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.

ISAIAH 29:21KJV
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Isaiah 29:21 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 29:21 mean?

Isaiah 29:21 describes people who twist justice by accusing someone of wrongdoing just for something they said, trapping those who try to correct others in public, and pushing aside honest people for worthless reasons. The verse warns against corrupt practices that harm the innocent and silence those who stand up for what is right.

In this part of Isaiah, the prophet is speaking to the people of Jerusalem, confronting them about the ways their society has become unjust. The verse points to specific wrongs happening in the city: using words as weapons, manipulating legal proceedings at the city gate (where judgments were made), and devaluing those who are truly just. Isaiah is highlighting how far the people have strayed from fairness and truth.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 29:21

  • "offender" (חָטָא, ḥāṭā’): This word means "to sin" or "to be guilty." Here, it shows how people are being labeled as wrongdoers just for something they say, not for actual wrongdoing.
  • "gate" (שַׁעַר, shaʿar): The city gate was the place where legal cases were heard and justice was supposed to be done. Mentioning the gate highlights that these injustices are happening in the very place meant for fairness.
  • "just" (צַדִּיק, tsaddiq): This word means someone who is righteous or upright. The verse shows that even those who do right are being pushed aside, emphasizing how deeply justice has been corrupted.
  • "nought" (תֹּהוּ, tohu): This word means "nothing" or "worthlessness." It points out that the reasons for rejecting the just are empty and meaningless.

Why Isaiah 29:21 matters

  • Isaiah 29:21 clears up that the prophet is not just talking about personal sins, but about public injustice and corruption in the legal system.
  • The verse emphasizes how serious it is to misuse words and legal power to harm others, especially those who try to correct wrongs or live rightly.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing why God is warning Jerusalem: their society’s foundation of justice has been undermined, and real change is needed.

Where else these words appear

“nought” Hebrew H8414 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
  • Psalms 107:40 He poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them to wander in the wilderness, where there is no way.
  • Isaiah 44:9 They that make a graven image are all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they are their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed.

“reproveth” Hebrew H3198 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 20:16 And unto Sarah he said, Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver: behold, he is to thee a covering of the eyes, unto all that are with thee, and with all other: thus she was reproved.
  • Job 15:3 Should he reason with unprofitable talk? or with speeches wherewith he can do no good?
  • Proverbs 15:12 A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.