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Isaiah 3:13

Isaiah 3:13 in Multiple Translations

The LORD arises to contend; He stands to judge the people.

The LORD standeth up to plead, and standeth to judge the people.

Jehovah standeth up to contend, and standeth to judge the peoples.

The Lord is ready to take up his cause against his people, and is about to come forward as their judge.

The Lord stands up to prosecute his case. The Lord stands up to judge the people.

The Lord standeth vp to pleade, yea, hee standeth to iudge the people.

Jehovah hath stood up to plead, And He is standing to judge the peoples.

The LORD stands up to contend, and stands to judge the peoples.

The LORD standeth up to plead, and standeth to judge the people.

The Lord standeth up to judge, and he standeth to judge the people.

It is as though Yahweh has sat in his place in a courtroom and is ready to judge his people.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 3:13

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

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 3:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB נִצָּ֥ב לָ/רִ֖יב יְהוָ֑ה וְ/עֹמֵ֖ד לָ/דִ֥ין עַמִּֽים
נִצָּ֥ב nâtsab H5324 to stand V-Niphal
לָ/רִ֖יב rîyb H7378 to contend Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
יְהוָ֑ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
וְ/עֹמֵ֖ד ʻâmad H5975 to stand Conj | V-Qal
לָ/דִ֥ין dîyn H1777 to judge Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
עַמִּֽים ʻam H5971 Amaw N-mp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 3:13

נִצָּ֥ב nâtsab H5324 "to stand" V-Niphal
To stand or station oneself, either physically or as an appointed official. This word is used in various contexts, including setting up a monument or establishing a leader. It can also mean to stand firm or be established in a position.
Definition: 1) to stand, take one's stand, stand upright, be set (over), establish 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to station oneself, take one's stand 1a2) to stand, be stationed 1a3) to stand, take an upright position 1a4) to be stationed, be appointed 1a5) deputy, prefect, appointed, deputed (subst) 1a6) to stand firm 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to set up, erect 1b3) to cause to stand erect 1b4) to fix, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be fixed, be determined, be stationary
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: appointed, deputy, erect, establish, [idiom] Huzzah (by mistake for a proper name), lay, officer, pillar, present, rear up, set (over, up), settle, sharpen, establish, (make to) stand(-ing, still, up, upright), best state. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Samuel 15:12; Psalms 39:6.
לָ/רִ֖יב rîyb H7378 "to contend" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to argue or contend with someone, like in a lawsuit or a heated debate. It is used in various forms, such as physically fighting or verbally complaining. This concept appears in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: 1) to strive, contend 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to strive 1a1a) physically 1a1b) with words 1a2) to conduct a case or suit (legal), sue 1a3) to make complaint 1a4) to quarrel 1b) (Hiphil) to contend against
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: adversary, chide, complain, contend, debate, [idiom] ever, [idiom] lay wait, plead, rebuke, strive, [idiom] thoroughly. See also: Genesis 26:20; Job 40:2; Psalms 35:1.
יְהוָ֑ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וְ/עֹמֵ֖ד ʻâmad H5975 "to stand" Conj | V-Qal
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
לָ/דִ֥ין dîyn H1777 "to judge" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To judge or plead a cause is the meaning of this Hebrew word, used to describe acting as a judge or governing.
Definition: 1) to judge, contend, plead 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as judge, minister judgment 1a2) to plead a cause 1a3) to execute judgment, requite, vindicate 1a4) to govern 1a5) to contend, strive 1b) (Niphal) to be at strife, quarrel Aramaic equivalent: din (דִּין "to judge" H1778)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: (come) with a straight course. See also: Genesis 6:3; Psalms 72:2; Psalms 7:9.
עַמִּֽים ʻam H5971 "Amaw" N-mp
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.

Study Notes — Isaiah 3:13

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Micah 6:2 Hear, O mountains, the LORD’s indictment, you enduring foundations of the earth. For the LORD has a case against His people, and He will argue it against Israel:
2 Hosea 4:1–2 Hear the word of the LORD, O children of Israel, for the LORD has a case against the people of the land: “There is no truth, no loving devotion, and no knowledge of God in the land! Cursing and lying, murder and stealing, and adultery are rampant; one act of bloodshed follows another.
3 Proverbs 22:22–23 Do not rob a poor man because he is poor, and do not crush the afflicted at the gate, for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them.
4 Psalms 12:5 “For the cause of the oppressed and for the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “I will bring safety to him who yearns.”
5 Proverbs 23:10–11 Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless, for their Redeemer is strong; He will take up their case against you.

Isaiah 3:13 Summary

Isaiah 3:13 tells us that the Lord arises to contend and stands to judge His people. This means that God is actively working to defend and protect those who are being oppressed, and He is also calling His people to account for their actions, as seen in Psalms 9:7-8. The Lord's judgment is not just about punishing the wicked, but also about restoring and redeeming His people, as written in Isaiah 1:18 and Romans 8:1. By trusting in God's goodness and justice, we can have confidence in His judgment and live lives that are pleasing to Him, as written in 2 Corinthians 5:9 and Colossians 1:10.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for the Lord to 'arise to contend' in Isaiah 3:13?

