Isaiah 28:13
New International Version
So then, the word of the LORD to them will become: Do this, do that, a rule for this, a rule for that; a little here, a little there— so that as they go they will fall backward; they will be injured and snared and captured.

New Living Translation
So the LORD will spell out his message for them again, one line at a time, one line at a time, a little here, and a little there, so that they will stumble and fall. They will be injured, trapped, and captured.

English Standard Version
And the word of the LORD will be to them precept upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little, there a little, that they may go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

Berean Standard Bible
Then the word of the LORD to them will become: “Order on order, order on order, line on line, line on line; a little here, a little there,” so that they will go stumbling backward and will be injured, ensnared, and captured.

King James Bible
But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

New King James Version
But the word of the LORD was to them, “Precept upon precept, precept upon precept, Line upon line, line upon line, Here a little, there a little,” That they might go and fall backward, and be broken And snared and caught.

New American Standard Bible
So the word of the LORD to them will be, “Order on order, order on order, Line on line, line on line, A little here, a little there,” That they may go and stumble backward, be broken, snared, and taken captive.

NASB 1995
So the word of the LORD to them will be, “Order on order, order on order, Line on line, line on line, A little here, a little there,” That they may go and stumble backward, be broken, snared and taken captive.

NASB 1977
So the word of the LORD to them will be, “Order on order, order on order, Line on line, line on line, A little here, a little there,” That they may go and stumble backward, be broken, snared, and taken captive.

Legacy Standard Bible
So the word of Yahweh to them will be, “Order on order, order on order, Line on line, line on line, A little here, a little there,” That they may go and stumble backward, be broken, snared, and taken captive.

Amplified Bible
Therefore the word of the LORD to them will be [merely monotonous repetitions]: “Precept upon precept, precept upon precept, Rule upon rule, rule upon rule, Here a little, there a little.” That they may go and stumble backward, and be broken, ensnared, and taken captive.

Christian Standard Bible
The word of the LORD will come to them: “Law after law, law after law, line after line, line after line, a little here, a little there,” so they go stumbling backward, to be broken, trapped, and captured.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then the word of the LORD came to them:” Law after law, law after law, line after line, line after line, a little here, a little there,” so they go stumbling backward, to be broken, trapped, and captured.

American Standard Version
Therefore shall the word of Jehovah be unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, there a little; that they may go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

Contemporary English Version
Now his message to you will be senseless sound after senseless sound. Then you will fall backwards, injured and trapped.

English Revised Version
Therefore shall the word of the LORD be unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, there a little; that they may go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The LORD speaks utter nonsense to them. That is why they will fall backwards. That is why they will be hurt, trapped, and captured.

Good News Translation
That is why the LORD is going to teach you letter by letter, line by line, lesson by lesson. Then you will stumble with every step you take. You will be wounded, trapped, and taken prisoner.

International Standard Version
So, then, the message from the LORD to them will become: "Do this and do that, do this and do that, line upon line, line upon line, a little here, a little there," so that they will go, but fall backward, and be injured, snared, and captured.

Majority Standard Bible
Then the word of the LORD to them will become: ?Order on order, order on order, line on line, line on line; a little here, a little there,? so that they will go stumbling backward and will be injured, ensnared, and captured.

NET Bible
So the LORD's word to them will sound like meaningless gibberish, senseless babbling, a syllable here, a syllable there. As a result, they will fall on their backsides when they try to walk, and be injured, ensnared, and captured.

New Heart English Bible
Therefore the word of the LORD will be to them precept on precept, precept on precept; line on line, line on line; here a little, there a little; that they may go, fall backward, be broken, be snared, and be taken.

Webster's Bible Translation
But the word of the LORD was to them, precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

World English Bible
Therefore Yahweh’s word will be to them precept on precept, precept on precept; line on line, line on line; here a little, there a little; that they may go, fall backward, be broken, be snared, and be taken.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And to whom a word of YHWH has been, "" Rule on rule, rule on rule, "" Line on line, line on line, "" A little here, a little there, "" So that they go and have stumbled backward, "" And been broken, and snared, and captured.

