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Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/isaiah/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/isaiah/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/isaiah/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/isaiah/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/isaiah/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor, Obtain justice for the orphan, Plead for the widow’s case.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/isaiah/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Learn to do good; Seek justice, Reprove the ruthless, Defend the orphan, Plead for the widow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/isaiah/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Learn to do good; Seek justice, Reprove the ruthless; Defend the orphan, Plead for the widow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/isaiah/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Learn to do good; Seek justice, Reprove the ruthless, Execute justice for the orphan, Plead for the widow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/isaiah/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Learn to do good. Seek justice, Rebuke the ruthless, Defend the fatherless, Plead for the [rights of the] widow [in court].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/isaiah/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Learn to do what is good. Pursue justice. Correct the oppressor. Defend the rights of the fatherless. Plead the widow’s cause.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/isaiah/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Learn to do what is good. Seek justice. Correct the oppressor. Defend the rights of the fatherless. Plead the widow&#8217s cause.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/isaiah/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />learn to do well; seek justice, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/isaiah/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />and learn to live right. See that justice is done. Defend widows and orphans and help the oppressed." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/isaiah/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/isaiah/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Learn to do good. Seek justice. Arrest oppressors. Defend orphans. Plead the case of widows."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/isaiah/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />and learn to do right. See that justice is done--help those who are oppressed, give orphans their rights, and defend widows." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/isaiah/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Learn to practice what is good; seek justice, alleviate oppression, defend orphans in court, and plead the widow's case.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/isaiah/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/isaiah/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Learn to do what is right! Promote justice! Give the oppressed reason to celebrate! Take up the cause of the orphan! Defend the rights of the widow! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/isaiah/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Learn to do well. Seek justice. Relieve the oppressed. Judge the fatherless. Plead for the widow."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/isaiah/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/isaiah/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Learn to do well. Seek justice. Relieve the oppressed. Defend the fatherless. Plead for the widow.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/isaiah/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Seek judgment, make the oppressed blessed, "" Judge the fatherless, strive [for] the widow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/isaiah/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Seek judgment, make happy the oppressed, Judge the fatherless, strive for the widow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/isaiah/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Learn to do good; seek out judgment, lead right the oppressor, judge the orphan, contend for the widow.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/isaiah/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Learn to do well: seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge for the fatherless, defend the widow. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/isaiah/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Learn to do good. Seek judgment, support the oppressed, judge for the orphan, defend the widow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/isaiah/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />learn to do good. Make justice your aim: redress the wronged, hear the orphan’s plea, defend the widow. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/isaiah/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/isaiah/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Learn to do good; seek justice, do good to the oppressed, plead for the fatherless, plead for the widows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/isaiah/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And learn to do good. Search for judgment and do good to the oppressed; do justice for orphans and do justice for widows<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/isaiah/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Learn to do well; Seek justice, relieve the oppressed, Judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/isaiah/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />learn to do well; diligently seek judgement, deliver him that is suffering wrong, plead for the orphan, and obtain justice for the widow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/isaiah/1-17.