Isaiah 24:5
New International Version
The earth is defiled by its people; they have disobeyed the laws, violated the statutes and broken the everlasting covenant.

New Living Translation
The earth suffers for the sins of its people, for they have twisted God’s instructions, violated his laws, and broken his everlasting covenant.

English Standard Version
The earth lies defiled under its inhabitants; for they have transgressed the laws, violated the statutes, broken the everlasting covenant.

Berean Standard Bible
The earth is defiled by its people; they have transgressed the laws; they have overstepped the decrees and broken the everlasting covenant.

King James Bible
The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.

New King James Version
The earth is also defiled under its inhabitants, Because they have transgressed the laws, Changed the ordinance, Broken the everlasting covenant.

New American Standard Bible
The earth is also defiled by its inhabitants, for they violated laws, altered statutes, and broke the everlasting covenant.

NASB 1995
The earth is also polluted by its inhabitants, for they transgressed laws, violated statutes, broke the everlasting covenant.

NASB 1977
The earth is also polluted by its inhabitants, for they transgressed laws, violated statutes, broke the everlasting covenant.

Legacy Standard Bible
The earth is also polluted by its inhabitants, for they trespassed laws, violated statutes, broke the everlasting covenant.

Amplified Bible
The earth also is polluted by its inhabitants, because they have transgressed laws, violated statutes, and broken the everlasting covenant.

Christian Standard Bible
The earth is polluted by its inhabitants, for they have transgressed teachings, overstepped decrees, and broken the permanent covenant.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The earth is polluted by its inhabitants, for they have transgressed teachings, overstepped decrees, and broken the everlasting covenant.

American Standard Version
The earth also is polluted under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, violated the statutes, broken the everlasting covenant.

Contemporary English Version
The earth is polluted because its people disobeyed the laws of God, breaking their agreement that was to last forever.

English Revised Version
The earth also is polluted under the inhabitants thereof'; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The earth is polluted by those who live on it because they've disobeyed the LORD's teachings, violated his laws, and rejected the everlasting promise.

Good News Translation
The people have defiled the earth by breaking God's laws and by violating the covenant he made to last forever.

International Standard Version
The earth lies defiled beneath its inhabitants; because they have transgressed the laws, violated the statutes, and broken the everlasting covenant.

Majority Standard Bible
The earth is defiled by its people; they have transgressed the laws; they have overstepped the decrees and broken the everlasting covenant.

NET Bible
The earth is defiled by its inhabitants, for they have violated laws, disregarded the regulation, and broken the permanent treaty.

New Heart English Bible
The earth also is polluted under its inhabitants, because they have transgressed the law, violated the statute, and broken the everlasting covenant.

Webster's Bible Translation
The earth also is defiled under its inhabitants; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.

World English Bible
The earth also is polluted under its inhabitants, because they have transgressed the laws, violated the statutes, and broken the everlasting covenant.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the earth has been defiled under its inhabitants, "" Because they have transgressed laws, "" They have changed a statute, "" They have made void a perpetual covenant.

Young's Literal Translation
And the land hath been defiled under its inhabitants, Because they have transgressed laws, They have changed a statute, They have made void a covenant age-during.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the earth was polluted under its inhabitants, for they passed by the instructions, they changed the law, they broke the eternal covenant.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the earth is infected by the in- habitants thereof: because they have transgressed the laws, they have changed the ordinance, they have broken the everlasting covenant.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the earth was corrupted by its inhabitants. For they have transgressed the laws, they have changed the ordinance, they have dissipated the everlasting covenant.

New American Bible
The earth is polluted because of its inhabitants, for they have transgressed laws, violated statutes, broken the ancient covenant.

New Revised Standard Version
The earth lies polluted under its inhabitants; for they have transgressed laws, violated the statutes, broken the everlasting covenant.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The earth also is defiled like its inhabitants, because they have transgressed the law, changed the ordinance, and nullified the everlasting covenant.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Earth is compared to its inhabitants, because they violated the Law and they changed the commandment and they destroyed the eternal covenant
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; Because they have transgressed the laws, violated the statute, Broken the everlasting covenant.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And she has sinned by reason of her inhabitants; because they have transgressed the law, and changed the ordinances, even the everlasting covenant.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
God's Judgment on the Earth
4The earth mourns and withers; the world languishes and fades; the exalted of the earth waste away. 5The earth is defiled by its people; they have transgressed the laws; they have overstepped the decrees and broken the everlasting covenant. 6Therefore a curse has consumed the earth, and its inhabitants must bear the guilt; the earth’s dwellers have been burned, and only a few survive.…

Cross References
Genesis 6:11-12
Now the earth was corrupt in the sight of God, and full of violence. / And God looked upon the earth and saw that it was corrupt; for all living creatures on the earth had corrupted their ways.

