Isaiah 48:1
New International Version
“Listen to this, you descendants of Jacob, you who are called by the name of Israel and come from the line of Judah, you who take oaths in the name of the LORD and invoke the God of Israel— but not in truth or righteousness—

New Living Translation
“Listen to me, O family of Jacob, you who are called by the name of Israel and born into the family of Judah. Listen, you who take oaths in the name of the LORD and call on the God of Israel. You don’t keep your promises,

English Standard Version
Hear this, O house of Jacob, who are called by the name of Israel, and who came from the waters of Judah, who swear by the name of the LORD and confess the God of Israel, but not in truth or right.

Berean Standard Bible
“Listen to this, O house of Jacob, you who are called by the name of Israel, who have descended from the line of Judah, who swear by the name of the LORD, who invoke the God of Israel—but not in truth or righteousness—

King James Bible
Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of the LORD, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness.

New King James Version
“Hear this, O house of Jacob, Who are called by the name of Israel, And have come forth from the wellsprings of Judah; Who swear by the name of the LORD, And make mention of the God of Israel, But not in truth or in righteousness;

New American Standard Bible
“Hear this, house of Jacob, who are named Israel And who came from the waters of Judah, Who swear by the name of the LORD And invoke the God of Israel, But not in truth nor in righteousness.

NASB 1995
“Hear this, O house of Jacob, who are named Israel And who came forth from the loins of Judah, Who swear by the name of the LORD And invoke the God of Israel, But not in truth nor in righteousness.

NASB 1977
“Hear this, O house of Jacob, who are named Israel And who came forth from the loins of Judah, Who swear by the name of the LORD And invoke the God of Israel, But not in truth nor in righteousness.

Legacy Standard Bible
“Hear this, O house of Jacob, who are called by the name Israel And who came forth from the loins of Judah, Who swear by the name of Yahweh And bring to remembrance the God of Israel, But not in truth or in righteousness.

Amplified Bible
“Hear this, O house of Jacob, you who are called by the name of Israel And who come from the seed of Judah, You who swear [allegiance] by the name of the LORD And invoke the God of Israel, But not in truth (sincerity) nor in righteousness [with moral and spiritual integrity].

Christian Standard Bible
“Listen to this, house of Jacob — those who are called by the name Israel and have descended from Judah, who swear by the name of the LORD and declare the God of Israel, but not in truth or righteousness.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Listen to this, house of Jacob— those who are called by the name Israel and have descended from Judah, who swear by the name of Yahweh and declare the God of Israel, but not in truth or righteousness.

American Standard Version
Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, who are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah; who swear by the name of Jehovah, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness

Contemporary English Version
People of Israel, you come from Jacob's family and the tribe of Judah. You claim to worship me, the LORD God of Israel, but you are lying.

English Revised Version
Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah; which swear by the name of the LORD, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Listen to this, descendants of Jacob! You are given the name of Israel. You are descended from Judah. You take oaths by the name of the LORD. You acknowledge the God of Israel, but you are not honest or sincere.

Good News Translation
Listen to this, people of Israel, you that are descended from Judah: You swear by the name of the LORD and claim to worship the God of Israel--but you don't mean a word you say.

International Standard Version
"Listen to this, house of Jacob, you who are called by the name of Israel, and who have come forth from Judah's loins; you who swear oaths in the name of the LORD and invoke the God of Israel— but not in truth, nor in good faith.

Majority Standard Bible
“Listen to this, O house of Jacob, you who are called by the name of Israel, who have descended from the line of Judah, who swear by the name of the LORD, who invoke the God of Israel—but not in truth or righteousness—

NET Bible
Listen to this, O family of Jacob, you who are called by the name 'Israel,' and are descended from Judah, who take oaths in the name of the LORD, and invoke the God of Israel--but not in an honest and just manner.

New Heart English Bible
"Hear this, house of Jacob, you who are called by the name of Israel, and have come forth out of the waters of Judah; who swear by the name of the LORD, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness

Webster's Bible Translation
Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, who are called by the name of Israel, and have come forth out of the waters of Judah, who swear by the name of the LORD, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness.

