Old Testament
Isaiah 28:17
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God declares that He will use justice and righteousness as standards to measure the actions and beliefs of people.
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
"I will make justice my measuring line and righteousness my plumb line. Hail will demolish your shelter of lies, and floodwaters will sweep away your hiding place."
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God declares that He will use justice and righteousness as standards to measure the actions and beliefs of people. The 'measuring line' and 'plumb line' symbolize how God will assess what is true and right. The imagery of hail and floodwaters represents the destructive consequences of relying on falsehoods and deceit. Those who build their lives on lies will find their false security swept away, revealing the importance of truth and integrity. This passage serves as a warning that God will not tolerate dishonesty and will bring judgment upon those who do not align their lives with His standards of justice and righteousness. It emphasizes the need for individuals and communities to seek truth and live righteously, as the consequences of ignoring these principles can be devastating.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Isaiah 28:17 to your life
This verse encourages us to evaluate our lives against God's standards of justice and righteousness. We should seek truth in our actions and relationships, avoiding deceit. By building our lives on honesty and integrity, we can find true security and avoid the destructive consequences of falsehoods.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 28:17 mean?
Isaiah 28:17 means that God will use justice and righteousness as standards to evaluate people's actions and beliefs. It warns that relying on lies will lead to destruction, emphasizing the importance of truth and integrity.
What is the significance of the measuring line in Isaiah 28:17?
The measuring line in Isaiah 28:17 symbolizes God's standards of justice, while the plumb line represents righteousness. Together, they illustrate how God assesses what is true and right in our lives.
What does the hail and flood represent in Isaiah 28:17?
In Isaiah 28:17, hail and floodwaters represent the destructive consequences of living a life based on lies and deceit. They illustrate how false security will ultimately be swept away.
How can I apply Isaiah 28:17 to my life?
You can apply Isaiah 28:17 by evaluating your actions and relationships against God's standards of truth and righteousness. Strive for honesty and integrity to build a secure foundation in your life.
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