Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version the elders and dignitaries are the head, the prophets who teach lies are the tail. New Living Translation The leaders of Israel are the head, and the lying prophets are the tail. English Standard Version the elder and honored man is the head, and the prophet who teaches lies is the tail; Berean Standard Bible The head is the elder and honorable man, and the tail is the prophet who teaches lies. King James Bible The ancient and honourable, he is the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail. New King James Version The elder and honorable, he is the head; The prophet who teaches lies, he is the tail. New American Standard Bible The head is the elder and esteemed man, And the prophet who teaches falsehood is the tail. NASB 1995 The head is the elder and honorable man, And the prophet who teaches falsehood is the tail. NASB 1977 The head is the elder and honorable man, And the prophet who teaches falsehood is the tail. Legacy Standard Bible The head is the elder and the highly respected man, And the prophet who teaches falsehood is the tail. Amplified Bible The elderly and honorable man, he is the head; And the prophet who teaches lies, he is the tail. Christian Standard Bible The head is the elder, the honored one; the tail is the prophet, the one teaching lies. Holman Christian Standard Bible The head is the elder, the honored one; the tail is the prophet, the lying teacher. American Standard Version The elder and the honorable man, he is the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail. Contemporary English Version Their rulers and leaders were the head, and the lying prophets were the tail. English Revised Version The ancient and the honourable man, he is the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail. GOD'S WORD® Translation Respected and honored leaders are the head. Prophets who teach lies are the tail. Good News Translation The old and honorable men are the head--and the tail is the prophets whose teachings are lies! International Standard Version the elder and the dignitary is the head, and the prophet who teaches lies is the tail. NET Bible The leaders and the highly respected people are the head, the prophets who teach lies are the tail. New Heart English Bible The elder and the honorable man is the head, and the prophet who teaches lies is the tail. Webster's Bible Translation The ancient and honorable, he is the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe head is the elder and honorable man, and the tail is the prophet who teaches lies. World English Bible The elder and the honorable man is the head, and the prophet who teaches lies is the tail. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionElderly and accepted of faces—he [is] the head, "" And prophet teaching falsehood—he [is] the tail. Young's Literal Translation Elder, and accepted of face, he is the head, Prophet, teacher of falsehood, he is the tail. Smith's Literal Translation The old man and they lifting up faces, he the head; and the prophet teaching falsehood, be the tail. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe aged and honourable, he is the head: and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail. Catholic Public Domain Version The long-lived and honorable, he is the head; and the prophet who teaches lies, he is the tail. New American Bible (The elder and the noble are the head, the prophet who teaches falsehood is the tail.) New Revised Standard Version elders and dignitaries are the head, and prophets who teach lies are the tail; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe elder and honorable, he is the head; and the prophet who teaches lies, he is the tail. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated The Elder and the honorable face, he is the head, and the Prophet that teaches falsehood, he is the rear end OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The elder and the man of rank, he is the head; And the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail. Brenton Septuagint Translation the old man, and them that respect persons, this is the head; and the prophet teaching unlawful things, he is the tail. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Judgment Against Israel's Hypocrisy…14So the LORD will cut off Israel’s head and tail, both palm branch and reed in a single day. 15The head is the elder and honorable man, and the tail is the prophet who teaches lies. 16For those who guide this people mislead them, and those they mislead are swallowed up.… Cross References Matthew 15:14 Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” Jeremiah 23:16 This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD. Ezekiel 13:3 This is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit yet have seen nothing. Matthew 23:16-17 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.’ / You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes it sacred? 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. 2 Peter 2:1 Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Micah 3:5 This is what the LORD says: “As for the prophets who lead My people astray, who proclaim peace while they chew with their teeth, but declare war against one who puts nothing in their mouths: 2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. / So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. Jeremiah 14:14 “The prophets are prophesying lies in My name,” replied the LORD. “I did not send them or appoint them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a false vision, a worthless divination, the futility and delusion of their own minds. 