Isaiah 5:24

Isaiah 5:24 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Therefore, as a tongue of fire consumes the straw, and as dry grass shrivels in the flame, so their roots will decay and their blossoms will blow away like dust; for they have rejected the instruction of the LORD of Hosts and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.

King James Version KJV

Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.

American Standard Version ASV

Therefore as the tongue of fire devoureth the stubble, and as the dry grass sinketh down in the flame, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust; because they have rejected the law of Jehovah of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.

Bible in Basic English BBE

For this cause, as the waste of the grain is burned up by tongues of fire, and as the dry grass goes down before the flame, so their root will be like the dry stems of grain, and their flower will go up in dust: because they have gone against the law of the Lord of armies, and have given no honour to the word of the Holy One of Israel.

Free Bible Version FBV

In the same way fire burns up stubble and dry grass falls down in the flames, so their roots will decay and their flowers disintegrate into dust. For they have rejected the law of the Lord Almighty, and have treated with contempt what the Holy One of Israel has said.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Therefore as the flame of fire deuoureth the stubble, and as the chaffe is cosumed of the flame: so their roote shalbe as rottennesse, and their bud shall rise vp like dust, because they haue cast off the Lawe of the Lord of hostes, and contemned the word of the holy one of Israel.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Therefore, as a tongue of fire devoureth stubble, And flaming hay falleth, Their root is as muck, And their flower as dust goeth up. Because they have rejected the law of Jehovah of Hosts, And the saying of the Holy One of Israel despised.

World English Bible WEB

Therefore as the tongue of fire devours the stubble, and as the dry grass sinks down in the flame, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust, because they have rejected the law of the LORD of Armies, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Therefore as the tongue of the fire devoureth the stubble, and the heat of the dame consumeth it: so shall their root be as ashes, and their bud shall go up as dust: for they have cast away the law of the Lord of hosts, and have blasphemed the word of the Holy One of Israel.

Translation for Translators T4T

Therefore, just like [SIM] fires burn up stubble and dry grass shrivels up and quickly burns in flames, it will be as though those people have roots that will rot and have flowers that will wither. That will happen because they rejected the laws of the Commander of the armies of angels; they have despised the messages of the Holy One of Israel.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 5:24

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 5:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB לָ/כֵן֩ כֶּ/אֱכֹ֨ל קַ֜שׁ לְשׁ֣וֹן אֵ֗שׁ וַ/חֲשַׁ֤שׁ לֶֽהָבָה֙ יִרְפֶּ֔ה שָׁרְשָׁ/ם֙ כַּ/מָּ֣ק יִֽהְיֶ֔ה וּ/פִרְחָ֖/ם כָּ/אָבָ֣ק יַעֲלֶ֑ה כִּ֣י מָאֲס֗וּ אֵ֚ת תּוֹרַת֙ יְהוָ֣ה צְבָא֔וֹת וְ/אֵ֛ת אִמְרַ֥ת קְדֽוֹשׁ יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל נִאֵֽצוּ

לָ/כֵן֩ kên H3651 right Prep | Adv

כֶּ/אֱכֹ֨ל ʼâkal H398 to eat Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

קַ֜שׁ qash H7179 stubble N-ms

לְשׁ֣וֹן lâshôwn H3956 tongue N-cs

אֵ֗שׁ ʼêsh H784 fire N-cs

וַ/חֲשַׁ֤שׁ châshash H2842 chaff Conj | N-ms

לֶֽהָבָה֙ lehâbâh H3852 flame N-fs

יִרְפֶּ֔ה râphâh H7503 to slacken V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

שָׁרְשָׁ/ם֙ sheresh H8328 root N-ms | Suff

כַּ/מָּ֣ק maq H4716 decay Prep | N-ms

יִֽהְיֶ֔ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

וּ/פִרְחָ֖/ם perach H6525 flower Conj | N-ms | Suff

כָּ/אָבָ֣ק ʼâbâq H80 dust Prep | N-ms

יַעֲלֶ֑ה ʻâlâh H5927 to ascend V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj

מָאֲס֗וּ mâʼaç H3988 to reject V-Qal-Perf-3cp

אֵ֚ת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

תּוֹרַת֙ tôwrâh H8451 instruction N-fs

יְהוָ֣ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

צְבָא֔וֹת tsâbâʼ H6635 army N-cp

וְ/אֵ֛ת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM

אִמְרַ֥ת ʼimrâh H565 word N-fs

קְדֽוֹשׁ qâdôwsh H6918 holy Adj

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

נִאֵֽצוּ nâʼats H5006 to spurn V-Piel-Perf-3cp

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 5:24

לָ/כֵן֩ kên H3651 "right" Prep | Adv

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable

Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.

