Isaiah 5:3 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 5:3 mean?

Isaiah 5:3 shows God, through the prophet Isaiah, calling on the people of Jerusalem and Judah to judge between Himself and His "vineyard," which is a picture of His people. God is inviting them to consider whether He has been fair and just in His care for them, setting up a question about responsibility and response.

In this verse, Isaiah is speaking on God's behalf to the "inhabitants of Jerusalem" and the "men of Judah," asking them to weigh the situation like a court case. The "vineyard" is a symbol for Israel, and God is asking the people to honestly assess whether He has done right by them or if the problem lies elsewhere. This sets the stage for the verses that follow, where God explains what He expected from His people and what actually happened.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 5:3

• יֹשְׁבֵי (yoshvei, "inhabitants"): This word refers to those who dwell or live in Jerusalem, emphasizing that the message is for everyone residing in the city, not just leaders or a select group.
• יְרוּשָׁלַ͏ִם (Yerushalayim, "Jerusalem"): Naming Jerusalem directly highlights the central role of the city in Israel’s identity and religious life.
• אֲנָשִׁים (anashim, "men"): This word for "men" can mean people in general, but here it singles out the men of Judah, likely as representatives of the whole nation.
• יְהוּדָה (Yehudah, "Judah"): Referring to the southern kingdom, this makes it clear that the message is for all of God's people in that region.
• שָׁפַט (shafat, "judge"): This verb means to decide or render a verdict, showing that God is asking the people to act as judges in this symbolic case.
• כֶּרֶם (kerem, "vineyard"): The vineyard is a common biblical image for Israel, stressing the care and expectation God had for His people.

Why Isaiah 5:3 matters

• Isaiah 5:3 makes it clear that God is not acting unreasonably or without cause; He is inviting His people to examine the facts themselves, which highlights His fairness.
• By using courtroom language and calling the people to "judge," Isaiah 5:3 sets up a dramatic moment where the audience must confront their own actions and attitudes.
• This verse connects to the larger "Song of the Vineyard" in Isaiah 5, helping readers understand the relationship between God and Israel, and why God might be disappointed with the outcome.