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=193" 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/1.htm">Meaningless Offerings</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">16</span>Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil! <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3925.htm" title="3925: lim·ḏū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- A primitive root; properly, to goad, i.e. to teach:(un-) accustomed, X diligently, expert, instruct, learn, skilful, teach(-er,ing).">Learn</a> <a href="/hebrew/3190.htm" title="3190: hê·ṭêḇ (V-Hifil-InfAbs) -- To be good, well, glad, or pleasing. A primitive root; to be make well, literally or figuratively.">to do right;</a> <a href="/hebrew/1875.htm" title="1875: dir·šū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- A primitive root; properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow; by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship.">seek</a> <a href="/hebrew/4941.htm" title="4941: miš·pāṭ (N-ms) -- Judgment. ">justice</a> <a href="/hebrew/833.htm" title="833: ’aš·šə·rū (V-Piel-Imp-mp) -- To go straight, go on, advance. Or rasher; a primitive root; to be straight; figuratively, to go forward, be honest, proper.">and correct</a> <a href="/hebrew/2541.htm" title="2541: ḥā·mō·wṣ (N-ms) -- The ruthless (ones). From chamets; properly, violent; by implication, a robber.">the oppressor.</a> <a href="/hebrew/8199.htm" title="8199: šip̄·ṭū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To judge, govern. ">Defend</a> <a href="/hebrew/3490.htm" title="3490: yā·ṯō·wm (N-ms) -- An orphan. From an unused root meaning to be lonely; a bereaved person.">the fatherless</a> <a href="/hebrew/7378.htm" title="7378: rî·ḇū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- Or ruwb; a primitive root; properly, to toss, i.e. Grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e. Hold a controversy; to defend.">and plead the case</a> <a href="/hebrew/490.htm" title="490: ’al·mā·nāh (N-fs) -- A widow. Fem of 'alman; a widow; also a desolate place.">of the widow.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">18</span>“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.…<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="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a></span><br />He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-27.htm">James 1:27</a></span><br />Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/31-8.htm">Proverbs 31:8-9</a></span><br />Open your mouth for those with no voice, for the cause of all the dispossessed. / Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy.<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="/zechariah/7-9.htm">Zechariah 7:9-10</a></span><br />“This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Administer true justice. Show loving devotion and compassion to one another. / Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. And do not plot evil in your hearts against one another.’<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="/amos/5-14.htm">Amos 5:14-15</a></span><br />Seek good, not evil, so that you may live. And the LORD, the God of Hosts, will be with you, as you have claimed. / Hate evil and love good; establish justice in the gate. Perhaps the LORD, the God of Hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.”<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="/deuteronomy/10-18.htm">Deuteronomy 10:18</a></span><br />He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/82-3.htm">Psalm 82:3-4</a></span><br />Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed. / Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-35.htm">Matthew 25:35-36</a></span><br />For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/12-6.htm">Hosea 12:6</a></span><br />But you must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and always wait on your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-13.htm">Romans 12:13</a></span><br />Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/29-12.htm">Job 29:12-17</a></span><br />because I rescued the poor who cried out and the fatherless who had no helper. / The dying man blessed me, and I made the widow’s heart sing for joy. / I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; justice was my robe and my turban. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-17.htm">1 John 3:17-18</a></span><br />If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? / Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.</p><p class="hdg">seek</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="/psalms/82-3.htm">Psalm 82:3,4</a></b></br> Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/31-9.htm">Proverbs 31:9</a></b></br> Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.</p><p class="hdg">relieve.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/25-9.htm">Case</a> <a href="/songs/8-13.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/songs/6-9.htm">Child</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-17.htm">Correct</a> <a href="/songs/8-6.htm">Cruel</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-6.htm">Decision</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-12.htm">Defend</a> <a href="/psalms/138-3.htm">Encourage</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-10.htm">Fatherless</a> <a 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href="/jeremiah/2-19.htm">Correct</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-4.htm">Cruel</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-15.htm">Decision</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-23.htm">Defend</a> <a href="/isaiah/35-3.htm">Encourage</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-23.htm">Fatherless</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-19.htm">Good</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-10.htm">Happy</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-23.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-21.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-21.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/isaiah/26-9.htm">Learn</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-5.htm">Oppressed</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-7.htm">Oppression</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-23.htm">Orphan</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-13.htm">Plead</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-29.