כֶּ/אֱכֹ֨ל ʼâkal H398 "to eat" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.

Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)

Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.

קַ֜שׁ qash H7179 "stubble" N-ms

This Hebrew word refers to dry straw or stubble, often used to describe something that is worthless or easily destroyed. It appears in prophetic passages, such as Isaiah and Jeremiah, to symbolize God's judgment.

Definition: stubble, chaff

Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: stubble. See also: Exodus 5:12; Isaiah 40:24; Psalms 83:14.

לְשׁ֣וֹן lâshôwn H3956 "tongue" N-cs

The tongue, used for eating, speaking, or describing a language. In the Bible, it appears in many books, including Genesis 11:1 and Acts 2:4.

Definition: : tongue/words 1) tongue 1a) tongue (of men) 1a1) tongue (literal) 1a2) tongue (organ of speech) 1b) language 1c) tongue (of animals) 1d) tongue (of fire) 1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)

Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] babbler, bay, [phrase] evil speaker, language, talker, tongue, wedge. See also: Genesis 10:5; Psalms 126:2; Psalms 5:10.

אֵ֗שׁ ʼêsh H784 "fire" N-cs

Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.

Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)

Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.

וַ/חֲשַׁ֤שׁ châshash H2842 "chaff" Conj | N-ms

Means dry grass or chaff, which is the outer husk of grain that's often blown away by the wind.

Definition: chaff, dry grass

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: chaff. See also: Isaiah 5:24; Isaiah 33:11.

לֶֽהָבָה֙ lehâbâh H3852 "flame" N-fs

This word refers to a flame or the tip of a weapon, like the head of a spear. It describes something sharp or pointed, often used in battle.

Definition: 1) flame 2) tip of weapon, point, head of spear

Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: flame(-ming), head (of a spear). See also: Numbers 21:28; Isaiah 43:2; Psalms 29:7.

יִרְפֶּ֔ה râphâh H7503 "to slacken" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to slacken or relax, and is used in many contexts, such as feeling disheartened or abandoning something. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in Psalms and Proverbs. The word can also mean to let go or be idle.

Definition: 1) to sink, relax, sink down, let drop, be disheartened 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sink down 1a2) to sink, drop 1a3) to sink, relax, abate 1a4) to relax, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) idle (participle) 1c) (Piel) to let drop 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to let drop, abandon, relax, refrain, forsake 1d2) to let go 1d3) to refrain, let alone 1d4) to be quiet 1e) (Hithpael) to show oneself slack

Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: abate, cease, consume, draw (toward evening), fail, (be) faint, be (wax) feeble, forsake, idle, leave, let alone (go, down), (be) slack, stay, be still, be slothful, (be) weak(-en). See H7495 (רָפָא). See also: Exodus 4:26; Nehemiah 6:3; Psalms 37:8.

שָׁרְשָׁ/ם֙ sheresh H8328 "root" N-ms | Suff

A root is the underground part of a plant. In the Bible, it can also mean a source or foundation, like in the book of Job.

Definition: 1) root 1a) root (literal) 1b) root (of people involving firmness or permanence) (fig) 1c) root, bottom (as lowest stratum) (fig) Aramaic equivalent: sho.resh (שֹׁ֫רֶשׁ "root" H8330)

Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: bottom, deep, heel, root. See also: Deuteronomy 29:17; Isaiah 11:1; Psalms 80:10.

כַּ/מָּ֣ק maq H4716 "decay" Prep | N-ms

This word means decay or rottenness, describing something that is putrid or foul. It appears in the Bible in books like Job and Proverbs, often used to describe the consequences of sin or corruption. The idea is that something has gone bad and is no longer useful.

Definition: decay, rottenness

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: rottenness, stink. See also: Isaiah 3:24; Isaiah 5:24.

יִֽהְיֶ֔ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

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.

וּ/פִרְחָ֖/ם perach H6525 "flower" Conj | N-ms | Suff

A flower or blossom, this word describes the bloom of a plant. It can also mean a bud or sprout, symbolizing new life and growth in the Bible.

Definition: bud, sprout

Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: blossom, bud, flower. See also: Exodus 25:31; Numbers 17:23; Isaiah 5:24.

כָּ/אָבָ֣ק ʼâbâq H80 "dust" Prep | N-ms

This word refers to dust or small particles that are easily blown away, like powder or clouds. It's used in the Bible to describe the ground or a cloudy sky.

