Isaiah 29:21 Meaning and Explanation
“That make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of nought.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Those who punish innocents for careless speech, trap the righteous judge, and pervert justice will be judged.
The Context of Isaiah 29:21
Isaiah identifies specific corruptions of justice that will be addressed in God's judgment.
What Does Isaiah 29:21 Mean?
The verse names specific injustices: condemning someone for a minor slip of tongue, ensnaring anyone who speaks truth in the gate (the place of justice), and perventing justice by bribing judges or twisting verdicts for nothing of value. These are the weapons of corruption used by Jerusalem's leaders.
These injustices violate the covenant requirement for just governance. The leaders who were supposed to protect the widow, the orphan, and the poor instead weaponize the legal system. The prophet who reproves in the gate—seeking to call the people back to God—becomes their target. Their removal will restore justice to the gates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 29:21
What does Isaiah 29:21 mean?
Those who punish innocents for careless speech, trap the righteous judge, and pervert justice will be judged.
What is the context of Isaiah 29:21?
Isaiah identifies specific corruptions of justice that will be addressed in God's judgment.