But draw near hither, ye sons of the sorceress, the seed of the adulterer and the whore.

ISAIAH 57:3KJV
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Isaiah 57:3 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 57:3 mean?

Isaiah 57:3 is a call from God, through the prophet Isaiah, to certain people described as "sons of the sorceress," "seed of the adulterer," and "whore," accusing them of spiritual unfaithfulness and wrongdoing. The verse is not about literal family background but uses strong language to confront people who have turned away from God and followed other practices.

In this verse, Isaiah is speaking on God's behalf to Israelites who have abandoned their covenant relationship with God and embraced idolatry and immoral practices. The terms used are meant to highlight how serious their betrayal is, comparing their actions to unfaithfulness in a family. This sets the stage for the following verses, where Isaiah will further describe their actions and the consequences.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 57:3

  • "near" (קָרַב, qārav): This word means to come close or approach. Here, it is a summons, almost like calling someone to court to face charges.
  • "sons" (בֵּן, ben): This word means children or descendants. In this context, it points to people who are characterized by the actions or qualities of those named (sorceress, adulterer, whore), not literal offspring.
  • "sorceress" (עָנָן, ʿānan): This word refers to someone who practices occult or forbidden spiritual arts. Calling them "sons of the sorceress" accuses them of following forbidden spiritual paths.
  • "seed" (זֶרַע, zeraʿ): This means offspring or descendants. It emphasizes that the people addressed are carrying on the legacy or behavior of unfaithfulness.
  • "adulterer" (נָאַף, naʾaf): This word means someone who is unfaithful in marriage. Spiritually, it refers to being unfaithful to God by worshiping other gods.
  • "whore" (זָנָה, zanah): This word means someone who is sexually unfaithful, but in prophetic language, it often points to spiritual unfaithfulness or idolatry.

Why Isaiah 57:3 matters

  • Isaiah 57:3 uses family and relationship language to make the seriousness of spiritual unfaithfulness clear, showing that turning from God is as serious as betraying one’s own family.
  • The verse helps the reader understand that the accusations are not about literal ancestry but about the people’s choices and actions, which have broken their relationship with God.
  • This verse sets the tone for the rest of the chapter, where Isaiah will explain the consequences of these actions and contrast them with the hope offered to those who remain faithful.

Where else these words appear

“sorceress” Hebrew H6049 · used in 11 verses

  • Genesis 9:14 And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud:
  • Deuteronomy 18:14 For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.
  • 2 Chronicles 33:6 And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.

“adulterer” Hebrew H5003 · used in 26 verses

  • Exodus 20:14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.
  • Jeremiah 3:9 And it came to pass through the lightness of her whoredom, that she defiled the land, and committed adultery with stones and with stocks.
  • Ezekiel 16:38 And I will judge thee, as women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I will give thee blood in fury and jealousy.

“whore” Hebrew H2181 · used in 82 verses

  • Genesis 34:31 And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot?
  • 1 Kings 3:16 Then came there two women, that were harlots, unto the king, and stood before him.
  • Ezekiel 16:31 In that thou buildest thine eminent place in the head of every way, and makest thine high place in every street; and hast not been as an harlot, in that thou scornest hire;