New International Version“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
New Living Translation“Come now, let’s settle this,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.
English Standard Version“Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.
Berean Standard Bible“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool.
King James BibleCome now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
New King James Version“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.
New American Standard Bible“Come now, and let us debate your case,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are as scarlet, They shall become as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be like wool.
NASB 1995“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool.
NASB 1977“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool.
Legacy Standard Bible“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says Yahweh, “Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool.
Amplified Bible“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be like wool.
Christian Standard Bible“Come, let’s settle this,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are crimson red, they will be like wool.
Holman Christian Standard BibleCome, let us discuss this,” says the LORD.” Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will be like wool.
American Standard VersionCome now, and let us reason together, saith Jehovah: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Contemporary English VersionI, the LORD, invite you to come and talk it over. Your sins are scarlet red, but they will be whiter than snow or wool.
English Revised VersionCome now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
GOD'S WORD® Translation"Come on now, let's discuss this!" says the LORD. "Though your sins are bright red, they will become as white as snow. Though they are dark red, they will become as white as wool.
Good News TranslationThe LORD says, "Now, let's settle the matter. You are stained red with sin, but I will wash you as clean as snow. Although your stains are deep red, you will be as white as wool.
International Standard Version"Please come, and let's reason together," implores the LORD. "Even though your sins are like scarlet, they'll be white like snow. Though they're like crimson, they'll become like wool.
NET BibleCome, let's consider your options," says the LORD. "Though your sins have stained you like the color red, you can become white like snow; though they are as easy to see as the color scarlet, you can become white like wool.
New Heart English Bible"Come now, and let us reason together," says the LORD: "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Webster's Bible TranslationCome now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be white as snow, though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool.
World English Bible“Come now, and let’s reason together,” says Yahweh: “Though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionNow come, and we settle this,” says YHWH, “If your sins are as scarlet, they will be white as snow, "" If they are red as crimson, they will be as wool!
Young's Literal Translation Come, I pray you, and we reason, saith Jehovah, If your sins are as scarlet, as snow they shall be white, If they are red as crimson, as wool they shall be!
Smith's Literal TranslationCome now we will confute together Jehovah will say: if your sins shall be as deep scarlet, they shall be white as snow; if they shall be red as crimson, they shall be as wool. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd then come, and accuse me, saith the Lord: if your sins be as scarlet, they shall be made as white as snow: and if they be red as crimson, they shall be white as wool.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd then approach and accuse me, says the Lord. Then, if your sins are like scarlet, they shall be made white like snow; and if they are red like vermillion, they shall become white like wool.
New American BibleCome now, let us set things right, says the LORD: Though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow; Though they be red like crimson, they may become white as wool.
New Revised Standard VersionCome now, let us argue it out, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be like snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleCome now, and let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be like wool.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd come, we shall speak with each other, says LORD JEHOVAH, and if your sins will be as scarlet, they will be white as snow, and if they turn red as scarlet dye, they shall be as wool OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Come now, and let us reason together, Saith the LORD; Though your sins be as scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they be red like crimson, They shall be as wool.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd come, let us reason together, saith the Lord: and though your sins be as purple, I will make them white as snow; and though they be as scarlet, I will make them white as wool.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Meaningless Offerings… 17Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.” 18“Comenow,let us reason together,”saysthe LORD.“Thoughyour sinsarelike scarlet,they will be as whiteas snow;thoughthey are as redas crimson,they will becomelike wool.19If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best of the land.…
Cross References Psalm 51:7Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
1 John 1:7But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
Revelation 7:14“Sir,” I answered, “you know.” So he replied, “These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Hebrews 9:14how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!
Titus 3:5He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
1 Peter 1:18-19For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers, / but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot.
Matthew 11:28Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Romans 3:23-24for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, / and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
2 Corinthians 5:21God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.
Ephesians 1:7In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace
Jeremiah 31:34No longer will each man teach his neighbor or his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquities and will remember their sins no more.”
Micah 7:18-19Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance—who does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in loving devotion? / He will again have compassion on us; He will vanquish our iniquities. You will cast out all our sins into the depths of the sea.
Zechariah 3:3-5Now Joshua was dressed in filthy garments as he stood before the angel. / So the angel said to those standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes!” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have removed your iniquity, and I will clothe you with splendid robes.” / Then I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So a clean turban was placed on his head, and they clothed him, as the angel of the LORD stood by.
Daniel 9:9To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness, even though we have rebelled against Him
Exodus 34:6-7Then the LORD passed in front of Moses and called out: “The LORD, the LORD God, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness, / maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin. Yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished; He will visit the iniquity of the fathers on their children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.”