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-11.htm">Relieve</a> <a href="/isaiah/11-3.htm">Reprove</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-21.htm">Right</a> <a href="/isaiah/13-11.htm">Ruthless</a> <a href="/isaiah/8-19.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-11.htm">Strive</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-21.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/isaiah/2-3.htm">Ways</a> <a href="/romans/2-7.htm">Well-Doing</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-23.htm">Widow</a><div class="vheading2">Isaiah 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/1-1.htm">Isaiah complains of Judah for her rebellion</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/1-5.htm">He laments her judgments</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/1-10.htm">He upbraids their whole service</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/1-16.htm">He exhorts to repentance, with promises and threats</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/1-21.htm">Bewailing their wickedness, he denounces God's judgments</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/1-25.htm">He promises grace</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/1-28.htm">And threatens destruction to the wicked</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/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><b>Learn to do right;</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of moral education and the pursuit of righteousness. In the context of Isaiah, the Israelites were often rebuked for their failure to uphold God's standards. The call to "learn" suggests a process of transformation and growth, aligning with the biblical theme of sanctification. <a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a> highlights the fear of the Lord as the beginning of knowledge, indicating that true understanding and righteousness come from a relationship with God.<p><b>seek justice and correct the oppressor.</b><br>Justice is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting God's character as a just and righteous judge. The call to "seek justice" implies active pursuit, not passive acceptance. Correcting the oppressor involves confronting those who misuse power, aligning with the prophetic tradition of speaking truth to power. This echoes <a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a>, which calls for justice, mercy, and humility. The historical context of Isaiah includes social injustices in Judah, where leaders often exploited the vulnerable, necessitating this divine mandate.<p><b>Defend the fatherless</b><br>The fatherless, or orphans, were among the most vulnerable in ancient society, lacking protection and provision. God's concern for orphans is evident throughout Scripture, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/10-18.htm">Deuteronomy 10:18</a>, where God is described as the defender of the fatherless. This command reflects God's heart for justice and care for the marginalized, urging His people to embody these values.<p><b>and plead the case of the widow.</b><br>Widows, like orphans, were particularly vulnerable in ancient times, often facing economic and social hardships. The biblical mandate to care for widows is rooted in God's compassion and justice, as seen in <a href="/james/1-27.htm">James 1:27</a>, which describes pure religion as caring for orphans and widows. Pleading their case involves advocacy and ensuring they receive fair treatment, reflecting God's desire for a just society. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative of God's kingdom, where the last are made first, and the oppressed find justice.<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's ministry spanned the reigns of several kings of Judah. He is known for his prophecies concerning both judgment and redemption.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a></b><br>The southern kingdom of Israel, which Isaiah primarily addressed. During Isaiah's time, Judah was experiencing moral and spiritual decline.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/w/widows_and_orphans.htm">Widows and Orphans</a></b><br>Represent vulnerable groups in society. In ancient Israel, they were often without protection or provision, making them reliant on the community for justice and care.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/p/pursuit_of_righteousness.htm">Pursuit of Righteousness</a></b><br>Isaiah calls believers to actively "learn to do right." This implies a continuous effort and intentionality in aligning one's actions with God's standards.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/j/justice_as_a_divine_mandate.htm">Justice as a Divine Mandate</a></b><br>Seeking justice is not optional for believers; it is a command. This involves correcting oppression and advocating for those who cannot defend themselves.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/care_for_the_vulnerable.htm">Care for the Vulnerable</a></b><br>Defending the fatherless and pleading for widows are practical expressions of God's love. Believers are called to be the hands and feet of Christ in a broken world.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/active_engagement.htm">Active Engagement</a></b><br>The verbs "seek," "correct," "defend," and "plead" suggest active involvement. Christians are encouraged to engage in societal issues rather than remain passive.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_god's_character.htm">Reflecting God's Character</a></b><br>By pursuing justice and caring for the vulnerable, believers reflect God's character, who is just and compassionate.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_isaiah_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_colonialism_and_imperialism_differ.htm">How do colonialism and imperialism differ?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_respond_to_abuse.htm">How should we respond to acts of abuse?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_ideological_criticism.htm">What defines ideological criticism?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_abuse_cover-up.htm">What does the Bible say about covering up abuse?