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Isaiah 5:9

Isaiah 5:9 in Multiple Translations

I heard the LORD of Hosts declare: “Surely many houses will become desolate, great mansions left unoccupied.

In mine ears said the LORD of hosts, Of a truth many houses shall be desolate, even great and fair, without inhabitant.

In mine ears saith Jehovah of hosts, Of a truth many houses shall be desolate, even great and fair, without inhabitant.

The Lord of armies has said to me secretly, Truly, numbers of great and fair houses will be waste, with no one living in them.

I heard the Lord Almighty declare: You can be sure that many houses are destined to become ruins, and beautiful mansions destined to become uninhabited.

This is in mine cares, saith the Lord of hostes. Surely many houses shall be desolate, euen great, and faire without inhabitant.

By the weapons of Jehovah of Hosts Do not many houses a desolation become? Great and good without inhabitant!

In my ears, the LORD of Armies says: “Surely many houses will be desolate, even great and beautiful, unoccupied.

In my ears said the LORD of hosts, Of a truth many houses shall be desolate, even great and fair, without inhabitant.

These things are in my ears, saith the Lord of hosts: unless many great and fair houses shall become desolate, without an inhabitant.

But I heard the Commander of the armies of angels solemnly declare this: “Some day, many of those huge houses will be empty/deserted; no one will be living in those beautiful mansions.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 5:9

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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 5:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB בְּ/אָזְנָ֖/י יְהוָ֣ה צְבָא֑וֹת אִם לֹ֞א בָּתִּ֤ים רַבִּים֙ לְ/שַׁמָּ֣ה יִֽהְי֔וּ גְּדֹלִ֥ים וְ/טוֹבִ֖ים מֵ/אֵ֥ין יוֹשֵֽׁב
בְּ/אָזְנָ֖/י ʼôzen H241 ear Prep | N-fd | Suff
יְהוָ֣ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
צְבָא֑וֹת tsâbâʼ H6635 army N-cp
אִם ʼim H518 if Conj
לֹ֞א lôʼ H3808 not Part
בָּתִּ֤ים bayith H1004 place N-mp
רַבִּים֙ rab H7227 many Adj
לְ/שַׁמָּ֣ה shammâh H8047 horror Prep | N-fs
יִֽהְי֔וּ hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
גְּדֹלִ֥ים gâdôwl H1419 Great (Sea) Adj
וְ/טוֹבִ֖ים ṭôwb H2896 pleasant Conj | Adj
מֵ/אֵ֥ין ʼayin H369 nothing Prep | Part
יוֹשֵֽׁב yâshab H3427 to dwell V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 5:9

בְּ/אָזְנָ֖/י ʼôzen H241 "ear" Prep | N-fd | Suff
The Hebrew word for ear, referring to the body part or the ability to hear, is used in various contexts, including listening to God's voice in Psalm 40:6. It can also mean to uncover or reveal something, as in 1 Samuel 20:2.
Definition: : ear 1) ear, as part of the body 2) ear, as organ of hearing 3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. See also: Genesis 20:8; Psalms 40:7; Psalms 10:17.
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.
צְבָא֑וֹת 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.
אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
לֹ֞א 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.
בָּתִּ֤ים bayith H1004 "place" N-mp
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
רַבִּים֙ rab H7227 "many" Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
לְ/שַׁמָּ֣ה shammâh H8047 "horror" Prep | N-fs
Shammâh refers to a state of horror or ruin, often describing a waste or desolate land. It can also mean consternation or appalment, and is used in the Bible to describe the aftermath of war or disaster.
Definition: : destroyed/waste 1) waste, horror, appalment 1a) a waste (of land, city, etc) 1b) appalment, horror Also means: sham.mah (שַׁמָּה ": appalled" H8047H)
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: astonishment, desolate(-ion), waste, wonderful thing. See also: Deuteronomy 28:37; Jeremiah 29:18; Psalms 46:9.
יִֽהְי֔וּ hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
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.
גְּדֹלִ֥ים gâdôwl H1419 "Great (Sea)" Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
וְ/טוֹבִ֖ים ṭôwb H2896 "pleasant" Conj | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
מֵ/אֵ֥ין ʼayin H369 "nothing" Prep | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
יוֹשֵֽׁב yâshab H3427 "to dwell" V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.

