Old Testament
Isaiah 57:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
You become inflamed with idols under every green tree, and you kill your children in the valleys, beneath the cliffs of the rocks.
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Enflaming yourselves with idols under every green tree, slaying the children in the valleys under the clifts of the rocks?
What Isaiah 57:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God condemns the people for their idolatry and immoral practices. They are described as being consumed by their worship of idols, which they do in secret places, symbolized by the green trees. The mention of killing children indicates the extreme measures they took in their worship, possibly referring to child sacrifices to appease their gods. This reflects a deep moral corruption and a departure from the worship of the true God. The imagery of valleys and cliffs suggests a hidden, shameful nature of their actions, as they sought to hide their sins from others. This verse serves as a stark warning against the dangers of turning away from God and engaging in practices that lead to destruction, both spiritually and physically. It highlights the consequences of idolatry and the loss of moral compass that can occur when people prioritize false gods over their responsibilities to family and community.
How to apply Isaiah 57:5 to your life
This verse challenges us to examine our own lives for any forms of idolatry, whether they be material possessions, relationships, or ambitions that take precedence over our relationship with God. We must prioritize our values and ensure that we do not sacrifice what is truly important for fleeting desires.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
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Keep studying Isaiah 57:5
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 57:5 mean?
Isaiah 57:5 condemns the people for their idolatry and immoral practices, highlighting their worship of idols in secret places and the extreme measures they took, including child sacrifices. It serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God.
What is the significance of idols in Isaiah 57:5?
In Isaiah 57:5, idols represent false gods that the people worship instead of the true God. The verse illustrates how this idolatry leads to moral corruption and destructive behaviors, such as child sacrifice.
What does the phrase 'under every green tree' mean in Isaiah 57:5?
The phrase 'under every green tree' in Isaiah 57:5 symbolizes secretive and hidden worship practices where people engaged in idolatry away from public scrutiny. It indicates a shameful nature of their actions.
What does Isaiah 57:5 say about child sacrifice?
Isaiah 57:5 mentions killing children as part of the people's idolatrous practices, suggesting that they resorted to extreme measures, possibly child sacrifices, to appease their false gods. This reflects deep moral corruption.
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