Old Testament

Isaiah 1:5

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

Why should you be punished any more? You will only rebel more and more. Your whole head is injured, and your whole heart is weak.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.

What Isaiah 1:5 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, God questions the people of Israel about their ongoing rebellion and disobedience. Despite facing punishment, they continue to turn away from Him, indicating a deep-rooted problem. The imagery of a sick head and faint heart suggests that their entire being is affected by sin and disobedience. This condition is not just physical but spiritual, highlighting the need for healing and repentance. God is expressing frustration over their unwillingness to change, as their repeated actions lead to more suffering. The verse serves as a wake-up call, urging the people to recognize their dire state and the futility of their rebellion. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging one's faults and seeking restoration rather than persisting in a cycle of sin and punishment.

How to apply Isaiah 1:5 to your life

This verse encourages us to reflect on our own lives and recognize patterns of rebellion against God. Instead of ignoring our spiritual sickness, we should seek healing through repentance and a renewed relationship with Him. Acknowledging our weaknesses can lead to true restoration.

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.

A painting of the king setting the royal crown on the head of Esther as she kneels before his throne, while the court looks on

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

Rows of uncovered stone walls on the mound at Tel Shiloh, with no modern buildings in view.

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 Plans

Ask AI about Isaiah 1:5

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 1:5

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 1:5 mean?

Isaiah 1:5 questions the people of Israel about their ongoing rebellion against God. It highlights their refusal to change despite facing consequences, indicating a deep spiritual sickness that affects their entire being.

What is the significance of the sick head and faint heart in Isaiah 1:5?

The imagery of a sick head and faint heart in Isaiah 1:5 symbolizes the complete spiritual and moral decline of the people. It suggests that their disobedience has led to a weakened state that requires healing and repentance.

How does Isaiah 1:5 relate to the theme of rebellion?

Isaiah 1:5 illustrates the theme of rebellion by showing how the Israelites continue to turn away from God, even after experiencing punishment. This ongoing defiance highlights the futility of their actions and the need for a change of heart.

What can we learn from Isaiah 1:5?

From Isaiah 1:5, we learn the importance of recognizing our own spiritual weaknesses and the need for repentance. It encourages us to seek healing and restoration rather than continuing in a cycle of rebellion.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.