New International VersionYouths oppress my people, women rule over them. My people, your guides lead you astray; they turn you from the path.
New Living TranslationChildish leaders oppress my people, and women rule over them. O my people, your leaders mislead you; they send you down the wrong road.
English Standard VersionMy people—infants are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, your guides mislead you and they have swallowed up the course of your paths.
Berean Standard BibleYouths oppress My people, and women rule over them. O My people, your guides mislead you; they turn you from your paths.
King James BibleAs for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.
New King James VersionAs for My people, children are their oppressors, And women rule over them. O My people! Those who lead you cause you to err, And destroy the way of your paths.”
New American Standard BibleMy people! Their oppressors treat them violently, And women rule over them. My people! Those who guide you lead you astray And confuse the direction of your paths.
NASB 1995O My people! Their oppressors are children, And women rule over them. O My people! Those who guide you lead you astray And confuse the direction of your paths.
NASB 1977O My people! Their oppressors are children, And women rule over them. O My people! Those who guide you lead you astray, And confuse the direction of your paths.
Legacy Standard BibleO My people! Their taskmasters are infants, And women rule over them. O My people! Those who guide you lead you astray And swallow up the way of your paths.
Amplified BibleO My people! Children are their oppressors, And women rule over them. O My people! Your leaders lead you astray And confuse (destroy, swallow up) the direction of your paths.
Christian Standard BibleYouths oppress my people, and women rule over them. My people, your leaders mislead you; they confuse the direction of your paths.
Holman Christian Standard BibleYouths oppress My people, and women rule over them. My people, your leaders mislead you; they confuse the direction of your paths.
American Standard VersionAs for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they that lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.
Contemporary English VersionThough you are God's people, you are ruled and abused by women and children. You are confused by leaders who guide you down the wrong path.
English Revised VersionAs for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.
GOD'S WORD® Translation"Children will oppress my people. Women will rule them. My people, your guides mislead you, and you don't know which way to go."
Good News TranslationMoneylenders oppress my people, and their creditors cheat them. My people, your leaders are misleading you, so that you do not know which way to turn.
International Standard Version"As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. My people, your leaders are misleading you— they're giving you confusing directions."
NET BibleOppressors treat my people cruelly; creditors rule over them. My people's leaders mislead them; they give you confusing directions.
New Heart English BibleAs for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. My people, those who lead you cause you to err, and destroy the way of your paths.
Webster's Bible TranslationAs for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they who lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleYouths oppress My people, and women rule over them. O My people, your guides mislead you; they turn you from your paths.
World English BibleAs for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. My people, those who lead you cause you to err, and destroy the way of your paths. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionMy people—its exactors [are] sucklings, "" And women have ruled over it. My people—your eulogists are causing to err, "" And the way of your paths swallowed up.
Young's Literal Translation My people -- its exactors are sucklings, And women have ruled over it. My people -- thy eulogists are causing to err, And the way of thy paths swallowed up.
Smith's Literal TranslationMy people, their tyrants from children, and women ruled over them. My people, they calling thee happy, causing to err; they destroyed the way of thy paths. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAs for my people, their oppressors have stripped them, and women have ruled over them. O my people, they that call thee blessed, the same deceive thee, and destroy the way of thy steps.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAs for my people, their oppressors have despoiled them, and women have ruled over them. My people, who call you blessed, the same are deceiving you and disrupting the path of your steps.
New American BibleMy people—infants oppress them, women rule over them! My people, your leaders deceive you, they confuse the paths you should follow.
New Revised Standard VersionMy people—children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, your leaders mislead you, and confuse the course of your paths. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe princes shall pluck my people out, and women shall rule over them. O my people, your leaders have caused you to err, and disturbed the way of your paths.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedThe Rulers of my people glean it, and women are authorized over my people. Announcing good news to you, they seduce you, and they have agitated the way of your paths OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917As for My people, a babe is their master, And women rule over them. O My people, they that lead thee cause thee to err, And destroy the way of thy paths.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationO my people, your exactors strip you, and extortioners rule over you: O my people, they that pronounce you blesses lead you astray, and pervert the path of your feet.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context A Judgment Against Judah… 11Woe to the wicked; disaster is upon them! For they will be repaid with what their hands have done. 12YouthsoppressMy people,and womenruleover them.O My people,your guidesmislead you;they turn youfrom your paths.13The LORD arises to contend; He stands to judge the people.…
Cross References Micah 2:9You drive the women of My people from their pleasant homes. You take away My blessing from their children forever.
