Isaiah 1:28 Meaning and Explanation
“And the destruction of the transgressors and of the sinners shall be together, and they that forsake the LORD shall be consumed.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Those who persist in transgression and abandon God will be destroyed together; their fate is certain and comprehensive.
The Context of Isaiah 1:28
Certain destruction for those who persist in rebellion and forsake God.
What Does Isaiah 1:28 Mean?
This verse provides the counterpoint to verse 27: those who do not repent will be destroyed. 'Transgressors and sinners' refers to those who actively violate God's law and persist in wrongdoing. The phrase 'they that forsake the LORD' emphasizes that destruction is the result of conscious choice—actively turning away from God. The word 'consumed' suggests annihilation, leaving nothing behind. The emphasis on 'together' indicates that this is not selective judgment but comprehensive; all who persist will face the same fate.
The parallel structure (verse 27's redemption of the repentant, verse 28's destruction of the unrepentant) makes clear that the outcome depends on human response. God has offered restoration through repentance; those who refuse this offer will face destruction. The certainty of language—'shall be destroyed,' 'shall be consumed'—indicates that this is not threat but inevitable outcome.
Isaiah 1:28 in the Original Language
pasha (פָּשַׁע), 'transgressors' — those who deliberately rebel or violate covenant; goes beyond accidental sin to willful disobedience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 1:28
What does Isaiah 1:28 mean?
Those who persist in transgression and abandon God will be destroyed together; their fate is certain and comprehensive.
What is the context of Isaiah 1:28?
Certain destruction for those who persist in rebellion and forsake God.