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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Isaiah 1:18 "Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/isaiah/1-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/23_Isa_01_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Isaiah 1:18 - Meaningless Offerings" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD. Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/isaiah/1-18.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/isaiah/1-18.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/isaiah/">Isaiah</a> > <a href="/isaiah/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 18</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad18.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/1-17.htm" title="Isaiah 1:17">◄</a> Isaiah 1:18 <a href="/isaiah/1-19.htm" title="Isaiah 1:19">►</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">Verse<a href="/bsb/isaiah/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/isaiah/1.htm">New International Version</a> &#8220Come now, let us settle the matter,&#8221 says the LORD. &#8220Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. <a href="/nlt/isaiah/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Come now, let’s settle this,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool. <a href="/esv/isaiah/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> “Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. <a href="/bsb/isaiah/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool. <a href="/kjv/isaiah/1.htm">King James Bible</a> Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. <a href="/nkjv/isaiah/1.htm">New King James Version</a> “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. <a href="/nasb_/isaiah/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “Come now, and let us debate your case,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are as scarlet, They shall become as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be like wool. <a href="/nasb/isaiah/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Come now, and let us reason together,&#8221 Says the LORD, &#8220Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool. <a href="/nasb77/isaiah/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool. <a href="/lsb/isaiah/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says Yahweh, “Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool. <a href="/amp/isaiah/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be like wool. <a href="/csb/isaiah/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “Come, let’s settle this,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are crimson red, they will be like wool. <a href="/hcsb/isaiah/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Come, let us discuss this,&#8221 says the LORD.&#8221 Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will be like wool. <a href="/asv/isaiah/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> Come now, and let us reason together, saith Jehovah: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. <a href="/cev/isaiah/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I, the LORD, invite you to come and talk it over. Your sins are scarlet red, but they will be whiter than snow or wool. <a href="/erv/isaiah/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. <a href="/gwt/isaiah/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "Come on now, let's discuss this!" says the LORD. "Though your sins are bright red, they will become as white as snow. Though they are dark red, they will become as white as wool. <a href="/gnt/isaiah/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> The LORD says, "Now, let's settle the matter. You are stained red with sin, but I will wash you as clean as snow. Although your stains are deep red, you will be as white as wool. <a href="/isv/isaiah/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> "Please come, and let's reason together," implores the LORD. "Even though your sins are like scarlet, they'll be white like snow. Though they're like crimson, they'll become like wool. <a href="/msb/isaiah/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?Come now, let us reason together,? says the LORD. ?Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool. <a href="/net/isaiah/1.htm">NET Bible</a> Come, let's consider your options," says the LORD. "Though your sins have stained you like the color red, you can become white like snow; though they are as easy to see as the color scarlet, you can become white like wool. <a href="/nheb/isaiah/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> "Come now, and let us reason together," says the LORD: "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. <a href="/wbt/isaiah/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be white as snow, though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. <a href="/web/isaiah/1.htm">World English Bible</a> “Come now, and let’s reason together,” says Yahweh: “Though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/isaiah/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Now come, and we settle this,” says YHWH, “If your sins are as scarlet, they will be white as snow, "" If they are red as crimson, they will be as wool! <a href="/ylt/isaiah/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Come, I pray you, and we reason, saith Jehovah, If your sins are as scarlet, as snow they shall be white, If they are red as crimson, as wool they shall be! <a href="/slt/isaiah/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Come now we will confute together Jehovah will say: if your sins shall be as deep scarlet, they shall be white as snow; if they shall be red as crimson, they shall be as wool.