Old Testament
Isaiah 2:6
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Therefore, you, LORD, have abandoned your people, the house of Jacob, because they are filled with influences from the east, and they are soothsayers like the Philistines, and they find satisfaction in the children of foreigners.
Compare translations
Therefore thou hast forsaken thy people the house of Jacob, because they be replenished from the east, and are soothsayers like the Philistines, and they please themselves in the children of strangers.
What Isaiah 2:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God expresses disappointment with His people, the house of Jacob (Israel), for turning away from Him. They have adopted practices and beliefs from eastern cultures, including astrology and divination, similar to the Philistines, who were known for their pagan practices. This abandonment of their faith and reliance on foreign influences shows a lack of trust in God. Instead of seeking guidance from Him, they are drawn to the allure of foreign customs and the children of strangers, indicating a desire for worldly satisfaction over spiritual fidelity. This reflects a broader theme of spiritual unfaithfulness and the dangers of compromising one's beliefs for the sake of cultural acceptance or material gain. God’s forsaking of His people serves as a warning about the consequences of abandoning true faith for superficial pleasures and influences.
How to apply Isaiah 2:6 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine our own lives for influences that may lead us away from our faith. We should be cautious of adopting practices or beliefs that conflict with our commitment to God. Staying rooted in our faith helps us resist the temptation of worldly distractions.
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 Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Ruth
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. 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.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
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 2:6
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 2:6
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 2:6 mean?
Isaiah 2:6 expresses God's disappointment with Israel for adopting foreign practices and beliefs, particularly those related to astrology and divination. This abandonment of faith highlights their lack of trust in God and their desire for worldly satisfaction.
What is the significance of 'the house of Jacob' in Isaiah 2:6?
'The house of Jacob' refers to the people of Israel, symbolizing their identity as God's chosen people. In this verse, it emphasizes their spiritual unfaithfulness and the consequences of turning away from God.
What are the foreign influences mentioned in Isaiah 2:6?
The foreign influences in Isaiah 2:6 include practices from eastern cultures, such as soothsaying and astrology, which were contrary to Israel's faith in God. These influences led the people away from their spiritual roots.
How does Isaiah 2:6 relate to idolatry?
Isaiah 2:6 relates to idolatry by showing how the people of Israel sought satisfaction in foreign customs and practices instead of relying on God. This reflects a broader theme of spiritual unfaithfulness and the dangers of compromising one's beliefs.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.