Old Testament
Isaiah 57:3
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"But you — come here, you children of a sorceress, you offspring of adulterers and prostitutes!
Compare translations
But draw near hither, ye sons of the sorceress, the seed of the adulterer and the whore.
What Isaiah 57:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 57:3, the prophet addresses a group of people who are characterized as the children of sorcery and immorality. This metaphorical language suggests that they are spiritually corrupt and have turned away from God. The terms 'sorceress,' 'adulterers,' and 'prostitutes' symbolize a betrayal of faithfulness to God, indicating that these individuals have engaged in idolatry and sinful practices. The call to 'come here' implies a summons to confront their actions and recognize the consequences of their choices. This verse highlights the seriousness of spiritual unfaithfulness and the need for repentance. It serves as a warning against the allure of false teachings and immoral behavior, urging the people to return to a right relationship with God. The imagery used emphasizes the depth of their spiritual decline and the urgency of their situation, as they are being called to account for their actions and to seek restoration.
How to apply Isaiah 57:3 to your life
This verse challenges us to examine our own lives for any spiritual unfaithfulness. It encourages us to turn away from influences that lead us away from God and to seek a genuine relationship with Him. Repentance and accountability are essential for spiritual growth.
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 Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. 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.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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 57:3
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 57:3
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 57:3 mean by 'children of a sorceress'?
In Isaiah 57:3, the term 'children of a sorceress' metaphorically refers to people who have engaged in practices that are spiritually corrupt, such as idolatry and immorality. This phrase indicates that they have inherited a legacy of unfaithfulness to God, aligning themselves with false teachings and sinful behaviors that betray their covenant with Him.
How does Isaiah 57:3 relate to spiritual unfaithfulness?
Isaiah 57:3 highlights the seriousness of spiritual unfaithfulness by calling out those who have turned away from God. The verse uses strong imagery to illustrate the consequences of engaging in idolatry and immoral practices, emphasizing the need for repentance and a return to a faithful relationship with God.
What is the significance of the call to 'come here' in Isaiah 57:3?
The call to 'come here' in Isaiah 57:3 serves as a summons for the people to confront their actions and acknowledge the consequences of their spiritual corruption. It signifies an urgent invitation to recognize their need for repentance and to seek restoration in their relationship with God.
What lessons can we learn from Isaiah 57:3 today?
Isaiah 57:3 teaches us the importance of examining our lives for any forms of spiritual unfaithfulness. It encourages us to identify and turn away from influences that lead us away from God, emphasizing the necessity of repentance and accountability for spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with Him.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.