For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.

ISAIAH 9:16KJV
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Isaiah 9:16 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 9:16 mean?

Isaiah 9:16 says that the leaders of the people are causing them to go astray, and as a result, those who follow these leaders end up ruined. The verse points out a direct link between poor leadership and the downfall of the people who trust and follow them.

Isaiah is speaking to the people of Israel, warning them about the consequences of following corrupt or misguided leaders. The context is a time of national trouble, where those in authority are leading the nation away from what is right, and the ordinary people suffer because of it. This verse highlights the serious responsibility of leadership and the real dangers when leaders fail.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 9:16

  • The word for "leaders" is נָחָה (nachah), often meaning "guides" or "those who lead." Here, it emphasizes that those in positions of influence are steering the people in the wrong direction.
  • The word for "err" is תָּעָה (ta'ah), which means "to wander" or "to go astray." This word paints a picture of people being led off the right path, not just making a small mistake but being fundamentally misdirected.
  • The word for "destroyed" is בָּלַע (bala‘), which can mean "swallowed up" or "devoured." This suggests a complete ruin or being overtaken by disaster, not just minor harm.

Why Isaiah 9:16 matters

  • Isaiah 9:16 clarifies that the blame for the people's downfall is not just on the followers, but especially on those who lead them astray, highlighting the weight of responsibility on leaders.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage, where Isaiah is warning about judgment coming on Israel because of persistent unfaithfulness, showing that leadership failure is a key reason for national suffering.
  • This verse helps correct the idea that individuals alone are responsible for their fate; it shows that those in authority have a powerful and sometimes dangerous influence over the direction of a whole community.

Where else these words appear

“leaders” Hebrew H833 · used in 15 verses

  • Genesis 30:13 And Leah said, Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed: and she called his name Asher.
  • Proverbs 3:18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
  • Song of Solomon 6:9 My dove, my undefiled is but one; she is the only one of her mother, she is the choice one of her that bare her. The daughters saw her, and blessed her; yea, the queens and the concubines, and they praised her.

“err” Hebrew H8582 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 20:13 And it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father's house, that I said unto her, This is thy kindness which thou shalt shew unto me; at every place whither we shall come, say of me, He is my brother.
  • Psalms 119:110 The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.
  • Isaiah 35:8 And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.

“destroyed” Hebrew H1104 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 41:7 And the seven thin ears devoured the seven rank and full ears. And Pharaoh awoke, and, behold, it was a dream.
  • Job 8:18 If he destroy him from his place, then it shall deny him, saying, I have not seen thee.
  • Isaiah 3:12 As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.