship God, we need to love Him with all our heart, soul, and mind, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 22:37, and obey His commands from a heart that is genuinely devoted to Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'draw near to God with our mouths'?
This phrase, found in Isaiah 29:13, refers to people who claim to worship God with their words, but their hearts are not genuinely devoted to Him, as also seen in Ezekiel 33:31-32 where people listen to God's words but do not put them into practice.
Why does God say the people's worship is 'but rules taught by men'?
In Isaiah 29:13, God is saying that the people's worship has become empty and ritualistic, focused on following human traditions rather than a heartfelt devotion to Him, similar to what Jesus condemned in Matthew 15:9 where people honor God with their lips but their hearts are far from Him.
How can we ensure our worship is genuine and not just 'rules taught by men'?
To ensure our worship is genuine, we must focus on developing a personal relationship with God, seeking to understand and obey His commands from the heart, as encouraged in Deuteronomy 6:5 and Matthew 22:37, where we are called to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind.
What is the consequence of having a heart that is 'far from' God?
Having a heart that is far from God can lead to spiritual blindness and a lack of understanding, as seen in Isaiah 29:14, where God says He will confound those who claim to know Him but do not truly follow Him, a principle also found in Hosea 4:6 where God's people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I may be 'drawing near to God with my mouth' but not with my heart, and how can I change this?
- How do I distinguish between worship that is based on 'rules taught by men' and worship that is a genuine expression of my love for God?
- In what ways can I cultivate a deeper, more heartfelt devotion to God in my daily life, and what role does obedience to His commands play in this?
- How can I ensure that my worship is not just a ritual, but a true expression of my love and commitment to God, as seen in John 14:15 where Jesus says if we love Him, we will keep His commandments?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 29:13
Wherefore the Lord said,.... Concerning the hypocritical people of the Jews in Christ's time, as the words are applied by our Lord himself, Matthew 15:7: Forasmuch as this people draw near to [me]
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 29:13
Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 29:13
Draw near me, to wit, in acts of worship, with their mouth and with their lips; with outward devotions, and the profession of religion. But have removed their heart far from me; they do not pay me that love, and fear, and obedience which I require, and prefer before all sacrifices and external services. Their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men; they worship me not in such way and manner as I have commanded and prescribed, but according to their own and other men’ s inventions, preferring the devices and traditions of their false prophets before my institutions. For this was a common error among the Jews, as we learn from , and many other scriptures; and thus our blessed Saviour expounds this very place, .
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 29:13
Isaiah 29:13 Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near [me] with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:Ver. 13. Because this people draweth near to me, &c.] For their putid hypocrisy and outsidedness in God’ s service, they were given up by him to be further hardened by the devil, and to have their necks possessed by an iron sinew, Hypocritis nihil stupidius. Their fear towards me.] See on Matthew 15:9.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 29:13
(13) Wherefore the Lord said . . .—We pass from the effect to the cause. The blind stupor was the outcome of a long hypocrisy. Lip-homage and an estranged heart had been the notes of the religious life of Israel, and they could bear no other fruit. Their fear toward me . . .—The words point to what we may call an anticipated Pharisaism. Side by side with the great commandments of the Law and with the incisive teaching of the prophets there was growing up even then a traditional system of ethics and religion, based upon wrong principles, ending in a dishonest casuistry and a formal devotion. Commentaries even then were darkening counsel by words without knowledge, as they did in the Mishna and the Gemara of the later days of Judaism (Matthew 15:3; Mark 7:6).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 29:13
Verse 13. The Lord - "JEHOVAH"] For אדני Adonai, sixty-three MSS. of Kennicott's, and many of De Rossi's, and four editions, read יהוה Yehovah, and five MSS. add יהוה. Kimchi makes some just observations on this verse. The vision, meaning the Divine revelation of all the prophets, is a book or letter that is sealed - is not easily understood. This is delivered to one that is learned - instructed in the law. Read this; and he saith, I cannot, for it is sealed; a full proof that he does not wish to know the contents, else he would apply to the prophet to get it explained. See Kimchi on the place. And their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men - "And vain is their fear of me teaching the commandments of men"] I read for ותהי vattehi, ותהו vethohu, with the Septuagint, Matthew 15:9; Mr 8:7; and for מלמדה melummedah, מלמדים melummedim, with the Chaldee.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 29:13
ch. Isaiah 29:1-14. The announcement of Jehovah’s wonderful purpose regarding Jerusalem, and its reception on the part of the peopleUnder the second “Woe” (Isaiah 29:1) are grouped two oracles, which may have been originally independent; or they may be intimately connected, the second describing the effect of the first on the minds of Isaiah’s hearers. i. Isaiah 29:1-8. The impending humiliation and deliverance of Jerusalem. Jerusalem, apostrophised by the mystic name of “Ariel,” is at present gay and careless and secure, the festal calendar follows its accustomed course, and this state of things may endure for a short time longer (1). But already in vision the prophet sees her beset by hosts of enemies, and reduced to the lowest depths of despair (2–4) when suddenly the Lord Himself, arrayed in the terrors of earthquake and tempest, appears in judgment (6), and in a moment the scene is changed. In the very hour of their triumph, the enemies of Zion are disappointed of their expectation, and vanish like a vision of the night (7, 8). ii. Isaiah 29:9-14. A rebuke of the spiritual blindness and unbelief, and the hollow formal religion prevalent amongst all classes of the people.
(1) Isaiah 29:9-12. Jehovah has visited the leaders of the people with judicial blindness (9 f.); the consequence is that neither among the cultured nor the unlettered can the word of the Lord find entrance (11 f.). (2) Isaiah 29:13-14. Because the popular religion has degenerated into a mechanical routine of traditional observances (13) it is necessary for Jehovah to adopt startling measures, transcending all human calculation and insight (14).
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 29:13
Wherefore the Lord said - This verse, with the following, is designed to denounce the divine judgment on their formality of worship.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 29:13
13, 14. Thus spiritual teaching is rejected, though formal adherence may be observed. In this way moral blindness is self inflicted.
Sermons on Isaiah 29:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Life Story of Keith Green - Part 2 by Melody Green | In the sermon transcripts, Keith shares his burden for revival and the need for more people to come forward and experience a true transformation in their faith. He emphasizes the i |
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K-053 Come Up and Be There by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the power and wealth of the world compared to the power and reality found in the Word of God. He shares a personal experience of a ten-day |
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(In the Word) 06 - Hearing the Word of God by Milton Green | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following the Word of God rather than the traditions of men. They urge the listeners to listen to all the tapes in the seri |
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Heart Surrender by Steve Gallagher | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of people honoring God with their words and outward actions, but neglecting to keep their hearts close to Him. He criticizes the pre |
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Necessity of Reforming the Church 3 of 4 (1544) by John Calvin | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the primacy of the Romish sea, which refers to the authority of the Roman Catholic Church. The speaker acknowledges that the adversaries of th |
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(Through the Bible) Ezekiel 11-15 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that society today is not like the Victorian age or a puritan society. He warns against forsaking God's commandments and living like the peo |
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07 New Wine in New Wineskins - Jesus the Only Thing That Matters by Sandeep Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of making Jesus the sole focus of our lives, above all other desires and distractions. It highlights the journey from considering Jesus a grea |