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/isaiah/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And then come, and accuse me, saith the Lord: if your sins be as scarlet, they shall be made as white as snow: and if they be red as crimson, they shall be white as wool. <a href="/cpdv/isaiah/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And then approach and accuse me, says the Lord. Then, if your sins are like scarlet, they shall be made white like snow; and if they are red like vermillion, they shall become white like wool. <a href="/nabre/isaiah/1.htm">New American Bible</a> Come now, let us set things right, says the LORD: Though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow; Though they be red like crimson, they may become white as wool. <a href="/nrsvce/isaiah/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Come now, let us argue it out, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be like snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/isaiah/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Come now, and let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be like wool. <a href="/hpbt/isaiah/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And come, we shall speak with each other, says LORD JEHOVAH, and if your sins will be as scarlet, they will be white as snow, and if they turn red as scarlet dye, they shall be as wool<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/isaiah/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Come now, and let us reason together, Saith the LORD; Though your sins be as scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they be red like crimson, They shall be as wool. <a href="/sep/isaiah/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And come, let us reason together, saith the Lord: and though your sins be as purple, I will make them white as snow; and though they be as scarlet, I will make them white as wool. <a href="/parallel/isaiah/1-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xv9bHT-nr9s?start=201" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/isaiah/1.htm">Meaningless Offerings</a> …17Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.” 18<a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: lə·ḵū- (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">“Come</a> <a href="/hebrew/4994.htm" title="4994: nā (Interjection) -- I (we) pray, now. ">now,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3198.htm" title="3198: wə·niw·wā·ḵə·ḥāh (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConjImperf.Cohort-1cp) -- To decide, adjudge, prove. A primitive root; to be right; reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict.">let us reason together,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: yō·mar (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">says</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD.</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">“Though</a> <a href="/hebrew/2399.htm" title="2399: ḥă·ṭā·’ê·ḵem (N-mpc:: 2mp) -- A sin. From chata'; a crime or its penalty.">your sins</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: yih·yū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">are</a> <a href="/hebrew/8144.htm" title="8144: kaš·šā·nîm (Prep-k, Art:: N-mp) -- Scarlet. Of uncertain derivation; crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it.">like scarlet,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3835.htm" title="3835: yal·bî·nū (V-Hifil-Imperf-3mp) -- To be, white, to make bricks. A primitive root; to be white; also to make bricks.">they will be as white</a> <a href="/hebrew/7950.htm" title="7950: kaš·še·leḡ (Prep-k, Art:: N-ms) -- Snow. From shalag; snow.">as snow;</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">though</a> <a href="/hebrew/119.htm" title="119: ya’·dî·mū (V-Hifil-Imperf-3mp) -- To be red. To show blood, i.e. Flush or turn rosy.">they are as red</a> <a href="/hebrew/8438.htm" title="8438: ḵat·tō·w·lā‘ (Prep-k, Art:: N-ms) -- Worm, scarlet stuff. ">as crimson,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: yih·yū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">they will become</a> <a href="/hebrew/6785.htm" title="6785: kaṣ·ṣe·mer (Prep-k, Art:: N-ms) -- Wool. From an unused root probably meaning to be shaggy; wool.">like wool.</a> 19If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best of the land.