Isaiah 28:22 So now, do not mock, or your shackles will become heavier. Indeed, I have heard from the Lord GOD of Hosts a decree of destruction against the whole land.

◄ Isaiah 28:22 ►

New International Version
Now stop your mocking, or your chains will become heavier; the Lord, the LORD Almighty, has told me of the destruction decreed against the whole land.

New Living Translation
For the Lord, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, has plainly said that he is determined to crush the whole land. So scoff no more, or your punishment will be even greater.

English Standard Version
Now therefore do not scoff, lest your bonds be made strong; for I have heard a decree of destruction from the Lord GOD of hosts against the whole land.

Berean Standard Bible
So now, do not mock, or your shackles will become heavier. Indeed, I have heard from the Lord GOD of Hosts a decree of destruction against the whole land.

King James Bible
Now therefore be ye not mockers, lest your bands be made strong: for I have heard from the Lord GOD of hosts a consumption, even determined upon the whole earth.

New King James Version
Now therefore, do not be mockers, Lest your bonds be made strong; For I have heard from the Lord GOD of hosts, A destruction determined even upon the whole earth.

New American Standard Bible
And now do not carry on as scoffers, Or your shackles will be made stronger; For I have heard from the Lord GOD of armies Of decisive destruction on all the earth.

NASB 1995
And now do not carry on as scoffers, Or your fetters will be made stronger; For I have heard from the Lord GOD of hosts Of decisive destruction on all the earth.

NASB 1977
And now do not carry on as scoffers, Lest your fetters be made stronger; For I have heard from the Lord GOD of hosts, Of decisive destruction on all the earth.

Legacy Standard Bible
So now do not carry on as scoffers, Lest your fetters be made stronger; For I have heard from Lord Yahweh of hosts Of complete destruction, one that is decreed, on all the earth.

Amplified Bible
Now do not carry on as scoffers, Or the bands which bind you will be made stronger; For I have heard from the Lord GOD of hosts [a decree] Of decisive destruction on all the earth.

Christian Standard Bible
So now, do not scoff, or your shackles will become stronger. Indeed, I have heard from the Lord GOD of Armies a decree of destruction for the whole land.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So now, do not mock, or your shackles will become stronger. Indeed, I have heard from the Lord GOD of Hosts a decree of destruction for the whole land.

American Standard Version
Now therefore be ye not scoffers, lest your bonds be made strong; for a decree of destruction have I heard from the Lord, Jehovah of hosts, upon the whole earth.

Contemporary English Version
So you had better stop sneering or you will be in worse shape than ever before. I heard the LORD All-Powerful threaten the whole country with destruction.

English Revised Version
Now therefore be ye not scorners, lest your bands be made strong: for a consummation, and that determined, have I heard from the Lord, the LORD of hosts, upon the whole earth.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Now stop laughing, or your chains will be tightened, because I have heard that the Almighty LORD of Armies has finally determined to destroy the whole land.

Good News Translation
Don't laugh at the warning I am giving you! If you do, it will be even harder for you to escape. I have heard the LORD Almighty's decision to destroy the whole country.

International Standard Version
But as for you, don't start mocking, or your chains will become tighter; for I have heard from the LORD of the Heavenly Armies about destruction, and it is decreed against the whole land.

Majority Standard Bible
So now, do not mock, or your shackles will become heavier. Indeed, I have heard from the Lord GOD of Hosts a decree of destruction against the whole land.

NET Bible
So now, do not mock, or your chains will become heavier! For I have heard a message about decreed destruction, from the sovereign master, the LORD who commands armies, against the entire land.

New Heart English Bible
And as for you, do not be scoffers, lest your bonds be made strong; for I have heard a decree of destruction from the LORD of hosts, on the whole earth.

Webster's Bible Translation
Now therefore be ye not mockers, lest your bands be made strong: for I have heard from the Lord GOD of hosts a consumption, even determined upon the whole earth.

World English Bible
Now therefore don’t be scoffers, lest your bonds be made strong; for I have heard a decree of destruction from the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, on the whole earth.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And now, do not show yourselves scorners, "" Lest your bands are strong, "" For a consumption, that is determined, "" I have heard, by the Lord, YHWH of Hosts, "" [Is] for all the land.

Young's Literal Translation
And now, show not yourselves scorners, Lest strong be your bands, For a consumption, that is determined, I have heard, by the Lord, Jehovah of Hosts, Is for all the land.

Smith's Literal Translation
And now ye shall not be mocker's lest your bonds shall be strong: for I heard a completion and decision from the Lord. Jehovah of armies upon all the earth.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And now do not mock, lest your bonds be tied strait. For I have heard of the Lord the God of hosts a consumption and a cutting short upon all the earth.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And now, do not be willing to mock, lest your chains be tightened. For I have heard, from the Lord, the God of hosts, about the consummation and the abridgement concerning the entire earth.

New American Bible
Now, cease scoffing, lest your bonds be tightened, For I have heard a decree of destruction from the Lord, the GOD of hosts, for the whole land.

