Isaiah 5:21
Isaiah 5:21 in Multiple Translations
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.
Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
Cursed are those who seem wise to themselves, and who take pride in their knowledge!
Tragedy is coming to you who are wise in your own eyes and think you're so clever.
Woe vnto them that are wise in their owne eyes, and prudent in their owne sight.
Woe [to] the wise in their own eyes, And — before their own faces — intelligent!
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
Woe to them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
Woe to you that rue wise in your own eyes, and prudent in your own conceits.
Terrible things will happen to those who think that they are wise and that they ◄are very clever/know everything►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 5:21
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 5:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ה֖וֹי
חֲכָמִ֣ים
בְּ/עֵֽינֵי/הֶ֑ם
וְ/נֶ֥גֶד
פְּנֵי/הֶ֖ם
נְבֹנִֽים
ה֖וֹי
hôwy
H1945
woe!
Part
חֲכָמִ֣ים
châkâm
H2450
wise
Adj
בְּ/עֵֽינֵי/הֶ֑ם
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd | Suff
וְ/נֶ֥גֶד
neged
H5048
before
Conj | Prep
פְּנֵי/הֶ֖ם
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
נְבֹנִֽים
bîyn
H995
to understand
V-Niphal
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 5:21
ה֖וֹי
hôwy
H1945
"woe!"
Part
Hoy is an expression of sadness or pain, like saying oh or woe. It's used to show strong emotions, and is often translated as alas or woe in the KJV Bible. This word conveys a sense of lament or regret.
Definition: ah!, alas!, ha!, ho!, O!, woe!
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: ah, alas, ho, O, woe. See also: 1 Kings 13:30; Jeremiah 22:18; Isaiah 1:4.
חֲכָמִ֣ים
châkâm
H2450
"wise"
Adj
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
בְּ/עֵֽינֵי/הֶ֑ם
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
וְ/נֶ֥גֶד
neged
H5048
"before"
Conj | Prep
Before or in front of something, as in Genesis 18:22 where Abraham stands before the Lord. It describes a position of being face to face or in someone's presence.
Definition: subst 1) what is conspicuous, what is in front of adv 2) in front of, straight forward, before, in sight of 3) in front of oneself, straightforward 4) before your face, in your view or purpose with prep 5) what is in front of, corresponding to 6) in front of, before 7) in the sight or presence of 8) parallel to 9) over, for 10) in front, opposite 11) at a distance prep 12) from the front of, away from 13) from before the eyes of, opposite to, at a distance from 14) from before, in front of 15) as far as the front of Aramaic equivalent: ne.ged (נֶ֫גֶד "before" H5049)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: about, (over) against, [idiom] aloof, [idiom] far (off), [idiom] from, over, presence, [idiom] other side, sight, [idiom] to view. See also: Genesis 2:18; Job 10:17; Psalms 10:5.
פְּנֵי/הֶ֖ם
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
נְבֹנִֽים
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
V-Niphal
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
Study Notes — Isaiah 5:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 5:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 5:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 5:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 5:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 5:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 5:21
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 5:21
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 5:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 5:21
- Sermons on Isaiah 5:21
Context — Woes to the Wicked
19to those who say, “Let Him hurry and hasten His work so that we may see it! Let the plan of the Holy One of Israel come so that we may know it!”
20Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness to light and light to darkness, who replace bitter with sweet and sweet with bitter.
21Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.
22Woe to those who are heroes in drinking wine and champions in mixing strong drink, 23who acquit the guilty for a bribe and deprive the innocent of justice.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Corinthians 3:18–20 | Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” |
| 2 | Proverbs 3:7 | Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. |
| 3 | Romans 12:16 | Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but enjoy the company of the lowly. Do not be conceited. |
| 4 | Proverbs 26:12 | Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. |
| 5 | Proverbs 26:16 | The slacker is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly. |
| 6 | Job 11:12 | But a witless man can no more become wise than the colt of a wild donkey can be born a man! |
| 7 | John 9:41 | “If you were blind,” Jesus replied, “you would not be guilty of sin. But since you claim you can see, your guilt remains.” |
| 8 | Romans 1:22 | Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, |
| 9 | Romans 11:25 | I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you will not be conceited: A hardening in part has come to Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. |
Isaiah 5:21 Summary
[This verse, Isaiah 5:21, is warning us about the danger of thinking we are wise and clever just because of our own thoughts and ideas. When we trust in our own understanding above God's wisdom, we can become arrogant and self-sufficient, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:19-20. Instead, we should seek God's wisdom and guidance, as encouraged in James 1:5 and Proverbs 9:10. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of being wise in our own eyes and walk in humility and dependence on God.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be wise in one's own eyes?