Definition: 1) dust 1a) on ground 1b) clouds (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: (small) dust, powder. See also: Exodus 9:9; Isaiah 29:5; Isaiah 5:24.

יַעֲלֶ֑ה ʻâlâh H5927 "to ascend" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.

Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself

Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.

כִּ֣י 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.

מָאֲס֗וּ mâʼaç H3988 "to reject" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

To spurn or reject something is what this Hebrew word means. In Genesis 37:35, it is used to describe how Jacob felt when his sons told him Joseph had died.

Definition: 1) to reject, despise, refuse 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to reject, refuse 1a2) to despise 1b) (Niphal) to be rejected

Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: abhor, cast away (off), contemn, despise, disdain, (become) loathe(some), melt away, refuse, reject, reprobate, [idiom] utterly, vile person. See also: Leviticus 26:15; Psalms 106:24; Psalms 15:4.

אֵ֚ת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

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.

תּוֹרַת֙ tôwrâh H8451 "instruction" N-fs

The Hebrew word for instruction or law, referring to the Ten Commandments or the first five books of the Bible, guiding human behavior and moral code.

Definition: 1) law, direction, instruction 1a) instruction, direction (human or divine) 1a1) body of prophetic teaching 1a2) instruction in Messianic age 1a3) body of priestly direction or instruction 1a4) body of legal directives 1b) law 1b1) law of the burnt offering 1b2) of special law, codes of law 1c) custom, manner 1d) the Deuteronomic or Mosaic Law

Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: law. See also: Genesis 26:5; Nehemiah 8:7; Psalms 1:2.

יְהוָ֣ה 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.

צְבָא֔וֹת tsâbâʼ H6635 "army" N-cp

This Hebrew word means a large group of people or things, often referring to an army or a campaign, and is also used to describe the Lord's hosts. It appears in the Bible as a name for God, emphasizing His power and authority. In the KJV, it's translated as 'host' or 'army'.

Definition: : army 1) that which goes forth, army, war, warfare, host 1a) army, host 1a1) host (of organised army) 1a2) host (of angels) 1a3) of sun, moon, and stars 1a4) of whole creation 1b) war, warfare, service, go out to war 1c) service

Usage: Occurs in 463 OT verses. KJV: appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare). See also: Genesis 2:1; 1 Samuel 17:55; Psalms 24:10.

וְ/אֵ֛ת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM

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.

אִמְרַ֥ת ʼimrâh H565 "word" N-fs

In the Bible, this word means a threat or warning, often from God. It appears in the context of judgement or punishment. The KJV translates it as commandment, speech, or word.

Definition: 1) utterance, speech, word 1a) word of God (command and promise)

Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: commandment, speech, word. See also: Genesis 4:23; Psalms 119:116; Psalms 12:7.

קְדֽוֹשׁ qâdôwsh H6918 "holy" Adj

Holy means set apart or sacred, used to describe God, angels, and saints. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things or people dedicated to God's service, like the Temple in Jerusalem or the prophets who spoke on God's behalf.

Definition: : holy sacred, holy, Holy One, saint, set apart

Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: holy (One), saint. See also: Exodus 19:6; Psalms 89:19; Psalms 16:3.

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

נִאֵֽצוּ nâʼats H5006 "to spurn" V-Piel-Perf-3cp

To spurn or scorn means to show contempt or hatred, often used in the Bible to describe rejection of God or his people. This word appears in Proverbs and Psalms, warning against despising others. It can also mean to provoke or blaspheme.

Definition: 1) to spurn, contemn, despise, abhor 1a) (Qal) to spurn, contemn 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to spurn 1b2) to cause to contemn 1c) (Hiphil) to spurn 1d) (Hithpolel) to be contemned

Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: abhor, (give occasion to) blaspheme, contemn, despise, flourish, [idiom] great, provoke. See also: Numbers 14:11; Proverbs 1:30; Psalms 10:3.

Study Notes — Isaiah 5:24

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Context — Woes to the Wicked

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.

24Therefore, as a tongue of fire consumes the straw, and as dry grass shrivels in the flame, so their roots will decay and their blossoms will blow away like dust; for they have rejected the instruction of the LORD of Hosts and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.

25Therefore the anger of the LORD burns against His people; His hand is raised against them to strike them down. The mountains quake, and the corpses lie like refuse in the streets. Despite all this, His anger is not turned away; His hand is still upraised. 26He lifts a banner for the distant nations and whistles for those at the ends of the earth. Behold—how speedily and swiftly they come!

