Isaiah 9:15 Meaning and Explanation
“The ancient and honourable, he is the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Israel's leaders—both the honored elders and the false prophets—will be exposed and destroyed.
The Context of Isaiah 9:15
Isaiah exposes how both respected leadership and false prophets have misled Israel, and both will face judgment.
What Does Isaiah 9:15 Mean?
The verse clarifies the preceding metaphor: the 'head' consists of the 'ancient and honourable'—the respected elders and established leadership. These are the people who hold authority and whose words carry weight. Yet Isaiah reveals that even these seemingly respectable figures have led Israel astray, allowing the nation to pursue false directions.
The 'tail' refers to 'the prophet that teacheth lies'—false prophets who speak what the people want to hear rather than God's truth. In Israel's hierarchy, prophets might seem subordinate, yet their influence reaches deep into the people's spiritual condition. Both head and tail—the honored leadership and the deceiving prophets—share responsibility for Israel's spiritual corruption and will both be removed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 9:15
What does Isaiah 9:15 mean?
Israel's leaders—both the honored elders and the false prophets—will be exposed and destroyed.
What is the context of Isaiah 9:15?
Isaiah exposes how both respected leadership and false prophets have misled Israel, and both will face judgment.