And the destruction of the transgressors and of the sinners shall be together, and they that forsake the LORD shall be consumed.

ISAIAH 1:28KJV
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Isaiah 1:28 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 1:28 mean?

Isaiah 1:28 says that those who rebel against God and choose to live in opposition to Him—called "transgressors" and "sinners"—will face destruction together, and those who abandon the LORD will be completely wiped out. The verse warns that turning away from God leads to a shared and total downfall.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Judah, confronting them about their unfaithfulness and warning them of the consequences. This verse comes in the middle of a strong rebuke, where Isaiah is making it clear that rejecting God is not just a private matter—it brings a certain and collective judgment. The language is direct, emphasizing that forsaking the LORD is serious and leads to a final, unavoidable end.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 1:28

  • "Destruction" (שֶׁבֶר, shever; H7667) means a breaking or shattering, not just a simple end but a violent ruin. This highlights the seriousness of what happens to those who oppose God.
  • "Transgressors" (פָּשַׁע, pasha‘; H6586) refers to those who deliberately rebel or break away, not just those who make mistakes. The word carries the sense of intentional rebellion.
  • "Forsake" (עָזַב, ‘azav; H5800) means to abandon or leave behind, showing that the people’s separation from the LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH; H3068) is a willful act, not accidental.
  • "Consumed" (כָּלָה, kalah; H3615) means to be finished off or completely used up, stressing that the judgment is total and nothing is left over.

Why Isaiah 1:28 matters

  • Isaiah 1:28 clarifies that judgment is not random or unfair; it is specifically directed at those who knowingly turn away from God and persist in rebellion.
  • The verse connects to the larger message of Isaiah 1, where God is calling His people to repentance but also warning of the real consequences if they refuse.
  • The use of strong words for destruction and consumption shows that Isaiah is not just talking about temporary trouble, but a complete and final outcome for those who forsake the LORD.

Where else these words appear

“sinners” Hebrew H2400 · used in 18 verses

  • Genesis 13:13 But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.
  • Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
  • Proverbs 1:10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.

“transgressors” Hebrew H6586 · used in 37 verses

  • 1 Kings 8:50 And forgive thy people that have sinned against thee, and all their transgressions wherein they have transgressed against thee, and give them compassion before them who carried them captive, that they may have compassion on them:
  • Psalms 51:13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
  • Jeremiah 3:13 Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD.

“destruction” Hebrew H7667 · used in 41 verses

  • Leviticus 21:19 Or a man that is brokenfooted, or brokenhanded,
  • Isaiah 51:19 These two things are come unto thee; who shall be sorry for thee? desolation, and destruction, and the famine, and the sword: by whom shall I comfort thee?
  • Jeremiah 30:15 Why criest thou for thine affliction? thy sorrow is incurable for the multitude of thine iniquity: because thy sins were increased, I have done these things unto thee.

“together” Hebrew H3162 · used in 139 verses

  • Genesis 13:6 And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together.
  • Job 24:4 They turn the needy out of the way: the poor of the earth hide themselves together.
  • Isaiah 41:1 Keep silence before me, O islands; and let the people renew their strength: let them come near; then let them speak: let us come near together to judgment.