World English Bible
“Hear this, house of Jacob, you who are called by the name of Israel, and have come out of the waters of Judah. You swear by Yahweh’s name, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness—
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
“Hear this, O house of Jacob, "" Who are called by the name of Israel, "" And from the waters of Judah came out, "" Who are swearing by the Name of YHWH, "" And make mention of the God of Israel, "" Not in truth nor in righteousness.

Young's Literal Translation
Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, Who are called by the name of Israel, And from the waters of Judah came out, Who are swearing by the name of Jehovah, And of the God of Israel make mention, Not in truth nor in righteousness.

Smith's Literal Translation
Hear this, ye house of Jacob, being called by the name of Israel, and from the water of Judah they came forth swearing by the name of Jehovah, and by the God of Israel they shall bring to remembrance, not in truth and not in justice.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
HEAR ye these things, O house of Jacob, you that are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Juda, you who swear by the name of the Lord, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in justice.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Listen to these things, O house of Jacob, you who are called by the name of Israel, and who went forth from the waters of Judah. You swear by the name of the Lord and you call to mind the God of Israel, but not in truth, and not in justice.

New American Bible
Hear this, house of Jacob called by the name Israel, sprung from the stock of Judah, You who swear by the name of the LORD and invoke the God of Israel without sincerity, without justice,

New Revised Standard Version
Hear this, O house of Jacob, who are called by the name of Israel, and who came forth from the loins of Judah; who swear by the name of the LORD, and invoke the God of Israel, but not in truth or right.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
HEAR these things, O house of Jacob, who are called by the name of Israel and are come forth from the loins of Judah, who swear by the name of the LORD and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth nor in righteousness.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Hear these things, those of the house of Yaqob who are called by the name of Israel, and they came forth from the family of Yehuda, who swear in the name of LORD JEHOVAH, and they commemorate the God of Israel, not in truth and not in righteousness
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, Who are called by the name of Israel, And are come forth out of the fountain of Judah; Who swear by the name of the LORD, And make mention of the God of Israel, But not in truth, nor in righteousness.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Hear these words, ye house of Jacob, who are called by the name of Israel, and have come forth out of Juda, who swear by the name of the Lord God of Israel, making mention of it, but not with truth, nor with righteousness;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Israel's Stubbornness
1“Listen to this, O house of Jacob, you who are called by the name of Israel, who have descended from the line of Judah, who swear by the name of the LORD, who invoke the God of Israel— but not in truth or righteousness— 2who indeed call yourselves after the holy city and lean on the God of Israel; the LORD of Hosts is His name.…

Cross References
Jeremiah 7:9-11
Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal, and follow other gods that you have not known, / and then come and stand before Me in this house, which bears My Name, and say, ‘We are delivered, so we can continue with all these abominations’? / Has this house, which bears My Name, become a den of robbers in your sight? Yes, I too have seen it, declares the LORD.

Ezekiel 33:31
So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain.

Matthew 15:8-9
‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. / They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’”

Romans 2:28-29
A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical. / No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise does not come from men, but from God.

Micah 3:11
Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets practice divination for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD, saying, “Is not the LORD among us? No disaster can come upon us.”

John 8:39-41
“Abraham is our father,” they replied. “If you were children of Abraham,” said Jesus, “you would do the works of Abraham. / But now you are trying to kill Me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham never did such a thing. / You are doing the works of your father.” “We are not illegitimate children,” they declared. “Our only Father is God Himself.”

Amos 5:21-24
“I hate, I despise your feasts! I cannot stand the stench of your solemn assemblies. / Even though you offer Me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; for your peace offerings of fattened cattle I will have no regard. / Take away from Me the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. ...

Matthew 3:9
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.

Romans 9:6-8
It is not as though God’s word has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. / Nor because they are Abraham’s descendants are they all his children. On the contrary, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.” / So it is not the children of the flesh who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as offspring.

