Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Youths oppress my people, women rule over them. My people, your guides lead you astray; they turn you from the path. New Living Translation Childish leaders oppress my people, and women rule over them. O my people, your leaders mislead you; they send you down the wrong road. English Standard Version My people—infants are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, your guides mislead you and they have swallowed up the course of your paths. Berean Standard Bible Youths oppress My people, and women rule over them. O My people, your guides mislead you; they turn you from your paths. King James Bible 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. New King James Version As for My people, children are their oppressors, And women rule over them. O My people! Those who lead you cause you to err, And destroy the way of your paths.” New American Standard Bible My people! Their oppressors treat them violently, And women rule over them. My people! Those who guide you lead you astray And confuse the direction of your paths. NASB 1995 O My people! Their oppressors are children, And women rule over them. O My people! Those who guide you lead you astray And confuse the direction of your paths. NASB 1977 O My people! Their oppressors are children, And women rule over them. O My people! Those who guide you lead you astray, And confuse the direction of your paths. Legacy Standard Bible O My people! Their taskmasters are infants, And women rule over them. O My people! Those who guide you lead you astray And swallow up the way of your paths. Amplified Bible O My people! Children are their oppressors, And women rule over them. O My people! Your leaders lead you astray And confuse (destroy, swallow up) the direction of your paths. Christian Standard Bible Youths oppress my people, and women rule over them. My people, your leaders mislead you; they confuse the direction of your paths. Holman Christian Standard Bible Youths oppress My people, and women rule over them. My people, your leaders mislead you; they confuse the direction of your paths. American Standard Version As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they that lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths. Contemporary English Version Though you are God's people, you are ruled and abused by women and children. You are confused by leaders who guide you down the wrong path. English Revised Version 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation "Children will oppress my people. Women will rule them. My people, your guides mislead you, and you don't know which way to go." Good News Translation Moneylenders oppress my people, and their creditors cheat them. My people, your leaders are misleading you, so that you do not know which way to turn. International Standard Version "As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. My people, your leaders are misleading you— they're giving you confusing directions." Majority Standard Bible Youths oppress My people, and women rule over them. O My people, your guides mislead you; they turn you from your paths. NET Bible Oppressors treat my people cruelly; creditors rule over them. My people's leaders mislead them; they give you confusing directions. New Heart English Bible As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. My people, those who lead you cause you to err, and destroy the way of your paths. Webster's Bible Translation As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they who lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths. World English Bible As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. My people, those who lead you cause you to err, and destroy the way of your paths. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionMy people—its exactors [are] sucklings, "" And women have ruled over it. My people—your eulogists are causing to err, "" And the way of your paths swallowed up. Young's Literal Translation My people -- its exactors are sucklings, And women have ruled over it. My people -- thy eulogists are causing to err, And the way of thy paths swallowed up. Smith's Literal Translation My people, their tyrants from children, and women ruled over them. My people, they calling thee happy, causing to err; they destroyed the way of thy paths. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAs for my people, their oppressors have stripped them, and women have ruled over them. O my people, they that call thee blessed, the same deceive thee, and destroy the way of thy steps. Catholic Public Domain Version As for my people, their oppressors have despoiled them, and women have ruled over them. My people, who call you blessed, the same are deceiving you and disrupting the path of your steps. New American Bible My people—infants oppress them, women rule over them! My people, your leaders deceive you, they confuse the paths you should follow. New Revised Standard Version My people—children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, your leaders mislead you, and confuse the course of your paths. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe princes shall pluck my people out, and women shall rule over them. O my people, your leaders have caused you to err, and disturbed the way of your paths. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated The Rulers of my people glean it, and women are authorized over my people. Announcing good news to you, they seduce you, and they have agitated the way of your paths OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917As for My people, a babe is their master, And women rule over them. O My people, they that lead thee cause thee to err, And destroy the way of thy paths. Brenton Septuagint Translation O my people, your exactors strip you, and extortioners rule over you: O my people, they that pronounce you blesses lead you astray, and pervert the path of your feet. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context A Judgment Against Judah…11Woe to the wicked; disaster is upon them! For they will be repaid with what their hands have done. 12Youths oppress My people, and women rule over them. O My people, your guides mislead you; they turn you from your paths. 13The LORD arises to contend; He stands to judge the people.… Cross References Micah 2:9 You drive the women of My people from their pleasant homes. You take away My blessing from their children forever. Ecclesiastes 10:16 Woe to you, O land whose king is a youth, and whose princes feast in the morning. Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children. Jeremiah 5:31 The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority. My people love it so, but what will you do in the end? Lamentations 5:14 The elders have left the city gate; the young men have stopped their music. 1 Kings 12:8-11 But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him. / He asked them, “What message do you advise that we send back to these people who have spoken to me, saying, ‘Lighten the yoke your father put on us’?” / The young men who had grown up with him replied, “This is how you should answer these people who said to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you must make it lighter.’ This is what you should tell them: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist! ... 2 Chronicles 36:14-16 Furthermore, all the leaders of the priests and the people multiplied their unfaithful deeds, following all the abominations of the nations, and they defiled the house of the LORD, which He had consecrated in Jerusalem. / Again and again the LORD, the God of their fathers, sent word to His people through His messengers because He had compassion on them and on His dwelling place. / But they mocked the messengers of God, despising His words and scoffing at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD against His people was stirred up beyond remedy. Ezekiel 22:25-29 The conspiracy of the princes in her midst is like a roaring lion tearing its prey. They devour the people, seize the treasures and precious things, and multiply the widows within her. / Her priests do violence to My law and profane My holy things. They make no distinction between the holy and the common, and they fail to distinguish between the clean and the unclean. They disregard My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them. / Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey, shedding blood, and destroying lives for dishonest gain. ... Amos 2:7 They trample on the heads of the poor as on the dust of the earth; they push the needy out of their way. A man and his father have relations with the same girl and so profane My holy name. Zechariah 11:5 whose buyers slaughter them without remorse. Those who sell them say, ‘Blessed be the LORD, for I am rich!’ Even their own shepherds have no compassion on them. Matthew 15:14 Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” Matthew 23:16 Woe to you, blind guides! You say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’ Luke 6:39 Jesus also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual, but as worldly—as infants in Christ. / I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for solid food. In fact, you are still not ready, / for you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and dissension among you, are you not worldly? Are you not walking in the way of man? 1 Corinthians 14:20 Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature. Treasury of Scripture As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead you cause you to err, and destroy the way of your paths. children Isaiah 3:4 And I will give children to be their princes, and babes shall rule over them. 2 Kings 11:1 And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal. Nahum 3:13 Behold, thy people in the midst of thee are women: the gates of thy land shall be set wide open unto thine enemies: the fire shall devour thy bars. lead thee. Isaiah 9:15 The ancient and honourable, he is the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail. Numbers 6:23-27 Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, … Jeremiah 5:31 The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof? destroy. Matthew 23:14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. Jump to Previous Acting Astray Authority Babe Cause Children Confuse Course Destroy Direction Err Eulogists Exactors Footsteps Guide Guides Lead Master Mislead Oppress Oppressors Path Paths Right Rule Ruled Ruler Sucklings Swallowed Turn Turning Wandering Way Women YouthsJump to Next Acting Astray Authority Babe Cause Children Confuse Course Destroy Direction Err Eulogists Exactors Footsteps Guide Guides Lead Master Mislead Oppress Oppressors Path Paths Right Rule Ruled Ruler Sucklings Swallowed Turn Turning Wandering Way Women YouthsIsaiah 3 1. The great calamities which come by sin10. The different rewards of the righteous and wicked 12. The oppression and covetousness of the rulers 16. The judgments which shall be for the pride of the women 25. The general desolation Youths oppress My people This phrase highlights a reversal of the expected social order in ancient Israel, where elders and experienced leaders were typically in positions of authority. The mention of "youths" suggests a breakdown in societal structure and respect for wisdom and experience. This could be seen as a judgment from God, allowing inexperienced and immature leaders to rise, leading to chaos and oppression. In biblical context, this reflects the consequences of Israel's disobedience and turning away from God, as seen in other prophetic books like Jeremiah and Lamentations. and women rule over them O My people, your guides mislead you they turn you from your paths Persons / Places / Events 1. IsaiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is the author of the book bearing his name. He prophesied during the reigns of several kings of Judah and addressed both the immediate and future conditions of Israel and Judah. 