Hosea 4:1-3
Hear the word of the LORD, O children of Israel, for the LORD has a case against the people of the land: “There is no truth, no loving devotion, and no knowledge of God in the land! / Cursing and lying, murder and stealing, and adultery are rampant; one act of bloodshed follows another. / Therefore the land mourns, and all who dwell in it will waste away with the beasts of the field and the birds of the air; even the fish of the sea disappear.

Jeremiah 2:7
I brought you into a fertile land to eat its fruit and bounty, but you came and defiled My land and made My inheritance detestable.

Leviticus 18:24-28
Do not defile yourselves by any of these practices, for by all these things the nations I am driving out before you have defiled themselves. / Even the land has become defiled, so I am punishing it for its sin, and the land will vomit out its inhabitants. / But you are to keep My statutes and ordinances, and you must not commit any of these abominations—neither your native-born nor the foreigner who lives among you. ...

Romans 1:18-25
The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness. / For what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. / For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse. ...

Jeremiah 3:1-2
“If a man divorces his wife and she leaves him to marry another, can he ever return to her? Would not such a land be completely defiled? But you have played the harlot with many lovers—and you would return to Me?” declares the LORD. / “Lift up your eyes to the barren heights and see. Is there any place where you have not been violated? You sat beside the highways waiting for your lovers, like a nomad in the desert. You have defiled the land with your prostitution and wickedness.

Deuteronomy 28:15-20
If, however, you do not obey the LORD your God by carefully following all His commandments and statutes I am giving you today, all these curses will come upon you and overtake you: / You will be cursed in the city and cursed in the country. / Your basket and kneading bowl will be cursed. ...

Psalm 106:38-39
They shed innocent blood—the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was polluted with blood. / They defiled themselves by their actions and prostituted themselves by their deeds.

Ezekiel 7:23-24
Forge the chain, for the land is full of crimes of bloodshed, and the city is full of violence. / So I will bring the most wicked of nations to take possession of their houses. I will end the pride of the mighty, and their holy places will be profaned.

2 Kings 17:15-18
They rejected His statutes and the covenant He had made with their fathers, as well as the decrees He had given them. They pursued worthless idols and became worthless themselves, going after the surrounding nations that the LORD had commanded them not to imitate. / They abandoned all the commandments of the LORD their God and made for themselves two cast idols of calves and an Asherah pole. They bowed down to all the host of heaven and served Baal. / They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire and practiced divination and soothsaying. They devoted themselves to doing evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger. ...

Romans 8:20-22
For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope / that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. / We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time.

Micah 2:10
Arise and depart, for this is not your place of rest, because its defilement brings destruction—a grievous destruction!

2 Timothy 3:1-5
But understand this: In the last days terrible times will come. / For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, / unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good, ...

Isaiah 1:4
Alas, O sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a brood of evildoers, children who act corruptly! They have forsaken the LORD; they have despised the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on Him.

Revelation 11:18
The nations were enraged, and Your wrath has come. The time has come to judge the dead and to reward Your servants the prophets, as well as the saints and those who fear Your name, both small and great—and to destroy those who destroy the earth.”


Treasury of Scripture

The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.

defiled

Genesis 3:17,18
And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; …

Genesis 6:11-13
The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence…

Leviticus 18:24-28
Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you: …

because

Isaiah 1:2-5
Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me…

Isaiah 50:1
Thus saith the LORD, Where is the bill of your mother's divorcement, whom I have put away? or which of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away.

Isaiah 59:1-3,12-15
Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: …

changed

Joshua 24:25
So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and set them a statute and an ordinance in Shechem.

Daniel 7:25
And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.

Mark 7:7-9
Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men…

broken

Psalm 55:5
Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me.

Genesis 17:13,14
He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant…

2 Samuel 23:5
Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow.

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Age-During Agreement Broke Broken Changed Covenant Defiled Earth Eternal Everlasting Inhabitants Kept Laws Ordinance Polluted Statute Statutes Thereof Transgressed Unclean Violated Void
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Age-During Agreement Broke Broken Changed Covenant Defiled Earth Eternal Everlasting Inhabitants Kept Laws Ordinance Polluted Statute Statutes Thereof Transgressed Unclean Violated Void
Isaiah 24
1. The doleful judgments of God upon the land
13. A remnant shall joyfully praise him
16. God in his judgments shall advance his kingdom














The earth is defiled
The Hebrew word for "defiled" is "ḥānēp," which conveys a sense of pollution or corruption. In the context of Isaiah, this defilement is not merely physical but spiritual and moral. The earth, representing the world and its inhabitants, has been tainted by sin and rebellion against God. Historically, this reflects the pervasive idolatry and injustice that characterized the nations surrounding Israel, as well as Israel itself at times. The defilement of the earth is a consequence of humanity's collective turning away from God's commandments and covenant.

by its inhabitants
This phrase emphasizes human responsibility for the condition of the earth. The Hebrew term "yōšəḇeihā" refers to those who dwell or inhabit the land. It underscores the biblical principle that humanity's actions have direct consequences on creation. From a conservative Christian perspective, this aligns with the doctrine of original sin and the belief that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). The inhabitants' moral failures have led to the earth's defilement, highlighting the interconnectedness of human sin and environmental degradation.