Hosea 8:2-3
Israel cries out to Me, “O our God, we know You!” / But Israel has rejected good; an enemy will pursue him.

Revelation 2:9
I know your affliction and your poverty—though you are rich! And I am aware of the slander of those who falsely claim to be Jews, but are in fact a synagogue of Satan.

Jeremiah 5:2
Although they say, ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’ they are swearing falsely.”

Matthew 7:21-23
Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. / Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ / Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’

2 Timothy 3:5
having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these!

Isaiah 29:13
Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men.


Treasury of Scripture

Hear you this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of the LORD, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness.

which are

Genesis 32:28
And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

Genesis 35:10
And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and he called his name Israel.

2 Kings 17:34
Unto this day they do after the former manners: they fear not the LORD, neither do they after their statutes, or after their ordinances, or after the law and commandment which the LORD commanded the children of Jacob, whom he named Israel;

come

Numbers 24:7
He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.

Deuteronomy 33:28
Israel then shall dwell in safety alone: the fountain of Jacob shall be upon a land of corn and wine; also his heavens shall drop down dew.

Psalm 68:26
Bless ye God in the congregations, even the Lord, from the fountain of Israel.

which swear

Isaiah 44:5
One shall say, I am the LORD'S; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the LORD, and surname himself by the name of Israel.

Isaiah 45:23
I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.

Isaiah 65:16
That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes.

make mention

Isaiah 26:13
O LORD our God, other lords beside thee have had dominion over us: but by thee only will we make mention of thy name.

Isaiah 62:8
The LORD hath sworn by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength, Surely I will no more give thy corn to be meat for thine enemies; and the sons of the stranger shall not drink thy wine, for the which thou hast laboured:

Exodus 23:13
And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.

not in truth

Isaiah 1:10-14
Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah…

Leviticus 19:12
And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.

Psalm 50:16-20
But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth? …

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Forth Fountain Hear House Invoke Israel Jacob Judah Loins Mention Righteousness Swear Truth Waters
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Forth Fountain Hear House Invoke Israel Jacob Judah Loins Mention Righteousness Swear Truth Waters
Isaiah 48
1. God, to convince the people of their foreknown obstinance, revealed his prophecies
9. He saves them for his own sake
12. He exhorts them to obedience, because of his power and providence
16. He laments their backwardness
20. He powerfully delivers his people out of Babylon














Hear this, O house of Jacob
The phrase "Hear this" is a call to attention, a divine imperative that demands the audience's focus. In Hebrew, the word "hear" is "שְׁמַע" (shema), which implies not just listening but also obeying. This echoes the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4, a central declaration of faith in Judaism. The "house of Jacob" refers to the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel. Historically, this encompasses the twelve tribes, emphasizing their shared ancestry and covenantal relationship with God. It is a reminder of their identity and the responsibilities that come with it.

who are called by the name of Israel
The phrase "called by the name of Israel" signifies a divine naming and purpose. "Israel" means "God prevails" or "he struggles with God," originating from Jacob's wrestling with the angel in Genesis 32:28. This name change from Jacob to Israel marks a transformation and a mission. It is a reminder of their unique relationship with God and their role as His chosen people. The calling by this name is both an honor and a call to live up to the covenantal promises and responsibilities.

and who have come from the waters of Judah
"Waters of Judah" is a poetic expression referring to the lineage and origin of the people. Judah, one of Jacob's sons, became the leading tribe, from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ descended. The "waters" symbolize life, continuity, and the flow of history. This phrase underscores the importance of heritage and the fulfillment of God's promises through the line of Judah, pointing to the Messianic hope.

who swear by the name of the LORD
To "swear by the name of the LORD" is to make a solemn oath invoking God's name, indicating a serious commitment to truth and faithfulness. In Hebrew culture, oaths were binding and sacred, reflecting one's integrity and relationship with God. This phrase highlights the expectation that the people of Israel should live in a manner that honors God's name, adhering to His commandments and reflecting His character.