2. Judah The southern kingdom of Israel, which Isaiah primarily addressed. During Isaiah's time, Judah faced both internal corruption and external threats. 3. Youths and Women Symbolic representations in this context, indicating a reversal of the expected social order and leadership roles, which is seen as a sign of judgment and societal decay. 4. Misleading Guides Refers to the leaders and influencers of the people who have led them astray from God's path, contributing to the nation's moral and spiritual decline. 5. The People of God The Israelites, specifically the people of Judah, who are being addressed by God through Isaiah. They are experiencing the consequences of their leaders' failures. Teaching Points The Consequences of Poor LeadershipWhen leaders fail to follow God's guidance, the entire community suffers. This passage serves as a warning to both leaders and followers about the importance of godly leadership. Reversal of God-Ordained Order The mention of youths and women ruling is not a comment on their capabilities but rather a sign of societal disorder. It reflects a departure from the traditional roles established in that cultural context, indicating judgment. The Importance of Discernment Believers must be discerning about whom they follow. Just as the people of Judah were misled, Christians today must ensure their leaders align with biblical truth. The Role of Accountability Leaders are accountable to God for their guidance. This passage encourages leaders to seek wisdom and integrity in their roles. The Call to Return to God's Path The misdirection of the people highlights the need for repentance and a return to God's ways. This is a call for both personal and communal reflection and realignment with God's will.(12) Children are their oppressors . . .--This points, as before (Isaiah 3:4), to the youth and yet more the character of Ahaz. The influence of the queen-mother or of the seraglio was dominant in his counsels. Cowardly (Isaiah 7:2), idolatrous, delighting in foreign worships and foreign forms of art (2Kings 16:10), such was the king who then sat on the throne of Judah. And the evil worked downwards from the throne. Those who should have been the leaders of the people were quick only to mislead. Princes, priests, judges were all drifting with the current of debasement.Verse 12. - As for my people. Return is now made to the sins of the dwellers in Jerusalem, and the first thing noted is that the people suffer from the childishness and effeminacy of their rulers. The rulers are called "oppressors" by the way here, the sin of oppression being dwelt on later (vers. 14, 15). Here the emphatic words are "children," "women." Children (see ver. 4). The rulers are "children," or rather "babes" - foolish, capricious, cowardly. It is not clear that any prince in particular is meant; rather, by the plural form, the upper class generally seems to be intended, as in Isaiah 1:10, 17, 23, etc. Women; comp. Herod., 8:88, where Xerxes says that "his men have shown themselves women, and his women men;" and see also Virg., 'AEneid '- "O vere Phrygia, neque enim Phryges." The rulers were womanly, i.e. weak, wavering, timid, impulsive, passionate, and are therefore called actual "women." There is no allusion to female sovereigns. They which lead thee cause thee to err; or, they which direct thee lead thee astray. Professing to point out the right path, they led men away from it. Destroy the way; literally, swallow it up, or obliterate it. Hebrew Youthsמְעוֹלֵ֔ל (mə·‘ō·w·lêl) Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 5768: A suckling oppress נֹגְשָׂ֣יו (nō·ḡə·śāw) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 5065: To drive, to tax, harass, tyrannize My people, עַמִּי֙ (‘am·mî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock and women וְנָשִׁ֖ים (wə·nā·šîm) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female rule מָ֣שְׁלוּ (mā·šə·lū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 4910: To rule, have dominion, reign over them. ב֑וֹ (ḇōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's Hebrew O My people, עַמִּי֙ (‘am·mî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock your guides מְאַשְּׁרֶ֣יךָ (mə·’aš·šə·re·ḵā) Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 833: To be straight, to go forward, be honest, proper mislead you; מַתְעִ֔ים (maṯ·‘îm) Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 8582: To vacillate, reel, stray they turn you בִּלֵּֽעוּ׃ (bil·lê·‘ū) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 1104: To swallow down, swallow up, engulf from your paths. אֹֽרְחֹתֶ֖יךָ (’ō·rə·ḥō·ṯe·ḵā) Noun - common plural construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 734: A well-trodden road, a caravan Links Isaiah 3:12 NIVIsaiah 3:12 NLT Isaiah 3:12 ESV Isaiah 3:12 NASB Isaiah 3:12 KJV Isaiah 3:12 BibleApps.com Isaiah 3:12 Biblia Paralela Isaiah 3:12 Chinese Bible Isaiah 3:12 French Bible Isaiah 3:12 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Isaiah 3:12 As for my people children are their (Isa Isi Is) |
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