Isaiah 30:10
Isaiah 30:10 in Multiple Translations
They say to the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us the truth! Speak to us pleasant words; prophesy illusions.
Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:
that say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits,
Who say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Do not give us word of what is true, but say false things to give us pleasure:
They tell people who see visions, “Stop seeing visions!” and to the prophets, “Don't give us prophecies about doing right—just tell us pleasant things and give us fake prophecies.
Which say vnto the Seers, See not: and to the Prophets, Prophecie not vnto vs right things: but speake flattering things vnto vs: prophecie errours.
Who have said to seers, 'Ye do not see,' And to prophets, 'Ye do not prophesy to us Straightforward things, Speak to us smooth things, prophesy deceits,
who tell the seers, “Don’t see!” and the prophets, “Don’t prophesy to us right things. Tell us pleasant things. Prophesy deceits.
Who say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not to us right things, speak to us smooth things, prophesy deceits:
Who say to the seers: See not: and to them that behold: Behold not for us those things that are right: speak unto us pleasant things, see errors for us.
They tell the people who see/receive visions from Yahweh, “Stop seeing visions!” They tell the prophets, “Do not reveal to us what is right! Tell us pleasant things; do not tell us visions about things that are true!
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 30:10
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 30:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
אָמְר֤וּ
לָֽ/רֹאִים֙
לֹ֣א
תִרְא֔וּ
וְ/לַ֣/חֹזִ֔ים
לֹ֥א
תֶחֱזוּ
לָ֖/נוּ
נְכֹח֑וֹת
דַּבְּרוּ
לָ֣/נוּ
חֲלָק֔וֹת
חֲז֖וּ
מַהֲתַלּֽוֹת
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אָמְר֤וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
לָֽ/רֹאִים֙
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Prep | V-Qal
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִרְא֔וּ
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
וְ/לַ֣/חֹזִ֔ים
chôzeh
H2374
seer
Conj | Prep | V-Qal
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תֶחֱזוּ
châzâh
H2372
to see
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
לָ֖/נוּ
Prep | Suff
נְכֹח֑וֹת
nᵉkôchâh
H5229
upright
Adj
דַּבְּרוּ
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Impv-2mp
לָ֣/נוּ
Prep | Suff
חֲלָק֔וֹת
chelqâh
H2513
portion
Adj
חֲז֖וּ
châzâh
H2372
to see
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
מַהֲתַלּֽוֹת
mahăthallâh
H4123
deception
N-fp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 30:10
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אָמְר֤וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
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.
לָֽ/רֹאִים֙
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Prep | V-Qal
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִרְא֔וּ
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
וְ/לַ֣/חֹזִ֔ים
chôzeh
H2374
"seer"
Conj | Prep | V-Qal
A seer or prophet, someone who receives visions from God, like those mentioned in 1 Samuel and Isaiah. This word is used to describe people with spiritual insight.
Definition: 1) seer 1a) seer 1b) vision
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: agreement, prophet, see that, seer, (star-) gazer. See also: 2 Samuel 24:11; 2 Chronicles 33:18; Isaiah 28:15.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תֶחֱזוּ
châzâh
H2372
"to see"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
Chazah means to see or perceive, and can also mean to have a vision or prophesy. It is used to describe seeing something with your eyes or in your mind.
Definition: 1) to see, perceive, look, behold, prophesy, provide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to see, behold 1a2) to see as a seer in the ecstatic state 1a3) to see, perceive 1a3a) with the intelligence 1a3b) to see (by experience) 1a3c) to provide Aramaic equivalent: cha.zah (חֲזָה "to see" H2370)
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: behold, look, prophesy, provide, see. See also: Exodus 18:21; Proverbs 24:32; Psalms 11:4.
לָ֖/נוּ
""
Prep | Suff
נְכֹח֑וֹת
nᵉkôchâh
H5229
"upright"
Adj
Means being upright or having integrity, like living a virtuous life. It appears in Psalm 25 to describe a person who follows God's path. Refers to living a life of moral uprightness and honesty.
Definition: 1) straight in front, be in front of, straight, right, straightness 1a) true things (of prophecy) 1b) rectitude (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: equity, right (thing), uprightness. See also: Isaiah 26:10; Isaiah 59:14; Isaiah 30:10.
דַּבְּרוּ
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Impv-2mp
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
לָ֣/נוּ
""
Prep | Suff
חֲלָק֔וֹת
chelqâh
H2513
"portion"
Adj
This word refers to smoothness, but can also imply flattery or slippery behavior. In some cases, it describes a plot of land or a portion of ground. The Bible uses this word to warn against smooth talk and deceitful actions.