and invoke the God of Israel
"Invoke the God of Israel" suggests calling upon God in prayer, worship, and reliance. It is an acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and a plea for His guidance and intervention. This invocation is a testament to the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God is not only their Creator but also their protector and provider. It is a call to trust in God's faithfulness and to seek His will in all things.

but not in truth or righteousness
The phrase "but not in truth or righteousness" serves as a rebuke. Despite their outward religious actions, the people's hearts are not aligned with God's standards. "Truth" (אֱמֶת, emet) and "righteousness" (צֶדֶק, tsedeq) are foundational to God's character and His expectations for His people. This critique highlights the disconnect between their professed faith and their actual conduct. It is a call to genuine repentance and transformation, urging them to align their lives with God's truth and righteousness.

XLVIII.

(1) Are come forth out of the waters of Judah.--The words limit the wider terms of Jacob and Israel to the Judaean exiles. For the phrase, comp. "ye that are of the fountains of Israel" (Psalm 68:26). The ideal attributes of Israel, "swearing by the name of Jehovah . . ." are pressed in contrast with their actual state of hypocrisy and unrighteousness.

Verse 1. - Jacob... Israel (camp. Isaiah 40:27; Isaiah 41:8, 14; Isaiah 43:1, 22; Isaiah 44:1, etc.). "Jacob" is the natural and secular designation; "Israel" is a spiritual or covenant name (Cheyne). Both terms being appropriate to the ten tribes no less than to the two, and the present address being intended especially for the Jewish captives, a further designation is appended - which are come forth out of the waters of Judah (comp. Psalm 68:26, "Ye that are of the fountain of Israel," marginal rendering). Which swear by the Name of the Lord. Swearing "by the Name of the Lord" is an evidence of true religion, to a certain extent (Deuteronomy 6:13; Deuteronomy 10:20). It indicates that there has been, at any rate, no open apostasy. Still, it does not necessarily prove more than this; and, in the present case, it scarcely showed anything beyond mere outward formal conformity. The bulk of the captives "swore by the Name of Jehovah, and made mention of the God of Israel" (camp. Joshua 23:7), but did so not in truth, nor in righteousness; i.e. "without their state of mind or mode of action corresponding to their confession, so as to prove that it was sincerely and seriously meant" (Delitzsch). The condition of the majority of the exiles was that expressed in the words, "This people honoureth me with their lips, but in their hearts are far from me" (Matthew 15:8).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Listen
שִׁמְעוּ־ (šim·‘ū-)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

to this,
זֹ֣את (zōṯ)
Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that,

O house
בֵּֽית־ (bêṯ-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

of Jacob,
יַעֲקֹ֗ב (ya·‘ă·qōḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3290: Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc

you who are called
הַנִּקְרָאִים֙ (han·niq·rā·’îm)
Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

by the name
בְּשֵׁ֣ם (bə·šêm)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8034: A name

of Israel,
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

who have descended
יָצָ֑אוּ (yā·ṣā·’ū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

from the line
וּמִמֵּ֥י (ū·mim·mê)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen

of Judah,
יְהוּדָ֖ה (yə·hū·ḏāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

who swear
הַֽנִּשְׁבָּעִ֣ים ׀ (han·niš·bā·‘îm)
Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 7650: To seven oneself, swear

by the name
בְּשֵׁ֣ם (bə·šêm)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8034: A name

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

and invoke
יַזְכִּ֔ירוּ (yaz·kî·rū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 2142: To mark, to remember, to mention, to be male

the God
וּבֵאלֹהֵ֤י (ū·ḇê·lō·hê)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

of Israel—
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

but not
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

in truth
בֶאֱמֶ֖ת (ḇe·’ĕ·meṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 571: Stability, certainty, truth, trustworthiness

[or]
וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

righteousness—
בִצְדָקָֽה׃ (ḇiṣ·ḏā·qāh)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6666: Rightness, subjectively, objectively


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OT Prophets: Isaiah 48:1 Hear you this house of Jacob who (Isa Isi Is)
Isaiah 47:15
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