for they have transgressed the laws
The word "transgressed" comes from the Hebrew "ʿābar," meaning to pass over or go beyond. It implies a deliberate crossing of boundaries set by God. The "laws" refer to God's divine instructions and commandments, which are meant to guide human behavior. In the historical context of Isaiah, this transgression could include the violation of the Mosaic Law, which was given to Israel as a covenantal guide for righteous living. Theologically, this points to the universal tendency of humanity to rebel against divine authority.

violated the statutes
"Violated" is translated from the Hebrew "ḥālap," which means to change or alter. The "statutes" are specific decrees or ordinances established by God. This phrase suggests a willful distortion or disregard for God's established order. In the biblical narrative, such violations often led to divine judgment, as seen in the history of Israel and Judah. From a conservative viewpoint, this serves as a warning against the dangers of moral relativism and the importance of adhering to biblical truth.

and broken the everlasting covenant
The term "broken" is derived from the Hebrew "pārār," meaning to break or annul. The "everlasting covenant" refers to the enduring agreements God made with humanity, such as the Noahic, Abrahamic, and Mosaic covenants. These covenants were meant to be perpetual, reflecting God's unchanging nature and faithfulness. The breaking of this covenant signifies a profound breach in the relationship between God and humanity. In a broader theological sense, this foreshadows the need for a new covenant, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who restores and redeems what was broken. This highlights the hope and promise of redemption despite human failure.

(5) The earth also is defiled.--The verb is used of blood-guiltiness in Numbers 35:33, of impurity in Jeremiah 3:1-2; Jeremiah 3:9. It includes, therefore, all the sins that, in modern phrase, desecrate humanity. Taking the word in its wider range, each form of evil was a transgression of the "everlasting covenant" of Genesis 9:16.

Verse 5. - The earth also is defiled. Hitherto the prophet has been concerned with the mere fact of a terrible judgment to be sent by God upon the whole world. Now he sets forth the cause of the fact. It is the old cause, which has reduced so many lauds to desolation, and which in the far-off times produced the Flood, viz. the wickedness of man (Genesis 6:5-13). The earth is "defiled" or "polluted" by the sins of its inhabitants, and has to be purged from the defilement by suffering. They have transgressed the laws. Apart from both Judaism and Christianity, all mankind have been placed by God under a double law:

1. The "law written in their hearts" (Romans 2:15), which speaks to them through their consciences, and lays them under an obligation that cannot be gainsaid.

2. The law of positive commands, given to the entire human race through the common progenitors, Adam and Noah, which is obligatory upon all to whom it has been traditionally handed down; but which has been only very partially handed down, and it is not generally felt as obligatory. Mankind has in all ages largely transgressed both laws, and both would seem to be pointed at in the present passage. The transgression of the "law written in the heart" is doubtless that which especially calls down God's vengeance, and makes him from time to time execute wrath on the whole world. Changed the ordinance; rather, broken, violated. Transgression in act is intended, not formal abrogation of the Divine ordinances. Broken the everlasting covenant. Mr. Cheyne supposes an allusion to the covenant made with Noah (Genesis 9:16); but it seems better to understand that "everlasting covenant" which exists between God and man, in virtue of the nature wherewith God has endowed man, and of the laws which he Ires impressed upon man's con. science. Sophocles well says of these laws, that they are

ὑψίποδες οὐρανίαν δι αἰθέρὰΝΛ´τεκνοθέντες ῶν Ὄλυμπος
πατὴρ μόνος οὐδέ νιν θνατὰ
φύσις αηνέρων ἔτικτεν οὐδὲ
μήν ποτε λάθα κατακοιμάσει Or - . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The earth
וְהָאָ֥רֶץ (wə·hā·’ā·reṣ)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

is defiled
חָנְפָ֖ה (ḥā·nə·p̄āh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 2610: To be polluted or profane

by
תַּ֣חַת (ta·ḥaṯ)
Preposition
Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of

its people;
יֹשְׁבֶ֑יהָ (yō·šə·ḇe·hā)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

they have transgressed
עָבְר֤וּ (‘ā·ḇə·rū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

the laws;
תוֹרֹת֙ (ṯō·w·rōṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 8451: Direction, instruction, law

they have overstepped
חָ֣לְפוּ (ḥā·lə·p̄ū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 2498: To slide by, to hasten away, pass on, spring up, pierce, change

the decrees
חֹ֔ק (ḥōq)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2706: Something prescribed or owed, a statute

and broken
הֵפֵ֖רוּ (hê·p̄ê·rū)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 6565: To break up, to violate, frustrate

the everlasting
עוֹלָֽם׃ (‘ō·w·lām)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5769: Concealed, eternity, frequentatively, always

covenant.
בְּרִ֥ית (bə·rîṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 1285: A covenant


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OT Prophets: Isaiah 24:5 The earth also is polluted under its (Isa Isi Is)
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