Isaiah 28:14 Meaning: The Danger of Scoffing at God's Word
Therefore hear Yahweh’s word, you scoffers, that rule this people in Jerusalem:
Wherefore hear the word of the Lord, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem.
Wherefore hear the word of Jehovah, ye scoffers, that rule this people that is in Jerusalem:
Therefore, hear a word of Jehovah, ye men of scorning, Ruling this people that is in Jerusalem.
Therefore hear the word of Jehovah, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem.
Meaning in one sentence
Isaiah 28:14 warns rulers who mock God's word. Discover why Isaiah calls them scoffers and what this means for how we listen to God.
Context
Isaiah's prophecy in chapter 28 first addresses the drunken leaders of the northern kingdom. Then the prophet turns to Jerusalem. The rulers there have heard God's message but treated it with contempt, calling it tedious repetition. They rely on their own political cunning and alliances with Egypt. Verse 14 launches a direct confrontation: 'Therefore hear the word of the Lord, you scoffers.' Isaiah names their sin openly. Their mockery of God's word reveals a deeper rebellion. They think they can outsmart judgment and escape the coming storm. This verse sets the stage for God's surprising answer: a cornerstone in Zion for those who believe, not in their own schemes, but in Him.
Key Words
Three Hebrew words carry the weight of this verse. The first is shama, translated 'hear.' It means more than catching sound. It means to listen with a mind to obey. These rulers had heard many prophecies but never truly listened. The second word is latzon, rendered 'scoffers.' It describes a person who mocks, who treats God's warnings as a joke. The rulers of Jerusalem thought they were too clever for divine threats. They trusted in their political cunning instead. The third word is mashal, 'rule,' the same verb used for God's own sovereignty. These men were called to govern God's people, but they used their authority to lead them into scorn. The verse invites us to examine how we hear God's word. Do we listen with humility, or do we inwardly scoff and trust our own wisdom?
How Christians Read This Verse
Many commentators see this as a direct rebuke to Judah's political leaders. Calvin wrote that they thought they could mock God but would not succeed. The Cambridge Bible notes that 'scoffer' represents the last degree of ungodliness. Matthew Henry applies the warning to all who treat God's word lightly. Some Christian readers see this as a prototype of religious leaders who later rejected Christ. Others emphasize that even in judgment, God gives a call to hear, leaving room for repentance. The verse does not let the reader off the hook. It asks every generation: are you scoffing at God's word, even while claiming to serve Him?
A common misunderstanding
Some readers think 'scoffers' only refers to atheists or people outside the faith. In fact, these scoffers are rulers in Jerusalem, leaders among God's own people. They were not pagans. They were religious men who trusted in their own plans. The deepest scoffing often comes from those who know God's word but treat it as irrelevant to their decisions. This verse warns that it is possible to hold a position of authority and still be a scoffer at heart.
Living This Out
This week, pay attention to how you react when Scripture challenges a plan you have made. Do you push it aside? Do you mock it inwardly? The rulers of Jerusalem had heard many warnings but dismissed them. Pride made them scoff. Humility begins when we admit we might be wrong. Try this: before making a decision, pause and ask, 'Am I truly hearing God's word here, or am I ignoring it?' Even a small step of honest listening can soften a heart that has become scoffing.
Main takeaway: Scoffing at God's word is not just for unbelievers; it is the hidden sin of those who trust their own wisdom over God's.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Sometimes we think we know better than God. That is called scoffing. God wants us to listen and obey Him.
For ages 9, 12
The rulers in Jerusalem thought they were too smart to need God's warnings. They made deals and trusted lies instead. But God sees our hearts. When we read the Bible, we can either listen with respect or roll our eyes. Which do you choose?
Questions People Ask
Who are the scoffers in Isaiah 28:14?
They are the rulers and leaders in Jerusalem who mocked God's word and trusted in political alliances. Isaiah calls them out by name: 'you scoffers that rule this people.' They held positions of authority but led the people into rebellion.
What does it mean to scoff at God's word?
To scoff is to treat something with contempt or mockery. These rulers heard God's warnings through Isaiah but dismissed them as empty threats. They thought their own plans were more reliable than God's promises. Scoffing can be a hidden sin even among religious people.
Why does Isaiah call them to hear if they are scoffers?
It is a summons to repent. Even in judgment, God offers a chance to listen and turn. The command 'hear' is an invitation to stop mocking and start obeying. It shows God's patience, though the scoffers would not take it.
How does verse 14 connect to the cornerstone in verse 16?
Verse 14 exposes the sin of scoffing. Verses 15-16 contrast that with God's solution: a sure foundation in Zion. The scoffers trust in lies and a covenant with death, but God lays a tested stone. Only those who believe in that cornerstone will stand secure.
Is the sin of scoffing still relevant for Christians today?
Yes. We can scoff by ignoring Scripture, trusting our own wisdom, or treating God's commands as optional. It is easy to hear the Bible but inwardly reject its authority. This verse calls us to examine our hearts and to hear God's word with humility.
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study