Isaiah 28:6
New International Version
He will be a spirit of justice to the one who sits in judgment, a source of strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate.

New Living Translation
He will give a longing for justice to their judges. He will give great courage to their warriors who stand at the gates.

English Standard Version
and a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, and strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate.

Berean Standard Bible
a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, and a strength to those who repel the onslaught at the gate.

King James Bible
And for a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, and for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate.

New King James Version
For a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, And for strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate.

New American Standard Bible
A spirit of justice for him who sits in judgment, A strength to those who repel the onslaught at the gate.

NASB 1995
A spirit of justice for him who sits in judgment, A strength to those who repel the onslaught at the gate.

NASB 1977
A spirit of justice for him who sits in judgment, A strength to those who repel the onslaught at the gate.

Legacy Standard Bible
A spirit of just judgment for him who sits in judgment, A might to those who turn back the onslaught at the gate.

Amplified Bible
A spirit of justice for him who sits in judgment [administering the law], A strength to those who drive back the battle at the gate.

Christian Standard Bible
a spirit of justice to the one who sits in judgment, and strength to those who repel attacks at the city gate.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
a spirit of justice to the one who sits in judgment, and strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate.

American Standard Version
and a spirit of justice to him that sitteth in judgment, and strength to them that turn back the battle at the gate.

Contemporary English Version
He will see that justice rules and that his people are able to defend their cities.

English Revised Version
and for a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, and for strength to them that turn back the battle at the gate.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He will give a spirit of justice to those who judge. He will give strength to those who defend the city gates in battle.

Good News Translation
He will give a sense of justice to those who serve as judges, and courage to those who defend the city gates from attack.

International Standard Version
and a spirit of justice to the one who sits in judgment, a source of strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate.

Majority Standard Bible
a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, and a strength to those who repel the onslaught at the gate.

NET Bible
He will give discernment to the one who makes judicial decisions, and strength to those who defend the city from attackers.

New Heart English Bible
and a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, and strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate.

Webster's Bible Translation
And for a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, and for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate.

World English Bible
and a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, and strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And for a spirit of judgment "" To him who is sitting in the judgment, "" And for might [to] those turning back the battle to the gate.

Young's Literal Translation
And for a spirit of judgment To him who is sitting in the judgment, And for might to those turning back the battle to the gate.

Smith's Literal Translation
And for a spirit of judgment to him sitting upon the judgment, and for strength of them turning back the battle of the storm.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, and strength to them that return out of the battle to the gate.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he will be the spirit of judgment for those who sit in judgment, and the strength of those who return from war to the gates.

New American Bible
A spirit of judgment for the one who sits in judgment, And strength for those who turn back the battle at the gate.

New Revised Standard Version
and a spirit of justice to the one who sits in judgment, and strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And for a spirit of justice to him that sits in judgment, and for strength to those who turn away the battle from the gate.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
For The Spirit of judgment to him who sits for judgment and the mighty men who turn war away from the gates
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And for a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, And for strength to them that turn back the battle at the gate.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
They shall be left in the spirit of judgement for judgement, and for the strength of them that hinder slaying.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Judgment on Ephraim
5On that day the LORD of Hosts will be a crown of glory, a diadem of splendor to the remnant of His people, 6a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, and a strength to those who repel the onslaught at the gate. 7These also stagger from wine and stumble from strong drink: Priests and prophets reel from strong drink and are befuddled by wine. They stumble because of strong drink, muddled in their visions and stumbling in their judgments.…

Cross References
James 1:5
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Proverbs 2:6-7
For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. / He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk with integrity,

1 Corinthians 1:30
It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.

Isaiah 11:2
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.

1 Kings 3:9-12
Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” / Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had made this request. / So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice— ...

Ephesians 1:17
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him.

Daniel 2:21
He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

Colossians 2:3
in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

Proverbs 8:14
Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight and strength.

Luke 21:15
For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.

Isaiah 32:1
Behold, a king will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule with justice.

Romans 11:33
O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways!

Jeremiah 23:5
Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and He will reign wisely as King and will administer justice and righteousness in the land.


Treasury of Scripture

And for a spirit of judgment to him that sits in judgment, and for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate.

for a spirit

Isaiah 11:2-4
And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; …

Isaiah 32:15,16
Until the spirit be poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest…

Genesis 41:38,39
And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? …

and for strength

Deuteronomy 20:4
For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.