Young's Literal Translation
And to whom a word of Jehovah hath been, Rule on rule, rule on rule, line on line, line on line, A little here, a little there, So that they go and have stumbled backward, And been broken, and snared, and captured.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the word of Jehovah was to them, precept to precept, precept to precept; line to line, line to line; a little there, a little there, so that they shall go and they stumbled backward, and were broken and snared and taken.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the word of the Lord shall be to them: Command, command again; command, command again: expect, expect again; expect, expect again: a little there, a little there: that they may go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so, the word of the Lord to them will be: “Command, and command again; command, and command again; expect, and expect again; a little here, and a little there,” so that they may go forward and fall backward, and so that they may be broken and ensnared and captured.

New American Bible
So for them the word of the LORD shall be: “Command on command, command on command, Rule on rule, rule on rule, here a little, there a little!” So that when they walk, they shall stumble backward, broken, ensnared, and captured.

New Revised Standard Version
Therefore the word of the LORD will be to them, “Precept upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little, there a little;” in order that they may go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
So the word of the LORD was to them filth upon filth, filth upon filth, vomit upon vomit, vomit upon vomit; a little here, a little there; that they might return and fall backward and be broken and snared and taken.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the Word of LORD JEHOVAH to them was: “Reply on reply, reply on reply and answer on answer, and answer on answer. A little here and a little there, that they shall turn and they shall be overthrown and they shall be broken, and they shall be captured and they shall be seized”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And so the word of the LORD is unto them Precept by precept, precept by precept, Line by line, line by line; Here a little, there a little; That they may go, and fall backward, and be broken, And snared, and taken.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Therefore the oracle of God shall be to them affliction on affliction, hope on hope, yet a little, and yet a little, that they may go and fall backward; and they shall be crushed and shall be in danger, and shall be taken.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Judgment on Ephraim
12to whom He has said: “This is the place of rest, let the weary rest; this is the place of repose.” But they would not listen. 13Then the word of the LORD to them will become: “Order on order, order on order, line on line, line on line; a little here, a little there,” so that they will go stumbling backward and will be injured, ensnared, and captured.

Cross References
Matthew 13:13-15
This is why I speak to them in parables: ‘Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.’ / In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. / For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’

1 Corinthians 14:21-22
It is written in the Law: “By strange tongues and foreign lips I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to Me, says the Lord.” / Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.

Jeremiah 5:13
The prophets are but wind, for the word is not in them. So let their own predictions befall them.”

Hosea 8:12
Though I wrote for them the great things of My law, they regarded them as something strange.

2 Corinthians 3:14-15
But their minds were closed. For to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant. It has not been lifted, because only in Christ can it be removed. / And even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts.

Romans 11:8
as it is written: “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see, and ears that could not hear, to this very day.”

Deuteronomy 28:49
The LORD will bring a nation from afar, from the ends of the earth, to swoop down upon you like an eagle—a nation whose language you will not understand,

Psalm 119:18
Open my eyes that I may see wondrous things from Your law.

Ezekiel 3:5-6
For you are not being sent to a people of unfamiliar speech or difficult language, but to the house of Israel— / not to the many peoples of unfamiliar speech and difficult language whose words you cannot understand. Surely if I had sent you to them, they would have listened to you.

John 12:40
“He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that they cannot see with their eyes, and understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.”

Acts 28:26-27
‘Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” / For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’

2 Kings 17:13-14
Yet through all His prophets and seers, the LORD warned Israel and Judah, saying, “Turn from your wicked ways and keep My commandments and statutes, according to the entire Law that I commanded your fathers and delivered to you through My servants the prophets.” / But they would not listen, and they stiffened their necks like their fathers, who did not believe the LORD their God.

Isaiah 6:9-10
And He replied: “Go and tell this people, ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ / Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.”