This phrase means that God is standing up to defend His people and to fight against those who are oppressing them, as seen in Isaiah 31:4 and Psalms 35:1.

Why does the Lord need to judge His people?

The Lord judges His people because they have turned away from Him and are living in sin, as mentioned in Isaiah 1:4 and Jeremiah 2:13, and judgment is a call to repentance and restoration.

Is the Lord's judgment only for the wicked, or does it also apply to believers?

The Lord's judgment is for all people, including believers, as seen in Romans 14:10 and 2 Corinthians 5:10, where it is written that we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

How can we prepare for the Lord's judgment?

We can prepare for the Lord's judgment by living a life of obedience to God's Word, as written in John 14:15 and 1 John 2:3, and by trusting in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, as seen in Acts 4:12 and Romans 10:9-10.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I am 'oppressing' others, and how can I change my behavior to be more like Christ?
  2. How can I trust in God's judgment, even when it seems unfair or unclear to me?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I need to repent and turn back to God, and how can I take steps to do so?
  4. How can I be a source of hope and comfort to others who are facing judgment or difficult circumstances?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 3:13

The Lord standeth up to plead,.... His own cause, or the cause of his son against the Jews that rejected him, and the Scribes and Pharisees that led them to an ill opinion of him: and standeth to judge the people.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 3:13

The LORD standeth up to plead, and standeth to judge the people. The Lord standeth up - no longer sitting in silence. To plead - "by fire and by His sword," and consuming judgments, so as, however, to leave a remnant.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 3:13

The Lord standeth up; he will shortly and certainly stand up as a judge, to inquire into the cause, and to give sentence. To judge the people, i.e. to defend and deliver them, or to judge for them, as this phrase is oft used.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 3:13

Isaiah 3:13 The LORD standeth up to plead, and standeth to judge the people.Ver. 13. The Lord standeth up to plead.] Or, To debate, to argue the case, and to hear pleas. He is content, for the clearing of his justice and conviction of sinners, to submit his courses unto scanning. See Isaiah 5:3. Iudicate quaeso, Judge, I pray you. Wherefore I will yet plead with you, and with your children’ s children will I plead. But when that is done, He standeth to judge the people.] And the Lord will enter into judgment. Three various words are here made use of for judgment, to show, saith Oecolampadius, that God hath been, is, and shall be Judge, and that in his judgment, nihil relinquetar inexpensum, nothing shall be left unconsidered.

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 3:13

(13) The Lord standeth up to plead . . .—The people may think that the prophet is their censor. He bids them know that Jehovah is their true accuser and their judge. “Ye,” he says, with all the emphasis of a sudden change of person, as if turning, as he spoke, to the nobles and elders, “ye have devoured the vineyard, ye have spoiled the poor.” (Comp. Isaiah 5:1-8; Proverbs 30:12-14.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 3:13

Verse 13. The people - "His people"] עמו ammo, Septuagint.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 3:13

13–15. A judgment scene, somewhat loosely connected with what has gone before, but expressing in another form the same sympathy with the oppressed which appears in Isaiah 3:12. Jehovah, at once accuser and judge, comes to vindicate the cause of the poor against their oppressors.

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 3:13

The Lord standeth up - To “stand up” may mean the same as to “arise.” God would not sit in silence and see their wicked conduct; but he would come forth to inflict on them exemplary and deserved chastisement.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 3:13

13. This headlong life of the nation cannot last. The Lord standeth up — He cometh forward (that is the verb’s meaning) after sufficient trial and endurance. To plead — To litigate, to contend, to inflict punishment.

Sermons on Isaiah 3:13

SermonDescription
Don Wilkerson Breaking Free From a Controlling Spirit by Don Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God to break free from controlling spirits. He refers to the story of Elijah in the Bible, where an angel of the Lord came to h
David Wilkerson God's Controversy With the Backslidden Church by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Hosea and the controversy between God and the backslidden church. He emphasizes that God is seeking to balance the books and tak
Chuck Missler Hosea #3 Ch. 4-5 Israel's Willful Ignorance by Chuck Missler In this sermon on the book of Hosea, the speaker begins by highlighting the broken home of Israel as a result of their adulterous relationship with God. The focus then shifts to ch
Kay Arthur How to Study Your Bible - Part 1 by Kay Arthur In this sermon, Kay Arthur teaches on how to study the Bible effectively. She emphasizes the importance of engaging all of our senses when studying, as it helps with memory retenti
William MacDonald Bristol Conference 1962 - Part 3 by William MacDonald In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of idolatry and how it can manifest in our lives. He emphasizes the importance of identifying the subjects that we are most passio
Shane Idleman What Is a Faithful Servant? by Shane Idleman This sermon emphasizes the importance of being prepared and faithful for the return of Jesus, highlighting the distinction between the wise and foolish servants. It delves into the
Richard Owen Roberts Repentance (June 2002) by Richard Owen Roberts In this sermon, Richard Owen Roberts discusses the consequences of men who continue to walk in deception and disregard the law of God. He quotes scripture from Hosea 4:1 and 4:6, e

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