Joshua 1:9
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Psalm 18:32-34
It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect…

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Attackers Battle Door Gate Judge Judgment Justice Onslaught Sits Sitteth Sitting Source Spirit Strength Turn Turning Wisdom
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Attackers Battle Door Gate Judge Judgment Justice Onslaught Sits Sitteth Sitting Source Spirit Strength Turn Turning Wisdom
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














a spirit of justice
The phrase "a spirit of justice" in Hebrew is "רוּחַ מִשְׁפָּט" (ruach mishpat). The word "רוּחַ" (ruach) can mean spirit, wind, or breath, indicating a divine influence or empowerment. "מִשְׁפָּט" (mishpat) refers to judgment or justice, often associated with God's righteous standards. In the context of Isaiah, this phrase suggests a divine endowment of wisdom and discernment to those in positions of authority, enabling them to judge rightly according to God's laws. Historically, this reflects the role of judges and leaders in Israel who were expected to uphold justice as a reflection of God's character.

to him who sits in judgment
The phrase "to him who sits in judgment" refers to those who hold positions of authority and responsibility in making legal or moral decisions. The Hebrew word for "sits" is "יֹשֵׁב" (yoshev), which implies a settled position of authority and deliberation. In ancient Israel, judges and leaders were often depicted as sitting when rendering decisions, symbolizing their role in maintaining order and justice. This phrase underscores the importance of divine guidance in leadership, ensuring that decisions align with God's will.

and a strength
The word "strength" in Hebrew is "גְּבוּרָה" (gevurah), which conveys might, power, or valor. This term is often associated with the courage and fortitude needed in battle or leadership. In the context of Isaiah, it suggests that God provides not only the wisdom for just decisions but also the strength and courage to act upon them. This divine empowerment is crucial for those facing opposition or challenges, reinforcing the idea that true strength comes from reliance on God.

to those who turn back the battle
The phrase "to those who turn back the battle" highlights the role of defenders or warriors who protect their people. The Hebrew verb "מֵשִׁיב" (meshib) means to turn back or repel, indicating a proactive stance in defense. This imagery is often used in the Old Testament to describe God's intervention or the actions of divinely empowered leaders who protect Israel from its enemies. It emphasizes the need for both spiritual and physical readiness in the face of conflict.

at the gate
The "gate" in ancient cities was a critical location, serving as the entry point and a place of commerce, judgment, and defense. The Hebrew word "שַׁעַר" (sha'ar) signifies more than just a physical structure; it represents the heart of a city's social and legal life. In biblical times, the gate was where elders and leaders would gather to make decisions and where battles were often fought to protect the city. This phrase underscores the strategic importance of leadership and defense in maintaining the community's integrity and safety.

(6) And for a spirit of judgment . . .--The words remind us of the list of spiritual gifts in Isaiah 11:2. The injustice of corrupt judges was the crying evil of both Samaria and Jerusalem, and their place was to be taken by those who should be just and faithful. And brave warriors, able to drive back the enemy to the gate of the city from which they had issued forth (2Samuel 11:23)--or, perhaps, to defeat them at the gate of that which they attacked--should be the companions of the upright judges.

Verse 6. - For a spirit of judgment. How far Judah had departed from the spirit of just judgment was made apparent in the very opening chapter of Isaiah's prophecy (vers. 15-27). To him that sitteth in judgment; rather, that sitteth on the judgment-seat (Cheyne). For strength to them that turn the battle to the gate; i.e. "to those who repulse an enemy, and drive him back to his own city's gate" (comp. 2 Kings 18:8, "He smote the Philistines, even unto Gaza ").

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
a spirit
וּלְר֖וּחַ (ū·lə·rū·aḥ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 7307: Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit

of justice
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט (miš·pāṭ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style

to him who sits
לַיּוֹשֵׁב֙ (lay·yō·wō·šêḇ)
Preposition-l, Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

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

judgment,
הַמִּשְׁפָּ֔ט (ham·miš·pāṭ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style

and a strength
וְלִ֨גְבוּרָ֔ה (wə·liḡ·ḇū·rāh)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1369: Force, valor, victory

to those who repel
מְשִׁיבֵ֥י (mə·šî·ḇê)
Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

the onslaught
מִלְחָמָ֖ה (mil·ḥā·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4421: A battle, war

at the gate.
שָֽׁעְרָה׃ (šā·‘ə·rāh)
Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate


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OT Prophets: Isaiah 28:6 And a spirit of justice to him (Isa Isi Is)
Isaiah 28:5
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