Old Testament
Isaiah 30:10
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They say to the seers, "Do not see visions," and to the prophets, "Do not prophesy the truth to us. Speak to us pleasant things, prophesy deceits."
Compare translations
Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:
What Isaiah 30:10 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 30:10, the people express a desire to avoid uncomfortable truths. They tell the seers and prophets to stop delivering genuine messages from God and instead to share only pleasant and comforting words. This reflects a common human tendency to prefer easy answers and to reject challenging truths that may require change or repentance. The verse highlights the danger of seeking out false comfort rather than facing reality. The people are essentially asking for lies that make them feel good, rather than the hard truths that could lead to their spiritual growth and well-being. This attitude can lead to spiritual blindness and a disconnect from God’s will, as they prioritize their immediate comfort over their long-term spiritual health. The passage serves as a warning against the temptation to ignore divine guidance in favor of self-serving desires.
How to apply Isaiah 30:10 to your life
This verse encourages us to seek the truth, even when it is uncomfortable. We should be wary of messages that only tell us what we want to hear. Instead, we should embrace honest feedback and guidance, as it can lead to personal growth and a deeper relationship with God.
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 David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. 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.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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 30:10
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 30:10
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 30:10 mean?
Isaiah 30:10 describes a group of people who reject the truth from God’s messengers, asking them to only share comforting and pleasant messages instead. This reflects a desire to avoid difficult truths that may require change or repentance.
What is the meaning of 'smooth things' in Isaiah 30:10?
In Isaiah 30:10, 'smooth things' refers to messages that are easy to hear and comforting, rather than challenging or truthful. The people prefer these deceptive comforts over the hard truths that could lead to their spiritual growth.
How does Isaiah 30:10 relate to false prophets?
Isaiah 30:10 illustrates how people may turn to false prophets who provide reassuring but misleading messages. This reflects a broader theme of rejecting true guidance in favor of comforting lies.
What themes are present in Isaiah 30:10?
Key themes in Isaiah 30:10 include the rejection of truth, the desire for comfort, the danger of false prophets, and the consequences of spiritual blindness. It emphasizes human nature's tendency to prioritize immediate comfort over long-term spiritual health.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.