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/psalms/51-7.htm">Psalm 51:7</a> Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. <a href="/1_john/1-7.htm">1 John 1:7</a> But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. <a href="/revelation/7-14.htm">Revelation 7:14</a> “Sir,” I answered, “you know.” So he replied, “These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. <a href="/hebrews/9-14.htm">Hebrews 9:14</a> how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God! <a href="/titus/3-5.htm">Titus 3:5</a> He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. <a href="/1_peter/1-18.htm">1 Peter 1:18-19</a> For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers, / but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot. <a href="/matthew/11-28.htm">Matthew 11:28</a> Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. <a href="/romans/3-23.htm">Romans 3:23-24</a> for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, / and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. <a href="/2_corinthians/5-21.htm">2 Corinthians 5:21</a> God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. <a href="/ephesians/1-7.htm">Ephesians 1:7</a> In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace <a href="/jeremiah/31-34.htm">Jeremiah 31:34</a> No longer will each man teach his neighbor or his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquities and will remember their sins no more.” <a href="/micah/7-18.htm">Micah 7:18-19</a> Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance—who does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in loving devotion? / He will again have compassion on us; He will vanquish our iniquities. You will cast out all our sins into the depths of the sea. <a href="/zechariah/3-3.htm">Zechariah 3:3-5</a> Now Joshua was dressed in filthy garments as he stood before the angel. / So the angel said to those standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes!” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have removed your iniquity, and I will clothe you with splendid robes.” / Then I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So a clean turban was placed on his head, and they clothed him, as the angel of the LORD stood by. <a href="/daniel/9-9.htm">Daniel 9:9</a> To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness, even though we have rebelled against Him <a href="/exodus/34-6.htm">Exodus 34:6-7</a> Then the LORD passed in front of Moses and called out: “The LORD, the LORD God, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness, / maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin. Yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished; He will visit the iniquity of the fathers on their children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Come now, and let us reason together, said the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.and let us<a href="/isaiah/41-21.htm">Isaiah 41:21</a> Produce your cause, saith the LORD; bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob.<a href="/isaiah/43-24.htm">Isaiah 43:24-26</a> Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities… <a href="/1_samuel/12-7.htm">1 Samuel 12:7</a> Now therefore stand still, that I may reason with you before the LORD of all the righteous acts of the LORD, which he did to you and to your fathers.though your<a href="/isaiah/44-22.htm">Isaiah 44:22</a> I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.<a href="/psalms/51-7.htm">Psalm 51:7</a> Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.<a href="/micah/7-18.htm">Micah 7:18,19</a> Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/isaiah/1-15.htm">Blood</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/3-14.htm">Crimson</a> <a href="/songs/5-11.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/songs/7-5.htm">Purple</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/songs/5-10.htm">Red</a> <a href="/songs/4-3.htm">Scarlet</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-12.htm">Seem</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-4.htm">Sins</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-21.htm">Snow</a> <a href="/songs/1-4.htm">Together</a> <a href="/songs/5-10.htm">White</a> <a href="/songs/4-2.htm">Wool</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/4-4.htm">Blood</a> <a href="/isaiah/63-1.htm">Crimson</a> <a href="/isaiah/2-20.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/jeremiah/10-9.htm">Purple</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-24.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/isaiah/27-2.htm">Red</a> <a href="/jeremiah/4-30.htm">Scarlet</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-21.htm">Seem</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-21.htm">Sins</a> <a href="/isaiah/55-10.htm">Snow</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-28.htm">Together</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-9.htm">White</a> <a href="/isaiah/51-8.htm">Wool</a><div class="vheading2">Isaiah 1</div>1. <a href="/isaiah/1-1.htm">Isaiah complains of Judah for her rebellion</a> 5. <a href="/isaiah/1-5.htm">He laments her judgments</a> 10. <a href="/isaiah/1-10.htm">He upbraids their whole service</a> 16. <a href="/isaiah/1-16.htm">He exhorts to repentance, with promises and threats</a> 21. <a href="/isaiah/1-21.htm">Bewailing their wickedness, he denounces God's judgments</a> 25. <a href="/isaiah/1-25.htm">He promises grace</a> 28. <a href="/isaiah/1-28.htm">And threatens destruction to the wicked</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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/1.