Treasury of Scripture Come now, and let us reason together, said the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. and let us Isaiah 41:21 Produce your cause, saith the LORD; bring forth your strongreasons, saith the King of Jacob. Isaiah 43:24-26 Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities… 1 Samuel 12:7 Now therefore stand still, that I may reason with you before the LORD of all the righteous acts of the LORD, which he did to you and to your fathers. though your Isaiah 44:22 I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee. Psalm 51:7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Micah 7:18,19 Whois a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delightethin mercy… Jump to Previous BloodCrimsonDarkPurpleReasonRedScarletSeemSinsSnowTogetherWhiteWoolJump to Next BloodCrimsonDarkPurpleReasonRedScarletSeemSinsSnowTogetherWhiteWoolIsaiah 1 1.Isaiah complains of Judah for her rebellion5.He laments her judgments10.He upbraids their whole service16.He exhorts to repentance, with promises and threats21.Bewailing their wickedness, he denounces God's judgments25.He promises grace28.And threatens destruction to the wicked“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD.This phrase invites the people of Israel to engage in a dialogue with God, emphasizing His willingness to communicate and reconcile. The Hebrew word for "reason" implies a legal argument or a call to settle a dispute. This reflects God's justice and mercy, offering a chance for repentance. The cultural context of ancient Israel involved covenant relationships, where God as the suzerain king would call His vassal people to account. This invitation is unique, as it shows God's desire for a relationship rather than mere judgment. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow;
Scarlet, a deep red dye, was known for its permanence, symbolizing the indelible nature of sin. In ancient times, scarlet dye was derived from the crushing of insects, indicating the depth and intensity of sin's stain. The promise of becoming "white as snow" signifies complete purification and forgiveness. Snow, rare in Israel, represents purity and a fresh start. This transformation is a divine act, pointing to the cleansing power of God, which is later fulfilled through the atoning work of Jesus Christ, as seen in New Testament passages like 1John 1:7. though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool.
Crimson, another deep red dye, further emphasizes the severity and visibility of sin. The use of two similar colors underscores the seriousness of Israel's transgressions. Wool, naturally white, symbolizes innocence and purity. The transformation from crimson to wool suggests a return to an original, unblemished state. This imagery connects to the sacrificial system, where lambs without blemish were offered, foreshadowing Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). The promise of transformation highlights God's redemptive power and the hope of restoration for His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who invites His people to dialogue and repentance. 2. IsaiahThe prophet through whom God delivers this message, calling the people of Judah to repentance. 3. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, to whom Isaiah's prophecies were primarily directed. 4. Sins (Scarlet and Crimson)Symbolic of the deep and pervasive nature of the people's transgressions. 5. Snow and WoolMetaphors for purity and cleansing, representing the transformation God offers. Teaching Points Invitation to DialogueGod invites us to reason with Him, showing His desire for a relationship and reconciliation rather than mere judgment. The Depth of SinThe imagery of scarlet and crimson highlights the seriousness and visibility of sin, reminding us of our need for divine intervention. Promise of TransformationGod's promise to make sins as white as snow emphasizes His power to completely transform and purify us. Repentance and ForgivenessThis verse underscores the importance of repentance as a pathway to receiving God's forgiveness and cleansing. Hope in RedemptionThe assurance of being made like wool offers hope and encouragement that no sin is beyond God's ability to forgive and cleanse. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 1:18?
2.How does Isaiah 1:18 illustrate God's willingness to forgive our sins?
3.What does "though your sins are like scarlet" reveal about sin's nature?
4.How can Isaiah 1:18 inspire us to seek God's cleansing in daily life?
5.What New Testament passages echo the theme of forgiveness in Isaiah 1:18?
6.How can we practically "reason together" with God in our spiritual walk?
7.What does Isaiah 1:18 reveal about God's nature and forgiveness?
8.How does Isaiah 1:18 address the concept of sin and redemption?
9.Why does God invite reasoning in Isaiah 1:18?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 1?
11.Is God angry with me?
12.What defines Scholastic Theology?
13.What defines the Socratic Method?
14.What does "sins as scarlet" mean in Isaiah 1:18?What Does Isaiah 1:18 Mean Come now• An urgent invitation—God takes the first step, drawing us close in the present moment (Matthew 11:28;Hebrews 4:16). • We are not told to clean up first; the call reaches us in our current condition. • This “now” underscores God’s readiness to act, echoing2 Corinthians 6:2: “Now is the day of salvation.”
let us reason together• The Creator invites His creatures into rational dialogue—He appeals to mind and heart (Micah 6:1-2;Acts 17:2). • Reason here is not bargaining but acknowledgment of truth: our sin and His remedy. • It showcases God’s fairness; He lays out the evidence so none can claim ignorance (Romans 1:20).
says the LORD• The invitation carries divine authority; it is not a human opinion (Isaiah 55:8-9). • Because He is holy and unchanging (Malachi 3:6;Hebrews 6:13), His promise that follows is absolutely dependable. • Rejecting this word is rejecting the Lord Himself (John 12:48-49).