1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world. Ezekiel 22:28 Her prophets whitewash these deeds by false visions and lying divinations, saying, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says,’ when the LORD has not spoken. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. / And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. / It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions. 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? Acts 20:29-30 I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. / Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them. Lamentations 2:14 The visions of your prophets were empty and deceptive; they did not expose your guilt to ward off your captivity. The burdens they envisioned for you were empty and misleading. Treasury of Scripture The ancient and honorable, he is the head; and the prophet that teaches lies, he is the tail. ancient Isaiah 3:5 And the people shall be oppressed, every one by another, and every one by his neighbour: the child shall behave himself proudly against the ancient, and the base against the honourable. Isaiah 5:13 Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honourable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst. 1 Samuel 9:6 And he said unto him, Behold now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is an honourable man; all that he saith cometh surely to pass: now let us go thither; peradventure he can shew us our way that we should go. the prophet Isaiah 28:17 Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place. Isaiah 29:10 For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered. 1 Kings 13:18 He said unto him, I am a prophet also as thou art; and an angel spake unto me by the word of the LORD, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water. But he lied unto him. Jump to Previous Accepted Ancient Elder Elders Face False. Falsehood Gives Head Honorable Honored Honourable Honoured Lies Prominent Prophet Prophets Rank Responsible Tail Teach Teacher Teaches Teacheth TeachingJump to Next Accepted Ancient Elder Elders Face False. Falsehood Gives Head Honorable Honored Honourable Honoured Lies Prominent Prophet Prophets Rank Responsible Tail Teach Teacher Teaches Teacheth TeachingIsaiah 9 1. What joy shall be in the midst of afflictions, by the birth and kingdom of Christ8. The judgments upon Israel for their pride 13. For their hypocrisy 18. And for their unrepentance The head is the elder and honorable man In the context of ancient Israel, the "head" symbolizes leadership and authority. Elders were respected figures in society, often serving as judges or leaders within the community. They were expected to embody wisdom and integrity, guiding the people according to God's laws. This phrase highlights the importance of righteous leadership, as seen in passages like Exodus 18:21, where Moses is advised to appoint capable men who fear God as leaders. The "honorable man" refers to those who hold positions of respect and influence, emphasizing the responsibility of leaders to uphold truth and justice. and the tail is the prophet who teaches lies Persons / Places / Events 1. The Elder and Honorable ManRepresents the leaders and those in positions of authority within the society of Israel. In the context of Isaiah, these individuals were expected to guide the people with wisdom and integrity. 2. The Prophet Refers to those who claim to speak on behalf of God but are actually leading people astray with false teachings. In Isaiah's time, false prophets were a significant problem, misleading the people of Israel. 3. Israel The nation to whom Isaiah is prophesying. At this time, Israel was facing internal corruption and external threats, leading to a need for true guidance and repentance. 4. Isaiah The prophet who delivered God's messages to the people of Israel. His role was to call out the sins of the nation and point them back to God. 5. Judgment The event or consequence that Isaiah warns will come upon Israel due to their leaders' and prophets' failure to lead righteously. Teaching Points The Responsibility of LeadershipLeaders are held to a high standard and are accountable for guiding others in truth and righteousness. This applies to both spiritual and secular leaders today. Discernment in Teaching Believers must be discerning about the teachings they accept, ensuring they align with Scripture and the character of God. Consequences of Falsehood Teaching lies and leading others astray have serious consequences, both for the leaders and those who follow them. The Importance of Truth Upholding truth is crucial in maintaining a healthy and God-honoring community. Believers should strive to be people of truth in all areas of life. Repentance and Restoration Even when leaders fail, there is always an opportunity for repentance and restoration through God's grace. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Isaiah 9:15?2. How does Isaiah 9:15 describe the consequences of false leadership in society? 3. What role do "elders" and "prophets" play according to Isaiah 9:15? 4. How can we discern false leaders today, based on Isaiah 9:15? 5. Connect Isaiah 9:15 with Jesus' teachings on leadership in the Gospels. 6. How can Isaiah 9:15 guide our prayers for current leaders? 7. How does Isaiah 9:15 define the "head" and "tail" in a spiritual context? 8. What historical context influenced the message of Isaiah 9:15? 