Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope:

ISAIAH 5:18KJV
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Isaiah 5:18 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 5:18 mean?

Isaiah 5:18 warns people who stubbornly pull along their wrongdoing and sinful behavior as if they are dragging it behind them with ropes, making their guilt heavier and more obvious. The verse paints a picture of people who are not just sinning, but are actively and deliberately carrying their sins with them, almost flaunting it.

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Judah, calling out those who treat sin lightly and even seem to parade it around. The image of dragging iniquity with "cords of vanity" and "sin as it were with a cart rope" suggests that their attachment to wrongdoing is strong and intentional, not accidental or hidden. Isaiah uses this vivid language to highlight the seriousness of their attitude toward sin.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 5:18

  • "Woe" (הוֹי, hoy): This word is a strong expression of warning or distress, often used by prophets to signal serious trouble ahead for those addressed.
  • "Draw" (מָשַׁךְ, mashakh): This verb means to pull or drag, emphasizing the active effort people are making to bring sin along with them.
  • "Cords" (חֶבֶל, khevel) and "rope" (עֲבוֹת, avot): Both words refer to strong ties or ropes, but "avot" especially suggests something thick and heavy, making the image even more forceful.
  • "Vanity" (שָׁוְא, shav): This word means emptiness or worthlessness, so the "cords of vanity" suggest that what binds them to sin is ultimately empty or foolish, even if it feels strong.

Why Isaiah 5:18 matters

  • Isaiah 5:18 clears up the idea that sin is always accidental or hidden; here, it is pictured as something people may cling to and even display.
  • The verse emphasizes the seriousness of treating sin lightly, showing that deliberate wrongdoing creates a real and growing burden.
  • In the context of Isaiah 5, this verse is part of a series of warnings ("woes") that highlight different ways the people of Judah are turning away from what is right, helping the reader see the bigger pattern of rebellion Isaiah is addressing.

Where else these words appear

“cart” Hebrew H5699 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 45:19 Now thou art commanded, this do ye; take you wagons out of the land of Egypt for your little ones, and for your wives, and bring your father, and come.
  • Numbers 7:7 Two wagons and four oxen he gave unto the sons of Gershon, according to their service:
  • 1 Samuel 6:14 And the cart came into the field of Joshua, a Bethshemite, and stood there, where there was a great stone: and they clave the wood of the cart, and offered the kine a burnt offering unto the LORD.

“rope” Hebrew H5688 · used in 23 verses

  • Exodus 28:14 And two chains of pure gold at the ends; of wreathen work shalt thou make them, and fasten the wreathen chains to the ouches.
  • Judges 15:13 And they spake unto him, saying, No; but we will bind thee fast, and deliver thee into their hand: but surely we will not kill thee. And they bound him with two new cords, and brought him up from the rock.
  • Psalms 129:4 The LORD is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.

“draw” Hebrew H4900 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 37:28 Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.
  • Nehemiah 9:30 Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by thy spirit in thy prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the people of the lands.
  • Isaiah 13:22 And the wild beasts of the islands shall cry in their desolate houses, and dragons in their pleasant palaces: and her time is near to come, and her days shall not be prolonged.

“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?