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/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. This phrase invites the people of Israel to engage in a dialogue with God, emphasizing His willingness to communicate and reconcile. The Hebrew word for "reason" implies a legal argument or a call to settle a dispute. This reflects God's justice and mercy, offering a chance for repentance. The cultural context of ancient Israel involved covenant relationships, where God as the suzerain king would call His vassal people to account. This invitation is unique, as it shows God's desire for a relationship rather than mere judgment.“Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; Scarlet, a deep red dye, was known for its permanence, symbolizing the indelible nature of sin. In ancient times, scarlet dye was derived from the crushing of insects, indicating the depth and intensity of sin's stain. The promise of becoming "white as snow" signifies complete purification and forgiveness. Snow, rare in Israel, represents purity and a fresh start. This transformation is a divine act, pointing to the cleansing power of God, which is later fulfilled through the atoning work of Jesus Christ, as seen in New Testament passages like 1 <a href="/john/1-7.htm">John 1:7</a>.though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool. Crimson, another deep red dye, further emphasizes the severity and visibility of sin. The use of two similar colors underscores the seriousness of Israel's transgressions. Wool, naturally white, symbolizes innocence and purity. The transformation from crimson to wool suggests a return to an original, unblemished state. This imagery connects to the sacrificial system, where lambs without blemish were offered, foreshadowing Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (<a href="/john/1-29.htm">John 1:29</a>). The promise of transformation highlights God's redemptive power and the hope of restoration for His people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a> The covenant God of Israel, who invites His people to dialogue and repentance. 2. <a href="/topical/i/isaiah.htm">Isaiah</a> The prophet through whom God delivers this message, calling the people of Judah to repentance. 3. <a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a> The southern kingdom of Israel, to whom Isaiah's prophecies were primarily directed. 4. <a href="/topical/s/sins.htm">Sins (Scarlet and Crimson)</a> Symbolic of the deep and pervasive nature of the people's transgressions. 5. <a href="/topical/s/snow_and_wool.htm">Snow and Wool</a> Metaphors for purity and cleansing, representing the transformation God offers.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/i/invitation_to_dialogue.htm">Invitation to Dialogue</a> God invites us to reason with Him, showing His desire for a relationship and reconciliation rather than mere judgment. <a href="/topical/t/the_depth_of_sin.htm">The Depth of Sin</a> The imagery of scarlet and crimson highlights the seriousness and visibility of sin, reminding us of our need for divine intervention. <a href="/topical/p/promise_of_transformation.htm">Promise of Transformation</a> God's promise to make sins as white as snow emphasizes His power to completely transform and purify us. <a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_forgiveness.htm">Repentance and Forgiveness</a> This verse underscores the importance of repentance as a pathway to receiving God's forgiveness and cleansing. <a href="/topical/h/hope_in_redemption.htm">Hope in Redemption</a> The assurance of being made like wool offers hope and encouragement that no sin is beyond God's ability to forgive and cleanse.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_isaiah_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 1</a> <a href="/q/is_god_angry_with_me.htm">Is God angry with me?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_scholastic_theology.htm">What defines Scholastic Theology?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_the_socratic_method.htm">What defines the Socratic Method?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'sins_as_scarlet'_mean.htm">What does "sins as scarlet" mean in Isaiah 1:18?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/isaiah/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(18) Come now, and let us reason together.--The Authorised Version suggests the thought of a discussion between equals. The Hebrew implies rather the tone of one who gives an authoritative ultimatum, as from a judge to the accused, who had no defence, or only a sham defence, to offer (<a href="/context/micah/6-2.htm" title="Hear you, O mountains, the LORD's controversy, and you strong foundations of the earth: for the LORD has a controversy with his people, and he will plead with Israel.">Micah 6:2-3</a>). "Let us sum up the pleadings--that ultimatum is one of grace and mercy--'Repent, and be forgiven.'"Though your sins be as scarlet.