Definition: 1) portion, parcel 1a) of ground
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: field, flattering(-ry), ground, parcel, part, piece of land (ground), plat, portion, slippery place, smooth (thing). See also: Genesis 27:16; 2 Kings 9:21; Psalms 12:3.
חֲז֖וּ
châzâh
H2372
"to see"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
Chazah means to see or perceive, and can also mean to have a vision or prophesy. It is used to describe seeing something with your eyes or in your mind.
Definition: 1) to see, perceive, look, behold, prophesy, provide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to see, behold 1a2) to see as a seer in the ecstatic state 1a3) to see, perceive 1a3a) with the intelligence 1a3b) to see (by experience) 1a3c) to provide Aramaic equivalent: cha.zah (חֲזָה "to see" H2370)
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: behold, look, prophesy, provide, see. See also: Exodus 18:21; Proverbs 24:32; Psalms 11:4.
מַהֲתַלּֽוֹת
mahăthallâh
H4123
"deception"
N-fp
This Hebrew word means deception or delusion, often referring to false or misleading ideas. It is used in the Bible to describe times when people are misled or deceived. In the book of Proverbs, it warns against deception.
Definition: deceptions, illusions
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: deceit. See also: Isaiah 30:10.
Study Notes — Isaiah 30:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 30:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 30:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 30:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 30:10
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 30:10
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 30:10
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 30:10
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 30:10
- Sermons on Isaiah 30:10
Context — The Worthless Treaty with Egypt
8Go now, write it on a tablet in their presence and inscribe it on a scroll; it will be for the days to come, a witness forever and ever.
9These are rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to obey the LORD’s instruction.
10They say to the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us the truth! Speak to us pleasant words; prophesy illusions.
11Get out of the way; turn off the road. Rid us of the Holy One of Israel!” 12Therefore this is what the Holy One of Israel says: “Because you have rejected this message, trusting in oppression and relying on deceit,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 13:7–10 | Haven’t you seen a false vision and spoken a lying divination when you proclaim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’ even though I have not spoken? Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Because you have uttered vain words and seen false visions, I am against you, declares the Lord GOD. My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and speak lying divinations. They will not belong to the council of My people or be recorded in the register of the house of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Lord GOD. Because they have led My people astray, saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace, and whitewashing any flimsy wall that is built, |
| 2 | Romans 16:18 | For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. |
| 3 | Amos 2:12 | “But you made the Nazirites drink wine and commanded the prophets not to prophesy. |
| 4 | Amos 7:13 | But never prophesy at Bethel again, because it is the sanctuary of the king and the temple of the kingdom.” |
| 5 | Jeremiah 11:21 | Therefore this is what the LORD says concerning the people of Anathoth who are seeking your life and saying, “You must not prophesy in the name of the LORD, or you will die by our hand.” |
| 6 | Jeremiah 23:26–29 | How long will this continue in the hearts of these prophets who prophesy falsehood, these prophets of the delusion of their own minds? They suppose the dreams that they tell one another will make My people forget My name, just as their fathers forgot My name through the worship of Baal. Let the prophet who has a dream retell it, but let him who has My word speak it truthfully. For what is straw compared to grain?” declares the LORD. “Is not My word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that smashes a rock?” |
| 7 | Jeremiah 23:17 | They keep saying to those who despise Me, ‘The LORD says that you will have peace,’ and to everyone who walks in the stubbornness of his own heart, ‘No harm will come to you.’ |
| 8 | Revelation 11:7 | When the two witnesses have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will wage war with them, and will overpower and kill them. |
| 9 | John 7:7 | The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me, because I testify that its works are evil. |
| 10 | 1 Kings 22:27 | and tell them that this is what the king says: ‘Put this man in prison and feed him only bread and water until I return safely.’” |
Isaiah 30:10 Summary
[The people in Isaiah 30:10 are telling the prophets to stop speaking the truth and instead to speak nice things that will make them feel good. This is similar to what happened in Jeremiah 5:31, where the people loved to have false prophets who would tell them what they wanted to hear. The people are rejecting God's message and seeking out illusions because they do not want to obey Him, as stated in Isaiah 30:9. This serves as a warning to us today to be careful not to reject the truth of God's Word and to seek out teachers who will speak the truth to us, rather than seeking out those who will tell us what we want to hear, as warned in 2 Peter 2:1-3 and 2 Timothy 4:3-4.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the attitude of the people towards the prophets in Isaiah 30:10?
The people are rejecting the truth and asking the prophets to speak pleasant words and prophesy illusions, rather than hearing the truth, similar to the response of the people in Jeremiah 5:31 who love to have it so.
