Old Testament
Isaiah 1:10
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Listen to the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom! Pay attention to the law of our God, you people of Gomorrah!
Compare translations
Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah.
What Isaiah 1:10 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is addressing the leaders of Israel by comparing them to the infamous cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, known for their wickedness and moral decay. By calling them 'rulers of Sodom' and 'people of Gomorrah,' God is highlighting their failure to uphold justice and righteousness. The phrase 'Listen to the word of the LORD' emphasizes the importance of heeding God's message, while 'Pay attention to the law of our God' urges them to follow His commandments. This comparison serves as a warning that their current behavior is leading them down a path of destruction similar to that of these ancient cities. The verse sets the tone for the rest of the chapter, where God expresses His displeasure with the people's actions and calls for repentance and a return to true worship. It underscores the seriousness of ignoring divine guidance and the consequences that follow when leaders fail to act justly and righteously.
How to apply Isaiah 1:10 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of listening to God's guidance and adhering to His laws. As leaders or influencers in our communities, we must strive to act justly and uphold moral standards, ensuring that our actions reflect God's will and promote righteousness.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther

Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Isaiah 1:10
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Isaiah 1:10
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 1:10 mean?
Isaiah 1:10 means that God is warning the leaders of Israel by comparing them to Sodom and Gomorrah, cities known for their wickedness. It highlights their failure to uphold justice and righteousness, urging them to listen to God's message and follow His laws.
What is the significance of Sodom and Gomorrah in Isaiah 1:10?
Sodom and Gomorrah symbolize moral decay and divine judgment. By referencing these cities, God emphasizes the seriousness of the leaders' actions and the potential consequences of their failure to act justly.
How does Isaiah 1:10 relate to leadership accountability?
Isaiah 1:10 underscores the responsibility of leaders to act justly and uphold moral standards. By comparing them to Sodom and Gomorrah, it highlights the consequences of failing to lead righteously.
What themes are present in Isaiah 1:10?
Key themes in Isaiah 1:10 include divine warning, moral decay, leadership accountability, a call to repentance, and the importance of justice and righteousness in society.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.