Isaiah 1:2 Meaning and Explanation
“Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God calls upon heaven and earth to witness his complaint: he has cared for his people like children, yet they have chosen to rebel against him.
The Context of Isaiah 1:2
Opening of God's formal complaint against Judah.
What Does Isaiah 1:2 Mean?
The invocation of heavens and earth as witnesses is a solemn rhetorical act, drawing attention to the gravity of what follows. God describes his relationship with Israel in terms of parental care—nourishing and bringing up—which implies intentional, loving provision over time. The juxtaposition with rebellion highlights the tragedy of rejected love.
The charge of rebellion frames Israel's disobedience not as ignorance or misfortune but as a deliberate choice against a parent's will. This metaphor sets the tone for the entire chapter: God has given, but his people have turned away.
Isaiah 1:2 in the Original Language
pârad (פָּרַד), 'rebelled' — to turn against, to separate oneself from obedience or allegiance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 1:2
What does Isaiah 1:2 mean?
God calls upon heaven and earth to witness his complaint: he has cared for his people like children, yet they have chosen to rebel against him.
What is the context of Isaiah 1:2?
Opening of God's formal complaint against Judah.