Why do the people want to hear pleasant words and illusions?
The people want to hear pleasant words and illusions because they are unwilling to obey the LORD's instruction, as stated in Isaiah 30:9, and they are seeking a message that will comfort them in their sin, rather than calling them to repentance, as seen in 2 Timothy 4:3-4.
What is the result of rejecting the truth and seeking illusions?
The result of rejecting the truth and seeking illusions is that the people will be led further into sin and rebellion against God, as stated in Isaiah 30:12, and will ultimately face judgment, as seen in Proverbs 29:1.
How does this verse relate to our lives today?
This verse serves as a warning to us today to be careful not to reject the truth of God's Word and to seek out teachers who will speak the truth to us, rather than seeking out those who will tell us what we want to hear, as warned in 2 Peter 2:1-3.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be rejecting the truth of God's Word in my own life, and how can I be more open to hearing and obeying it?
- In what ways do I seek out 'pleasant words' and 'illusions' in my daily life, and how can I cultivate a desire for the truth instead?
- What are some consequences that I may face if I continue to reject the truth and seek out illusions, and how can I repent and turn back to God?
- How can I be a prophet or messenger of truth to those around me, and what are some ways that I can speak the truth in love to those who may not want to hear it?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 30:10
Which say to the seers, See not,.... The same with the prophets in the next clause, which explains this: and to the Prophets, prophesy not unto us right things; things agreeable to the mind and will
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 30:10
Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: Which say to the seers, See not - (Micah 2:6; Micah 2:11; Micah 3:5).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 30:10
He speaks not of the words of their mouths; for none could be so mad of impudent as to have or profess a desire to be cheated, but of the language of their actions. They do so discourage and threaten God’ s faithful prophets, and so encourage their own false prophets, as if they had rather be deceived to their destruction, than hear the truth for their preservation and salvation. They prefer the pleasing of their humours before the saving of themselves.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 30:10
Isaiah 30:10 Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:Ver. 10. Which say to the seers, See not, &c.] Strange impudence! but in thus reciting their words, the prophet rather expresseth their spirit than their speeches. And yet it may be that the politicians of those times blamed the prophets, Isaiah and the rest, as pragmatic, for interposing and meddling in state matters, and pressing the law so strictly, since in cases of necessity, as now it was, they must make bold to borrow a little law of the Holy One of Israel. Speak unto us smooth things.] Heb., Smoothnesses, toothless truths, and such as may speak you no meddlers.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 30:10
10. the seers] (1 Samuel 9:9.) the prophets] The word rightly rendered “seer” in Amos 7:12 and elsewhere. See on Isaiah 1:1. The prophets referred to can hardly (in view of Isa 30:11) be merely the false prophets, who were at the beck and call of the people, but all representatives of the prophetic office. Cf. Amos 2:12; Amos 7:12; Hosea 9:7-8; Micah 2:6; Micah 2:11; Micah 3:5; Micah 3:11; Jeremiah 6:14; Jeremiah 14:13 ff.; Ezekiel 13:10 ff. deceits] illusions; the word is used only here. It is Isaiah’s own estimate that is put into the mouth of the people.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 30:10
Which say to the seers - The prophets (see the note at Isaiah 1:1). See not - They desire not that they should communicate to them the will of Yahweh.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 30:10
9-11. The thing witnessed to is, that this is a rebellious people, lying children, etc. See note on Isaiah 1:2.
Sermons on Isaiah 30:10
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Great Apostasy by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of maintaining a childlike trust and confidence in God. He criticizes the modern methods and techniques used in churches and |
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(Prophecy) Prophecy in the New Testament by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being aware of deception in relation to the second coming of Jesus. He highlights that Jesus himself warned about deception |
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Prophecy in the New Testament by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of testing teachings and doctrines based on four criteria: Did Jesus do it? Did Jesus teach it? Did the apostles do it? Did th |
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(Where Is the Church Going) 6. One Day We Will Give an Account to God by Miki Hardy | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of staying true to the gospel of Jesus Christ and not getting involved in messages that have no sense or are meant to enterta |
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Itching Ears by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer addresses the troubling trend within the church where many prioritize pleasure over a genuine love for God. He highlights that many Christians today have 'itching ears,' |
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Jeremiah 23:29 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith addresses the dire spiritual condition of the nation, emphasizing how false prophets mislead the people with lies, leading them away from the true worship of God. He hi |
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Epistle 187 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about dwelling in the love of God together to be built up, warning against enmity, discord, and worldly wisdom that lead to disobedience and questioning. He emp |