Study Notes — Isaiah 5:9

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Matthew 23:38 Look, your house is left to you desolate.
2 Isaiah 22:14 The LORD of Hosts has revealed in my hearing: “Until your dying day, this sin of yours will never be atoned for,” says the Lord GOD of Hosts.
3 Amos 5:11 Therefore, because you trample on the poor and exact from him a tax of grain, you will never live in the stone houses you have built; you will never drink the wine from the lush vineyards you have planted.
4 Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets.
5 Isaiah 27:10 For the fortified city lies deserted— a homestead abandoned, a wilderness forsaken. There the calves graze, and there they lie down; they strip its branches bare.
6 Isaiah 6:11–12 Then I asked: “How long, O Lord?” And He replied: “Until the cities lie ruined and without inhabitant, until the houses are left unoccupied and the land is desolate and ravaged, until the LORD has driven men far away and the land is utterly forsaken.
7 Amos 6:11 For the LORD gives a command: “The great house will be smashed to pieces, and the small house to rubble.”
8 2 Chronicles 36:21 So the land enjoyed its Sabbath rest all the days of the desolation, until seventy years were completed, in fulfillment of the word of the LORD through Jeremiah.
9 Matthew 22:7 The king was enraged, and he sent his troops to destroy those murderers and burn their city.
10 Isaiah 5:6 I will make it a wasteland, neither pruned nor cultivated, and thorns and briers will grow up. I will command the clouds that rain shall not fall on it.”

Isaiah 5:9 Summary

Isaiah 5:9 is a warning from God that many houses will become empty and great mansions will be left unoccupied because of the disobedience and oppression of the people of Israel. This is a result of their turning away from God and trusting in their own wealth and power, as seen in Isaiah 5:8. However, as Christians, we can learn from this verse and seek to obey God's commands and trust in His mercy and forgiveness, as seen in Psalm 103:8-10. By doing so, we can avoid God's judgment and experience the joy and peace that comes from following Him.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Lord of Hosts declaring in Isaiah 5:9?

The Lord of Hosts is declaring that many houses will become desolate and great mansions will be left unoccupied, which is a result of God's judgment on the disobedient and oppressive people of Israel, as seen in Isaiah 5:8 where it says 'Woe to you who add house to house and join field to field until no place is left and you live alone in the land'

Why will many houses become desolate according to Isaiah 5:9?

Many houses will become desolate because the people of Israel have been disobedient to God's commands and have been oppressing the poor, as seen in Isaiah 5:7 where it says 'He looked for justice, but saw bloodshed; for righteousness, but heard a cry of distress'

Is this verse only applicable to the Israelites or can it be applied to our lives today?

While this verse was specifically addressed to the Israelites, the principle of God's judgment on disobedience and oppression can be applied to our lives today, as seen in Proverbs 21:15 which says 'When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers'

How can we avoid God's judgment and desolation in our own lives?

We can avoid God's judgment by obeying God's commands, seeking justice and righteousness, and trusting in God's mercy and forgiveness, as seen in Psalm 103:8-10 which says 'The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities'

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I may be contributing to the desolation and emptiness in my own life or in the lives of those around me?
  2. How can I seek justice and righteousness in my own community, and what role can I play in bringing about positive change?
  3. What are some idols or false securities that I may be trusting in, and how can I turn my heart back to trusting in God?
  4. In what ways can I be a light in the darkness and bring hope to those around me who may be experiencing desolation and emptiness?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 5:9

In mine ears, [said] the Lord of hosts,.... This may be understood either of the ears of the Lord of hosts, into which came the cry of the sins of covetousness and ambition before mentioned; these

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 5:9

In mine ears said the LORD of hosts, Of a truth many houses shall be desolate, even great and fair, without inhabitant. Irony.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 5:9

In mine ears said the Lord; I heard God speak what I now about to utter. Heb. In the ears of the Lord; may relate either, 1. To the foregoing words; The cry of your sins, and of the oppressed, as come into God’ s he hears and sees it, and will certainly punish it. 2. To the following clause, which being of great importance, he ushers in with an oath; I speak it in God’ s as well as in yours; I call God to witness the truth of what I say. My houses shall be desolate; the houses you have so greedily coveted shall cast you out, and become desolate.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 5:9