Hebrews 5:11-14
We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain, because you are dull of hearing. / Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to reteach you the basic principles of God’s word. You need milk, not solid food! / For everyone who lives on milk is still an infant, inexperienced in the message of righteousness. ...

Micah 2:6-7
“Do not preach,” they preach. “Do not preach these things; disgrace will not overtake us.” / Should it be said, O house of Jacob, “Is the Spirit of the LORD impatient? Are these the things He does?” Do not My words bring good to him who walks uprightly?


Treasury of Scripture

But the word of the LORD was to them precept on precept, precept on precept; line on line, line on line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

precept upon precept

Isaiah 28:10
For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:

Jeremiah 23:36-38
And the burden of the LORD shall ye mention no more: for every man's word shall be his burden; for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the LORD of hosts our God…

Hosea 6:5,8
Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth…

that

Isaiah 6:9,10
And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not…

Isaiah 8:14,15
And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem…

Psalm 69:22
Let their table become a snare before them: and that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap.

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Backward Broken Captive Captured Cause Fall Falling Injured Line Net Order Precept Rule Snared Stumble Way Word
Isaiah 28
1. The prophet threatens Ephraim for their pride and drunkenness
5. The residue shall be advanced in the kingdom of Christ
7. He rebukes their error
9. Their unwillingness to learn
14. And their security
16. Christ the sure foundation is promised
17. Their security shall be tried
23. They are incited to the consideration of God's providence














Then the word of the LORD to them will become:
This phrase indicates a shift in how God's message is perceived by the people. Historically, the Israelites had received clear instructions and prophecies from God through His prophets. However, due to their disobedience and hard-heartedness, the clarity of God's word becomes a source of confusion and judgment. This reflects a broader biblical theme where God's word is a double-edged sword, offering both guidance and judgment depending on the heart of the listener (Hebrews 4:12).

“Order on order, order on order, line on line, line on line;
This repetition emphasizes the tedious and monotonous nature of the instruction that the people of Israel are receiving. It suggests a mocking tone, as if the people are being treated like children who need simple, repetitive lessons. This reflects the cultural context of the time, where the Israelites were often compared to children in their understanding and obedience (Isaiah 28:9-10). The phrase also highlights the people's failure to grasp the deeper spiritual truths, as they are stuck on the surface level of God's teachings.

a little here, a little there,”
This part of the verse suggests fragmentation and a lack of coherence in the understanding of God's word. It implies that the people are only receiving bits and pieces of the truth, which leads to confusion and misinterpretation. This can be connected to the broader biblical narrative where partial understanding often leads to error and misjudgment (1 Corinthians 13:9-12). The phrase also underscores the importance of seeking the full counsel of God rather than relying on isolated teachings.

so that they will go stumbling backward
The imagery of stumbling backward indicates a regression rather than progress. In the historical context, this can be seen as a consequence of the Israelites' refusal to heed God's warnings and instructions. Instead of moving forward in their spiritual journey, they are falling back into sin and disobedience. This is a common theme in the Old Testament, where the people's failure to follow God's commands leads to their downfall (Jeremiah 7:24).

and will be injured, ensnared, and captured.
This phrase outlines the consequences of the people's spiritual blindness and disobedience. Being injured, ensnared, and captured suggests both physical and spiritual repercussions. Historically, this can be linked to the impending judgment and exile that the Israelites would face due to their unfaithfulness. Theologically, it serves as a warning of the dangers of ignoring God's word, leading to spiritual captivity and separation from God. This can also be seen as a type of Christ, where Jesus, the ultimate Word of God, offers freedom and healing to those who accept Him, contrasting with the captivity that comes from rejecting God's message (John 8:31-36).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Isaiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is the author of the book and is delivering God's message to the people of Israel.

2. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is speaking through Isaiah to the people.

3. Israel
The northern kingdom, often rebellious and disobedient to God's commands, is the primary audience of this message.

