Isaiah 9:17
Therefore the Lord shall have no joy in their young men, neither shall have mercy on their fatherless and widows: for every one is an hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaketh folly. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.
Isaiah 9:17 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Isaiah serves as a warning from the Lord to the people of Israel. The Lord expresses his disappointment in their actions and attitudes, stating that he will not have joy in their young men, show mercy to their fatherless and widows, and that everyone is a hypocrite and evildoer. The Lord's anger is evident in the verse, as he highlights the folly that comes from every mouth. Despite this, his hand is still stretched out, implying that there is still a chance for the people to repent and turn back to him. It serves as a call to action for the people to change their ways and seek forgiveness from the Lord. This verse showcases the importance of recognizing one's faults and seeking redemption, even in the face of God's anger.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the prophet Isaiah delivers a sobering message about the impending judgment of God upon the people of Israel. The Lord is portrayed as having no joy in the young men of Israel, showing that their vigor and strength do not bring Him pleasure due to their hypocrisy and evil deeds. The mention of the fatherless and widows highlights the vulnerable members of society who are often neglected and mistreated. The emphasis on everyone being a hypocrite and evildoer, with mouths speaking folly, underscores the pervasive sinfulness of the people. Despite this grim picture, God's anger is not turned away, and His hand is still stretched out in judgment. This verse serves as a warning to the people to repent and turn back to God before it is too late, as His justice will not be delayed forever.
Isaiah 9:17 in other translations
American Standard Version
Therefore the Lord will not rejoice over their young men, neither will he have compassion on their fatherless and widows; for every one is profane and an evil-doer, and every mouth speaketh folly. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.
World English Bible
Therefore the Lord will not rejoice over their young men, neither will he have compassion on their fatherless and widows; for everyone is profane and an evildoer, and every mouth speaks folly. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.
Douay-Rheims
Therefore the Lord shall have no joy in their young men: neither shall he have mercy on their fatherless, and widows: for every one is a hypocrite and wicked, and every mouth hath spoken folly. For all this his indignation is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Therefore shall the Lord haue no pleasure in their yong men, neither will he haue compassion of their fatherlesse and of their widowes: for euery one is an hypocrite and wicked, and euery mouth speaketh follie: yet for all this his wrath is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out stil.