Isaiah 28:13 Meaning and Explanation
“But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Because they rejected God's rest, his word comes to them as judgment, leading to their downfall and capture.
The Context of Isaiah 28:13
Isaiah shows how the same word that could have brought rest becomes the instrument of judgment for those who reject it.
What Does Isaiah 28:13 Mean?
The same teaching method—gradual, patient, step-by-step—now has a tragic purpose. Instead of being received as a path to understanding, the precepts become instruments of hardening. Each line of instruction, refused and rejected, makes their condition worse.
The result is catastrophic: they go backward spiritually, fall in defeat, are broken and snared and taken captive. This is not arbitrary punishment but the natural consequence of persistent refusal to accept the rest and refreshment God offered. Their own rejection becomes the mechanism of their downfall.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 28:13
What does Isaiah 28:13 mean?
Because they rejected God's rest, his word comes to them as judgment, leading to their downfall and capture.
What is the context of Isaiah 28:13?
Isaiah shows how the same word that could have brought rest becomes the instrument of judgment for those who reject it.