Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed;

ISAIAH 10:1KJV
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Isaiah 10:1 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 10:1 mean?

Isaiah 10:1 warns those in power who create unjust laws and write down harmful rules that cause suffering. The verse calls out leaders who use their authority to make decisions that are unfair and bring trouble to others.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the rulers and lawmakers of his own people, Israel, during a time when corruption and injustice were widespread. Isaiah singles out those who misuse their positions by issuing "unrighteous decrees"—laws or orders that go against what is right—and by recording "grievousness," meaning they are putting into writing policies that cause pain or hardship. The verse is a strong condemnation of legal injustice and abuse of authority.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 10:1

  • "Woe" (הוֹי, hoy): This word is a strong cry of warning or distress, often used by prophets to signal coming judgment or disaster for wrongdoing. It is not just sadness, but a serious warning.
  • "Decree" (חֹק, choq) and "decrees" (חֲקָקִים, chaqaqim): These words refer to official laws or statutes. The use of both the singular and plural forms highlights both the act of making a law and the repeated pattern of unjust rulings.
  • "Unrighteous" (אָוֶל, avel): This word means injustice, wickedness, or moral wrong. It points to laws that are not just technically wrong, but deeply unfair or evil.
  • "Grievousness" (עָמָל, amal): This word often means trouble, hardship, or suffering caused by oppression. Here, it emphasizes that the written laws are not just unfair in theory, but actually cause real harm to people.

Why Isaiah 10:1 matters

  • Isaiah 10:1 makes clear that God holds leaders accountable not just for personal actions, but for the laws and systems they create.
  • The verse highlights that injustice can be built into society through official decisions, not just through individual acts.
  • This warning connects to the larger message of Isaiah, where the prophet repeatedly calls out social injustice and urges the people to return to fairness and compassion.

Where else these words appear

“decrees” Hebrew H2711 · used in 2 verses

  • Judges 5:15 And the princes of Issachar were with Deborah; even Issachar, and also Barak: he was sent on foot into the valley. For the divisions of Reuben there were great thoughts of heart.

“decree” Hebrew H2710 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 49:10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.
  • Psalms 60:7 Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver;
  • Isaiah 22:16 What hast thou here? and whom hast thou here, that thou hast hewed thee out a sepulchre here, as he that heweth him out a sepulchre on high, and that graveth an habitation for himself in a rock?

“Woe” Hebrew H1945 · used in 48 verses

  • Ruth 4:1 Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down.
  • Isaiah 29:15 Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?
  • Ezekiel 13:18 And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe to the women that sew pillows to all armholes, and make kerchiefs upon the head of every stature to hunt souls! Will ye hunt the souls of my people, and will ye save the souls alive that come unto you?

“grievousness” Hebrew H5999 · used in 54 verses

  • Genesis 41:51 And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house.
  • Psalms 55:10 Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof: mischief also and sorrow are in the midst of it.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:24 There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.