Isaiah 1:10 Meaning and Explanation
“Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Isaiah directly addresses the leaders and people of Judah, calling them by the names of notoriously wicked cities to emphasize their moral equivalence.
The Context of Isaiah 1:10
Transition to direct address: challenge to leaders to hear God's word.
What Does Isaiah 1:10 Mean?
By calling Jerusalem's rulers and people 'Sodom' and 'Gomorrah,' Isaiah employs the most severe rhetorical language available in the biblical tradition. These cities are synonymous with unrepentant wickedness and divine destruction. The prophet is not making a casual comparison but a stark identification: Israel has become morally equivalent to cities destroyed for their sins. This language is designed to shock his audience into attention.
The shift from narration to direct address ('Hear,' 'give ear') places the burden of response on the leaders and people themselves. They are called to 'hear the word of the LORD' and respond to 'the law of our God'—their only path forward lies in acknowledging both the divine word and the divine standard.
Isaiah 1:10 in the Original Language
dâbar (דָּבַר), 'word' — utterance, message, command; here referring to God's authoritative communication.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 1:10
What does Isaiah 1:10 mean?
Isaiah directly addresses the leaders and people of Judah, calling them by the names of notoriously wicked cities to emphasize their moral equivalence.
What is the context of Isaiah 1:10?
Transition to direct address: challenge to leaders to hear God's word.