</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>(17) <span class= "bld">Relieve the oppressed.</span>--More accurately, <span class= "ital">correct the oppressor. </span>The prophet calls on the rulers not merely to acts of benevolence, but to the courageous exercise of their authority to restrain the wrong-doing of the men of their own order. We are reminded of what Shakespeare says of Time, that it is his work--<p>"To wrong the wronger till he render right."<p>(<span class= "ital">Rape of Lucrece.</span>)<p><span class= "bld">Judge the fatherless.</span>--The words are still primarily addressed to men in office. They are told that they must be true to their calling, and that the "fatherless" and the "widow," as the typical instances of the defenceless, ought to find an advocate in the judge.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/isaiah/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Learn to do well.</span> Now comes the positive; first, in the general form" learn," etc.; which resembles the apostle's "Put on the armor of light" (<a href="/romans/13-12.htm">Romans 13:12</a>). Then follow the particulars. <span class="cmt_word">Seek judgment</span>; or, <span class="accented">seek out justice</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> endeavor to get justice done to all men; see that they "have right." <span class="cmt_word">Relieve the oppressed.</span> So the LXX., the Vulgate, the Syriac, and the Chaldean Versions. But the word translated "oppressed" is thought by many to mean "oppressor" (Kimchi, Gesenius, Cheyne). This is certainly its meaning in <a href="/psalms/71-4.htm">Psalm 71:4</a>. Translate, <span class="accented">tighten the oppressor</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> correct and chasten him. <span class="cmt_word">Judge the fatherless</span>; rather, <span class="accented">do</span> <span class="accented">justice to the orphan</span> (Cheyne); see that he is not wronged - be his champion. <span class="cmt_word">Plead for the widow</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> plead her cause in the courts; or, if judge, and she have no advocate, lean towards her, as if her advocate. The widow and the orphan were taken under God's special protection from the time of Moses, and constantly commended to the tender care of the righteous (<a href="/exodus/22-22.htm">Exodus 22:22-24</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/10-18.htm">Deuteronomy 10:18</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/24-17.htm">Deuteronomy 24:17</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/27-19.htm">Deuteronomy 27:19</a>, etc.). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/isaiah/1-17.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">Learn</span><br /><span class="heb">לִמְד֥וּ</span> <span class="translit">(lim·ḏū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3925.htm">Strong's 3925: </a> </span><span class="str2">To exercise in, learn</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to do right,</span><br /><span class="heb">הֵיטֵ֛ב</span> <span class="translit">(hê·ṭêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3190.htm">Strong's 3190: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be good, well, glad, or pleasing</span><br /><br /><span class="word">seek</span><br /><span class="heb">דִּרְשׁ֥וּ</span> <span class="translit">(dir·šū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1875.htm">Strong's 1875: </a> </span><span class="str2">To tread, frequent, to follow, to seek, ask, to worship</span><br /><br /><span class="word">justice,</span><br /><span class="heb">מִשְׁפָּ֖ט</span> <span class="translit">(miš·pāṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4941.htm">Strong's 4941: </a> </span><span class="str2">A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style</span><br /><br /><span class="word">correct</span><br /><span class="heb">אַשְּׁר֣וּ</span> <span class="translit">(’aš·šə·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_833.htm">Strong's 833: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be straight, to go forward, be honest, proper</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the oppressor,</span><br /><span class="heb">חָמ֑וֹץ</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·mō·wṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2541.htm">Strong's 2541: </a> </span><span class="str2">The ruthless (ones)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">defend</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׁפְט֣וּ</span> <span class="translit">(šip̄·ṭū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8199.htm">Strong's 8199: </a> </span><span class="str2">To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the fatherless,</span><br /><span class="heb">יָת֔וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ṯō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3490.htm">Strong's 3490: </a> </span><span class="str2">A bereaved person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">plead</span><br /><span class="heb">רִ֖יבוּ</span> <span class="translit">(rî·ḇū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7378.htm">Strong's 7378: </a> </span><span class="str2">To toss, grapple, to wrangle, controversy, to defend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for the widow.”</span><br /><span class="heb">אַלְמָנָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(’al·mā·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_490.htm">Strong's 490: </a> </span><span class="str2">A widow, a desolate place</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/isaiah/1-17.htm">OT Prophets: Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do well (Isa Isi Is)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/isaiah/1-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Isaiah 1:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Isaiah 1:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/isaiah/1-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Isaiah 1:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Isaiah 1:18" /></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>