9. How does Isaiah 9:15 relate to the leadership and guidance in today's world? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 9? 11. Who do you say I am? 12. Is Zeitgeist the Movie a reliable source? 13. Why does the text emphasize mourning rituals in Isaiah 15:2-3 if the city's destruction was as instantaneous as indicated? 14. What does it mean to know Jesus as Savior? What Does Isaiah 9:15 Mean The head• Isaiah names those at the top of Israel’s life as “the head.” These are the ones meant to provide wisdom and direction—city elders, judges, tribal chiefs, family patriarchs (Deuteronomy 1:13-17; Proverbs 31:23). • God’s design was that His covenant people would “be the head and not the tail” when they obeyed Him (Deuteronomy 28:13-14). Instead, verse 13 of the same chapter shows they refused to return to Him, so judgment begins with their leaders (James 3:1; 1 Peter 4:17). • What the head embraces, the body follows; therefore, corrupt leadership guarantees national ruin (Isaiah 3:12). is the elder and honorable man • “Elder and honorable” speaks of age, experience, and public esteem (Leviticus 19:32; 1 Timothy 5:17). God affirms that such positions are real and carry authority. • Honor, however, must sit on the foundation of obedience to the Lord. When elders abandon truth, their honor is an empty shell, ready for removal (Ezekiel 14:1-8). • The text says “is,” not “was,” reminding us that status and accountability remain even in disobedience (Numbers 20:12). Leadership cannot escape responsibility. and the tail • “Tail” pictures the lowest, most inconsequential part—what drags behind (Deuteronomy 28:44). Together with “head,” it frames the entire nation under God’s scrutiny (Isaiah 9:14). • The pairing stresses that sin is not confined to one class; it runs from top to bottom (Isaiah 1:4-6). • In judgment, God will sever head and tail alike, proving nothing is hidden from Him. is the prophet who teaches lies • Prophets should declare the Lord’s very words (Deuteronomy 18:18-22). When they invent messages, they become agents of deception, earning the label “tail.” • False prophecy soothes rebellion instead of confronting it (Jeremiah 6:14; 23:16-17). This drags the nation deeper into darkness, multiplying guilt. • Jesus echoes Isaiah’s warning: “Beware of false prophets” (Matthew 7:15). Paul likewise cautions against “evil men and impostors” who go “from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:13; 4:3-4). • God’s verdict is severe: the lying prophet must die (Deuteronomy 18:20). Historically, the Assyrian invasion soon proved Isaiah’s words true (2 Kings 17:5-18). summary Isaiah 9:15 draws a clear, literal line: Israel’s “head” is its elder and honorable leadership, while its “tail” is the prophet who teaches lies. Both ends of society—civil authority and spiritual voice—had turned from truth, ensuring sweeping judgment. The verse underscores that true honor rests on faithfulness to God’s word, leadership bears heightened accountability, and false teaching devastates a people. Remaining under God’s blessing requires leaders and followers alike to prize truth and reject deception. (15) The ancient and honourable . . .--Comp. Isaiah 3:2-3, for the meaning of the words. These, the prophet seems to say, were the true leaders of the people. The ideal work of the prophet was, indeed, that of a teacher who was to lead even them, but corruptio optimi pessima; and to Isaiah, as to Jeremiah, there was no class so contemptible and base as that of spiritual guides whose policy was that of a time-serving selfishness. The verse is rejected by some critics as a marginal note that has found its way into the text; but the prophet may well have given his own interpretation of this formula. (Comp. Isaiah 28:7; Isaiah 29:10; Jeremiah 14:14; Jeremiah 23:9-40.)Verse 15. - Some suppose this verse to be a gloss, or marginal note, which has crept into the text; but it is too pointed and sarcastic for a mere gloss. There is no reason to doubt its being Isaiah's. Having spoken of "the tail," he takes the opportunity of lashing the false prophet, who claimed to be among the "honorable," but was really the lowest of the low, worse than his dupes, the true "tail" (comp. Isaiah 28:7; Isaiah 29:10; Isaiah 30:10).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew The headהָרֹ֑אשׁ (hā·rōš) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7218: The head is the elder זָקֵ֥ן (zā·qên) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 2205: Old and the honorable וּנְשׂוּא־ (ū·nə·śū-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular construct Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take man ה֣וּא (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are and the tail הַזָּנָֽב׃ (haz·zā·nāḇ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2180: Tail, end, stump is the prophet וְנָבִ֥יא (wə·nā·ḇî) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5030: A spokesman, speaker, prophet who teaches מֽוֹרֶה־ (mō·w·reh-) Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 3384: To flow as water, to lay, throw, to point out, to teach lies. שֶּׁ֖קֶר (še·qer) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 8267: Deception, disappointment, falsehood Links Isaiah 9:15 NIVIsaiah 9:15 NLT Isaiah 9:15 ESV Isaiah 9:15 NASB Isaiah 9:15 KJV Isaiah 9:15 BibleApps.com Isaiah 9:15 Biblia Paralela Isaiah 9:15 Chinese Bible Isaiah 9:15 French Bible Isaiah 9:15 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Isaiah 9:15 The elder and the honorable man (Isa Isi Is) |
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