New Revised Standard Version
Now therefore do not scoff, or your bonds will be made stronger; for I have heard a decree of destruction from the Lord GOD of hosts upon the whole land.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Now therefore do not mock, lest your chastisement be severe; for I have heard from the LORD of hosts that he will bring destruction and judgment upon the whole earth.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And now you shall not mock, so that your discipline will not be severe, because I have heard the end and the judgment on all the Earth from LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts!

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
Now therefore be ye not scoffers, Lest your bands be made strong; For an extermination wholly determined have I heard from the Lord, the GOD of hosts, Upon the whole land.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Therefore do not ye rejoice, neither let your bands be made strong; for I have heard of works finished and cut short by the Lord of hosts, which he will execute upon all the earth.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

A Cornerstone in Zion
…21For the LORD will rise up as at Mount Perazim. He will rouse Himself as in the Valley of Gibeon, to do His work, His strange work, and to perform His task, His disturbing task. 22So now, do not mock, or your shackles will become heavier. Indeed, I have heard from the Lord GOD of Hosts a decree of destruction against the whole land.

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Jeremiah 4:3-4
For this is what the LORD says to the men of Judah and Jerusalem: “Break up your unplowed ground, and do not sow among the thorns. / Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and remove the foreskins of your hearts, O men of Judah and people of Jerusalem. Otherwise, My wrath will break out like fire and burn with no one to extinguish it, because of your evil deeds.”

Amos 3:6-7
If a ram’s horn sounds in a city, do the people not tremble? If calamity comes to a city, has not the LORD caused it? / Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets.

Proverbs 1:24-27
Because you refused my call, and no one took my outstretched hand, / because you neglected all my counsel, and wanted none of my correction, / in turn I will mock your calamity; I will sneer when terror strikes you, ...

Zephaniah 2:1-3
Gather yourselves, gather together, O shameful nation, / before the decree takes effect and the day passes like chaff, before the burning anger of the LORD comes upon you, before the Day of the LORD’s anger comes upon you. / Seek the LORD, all you humble of the earth who carry out His justice. Seek righteousness; seek humility. Perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD’s anger.

2 Kings 17:13-14
Yet through all His prophets and seers, the LORD warned Israel and Judah, saying, “Turn from your wicked ways and keep My commandments and statutes, according to the entire Law that I commanded your fathers and delivered to you through My servants the prophets.” / But they would not listen, and they stiffened their necks like their fathers, who did not believe the LORD their God.

Ezekiel 18:30-32
Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall. / Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel? / For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live!

Hosea 10:12
Sow for yourselves righteousness and reap the fruit of loving devotion; break up your unplowed ground. For it is time to seek the LORD until He comes and sends righteousness upon you like rain.

Micah 2:3
Therefore this is what the LORD says: “I am planning against this nation a disaster from which you cannot free your necks. Then you will not walk so proudly, for it will be a time of calamity.

Jeremiah 25:4-7
And the LORD has sent all His servants the prophets to you again and again, but you have not listened or inclined your ear to hear. / The prophets told you, ‘Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways and deeds, and you can dwell in the land that the LORD has given to you and your fathers forever and ever. / Do not follow other gods to serve and worship them, and do not provoke Me to anger with the works of your hands. Then I will do you no harm.’ ...

2 Chronicles 36:15-16
Again and again the LORD, the God of their fathers, sent word to His people through His messengers because He had compassion on them and on His dwelling place. / But they mocked the messengers of God, despising His words and scoffing at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD against His people was stirred up beyond remedy.

Matthew 3:7-10
But when John saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his place of baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? / Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance. / And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. ...

Luke 13:3-5
No, I tell you. But unless you repent, you too will all perish. / Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam collapsed on them: Do you think that they were more sinful than all the others living in Jerusalem? / No, I tell you. But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

Romans 2:4-5
Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance? / But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.

Hebrews 3:12-15
See to it, brothers, that none of you has a wicked heart of unbelief that turns away from the living God. / But exhort one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. / We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly to the end the assurance we had at first. ...

1 Thessalonians 5:3
While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

Treasury of Scripture

Now therefore be you not mockers, lest your bands be made strong: for I have heard from the Lord GOD of hosts a consumption, even determined on the whole earth.

be ye

Isaiah 28:15
Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves:

2 Chronicles 30:10
So the posts passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulun: but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them.

2 Chronicles 36:16
But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no remedy.

lest

2 Chronicles 33:11
Wherefore the LORD brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon.

Psalm 107:16
For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.

Jeremiah 39:7
Moreover he put out Zedekiah's eyes, and bound him with chains, to carry him to Babylon.

a consumption

Isaiah 10:22,23
For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness…

Isaiah 24:1
Behold, the LORD maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof.

