Against whom do ye sport yourselves? against whom make ye a wide mouth, and draw out the tongue? are ye not children of transgression, a seed of falsehood,

ISAIAH 57:4KJV
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Isaiah 57:4 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 57:4 mean?

Isaiah 57:4 describes people mocking and scorning others, showing disrespect by making faces and sticking out their tongues, and calls them “children of transgression” and “a seed of falsehood,” meaning they come from a background of wrongdoing and lies. The verse is a rebuke, highlighting their rebellious and deceitful character.

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is speaking on God’s behalf to the people of Israel, confronting their arrogant and mocking attitude. The language paints a picture of people who openly ridicule what is right and act as if they are above correction. Isaiah’s words expose not just their actions but the deeper problem: their identity is shaped by rebellion and dishonesty.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 57:4

  • “Sport” (עָנַג, ‘anag) is often understood as mocking or making fun of someone, not just playful behavior but a kind of scornful ridicule. This word shows that the people’s actions are not innocent but disrespectful.
  • “Children” (יֶלֶד, yeled) and “seed” (זֶרַע, zera‘) both point to identity and origin. Isaiah is saying their actions reveal what kind of people they truly are—descendants of transgression (פֶּשַׁע, pesha‘, meaning rebellion) and falsehood (שֶׁקֶר, sheqer, meaning lies).
  • “Draw out the tongue” (הַרְחִיב לָשׁוֹן, harḥiv lashon) is a vivid image of mockery in ancient culture, showing open disrespect, not just childishness.

Why Isaiah 57:4 matters

  • Isaiah 57:4 makes clear that the problem is not just outward behavior but a deep-rooted attitude of rebellion and dishonesty, helping the reader see the seriousness of the people’s actions.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage where Isaiah confronts Israel’s unfaithfulness and idolatry, showing that their mocking is part of a larger pattern of rejecting God’s ways.
  • By using strong language about their identity (“children of transgression, a seed of falsehood”), Isaiah emphasizes that these attitudes are not accidental but have become part of who they are as a people.

Where else these words appear

“sport” Hebrew H6026 · used in 10 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:56 The tender and delicate woman among you, which would not adventure to set the sole of her foot upon the ground for delicateness and tenderness, her eye shall be evil toward the husband of her bosom, and toward her son, and toward her daughter,
  • Psalms 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
  • Isaiah 58:14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

“wide” Hebrew H7337 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 26:22 And he removed from thence, and digged another well; and for that they strove not: and he called the name of it Rehoboth; and he said, For now the LORD hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.
  • Psalms 18:36 Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.
  • Isaiah 30:33 For Tophet is ordained of old; yea, for the king it is prepared; he hath made it deep and large: the pile thereof is fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it.

“out” Hebrew H748 · used in 34 verses

  • Genesis 26:8 And it came to pass, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out at a window, and saw, and, behold, Isaac was sporting with Rebekah his wife.
  • Deuteronomy 22:7 But thou shalt in any wise let the dam go, and take the young to thee; that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days.
  • Proverbs 19:11 The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

“children” Hebrew H3206 · used in 76 verses

  • Genesis 4:23 And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt.
  • Exodus 21:4 If his master have given him a wife, and she have born him sons or daughters; the wife and her children shall be her master's, and he shall go out by himself.
  • 2 Chronicles 10:10 And the young men that were brought up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou answer the people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it somewhat lighter for us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins.