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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/isaiah/5-22.htm" title="Isaiah 5:22">◄</a> Isaiah 5:23 <a href="/isaiah/5-24.htm" title="Isaiah 5:24">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/isaiah/5.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/isaiah/5.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />who acquit the guilty for a bribe, but deny justice to the innocent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/isaiah/5.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />They take bribes to let the wicked go free, and they punish the innocent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/isaiah/5.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />who acquit the guilty for a bribe, and deprive the innocent of his right!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />who acquit the guilty for a bribe and deprive the innocent of justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/isaiah/5.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/isaiah/5.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Who justify the wicked for a bribe, And take away justice from the righteous man!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/isaiah/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Who declare the wicked innocent for a bribe, And take away the rights of the ones who are in the right!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/isaiah/5.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Who justify the wicked for a bribe, And take away the rights of the ones who are in the right!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/isaiah/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Who justify the wicked for a bribe, And take away the rights of the ones who are in the right!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/isaiah/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Who declare the wicked righteous for a bribe, And remove the righteous standing of the ones who are righteous!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/isaiah/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Who justify the wicked <i>and</i> acquit the guilty for a bribe, And take away the rights of those who are in the right!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/isaiah/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />who acquit the guilty for a bribe and deprive the innocent of justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/isaiah/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />who acquit the guilty for a bribe and deprive the innocent of justice. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/isaiah/5.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />that justify the wicked for a bribe, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/isaiah/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You accept bribes to let the guilty go free, and you cheat the innocent out of a fair trial. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/isaiah/5.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />which justify the wicked for a reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/isaiah/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />who declare the guilty innocent for a bribe, who take away the rights of righteous people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/isaiah/5.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />But for just a bribe you let the guilty go free, and you keep the innocent from getting justice. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/isaiah/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />who acquit the guilty for a bribe, and deprive the innocent of justice!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/isaiah/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />who acquit the guilty for a bribe and deprive the innocent of justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/isaiah/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />They pronounce the guilty innocent for a payoff, they ignore the just cause of the innocent. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/isaiah/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />who acquit the guilty for a bribe, but deny justice for the innocent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/isaiah/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Who justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/isaiah/5.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />who acquit the guilty for a bribe, but deny justice for the innocent! <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/isaiah/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Declaring righteous the wicked for a bribe, "" And the righteousness of the righteous "" They turn aside from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/isaiah/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Declaring righteous the wicked for a bribe, And the righteousness of the righteous They turn aside from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/isaiah/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Justifying the unjust on account of a gift, and they will take away the justice of the just from him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/isaiah/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />That justify the wicked for gifts, and take away the justice of the just from him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/isaiah/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For you justify an impious man in exchange for bribes, and you carry away the justice of a just man from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/isaiah/5.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Those who acquit the guilty for bribes, and deprive the innocent of justice! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/isaiah/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />who acquit the guilty for a bribe, and deprive the innocent of their rights!<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/isaiah/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Who justify the guilty because of his bribe, and take away justice from the righteous!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/isaiah/5.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And they justify the guilty because of his bribe, and the innocence of the innocent they take away from them<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/isaiah/5.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />That justify the wicked for a reward, And take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/isaiah/5.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />who justify the ungodly for rewards, and take away the righteousness of the righteous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/isaiah/5-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xv9bHT-nr9s?start=1087" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/5.htm">Woes to the Wicked</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>Woe to those who are heroes in drinking wine and champions in mixing strong drink, <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6663.htm" title="6663: maṣ·dî·qê (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-mpc) -- To be just or righteous. A primitive root; to be right.">who acquit</a> <a href="/hebrew/7563.htm" title="7563: rā·šā‘ (Adj-ms) -- Wicked, criminal. From rasha'; morally wrong; concretely, an bad person.">the guilty</a> <a href="/hebrew/6118.htm" title="6118: ‘ê·qeḇ (N-msc) -- From aqab in the sense of aqeb; a heel, i.e. the last of anything; also result, i.e. Compensation; and so on account of.">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/7810.htm" title="7810: šō·ḥaḏ (N-ms) -- A present, bribe. From shachad; a donation.">a bribe</a> <a href="/hebrew/5493.htm" title="5493: yā·sî·rū (V-Hifil-Imperf-3mp) -- To turn aside. Or suwr; a primitive root; to turn off.">and deprive</a> <a href="/hebrew/6662.htm" title="6662: ṣad·dî·qîm (Adj-mp) -- Just, righteous. From tsadaq; just.">the innocent</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: mim·men·nū (Prep:: 3ms) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6666.htm" title="6666: wə·ṣiḏ·qaṯ (Conj-w:: N-fsc) -- Righteousness. From tsadaq; rightness, subjectively, objectively, morally or figuratively.">of justice.</a> </span><span class="reftext">24</span>Therefore, as a tongue of fire consumes the straw, and as dry grass shrivels in the flame, so their roots will decay and their blossoms will blow away like dust; for they have rejected the instruction of the LORD of Hosts and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-15.htm">Proverbs 17:15</a></span><br />Acquitting the guilty and condemning the righteous—both are detestable to the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/23-7.htm">Exodus 23:7-8</a></span><br />Stay far away from a false accusation. Do not kill the innocent or the just, for I will not acquit the guilty. / Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/3-9.htm">Micah 3:9-11</a></span><br />Now hear this, O leaders of the house of Jacob and rulers of the house of Israel, who despise justice and pervert all that is right, / who build Zion with bloodshed and Jerusalem with iniquity. / Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets practice divination for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD, saying, “Is not the LORD among us? No disaster can come upon us.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/24-24.htm">Proverbs 24:24</a></span><br />Whoever tells the guilty, “You are innocent”—peoples will curse him, and nations will denounce him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/5-12.htm">Amos 5:12</a></span><br />For I know that your transgressions are many and your sins are numerous. You oppress the righteous by taking bribes; you deprive the poor of justice in the gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/habakkuk/1-4.htm">Habakkuk 1:4</a></span><br />Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/16-19.htm">Deuteronomy 16:19</a></span><br />Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/94-20.htm">Psalm 94:20-21</a></span><br />Can a corrupt throne be Your ally—one devising mischief by decree? / They band together against the righteous and condemn the innocent to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/22-3.htm">Jeremiah 22:3</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: Administer justice and righteousness. Rescue the victim of robbery from the hand of his oppressor. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow. Do not shed innocent blood in this place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/2-17.htm">Malachi 2:17</a></span><br />You have wearied the LORD with your words; yet you ask, “How have we wearied Him?” By saying, “All who do evil are good in the sight of the LORD, and in them He delights,” or, “Where is the God of justice?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-23.htm">Matthew 23:23</a></span><br />Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-42.htm">Luke 11:42</a></span><br />Woe to you Pharisees! For you pay tithes of mint, rue, and every herb, but you disregard justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without neglecting the former.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-32.htm">Romans 1:32</a></span><br />Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things are worthy of death, they not only continue to do these things, but also approve of those who practice them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-6.htm">James 2:6</a></span><br />But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you and drag you into court?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-9.htm">1 Corinthians 6:9-10</a></span><br />Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, / nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!</p><p class="hdg">justify</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/23-6.htm">Exodus 23:6-9</a></b></br> Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/17-15.htm">Proverbs 17:15</a></b></br> He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both <i>are</i> abomination to the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/24-24.htm">Proverbs 24:24</a></b></br> He that saith unto the wicked, Thou <i>art</i> righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:</p><p class="hdg">for reward</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/1-23.htm">Isaiah 1:23</a></b></br> Thy princes <i>are</i> rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/16-19.htm">Deuteronomy 16:19</a></b></br> Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/19-7.htm">2 Chronicles 19:7</a></b></br> Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do <i>it</i>: for <i>there is</i> no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.</p><p class="hdg">take</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/10-2.htm">Isaiah 10:2</a></b></br> To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and <i>that</i> they may rob the fatherless!</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/21-13.htm">1 Kings 21:13</a></b></br> And there came in two men, children of Belial, and sat before him: and the men of Belial witnessed against him, <i>even</i> against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, Naboth did blaspheme God and the king. Then they carried him forth out of the city, and stoned him with stones, that he died.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/94-21.htm">Psalm 94:21</a></b></br> They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/19-12.htm">Acquit</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-23.htm">Bribe</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-14.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/psalms/147-19.htm">Declaring</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-9.htm">Deny</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-8.htm">Deprive</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-10.htm">Guilty</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-20.htm">Innocent</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-16.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/job/40-8.htm">Justify</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-17.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-11.htm">Reward</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-15.htm">Right</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-10.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-16.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-8.htm">Rights</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-11.htm">Sinner</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-1.htm">Support</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-5.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-7.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-11.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/micah/6-11.htm">Acquit</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-15.htm">Bribe</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-6.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-9.htm">Declaring</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-35.htm">Deny</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-2.htm">Deprive</a> <a href="/isaiah/24-6.htm">Guilty</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-21.htm">Innocent</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-7.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/isaiah/53-11.htm">Justify</a> <a href="/isaiah/6-2.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/isaiah/17-14.htm">Reward</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-15.htm">Right</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-22.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-7.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-2.htm">Rights</a> <a href="/isaiah/35-8.htm">Sinner</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-13.htm">Support</a> <a href="/isaiah/6-10.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/isaiah/26-2.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/isaiah/11-4.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Isaiah 5</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/5-1.htm">Under the parable of a vineyard, God excuses his severe judgment</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/5-8.htm">His judgments upon covetousness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/5-11.htm">Upon lasciviousness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/5-13.htm">Upon impiety</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/5-20.htm">And upon injustice</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/5-26.htm">The executioners of God's judgments</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/isaiah/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>who acquit the guilty for a bribe</b><br>This phrase highlights the corruption and moral decay present in the society Isaiah addresses. The act of acquitting the guilty for a bribe indicates a judicial system that has been compromised by greed and dishonesty. In ancient Israel, judges were expected to uphold God's law and maintain justice (<a href="/deuteronomy/16-18.htm">Deuteronomy 16:18-20</a>). The acceptance of bribes was strictly forbidden (<a href="/exodus/23-8.htm">Exodus 23:8</a>), as it perverts justice and blinds the eyes of the wise. This corruption is a direct violation of the covenantal laws given to Israel, reflecting a broader societal departure from God's standards. The prophets frequently condemned such practices, as they undermined the very foundation of a just society (<a href="/micah/3-11.htm">Micah 3:11</a>). This phrase also foreshadows the ultimate justice that will be established by Jesus Christ, who will judge the world in righteousness (<a href="/acts/17-31.htm">Acts 17:31</a>).<p><b>and deprive the innocent of justice</b><br>The deprivation of justice for the innocent further illustrates the societal injustice prevalent during Isaiah's time. The innocent, often the poor and marginalized, were denied their rightful protection and fairness under the law. This reflects a society where the powerful exploit the vulnerable, contrary to the biblical mandate to defend the rights of the poor and needy (<a href="/proverbs/31-8.htm">Proverbs 31:8-9</a>). The prophets, including Isaiah, consistently called out such injustices, urging a return to righteousness and equity (<a href="/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17</a>). This phrase also connects to the broader biblical theme of God's concern for justice and His promise to vindicate the oppressed (<a href="/psalms/103-6.htm">Psalm 103:6</a>). In the New Testament, Jesus embodies perfect justice and mercy, offering hope to those who have been wronged and establishing a kingdom where true justice prevails (<a href="/matthew/12-18.htm">Matthew 12:18-21</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/i/isaiah.htm">Isaiah</a></b><br>A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is the author of the book bearing his name. He prophesied during the reigns of several kings of Judah and is known for his messages of both judgment and hope.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a></b><br>The southern kingdom of Israel, where Isaiah primarily directed his prophecies. During Isaiah's time, Judah was experiencing moral and spiritual decline.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_guilty_and_the_innocent.htm">The Guilty and the Innocent</a></b><br>These terms refer to individuals within society who are either guilty of wrongdoing or innocent yet suffering from injustice. Isaiah condemns those who manipulate justice for personal gain.