Ecclesiastes 10:16Woe to you, O land whose king is a youth, and whose princes feast in the morning.
Hosea 4:6My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.
Jeremiah 5:31The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority. My people love it so, but what will you do in the end?
Lamentations 5:14The elders have left the city gate; the young men have stopped their music.
1 Kings 12:8-11But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him. / He asked them, “What message do you advise that we send back to these people who have spoken to me, saying, ‘Lighten the yoke your father put on us’?” / The young men who had grown up with him replied, “This is how you should answer these people who said to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you must make it lighter.’ This is what you should tell them: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist! ...
2 Chronicles 36:14-16Furthermore, all the leaders of the priests and the people multiplied their unfaithful deeds, following all the abominations of the nations, and they defiled the house of the LORD, which He had consecrated in Jerusalem. / Again and again the LORD, the God of their fathers, sent word to His people through His messengers because He had compassion on them and on His dwelling place. / But they mocked the messengers of God, despising His words and scoffing at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD against His people was stirred up beyond remedy.
Ezekiel 22:25-29The conspiracy of the princes in her midst is like a roaring lion tearing its prey. They devour the people, seize the treasures and precious things, and multiply the widows within her. / Her priests do violence to My law and profane My holy things. They make no distinction between the holy and the common, and they fail to distinguish between the clean and the unclean. They disregard My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them. / Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey, shedding blood, and destroying lives for dishonest gain. ...
Amos 2:7They trample on the heads of the poor as on the dust of the earth; they push the needy out of their way. A man and his father have relations with the same girl and so profane My holy name.
Zechariah 11:5whose buyers slaughter them without remorse. Those who sell them say, ‘Blessed be the LORD, for I am rich!’ Even their own shepherds have no compassion on them.
Matthew 15:14Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”
Matthew 23:16Woe to you, blind guides! You say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’
Luke 6:39Jesus also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?
1 Corinthians 3:1-3Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual, but as worldly—as infants in Christ. / I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for solid food. In fact, you are still not ready, / for you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and dissension among you, are you not worldly? Are you not walking in the way of man?
1 Corinthians 14:20Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature.
Treasury of Scripture As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead you cause you to err, and destroy the way of your paths. children Isaiah 3:4 And I will give childrento be their princes, and babes shall rule over them. 2 Kings 11:1 And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal. Nahum 3:13 Behold, thy people in the midst of theeare women: the gates of thy land shall be set wide open unto thine enemies: the fire shall devour thy bars. lead thee. Isaiah 9:15 The ancient and honourable, heis the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, heis the tail. Numbers 6:23-27 Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, … Jeremiah 5:31 The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people loveto have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof? destroy. Matthew 23:14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. Jump to Previous ActingAstrayAuthorityBabeCauseChildrenConfuseCourseDestroyDirectionErrEulogistsExactorsFootstepsGuideGuidesLeadMasterMisleadOppressOppressorsPathPathsRightRuleRuledRulerSucklingsSwallowedTurnTurningWanderingWayWomenYouthsJump to Next ActingAstrayAuthorityBabeCauseChildrenConfuseCourseDestroyDirectionErrEulogistsExactorsFootstepsGuideGuidesLeadMasterMisleadOppressOppressorsPathPathsRightRuleRuledRulerSucklingsSwallowedTurnTurningWanderingWayWomenYouthsIsaiah 3 1.The great calamities which come by sin10.The different rewards of the righteous and wicked12.The oppression and covetousness of the rulers16.The judgments which shall be for the pride of the women25.The general desolationYouths oppress My peopleThis phrase highlights a reversal of the expected social order in ancient Israel, where elders and experienced leaders were typically in positions of authority. The mention of "youths" suggests a breakdown in societal structure and respect for wisdom and experience. This could be seen as a judgment from God, allowing inexperienced and immature leaders to rise, leading to chaos and oppression. In biblical context, this reflects the consequences of Israel's disobedience and turning away from God, as seen in other prophetic books like Jeremiah and Lamentations. and women rule over them
