What does Isaiah 29:21 mean?
"That make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of nought." - Isaiah 29:21

Isaiah 29:21 in the King James Version of the Bible reads: "That make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of nought." This verse comes from the book of Isaiah, which is a prophetic book in the Old Testament. The prophet Isaiah was known for his visions and prophecies about God's judgment and salvation.
In this verse, Isaiah is addressing the injustice and corruption that was prevalent in the society of his time. The context of this verse is important to understand its full meaning. The prophet is rebuking those who pervert justice for their own gain. It speaks to the moral decay and lack of righteousness that had infected the leaders and judges of the land.
The themes of justice and righteousness are central to this verse. Isaiah is condemning those who pervert justice and oppress the innocent. The idea of making "a man an offender for a word" speaks to the power of words and the injustice of punishing someone for simply speaking the truth. It also addresses the manipulation and deceit of those who use words to entrap and oppress others.
The phrase "lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate" refers to the act of setting traps for those who seek to expose corruption and wrongdoing. It highlights the obstacles and dangers faced by those who stand up for truth and justice. The "gate" was a place of public gathering and judgment in ancient times, so this verse can also be understood as a critique of the perversion of justice within the legal system.
Isaiah then goes on to condemn those who "turn aside the just for a thing of nought." This speaks to the disregard for those who are righteous and just, and the tendency to dismiss their claims and concerns as insignificant. It reflects a society where the priorities are warped, and where the pursuit of wealth and power trumps the importance of fairness and righteousness.
Symbolism plays a significant role in this verse. The "snare" and the "turning aside of the just" are symbolic of the traps and obstacles that hinder the pursuit of justice. These symbols serve to illustrate the pervasive nature of corruption and oppression in the society of Isaiah's time, and by extension, in any society where injustice prevails.
In a broader sense, this verse can also be seen as a commentary on the human condition and the enduring struggle for justice and righteousness. The themes and concerns expressed in this verse are universal and resonate with people of all times and places.
Overall, Isaiah 29:21 is a powerful indictment of the corruption and injustice that was prevalent in the society of Isaiah's time. It speaks to the importance of upholding justice and righteousness, and the dangers of perverting these values for personal gain. The themes and symbolism in this verse provide valuable insights into the timeless struggle for truth and justice, making it a relevant and thought-provoking passage for readers today.
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Isaiah 29:21 Artwork
Isaiah 29:21 - "That make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of nought."
"That make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of nought." - Isaiah 29:21
Isaiah 29:20-21 - "For the ruthless will vanish, the mockers will disappear, and all who have an eye for evil will be cut down— those who with a lying word deny justice to the one in the right at the gate, and deprive the innocent of his right."
Isaiah 29:6
Isaiah 29:12
Isaiah 29:4
Isaiah 29:4
Isaiah 29:18
Genesis 21-29
Isaiah 5:21
Isaiah 5:21
The Plague of Darkness - Exodus 10:21-29
The Plague of Darkness - Exodus 10:21-29
The Plague of Darkness - Exodus 10:21-29
The Plague of Darkness - Exodus 10:21-29
The Plague of Darkness - Exodus 10:21-29
The Plague of Darkness - Exodus 10:21-29
The Plague of Darkness - Exodus 10:21-29
The Plague of Darkness - Exodus 10:21-29
Matthew 21:29 - "He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went."
The Plague of Darkness - Exodus 10:21-29
The Plague of Darkness - Exodus 10:21-29
Isaiah 3:21 - "The rings, and nose jewels,"
Isaiah 41:29 - "Behold, they are all vanity; their works are nothing: their molten images are wind and confusion."
Isaiah 40:29 - "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength."
Isaiah 29:24 - "They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine."
Luke 21:29 - "And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;"
Joshua 21:29 - "Jarmuth with her suburbs, En-gannim with her suburbs; four cities."
Job 21:29 - "Have ye not asked them that go by the way? and do ye not know their tokens,"
Proverbs 21:29 - "A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way."