4. Judah
The southern kingdom, also addressed in Isaiah's prophecies, often warned through the example of Israel.

5. The Assyrian Threat
The historical context includes the looming threat of Assyrian invasion, which serves as a backdrop for the warnings given by Isaiah.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Spiritual Immaturity
Just as the Israelites were unable to grasp the deeper truths of God's word, we must strive for spiritual maturity to understand and apply God's teachings effectively.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Ignoring God's instructions leads to spiritual stumbling and captivity. We must heed God's word to avoid similar pitfalls in our lives.

The Importance of Humility in Learning
The Israelites' pride led them to dismiss God's word as simplistic. We should approach Scripture with humility, ready to learn and grow.

God's Patience and Repetition
God's repetitive instructions demonstrate His patience. He desires for us to understand and follow His ways, even if it requires repeated lessons.

The Role of Prophecy in Warning and Correction
Prophecies like Isaiah's serve as warnings. We should take heed of biblical warnings and allow them to correct our paths.(13) That they might go, and fall backward . . .--The words are an echo of those in Isaiah 8:14-15. The preaching which might have led to "rest and refreshing" would become to those who scorned it a "stumbling stone" on which they would fall, a "net" in which they, who boasted of their freedom, would be entangled.

Verse 13. - The word of the Lord was to them; rather, shall be to them. God will now speak to them, not by his prophet, but by the Assyrian conqueror, who will do what they said Isaiah had done, i.e. lay upon them command after command, rule alter rule, a constant series of minute injunctions, under which they will chafe and fret and at last rebel, but only to be "snared and taken." It is uncertain whether the reference is to the immediate future and to the Assyrians proper only, or whether the Babylonians are not taken into account also, and their oppression of Judaea pointed to. The yoke of Babylon was probably quite as difficult to endure as that of Assyria; and we find that, in the space of eighteen years, it produced at least three rebellions.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then the word
דְּבַר־ (də·ḇar-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

of the LORD
יְהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

will come
וְהָיָ֨ה (wə·hā·yāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

to them:
לָהֶ֜ם (lā·hem)
Preposition-l | Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992: They

“Order
צַ֣ו (ṣaw)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6673: Perhaps command

on order,
לָצָ֞ו (lā·ṣāw)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6673: Perhaps command

order
צַ֤ו (ṣaw)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6673: Perhaps command

on order,
לָצָו֙ (lā·ṣāw)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6673: Perhaps command

line
קַ֤ו (qaw)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6957: A cord, for, measuring, a rule, a rim, a musical string, accord

on line,
לָקָו֙ (lā·qāw)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6957: A cord, for, measuring, a rule, a rim, a musical string, accord

line
קַ֣ו (qaw)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6957: A cord, for, measuring, a rule, a rim, a musical string, accord

on line,
לָקָ֔ו (lā·qāw)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6957: A cord, for, measuring, a rule, a rim, a musical string, accord

a little
זְעֵ֥יר (zə·‘êr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2191: A little

here,
שָׁ֖ם (šām)
Adverb
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither

a little
זְעֵ֣יר (zə·‘êr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2191: A little

there,”
שָׁ֑ם (šām)
Adverb
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither

so that
לְמַ֨עַן (lə·ma·‘an)
Conjunction
Strong's 4616: Purpose -- intent

they will go
יֵלְכ֜וּ (yê·lə·ḵū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

stumbling
וְכָשְׁל֤וּ (wə·ḵā·šə·lū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3782: To totter, waver, to falter, stumble, faint, fall

backward
אָחוֹר֙ (’ā·ḥō·wr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 268: The hinder part, behind, backward, the West

and be injured,
וְנִשְׁבָּ֔רוּ (wə·niš·bā·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 7665: To break, break in pieces

snared,
וְנוֹקְשׁ֖וּ (wə·nō·wq·šū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3369: To lay a bait or lure

and captured.
וְנִלְכָּֽדוּ׃ (wə·nil·kā·ḏū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3920: To catch, to capture, occupy, to choose, to cohere


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OT Prophets: Isaiah 28:13 Therefore the word of Yahweh will be (Isa Isi Is)
Isaiah 28:12
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