In the patriarchal society of ancient Israel, leadership was predominantly male. The mention of women ruling is indicative of a further disruption of the traditional order. This is not a commentary on the capability of women to lead but rather a sign of societal upheaval and disorder. In the context of Isaiah, it serves as a metaphor for the nation's spiritual and moral decline. This phrase can be compared to the story of Deborah in Judges, where a woman leads Israel, but in a context of divine appointment and order, contrasting with the disorder implied here. O My people, your guides mislead you
The term "guides" refers to leaders, whether political, spiritual, or both, who are responsible for directing the people. The accusation of misleading suggests that these leaders are not following God's commandments and are leading the people astray. This is a common theme in the prophetic literature, where false prophets and corrupt leaders are condemned for their role in the nation's downfall. This can be connected to Jesus' warnings about false teachers in the New Testament, emphasizing the importance of true and righteous leadership. they turn you from your paths
The "paths" symbolize the ways of righteousness and obedience to God's law. Being turned from these paths indicates a departure from covenant faithfulness, leading to moral and spiritual decay. This imagery is consistent with the wisdom literature, such as Proverbs, which often speaks of the "path" as a metaphor for one's life direction and choices. The turning away from these paths results in judgment and calamity, as seen throughout the prophetic books, and serves as a call to repentance and return to God's ways. Persons / Places / Events 1. IsaiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is the author of the book bearing his name. He prophesied during the reigns of several kings of Judah and addressed both the immediate and future conditions of Israel and Judah. 2. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, which Isaiah primarily addressed. During Isaiah's time, Judah faced both internal corruption and external threats. 3. Youths and WomenSymbolic representations in this context, indicating a reversal of the expected social order and leadership roles, which is seen as a sign of judgment and societal decay. 4. Misleading GuidesRefers to the leaders and influencers of the people who have led them astray from God's path, contributing to the nation's moral and spiritual decline. 5. The People of GodThe Israelites, specifically the people of Judah, who are being addressed by God through Isaiah. They are experiencing the consequences of their leaders' failures. Teaching Points The Consequences of Poor LeadershipWhen leaders fail to follow God's guidance, the entire community suffers. This passage serves as a warning to both leaders and followers about the importance of godly leadership. Reversal of God-Ordained OrderThe mention of youths and women ruling is not a comment on their capabilities but rather a sign of societal disorder. It reflects a departure from the traditional roles established in that cultural context, indicating judgment. The Importance of DiscernmentBelievers must be discerning about whom they follow. Just as the people of Judah were misled, Christians today must ensure their leaders align with biblical truth. The Role of AccountabilityLeaders are accountable to God for their guidance. This passage encourages leaders to seek wisdom and integrity in their roles. The Call to Return to God's PathThe misdirection of the people highlights the need for repentance and a return to God's ways. This is a call for both personal and communal reflection and realignment with God's will. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 3:12?
2.How does Isaiah 3:12 reflect leadership challenges in today's society?
3.What lessons can we learn about authority from Isaiah 3:12?
4.How does Isaiah 3:12 connect with other scriptures on leadership?
5.How can we apply Isaiah 3:12 to strengthen family leadership roles?
6.What steps can churches take to address issues highlighted in Isaiah 3:12?
7.How does Isaiah 3:12 reflect on leadership roles within society and the church today?
8.What historical context influenced the message of Isaiah 3:12?
9.How does Isaiah 3:12 challenge traditional gender roles in biblical interpretation?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 3?
11.Isaiah 3:4: Does the portrayal of children ruling literally describe historical reality, or is it hyperbole? If literal, where is the historical record supporting this event?
12.Isaiah 3:12: Why does this passage blame women and children for societal downfall, and how does that align with justice and fairness?
13.(Psalm 113:9) How can God's promise to make the 'barren woman' into a mother be taken literally in light of countless faithful individuals who remain childless despite prayers?