Isaiah 32:12-14
They shall lament for the teats, for the pleasant fields, for the fruitful vine…

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Almighty Armies Bands Bonds Care Carry Chains Complete Consumption Decree Decreed Destruction Determined Earth End Extermination Fetters Heard Heavier Hosts Mockers Mocking Scoffers Scorners Sport Stop Strong Stronger Whole Wholly Word

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Isaiah 28

1. The prophet threatens Ephraim for their pride and drunkenness
5. The residue shall be advanced in the kingdom of Christ
7. He rebukes their error
9. Their unwillingness to learn
14. And their security
16. Christ the sure foundation is promised
17. Their security shall be tried
23. They are incited to the consideration of God's providence

Berean Study Bible

So now
This phrase serves as a pivotal transition, urging immediate attention and action. In the Hebrew text, the word "now" (עַתָּה, 'attah) implies urgency and a call to the present moment. It is a divine interruption, a moment where God is calling His people to pause and consider their ways. Historically, this reflects a time when the Israelites were facing imminent judgment due to their disobedience, and God, in His mercy, is giving them a chance to repent.

do not mock
The Hebrew word for "mock" (לָצוֹן, latson) conveys scorn and derision. In the context of Isaiah, this is a warning against the arrogance and dismissive attitude of the leaders and people of Judah. Mockery here is not just a verbal expression but a heart posture of rebellion against God's authority. The Bible consistently warns against mockery, as it reflects a hardened heart resistant to God's truth and correction.

or your shackles will become heavier
The imagery of "shackles" (מוֹסֵר, moser) symbolizes bondage and oppression. In a spiritual sense, it represents the consequences of sin and rebellion. The warning is clear: continued mockery and disobedience will lead to increased bondage. Historically, this can be seen in the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities, where the Israelites experienced literal and spiritual enslavement due to their persistent sin.

for I have heard a decree of destruction
The "decree" (כָּלָה, kalah) signifies a determined and authoritative decision. This is not a mere prediction but a divine judgment that is certain to come to pass. The phrase underscores God's sovereignty and justice. The "destruction" (שָׁמָה, shamah) is a consequence of the people's sin, a theme consistent throughout the prophetic books where God warns of judgment but also offers hope for repentance and restoration.

from the Lord GOD of Hosts
This title, "Lord GOD of Hosts" (יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת, Yahweh Tseva'ot), emphasizes God's supreme authority and power. "Hosts" refers to the heavenly armies, indicating that God commands all forces in heaven and earth. This title reassures the faithful of God's ability to execute His will and protect His people, while also serving as a warning to those who oppose Him.

against the whole land
The phrase "whole land" (כָּל הָאָרֶץ, kol ha'aretz) indicates the comprehensive nature of the impending judgment. It is not limited to a specific group but encompasses all who have turned away from God. This reflects the biblical principle that sin affects entire communities and nations, not just individuals. Yet, it also points to the hope that repentance and turning back to God can bring restoration to the whole land.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(22) Now therefore be ye not mockers . . .--The rulers are warned that the scorn in which they indulge so freely will only make the fetters which already gall them tighter and heavier. In the words that follow the prophet reproduces his own language in Isaiah 10:23 (where see Notes), probably because they had been singled out as a special subject for derision.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 22. - Be ye not mockers. As they had shown themselves previously (vers. 9, 10). Lest your bands be made strong; or, lest your fetters grow strong. The prophet views Judah as still, to some extent, an Assyrian dependency, held in light bonds; and warns his countrymen that an attempt to break the light bonds may result in Assyria's making them stronger and heavier. A consumption... determined upon the whole earth; rather, a consummation (comp. Isaiah 10:22, 23).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

So now,
וְעַתָּה֙ (wə·‘at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 6258: At this time

do not
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

mock,
תִּתְלוֹצָ֔צוּ (tiṯ·lō·w·ṣā·ṣū)
Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 3887: Ambassador, have in derision, interpreter, make a mock, mocker

or
פֶּֽן־ (pen-)
Conjunction
Strong's 6435: Removal, lest

your shackles
מֽוֹסְרֵיכֶ֑ם (mō·ws·rê·ḵem)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 4147: Chastisement, a halter, restraint

will become heavier.
יֶחְזְק֖וּ (yeḥ·zə·qū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 2388: To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer

Indeed,
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

I have heard
שָׁמַ֗עְתִּי (šā·ma‘·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

from the Lord
אֲדֹנָ֧י (’ă·ḏō·nāy)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 136: The Lord

GOD
יְהוִ֛ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

of Hosts
צְבָא֖וֹת (ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ)
Noun - common plural
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign

a decree
וְנֶחֱרָצָ֜ה (wə·ne·ḥĕ·rā·ṣāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 2782: To point sharply, to wound, to be alert, to decide

of destruction
כָלָ֨ה (ḵā·lāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3617: Completion, complete destruction, consumption, annihilation

against
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the whole
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

land.
הָאָֽרֶץ׃ (hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

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OT Prophets: Isaiah 28:22 Now therefore don't be scoffers lest your (Isa Isi Is)