--The two colours probably corresponded to those now designated by the English words. Both words point to the dyes of Tyre, and the words probably received a fresh emphasis from the fact that robes of these colours were worn by the princes to whom Isaiah preached (<a href="/2_samuel/1-24.htm" title="You daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold on your apparel.">2Samuel 1:24</a>). To the prophet's eye that dark crimson was as the stain of blood. What Jehovah promises is that the guilt of the past, deep-dyed in grain as it might be, should be discharged, and leave the character with a restored purity. Men might dye their souls of this or that hue, but to bleach them was the work of God. He alone could transfigure them that they should be "white as snow" (<a href="/mark/9-3.htm" title="And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.">Mark 9:3</a>). Comp. the reproduction of the thought, with the added paradox that it was the crimson "blood of the lamb" that was to bleach and cleanse, in <a href="/context/revelation/3-4.htm" title="You have a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.">Revelation 3:4-5</a>; <a href="/revelation/7-14.htm" title="And I said to him, Sir, you know. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.">Revelation 7:14</a>. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/isaiah/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 18. - Come now, and let us reason together. God has from time to time permitted man to reason with him (<a href="/genesis/18-23.htm">Genesis 18:23-32</a>; <a href="/exodus/4-1.htm">Exodus 4:1-17</a>; <a href="/job/23-3.htm">Job 23:3-7</a>; <a href="/micah/6-2.htm">Micah 6:2</a>); but it is difficult to see that there is any "reasoning" or "controversy" here. Mr. Cheyne translates, "Let us bring our dispute to an end." Though your sins be as scarlet... like crimson; i.e. "open, evident, glaring." Or there may be an allusion to their blood-guiltiness (see vers. 15, 19). They shall be as white as snow. Comp. <a href="/psalms/51-7.htm">Psalm 51:7</a>, which is completely parallel, whether it was written before or after. There can be no better image of, purity than snow (comp. <a href="/job/9-30.htm">Job 9:30</a>; <a href="/lamentations/4-7.htm">Lamentations 4:7</a>). As wool. A weaker illustration than the preceding one, but needed for the parallelism. (The resemblance of falling snow to wool is noted in <a href="/psalms/147-16.htm">Psalm 147:16</a>.) <a href="/commentaries/isaiah/1-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>“Come לְכוּ־ (lə·ḵū-) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk now, נָ֛א (nā) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4994.htm">Strong's 4994: </a> I pray', 'now', 'then' let us reason together,” וְנִוָּֽכְחָ֖ה (wə·niw·wā·ḵə·ḥāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3198.htm">Strong's 3198: </a> To be right, reciprocal, to argue, to decide, justify, convict says יֹאמַ֣ר (yō·mar) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say the LORD. יְהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel “Though אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not your sins חֲטָאֵיכֶ֤ם (ḥă·ṭā·’ê·ḵem) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2399.htm">Strong's 2399: </a> A crime, its penalty are יִֽהְי֨וּ (yih·yū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be like scarlet, כַּשָּׁנִים֙ (kaš·šā·nîm) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8144.htm">Strong's 8144: </a> Crimson, the insect, its color, stuff dyed with it they will be as white יַלְבִּ֔ינוּ (yal·bî·nū) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3835.htm">Strong's 3835: </a> To be, white, to make bricks as snow; כַּשֶּׁ֣לֶג (kaš·še·leḡ) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7950.htm">Strong's 7950: </a> Snow though אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not they are as red יַאְדִּ֥ימוּ (ya’·dî·mū) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_119.htm">Strong's 119: </a> Flush, turn rosy as crimson, כַתּוֹלָ֖ע (ḵat·tō·w·lā‘) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8438.htm">Strong's 8438: </a> The crimson-grub, of the color, from it, cloths dyed therewith they will become יִהְיֽוּ׃ (yih·yū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be like wool. כַּצֶּ֥מֶר (kaṣ·ṣe·mer) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6785.htm">Strong's 6785: </a> Wool <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/isaiah/1-18.htm">Isaiah 1:18 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/isaiah/1-18.htm">Isaiah 1:18 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/isaiah/1-18.htm">Isaiah 1:18 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/isaiah/1-18.htm">Isaiah 1:18 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/isaiah/1-18.htm">Isaiah 1:18 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/isaiah/1-18.htm">Isaiah 1:18 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/isaiah/1-18.htm">Isaiah 1:18 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/isaiah/1-18.htm">Isaiah 1:18 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/isaiah/1-18.htm">Isaiah 1:18 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/isaiah/1-18.htm">Isaiah 1:18 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-18.htm">OT Prophets: Isaiah 1:18 Come now and let us reason together (Isa Isi Is)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/isaiah/1-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Isaiah 1:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Isaiah 1:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/isaiah/1-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Isaiah 1:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Isaiah 1:19" /></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>