Though your sins are like scarlet• “Scarlet” pictures vivid, glaring guilt—public, undeniable, deeply dyed (Romans 3:23;Psalm 51:5). • No sin is hidden; God sees it all (Hebrews 4:13). • The verse assumes guilt yet sets the stage for grace.
they will be as white as snow• Total cleansing, not partial—sin removed, not merely covered (Psalm 51:7). • Accomplished through the blood of Christ (1 John 1:7;Revelation 7:14). • White snow symbolizes purity that only God can bestow (Titus 3:5).
though they are as red as crimson• “Crimson” reinforces the depth and permanence of the stain (Jeremiah 2:22). • Humanly irremovable, yet God is not limited (Isaiah 59:1). • Sin’s grip is strong (Proverbs 5:22), but grace is stronger (Romans 5:20).
they will become like wool• Freshly shorn wool is naturally white—emblem of a new start (2 Corinthians 5:17). • This pictures restored innocence and warmth of fellowship with God (Psalm 103:12). • Christ, the Lamb of God (John 1:29), makes us lamb-like—clean, useful, and belonging to the Shepherd (John 10:11).
summaryIsaiah 1:18 announces God’s gracious offer: come immediately, listen to His case, admit the vivid reality of sin, and receive complete cleansing. What we cannot wash out, He purges entirely, turning scarlet stains into snow-white purity and crimson guilt into wool-white innocence through the finished work of Christ. (18) Come now, and let us reason together.--The Authorised Version suggests the thought of a discussion between equals. The Hebrew implies rather the tone of one who gives an authoritative ultimatum,as from a judge to the accused, who had no defence, or only a sham defence, to offer ( Micah 6:2-3). "Let us sum up the pleadings--that ultimatumis one of grace and mercy--'Repent, and be forgiven.'" Though your sins be as scarlet.--The two colours probably corresponded to those now designated by the English words. Both words point to the dyes of Tyre, and the words probably received a fresh emphasis from the fact that robes of these colours were worn by the princes to whom Isaiah preached (2Samuel 1:24). To the prophet's eye that dark crimson was as the stain of blood. What Jehovah promises is that the guilt of the past, deep-dyed in grain as it might be, should be discharged, and leave the character with a restored purity. Men might dye their souls of this or that hue, but to bleach them was the work of God. He alone couldtransfigurethem that they should be "white as snow" (Mark 9:3). Comp. the reproduction of the thought, with the added paradox that it was the crimson "blood of the lamb" that was to bleach and cleanse, inRevelation 3:4-5;Revelation 7:14. . . . Verse 18. - Come now, and let us reason together. God has from time to time permitted man to reason with him ( Genesis 18:23-32; Exodus 4:1-17; Job 23:3-7; Micah 6:2); but it is difficult to see that there is any "reasoning" or "controversy" here. Mr. Cheyne translates, "Let us bring our dispute to an end." Though your sins be as scarlet... like crimson; i.e. "open, evident, glaring." Or there may be an allusion to their blood-guiltiness (see vers. 15, 19). They shall be as white as snow. Comp. Psalm 51:7, which is completely parallel, whether it was written before or after. There can be no better image of, purity than snow (comp. Job 9:30; Lamentations 4:7). As wool. A weaker illustration than the preceding one, but needed for the parallelism. (The resemblance of falling snow to wool is noted in Psalm 147:16.)
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew “Comeלְכוּ־(lə·ḵū-)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walknow,נָ֛א(nā)Interjection
Strong's 4994:I pray', 'now', 'then'let us reason together,”וְנִוָּֽכְחָ֖ה(wə·niw·wā·ḵə·ḥāh)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common plural
Strong's 3198:To be right, reciprocal, to argue, to decide, justify, convictsaysיֹאמַ֣ר(yō·mar)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, saythe LORD.יְהוָ֑ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel“Thoughאִם־(’im-)Conjunction
Strong's 518:Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, notyour sinsחֲטָאֵיכֶ֤ם(ḥă·ṭā·’ê·ḵem)Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 2399:A crime, its penaltyareיִֽהְי֨וּ(yih·yū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, belike scarlet,כַּשָּׁנִים֙(kaš·šā·nîm)Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8144:Crimson, the insect, its color, stuff dyed with itthey will be as whiteיַלְבִּ֔ינוּ(yal·bî·nū)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3835:To be, white, to make bricksas snow;כַּשֶּׁ֣לֶג(kaš·še·leḡ)Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7950:Snowthoughאִם־(’im-)Conjunction
Strong's 518:Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, notthey are as redיַאְדִּ֥ימוּ(ya’·dî·mū)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 119:Flush, turn rosyas crimson,כַתּוֹלָ֖ע(ḵat·tō·w·lā‘)Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8438:The crimson-grub, of the color, from it, cloths dyed therewiththey will becomeיִהְיֽוּ׃(yih·yū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, belike wool.כַּצֶּ֥מֶר(kaṣ·ṣe·mer)Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6785:Wool
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 1:18 Come now and let us reason together (Isa Isi Is) |