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/c/corrupt_leaders.htm">Corrupt Leaders</a></b><br>Although not named specifically, the verse implies the presence of leaders or judges who are corrupt, accepting bribes and perverting justice.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/b/bribery_and_injustice.htm">Bribery and Injustice</a></b><br>The events described involve the perversion of justice through bribery, a common issue in ancient times that Isaiah addresses as a significant moral failing.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_justice.htm">The Importance of Justice</a></b><br>God values justice and righteousness. As believers, we are called to uphold these values in our personal lives and communities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_corruption.htm">The Dangers of Corruption</a></b><br>Corruption, especially in leadership, leads to societal decay. Christians should be vigilant against such practices and advocate for integrity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_accountability.htm">The Role of Accountability</a></b><br>Leaders and individuals alike must be held accountable for their actions. The church can play a role in promoting transparency and accountability.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_defend_the_innocent.htm">The Call to Defend the Innocent</a></b><br>Christians are called to stand up for those who are unjustly treated and to be a voice for the voiceless.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/personal_integrity.htm">Personal Integrity</a></b><br>Each believer should examine their own life for areas where they might be tempted to compromise integrity for personal gain.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_isaiah_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 5</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_you_selflessly_serve_today.htm">What does the Bible say about justice?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_psalm_15_contradict_god's_open_invite.htm">Psalm 15:1 says only certain people can dwell with the Lord; doesn't this contradict the broader biblical idea of God's universal invitation?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_15_5_align_with_deut._23_20.htm">Psalm 15:5 forbids charging interest; how does this align with other Old Testament passages that allow interest to foreigners (e.g., Deuteronomy 23:20)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_bribes.htm">What does the Bible say about accepting bribes?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/isaiah/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 23.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Justify the wicked</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> "decide his cause in his favor," declare him to be right, and his adversary wrong. <span class="cmt_word">For reward</span>; or, <span class="accented">for a bribe</span>. <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>Take away the righteousness of the righteous</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> "declare him to be in the wrong by deciding his cause against him." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/isaiah/5-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">who acquit</span><br /><span class="heb">מַצְדִּיקֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(maṣ·dî·qê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6663.htm">Strong's 6663: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be just or righteous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the guilty</span><br /><span class="heb">רָשָׁ֖ע</span> <span class="translit">(rā·šā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7563.htm">Strong's 7563: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wrong, an, bad person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵ֣קֶב</span> <span class="translit">(‘ê·qeḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6118.htm">Strong's 6118: </a> </span><span class="str2">A heel, the last of anything, result, compensation, on account of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a bribe,</span><br /><span class="heb">שֹׁ֑חַד</span> <span class="translit">(šō·ḥaḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7810.htm">Strong's 7810: </a> </span><span class="str2">A present, bribe</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and deprive</span><br /><span class="heb">יָסִ֥ירוּ</span> <span class="translit">(yā·sî·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5493.htm">Strong's 5493: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn aside</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the innocent</span><br /><span class="heb">צַדִּיקִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(ṣad·dî·qîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6662.htm">Strong's 6662: </a> </span><span class="str2">Just, righteous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of justice.</span><br /><span class="heb">וְצִדְקַ֥ת</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ṣiḏ·qaṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6666.htm">Strong's 6666: </a> </span><span class="str2">Rightness, subjectively, objectively</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/isaiah/5-23.htm">Isaiah 5:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/isaiah/5-23.htm">Isaiah 5:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/isaiah/5-23.htm">Isaiah 5:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/isaiah/5-23.htm">Isaiah 5:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/isaiah/5-23.htm">Isaiah 5:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/isaiah/5-23.htm">Isaiah 5:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/isaiah/5-23.htm">Isaiah 5:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/isaiah/5-23.htm">Isaiah 5:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/isaiah/5-23.htm">Isaiah 5:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/isaiah/5-23.htm">Isaiah 5:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/isaiah/5-23.htm">OT Prophets: Isaiah 5:23 Who acquit the guilty for a bribe (Isa Isi Is)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/isaiah/5-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Isaiah 5:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Isaiah 5:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/isaiah/5-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Isaiah 5:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Isaiah 5:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>