Old Testament
Isaiah 5:23
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Isaiah 5:23, the prophet condemns those who corrupt justice by favoring the guilty in exchange for bribes.
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
who let the guilty go free for a bribe and strip justice away from the innocent!
Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 5:23, the prophet condemns those who corrupt justice by favoring the guilty in exchange for bribes. This verse highlights the moral decay in society where the wicked are justified, while the innocent suffer injustice. It serves as a warning against the perversion of justice, emphasizing that true righteousness should prevail. The act of justifying the wicked undermines the very foundation of a fair and just society, leading to widespread corruption and suffering. The verse calls for accountability and integrity in leadership and legal systems, urging people to uphold justice and protect the innocent. It reflects God's concern for justice and righteousness, reminding us that true justice cannot be bought or manipulated. This passage challenges us to reflect on our own actions and the systems we support, ensuring they align with God's standards of justice and righteousness.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Isaiah 5:23 to your life
This verse encourages us to stand against corruption in our communities. We should advocate for justice and support systems that protect the innocent. Additionally, we must examine our own actions to ensure we are not complicit in unjust practices, promoting integrity in all areas of life.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 5:23 mean?
Isaiah 5:23 condemns those who corrupt justice by favoring the guilty for bribes, highlighting the moral decay in society where the innocent suffer while the wicked are justified.
What is the meaning of bribery in Isaiah 5:23?
In Isaiah 5:23, bribery refers to the act of accepting money or favors in exchange for unjustly favoring the guilty, which undermines true justice and righteousness.
How does Isaiah 5:23 relate to justice?
Isaiah 5:23 emphasizes the importance of integrity in justice systems, calling out the dangers of allowing corruption to prevail over fairness and righteousness.
What themes are present in Isaiah 5:23?
Key themes in Isaiah 5:23 include corruption, justice, righteousness, bribery, accountability, and moral decay, reflecting God's concern for fair treatment and integrity.

The Book of Isaiah
Isaiah 41: Fear Not, I Am With You
The LORD calls the nations to keep silence before him and to renew their strength. He asks who raises up the righteous man from the east and gives nations before him, making him rule over kings. He says he gives them as dust to his sword and as driven stubble to his bow, and he declares he is the first and with the last.
Unlock the full Isaiah summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Isaiah — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 66 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Isaiah summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.