The LORD standeth up to plead, and standeth to judge the people.

ISAIAH 3:13KJV
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Isaiah 3:13 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 3:13 mean?

Isaiah 3:13 describes the LORD rising up to present His case and to judge the people. The verse shows God taking an active, public role as both a prosecutor and a judge over His people’s actions.

In this part of Isaiah, the prophet is speaking to the people of Judah during a time of moral and social decline. The verse pictures God as standing up in a courtroom setting, ready to address the wrongs of the nation. This signals a turning point where God is no longer silent but is about to announce judgment for the people’s behavior.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 3:13

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name for God used throughout the Old Testament, emphasizing His authority and covenant relationship with Israel. Here, it highlights that it is God Himself, not a human judge, who is taking action.
  • plead (רִיב, riv): This word often means to contend or bring a legal case. In this context, it suggests God is acting like a prosecutor, formally presenting the charges against His people.
  • judge (דִּין, din): This word means to judge or pass sentence. It shows that God is not only bringing the case but also delivering the verdict, underlining His complete authority in matters of justice.

Why Isaiah 3:13 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that God is distant or uninvolved; instead, it shows Him actively confronting injustice among His people.
  • The legal language connects to the wider passage, where Isaiah uses courtroom imagery to describe God’s dealings with Judah, making the seriousness of their situation unmistakable.
  • Understanding that God both pleads and judges in this verse helps clarify that He is both fair and just—He gives reasons for judgment, not acting without explanation.

Where else these words appear

“judge” Hebrew H1777 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 6:3 And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.
  • Job 36:31 For by them judgeth he the people; he giveth meat in abundance.
  • Psalms 135:14 For the LORD will judge his people, and he will repent himself concerning his servants.

“plead” Hebrew H7378 · used in 59 verses

  • Genesis 26:20 And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him.
  • Nehemiah 13:11 Then contended I with the rulers, and said, Why is the house of God forsaken? And I gathered them together, and set them in their place.
  • Proverbs 25:9 Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:

“up” Hebrew H5324 · used in 75 verses

  • Genesis 18:2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,
  • Numbers 23:6 And he returned unto him, and, lo, he stood by his burnt sacrifice, he, and all the princes of Moab.
  • 1 Kings 5:16 Beside the chief of Solomon's officers which were over the work, three thousand and three hundred, which ruled over the people that wrought in the work.