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Isaiah 30:12	Therefore this is what the Holy One of Israel says: “Because you have rejected this message, trusting in oppression and relying on deceit,
2	Job 18:16	The roots beneath him dry up, and the branches above him wither away.
3	Joel 2:5	With a sound like that of chariots they bound over the mountaintops, like the crackling of fire consuming stubble, like a mighty army deployed for battle.
4	Luke 3:17	His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing floor and to gather the wheat into His barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
5	Isaiah 30:9	These are rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to obey the LORD’s instruction.
6	Isaiah 47:14	Surely they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up. They cannot deliver themselves from the power of the flame. There will be no coals to warm them or fire to sit beside.
7	Exodus 15:7	You overthrew Your adversaries by Your great majesty. You unleashed Your burning wrath; it consumed them like stubble.
8	Jeremiah 6:19	Hear, O earth! I am bringing disaster on this people, the fruit of their own schemes, because they have paid no attention to My word and have rejected My instruction.
9	Acts 13:41	‘Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish! For I am doing a work in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.’ ”
10	John 12:48	There is a judge for the one who rejects Me and does not receive My words: The word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.

Isaiah 5:24 Summary

[Isaiah 5:24 is a warning to those who reject God's teachings and commands, saying that they will be quickly and easily consumed by God's judgment, like straw and dry grass in a fire. This is because God is holy and just, and cannot tolerate sin and rebellion, as seen in Exodus 34:7. When we reject God's instruction, we are like a plant with decaying roots, and our accomplishments will eventually blow away like dust, leaving us with nothing, as also warned in Psalm 37:2. We must humble ourselves and turn to God's Word, so we can be rooted and grounded in His love and truth, as encouraged in Ephesians 3:17.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to reject the instruction of the Lord of Hosts?

Rejecting the instruction of the Lord of Hosts means turning away from God's teachings and commands, as seen in Isaiah 5:24, which is a serious offense against God, as also warned in Deuteronomy 8:20 and Proverbs 1:25.

Why does the verse compare the wicked to straw and dry grass?

The comparison of the wicked to straw and dry grass in Isaiah 5:24 illustrates how quickly and easily they will be consumed by God's judgment, much like how straw and dry grass are easily burned by fire, as also described in Matthew 3:12 and Luke 3:17.

What is the significance of the roots decaying and blossoms blowing away like dust?

The image of roots decaying and blossoms blowing away like dust in Isaiah 5:24 symbolizes the complete destruction and loss of all that the wicked have worked for, leaving them with nothing, as also seen in Psalm 37:2 and Isaiah 40:24.

How does this verse relate to the character of God?

Isaiah 5:24 reveals God's holy and just character, as He cannot tolerate sin and rebellion, and must judge those who reject His instruction, as also seen in Exodus 34:7 and Romans 1:18.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I may be rejecting God's instruction in my own life, and how can I turn back to Him?
How can I ensure that my roots are deeply grounded in God's Word, so I am not like the straw and dry grass that wither away?
What are some 'blossoms' in my life that may be blown away by God's judgment if I do not align myself with His will?
In what ways can I demonstrate a humble and receptive heart towards God's instruction, rather than despising it like the wicked in Isaiah 5:24?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 5:24

Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble,.... Or "tongue of fire" (h); meaning the flame, the same as in the next clause; because it is in the form of a tongue; see Acts 2:3: and the flame

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 5:24

Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 5:24

Their root shall be as rottenness; they shall be like a tree which not only withers in its branches, but dies and rots at the roots, and therefore is past all hopes of recovery. The sense is, They shall be destroyed both root and branch. Their blossom shall go up as dust; shall vanish (for so the word ascend or go up is oft used, as ,24) as the dust, which is blown away with every wind; or, shall be resolved into dust, and yield no fruit. They have cast away; which implies disobedience joined with contempt.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 5:24

Isaiah 5:24 Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, [so] their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.Ver. 24. Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble.] For all the crimes aforementioned, and for that, to all the former they add this, that they have cast away the law of the Lord, and despised his Word. As the fire.] Heb., The tongue of fire; that is, the top of the flame, which resembleth a tongue, that is also thin, broad, long, and of a fiery colour: "Setting on fire the course of nature, and is itself set on fire of hell." Devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff.] Sin doth as naturally draw and suck judgments to it as the lodestone doth iron, as dry stubble and light chaff doth fire; suddenly and with no ado shall sinners be consumed, when God once taketh them to do; exorientur et exurentur. So their root shall be rottenness.] In allusion to the vine which brought forth rotten grapes. And their blossom shall go up as dust.] Shall vanish and come to nothing, as it needs must where the root is putrified. Of wild vines Pliny saith, Ostentant fructum potius quam porrigunt, they rather make a show of fruit than yield any. And there are some vines, saith Varro, whose fruit ever rotteth before it hath time to ripen. He meaneth they shall vanish in their greatest flourish of seeming felicity. Lib. xvi. cap. 27. Var. ap. Cas. Dion.

