Isaiah 5:21 Meaning and Explanation
“Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The fifth woe condemns those who trust their own judgment and reject the Lord's wisdom.
The Context of Isaiah 5:21
Fifth woe: against those who trust in their own wisdom instead of God's.
What Does Isaiah 5:21 Mean?
This final woe returns to the theme of the previous verse: spiritual pride and self-deception. Those who consider themselves wise and prudent without reference to covenant or the Lord's instruction have cut themselves off from true wisdom, which begins with the fear of the Lord.
'In their own eyes,' 'in their own sight'—the repetition emphasizes internal conviction divorced from external standard. They are judges of their own case and, unsurprisingly, always acquit themselves. This self-sufficiency is the root of covenant-breaking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 5:21
What does Isaiah 5:21 mean?
The fifth woe condemns those who trust their own judgment and reject the Lord's wisdom.
What is the context of Isaiah 5:21?
Fifth woe: against those who trust in their own wisdom instead of God's.