Isaiah 5:9 In mine ears [said] the LORD of hosts, Of a truth many houses shall be desolate, [even] great and fair, without inhabitant.Ver. 9. In mine ears, said the Lord of hosts.] Or, In the ears of the Lord of hosts - q.d., God well heareth and knoweth all your cunning contrivances, your coloured and cloaked covetousness, as it is called The cries also of those poor whom you have by fraud or force unroosted and undone, is come into God’ s ears, and he will reckon with you, though by your greatness you can bear out your wrong dealing, because it is facinus maioris abollae. Yet God will arraign you one day for an Abaddon; and in the meanwhile, Of a truth many houses shall be desolate.] You shall be driven out of your great and fair houses, aut a milite, aut a morte, either by the enemy or by death, who shall come upon you with a firmae eiectione, forceful ejection and then the place of your habitation shall know you no more; a poor fool God will make of you. If many houses be not desolate, never trust him more - if they be not left for caddows and jackdaws to dwell in. The common name of the daw (Corvus monedula), one of the smallest of the crow family, which frequents old buildings, church towers, etc.; it is easily tamed and taught to imitate the sound of words, and is noted for its loquacity and thievish propensities.

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 5:9

(9) In mine ears said the Lord.—The italics show that there is no verb in the Hebrew, the text, if it be correct, giving the emphasis of abruptness; but it is rightly supplied in the Authorised Version. The sentence that follows is one of a righteous retribution: There shall be no profit or permanence in the property thus unjustly gained.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 5:9

Verse 9. In mine ears. - "To mine ear"] The sentence in the Hebrew text seems to be imperfect in this place; as likewise in Isaiah 22:14, where the very same sense seems to be required as here. See the note there; and compare 1 Samuel 9:15. In this place the Septuagint supply the word ηκουσθη, and the Syriac אשתמע eshtama, auditus est JEHOVAH in auribus meis, i.e., נגלה niglah, as in Isaiah 22:14. Many houses] This has reference to what was said in the preceding verse: "In vain are ye so intent upon joining house to house, and field to field; your houses shall be left uninhabited, and your fields shall become desolate and barren; so that a vineyard of ten acres shall produce but one bath (not eight gallons) of wine, and the husbandman shall reap but a tenth part of the seed which he has sown." Kimchi says this means such an extent of vineyard as would require ten yoke of oxen to plough in one day.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 5:9

8–24. Denunciation of the Social Evils which call down God’s Judgment on the NationThe indictment contains six counts, each introduced by the word “Woe,” and is addressed exclusively to the upper classes, although the punishment of their sin falls on the nation as a whole. The prophet sets before us a vivid picture of a debased aristocracy, in whom public virtue has been eaten out by avarice and sensuality; and he traces with remarkable insight the effect of these sins in the religious insensibility and perversion of the moral sentiments which characterised the nobles of Judah at this time.

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 5:9

In mine ears - This probably refers to the prophet. As if he had said, ‘God has revealed it to me,’ or ‘God has said in my ears,’ i. e, to me.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 5:9

9, 10. Many houses shall be desolate — Without occupant, desolation dwelling there, because of the invasion invoked below, in Isaiah 5:26-30. Great and fair — Aristocratic though they be.

Sermons on Isaiah 5:9

SermonDescription
Steve Gallagher Eternal House of Wisdom by Steve Gallagher This sermon emphasizes the importance of building an eternal house of wisdom by submitting to God's authority, word, dealings in life, and living out wisdom. It contrasts the rewar
St. Augustine Exposition on Psalm 89 by St. Augustine St. Augustine preaches about the faithfulness of God's promises, despite the challenges faced by His people. He highlights the change brought by Christ's resurrection and the repro
T. Austin-Sparks The Eternal Conception and Decision by T. Austin-Sparks T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the eternal purpose of God in his sermon 'The Eternal Conception and Decision', focusing on the significance of God's house as a representation of His p
David Wilkerson "Before the Last depression..." by David Wilkerson This sermon emphasizes the warning signs that God may be sending to America through natural disasters and economic indicators, drawing parallels to past events like the Great Depre
David Wilkerson An Urgent Message by David Wilkerson This sermon emphasizes the warning signs that God sends before times of trouble, drawing parallels between past events like the Great Depression and current natural disasters as in
Chuck Missler Genesis #09 Ch. 6:15-9:19 Noah's Ark - a New Beginning by Chuck Missler In this sermon, Chuck Misler explores Genesis chapters 7 through 9, verse 19. He begins by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to study the book of Genesis and the lessons it
Leonard Ravenhill The Spirit of a Prophet Leonard Ravenhill by Leonard Ravenhill This sermon emphasizes the unique and lonely calling of prophets, highlighting the solitude and dedication required in their role. It reflects on the significance of John the Bapti

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