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 5:24

(24) Therefore as the fire devoureth.—Literally, the tongue of fire. The scene brought before us is—(1) that of a charred and burnt-up field, horrible and hideous to look upon (comp. Hebrews 6:8); (2) that of a tree decayed and loathsome. The double imagery represents the end of the riotous mirth of the unjust judges.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 5:24

Verse 24. The flame - "The tongue of fire"] "The flame, because it is in the shape of a tongue; and so it is called metaphorically." Sal. ben Melec. The metaphor is so exceedingly obvious, as well as beautiful, that one may wonder that it has not been more frequently used. Virgil very elegantly intimates, rather than expresses, the image; - Ecce levis summo de vertice visus Iuli Fundere lumen apex; tactuque innoxia molli Lambere flamma comas, et circum tempora pasci. AEn. ii. 682. "Strange to relate! from young Iulus' head A lambent flame arose, which gently spread Around his brows, and on his temples fed." And more boldly of AEtna darting out flames from its top: - Interdumque atram prorumpit ad aethera nubem, Turbine fumantem piceo, et candente favilla: Attollitque globos flammarum, et sidera lambit. AEn. iii. 574. "By turns a pitchy cloud she rolls on high, By turns hot embers from her entrails fly, And flakes of mountain flames, that lick the sky." The disparted tongues, as it were of fire, Acts 2:3, which appeared at the descent of the Holy Spirit, on the apostles, give the same idea; that is, of flames shooting diversely into pyramidal forms, or points, like tongues. It may be farther observed that the prophet in this place has given the metaphor its full force, in applying it to the action of fire in eating up and devouring whatever comes in its way, like a ravenous animal whose tongue is principally employed in taking in his food or prey; which image Moses has strongly exhibited in an expressive comparison: "And Moab said to the elders of Midian, Now shall this collection of people lick up ali that are around about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field," Numbers 22:4. See also 1Kg 18:38. Their root shall be as rottenness] כמק cammak, like mak; whence probably our word muck, dung, was derived.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 5:24

24. The conclusion. Render with R.V. Therefore as the tongue of fire devoureth the stubble, And as the dry grass sinketh down in the flame, &c. The similes are taken from two common customs, the burning of the stubble in the fields, and the use of dry grass for fuel. The comparison is completed in a different figure. root … blossom] The expression is found on a Phœnician sarcophagus (Eshmunazar), “let him not have root below or fruit above”; and frequently in the O.T., Isaiah 14:29; Isaiah 37:31; Amos 2:9; Hosea 9:16, &c. the law of the Lord of hosts] See on Isaiah 1:10. The last clause is a summary description of the sins of the nation; the source from which they all spring is the rejection of the prophetic message.

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 5:24

Therefore as the fire ... - The remainder of this chapter is occupied with predicting “judgments,” or punishments, upon the people for their sins which had been specified.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 5:24

24. Therefore — The general subject of destructive judgments is here resumed from Isaiah 5:14.

Sermons on Isaiah 5:24

	Sermon	Description
	K-492 the Holocaust and the Knowledge of God by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having the right mindset for those who want to walk with God. He starts by sharing a personal experience of finding newly b
	"Be Ye Doers of the Word" Part 2 by Joshua Daniel	This sermon emphasizes the consequences of despising the Word of God, warning against trusting in oppression and perverseness. It highlights the importance of humbling oneself befo
	Doers and Not Hearers Only by Joshua Daniel	This sermon emphasizes the importance of not despising the Word of God and the consequences of turning away from His commandments. It warns against the dangers of disobedience and
	(A Divine Visitation) Preparation - Part 2 by Richard Owen Roberts	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the message of John the Baptist and the different groups of people who responded to his preaching. He emphasizes the importance of bringing
	Hebrews 12:25-29 by D.S. Warner	D.S. Warner preaches about the importance of thorough sanctification and the need to remove denominational divisions within the church. He emphasizes that true holiness destroys de
	Exposition on Psalm 8 by St. Augustine	St. Augustine delves into the symbolic meanings of wine-presses in the Psalms, interpreting them as representations of Churches, martyrdoms, and the process of separating the good
	Governed by the Word of God 1 of 2 by David Wilkerson	In this sermonette, the preacher discusses the importance of being knowledgeable about the word of God. He emphasizes that many people lack biblical literacy and therefore struggle