To be wise in one's own eyes, as mentioned in Isaiah 5:21, means to trust in one's own understanding and judgment above God's wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, where it says to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.
Is it wrong to be clever or intelligent?
No, being clever or intelligent is not wrong in itself, but when we rely solely on our own intellect and disregard God's wisdom, we become arrogant and self-sufficient, as warned in Isaiah 5:21 and 1 Corinthians 1:19-20.
How can we avoid being wise in our own eyes?
We can avoid being wise in our own eyes by humbly seeking God's wisdom and guidance, as encouraged in James 1:5, where it says to ask God for wisdom, and in Proverbs 9:10, which states that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
What is the consequence of being wise in one's own eyes?
The consequence of being wise in one's own eyes is that we will be led astray and ultimately face God's judgment, as seen in Isaiah 5:21, where it says 'Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes', and in Romans 1:22, which says that those who claim to be wise become fools.
Reflection Questions
- In what areas of my life am I relying on my own wisdom and judgment, rather than seeking God's guidance?
- How can I cultivate a humble and teachable spirit, recognizing my need for God's wisdom and direction?
- What are some ways that I can practically apply the wisdom of God's Word to my daily life, rather than trusting in my own understanding?
- How can I balance my own intellect and abilities with a dependence on God's wisdom and guidance, as seen in Isaiah 5:21 and Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 5:21
Woe unto [therm that are] wise in their own eyes,.... And yet betray such stupidity and sottishness, as to call things by their wrong names; and make such a perverse judgment of them, as before described.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 5:21
Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Woe unto (them that are) wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 5:21
That being puffed up with an opinion of their own wisdom, despise the counsels and instructions of God by his prophets, and prefer their own vain fancies before the judgment of the all-wise God, as appears by the error before mentioned, , that they affirmed that to be evil which God had declared to be good.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 5:21
Isaiah 5:21 Woe unto [them that are] wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!Ver. 21. Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes.] Wiser than David - as the proud prince of Tyre thought himself - or than any prophet of them all. This self-conceitedness is πασηςτηςπροκοπηςεγκοπη, said that heathen, the hindrance of all true proficiency, and a mischievous marrer of good; here is a woe hung at the heels of it. And lest any should hold that to be a small matter, let them consider what befell Meroz after that bitter curse pronounced against it - the very name and memorial of it is utterly extinct and blotted out; as also what befell the barren fig tree when once cursed by Christ - it withered away suddenly, both root and branch, though naturally the fig tree is the most juiceful of any tree, and beareth the brunt of winter blasts.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 5:21
(21) Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes.—Here again the prophet would seem to have definite individual counsellors in his mind. For such men the ideal of statesmanship was a series of shifts and expedients, based upon no principle of righteousness. (Comp. Isaiah 29:15; Isaiah 30:1.)
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 5:21
21. The fifth woe, against the self-satisfied astuteness of the politicians. That the prophet has the statesmen in his eye is probable from such passages as Isaiah 28:9 f., Isaiah 29:14 f., Isaiah 30:1; Isaiah 30:10 f., Isaiah 31:1 f.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 5:21
Wo unto them that are wise ... - This is the fifth crime specified. It refers to those who are inflated with a false opinion of their own knowledge, and who are, therefore, self-confident and vain.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 5:21
Fifth woe — on the scornful self-conceit of errorists, Isaiah 5:21.21.
Sermons on Isaiah 5:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Humanism-the Fifth Woe by Martyn-Lloyd Jones | Martyn-Lloyd Jones addresses the concept of humanism as the fifth woe pronounced by Isaiah, emphasizing that the Bible remains relevant and contemporary, revealing the timeless nat |
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Revelation and Reason by Martyn-Lloyd Jones | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the inadequacy of human reason and scientific knowledge when it comes to understanding the message of the Gospel. He highlights the vast dif |
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8 Ways to Deceive Ourselves by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the dangers of self-deception, focusing on the need to be vigilant against deception in various aspects of our lives. It highlights the importance of humilit |
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Eight Ways of Deceiving Ourselves - Part 2 by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the danger of falling away from the faith by being deceived by spirits, highlighting the importance of humility and a pure heart in understanding divine wisd |
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The Spirit of Anti Christ by Erlo Stegen | This sermon delves into the topic of the Antichrist as mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2, warning against deception and the spirit of lawlessness already at work. It emphasizes the ne |
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The Captivity of the Righteous Part 8 - Jobs Captivity Turned by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the dangers of self-deception, particularly for fathers, urging them to guard their hearts and lives against it. He explains that self-deception can manif |
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When Should We Answer Our Critics? by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman addresses the question of when to respond to critics in his sermon 'When Should We Answer Our Critics?' He emphasizes the importance of discerning the motives behind |