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.