14.Why does Paul say women should not have authority over men (1 Timothy 2:12)?What Does Isaiah 3:12 Mean Youths oppress My people“ youths oppress My people ” (Isaiah 3:12a) pictures a nation upside-down. Instead of mature, seasoned leadership, the LORD allows inexperienced youngsters to take the reins. This is part of His judgment announced inIsaiah 3:4–5, where He promised, “I will make boys their leaders.” When children run the show: • Justice becomes impulsive and harsh (Ecclesiastes 10:16–17). • Decisions lean on peer pressure rather than wisdom (1 Kings 12:8–14, Rehoboam’s disastrous choice). • Society feels unsafe because immaturity lacks restraint (Isaiah 3:5). In every age the principle stands: when God’s people reject Him, He may withdraw steady leadership and let them taste the chaos of childish rule (Romans 1:24).
and women rule over themThis phrase is not a blanket condemnation of women in every leadership role—Scripture honors Deborah (Judges 4–5) and the virtuous woman ofProverbs 31. Isaiah’s emphasis is the abnormality of the situation for Judah’s patriarchal culture. The nation has become so bereft of qualified men that women must step in, highlighting spiritual decay. Similar scenes appear with wicked Queen Athaliah (2 Kings 11:1–3) or Jezebel’s dominance over Ahab (1 Kings 21:25). God’s intention was strong, godly male leadership in the covenant community (Genesis 2:18;1 Timothy 2:12–13). When that structure collapses, it signals moral disorder, not female inferiority.
O My people, your guides mislead youGod now speaks tenderly yet firmly: “O My people.” Their problem is not merely who sits on the throne but who shapes their minds. False teachers and corrupt officials twist truth (Isaiah 9:16;Jeremiah 23:13–14). Jesus later echoed this danger: “If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit” (Matthew 15:14). Warning signs of misleading guides: • They contradict clear Scripture (Galatians 1:8–9). • They flatter rather than confront sin (Micah 2:11). • They promote self-reliance instead of God-dependence (Jeremiah 17:5).
they turn you from your pathsThe outcome is tragic: the people “wander” from the covenant road.Proverbs 14:12 reminds us there is “a way that seems right… but its end is death.”Deuteronomy 5:32–33 had urged Israel to stay on the “narrow path” for life and blessing, yet now leaders steer them into dead ends—idolatry (Isaiah 2:8), injustice (Isaiah 1:23), and pride (Isaiah 2:11). Restoration will require a Shepherd who never misleads—fulfilled in Christ, the “Way” Himself (John 14:6).
summaryIsaiah 3:12 exposes the fruit of rejecting God: immature rulers, upside-down social norms, deceptive leadership, and a nation led off course. The verse warns us to prize godly, seasoned guidance, test every voice by Scripture, and keep to the Lord’s path lest we share Judah’s turmoil. (12) Children are their oppressors. . .--This points, as before ( Isaiah 3:4), to the youth and yet more the character of Ahaz. The influence of the queen-mother or of the seraglio was dominant in his counsels. Cowardly ( Isaiah 7:2), idolatrous, delighting in foreign worships and foreign forms of art ( 2Kings 16:10), such was the king who then sat on the throne of Judah. And the evil worked downwards from the throne. Those who should have been the leaders of the people were quick only to mislead. Princes, priests, judges were all drifting with the current of debasement. Verse 12. - As for my people. Return is now made to the sins of the dwellers in Jerusalem, and the first thing noted is that the people suffer from the childishness and effeminacy of their rulers. The rulers are called "oppressors" by the way here, the sin of oppression being dwelt on later (vers. 14, 15). Here the emphatic words are "children," "women." Children (see ver. 4). The rulers are "children," or rather "babes" - foolish, capricious, cowardly. It is not clear that any prince in particular is meant; rather, by the plural form, the upper class generally seems to be intended, as in Isaiah 1:10, 17, 23, etc. Women; comp. Herod., 8:88, where Xerxes says that "his men have shown themselves women, and his women men;" and see also Virg., 'AEneid '- "O vere Phrygia, neque enim Phryges." The rulers were womanly,i.e. weak, wavering, timid, impulsive, passionate, and are therefore called actual "women." There is no allusion to female sovereigns.They which lead thee cause thee to err; or,they which direct thee lead thee astray. Professing to point out the right path, they led men away from it.Destroy the way; literally,swallow it up, orobliterate it.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Youthsמְעוֹלֵ֔ל(mə·‘ō·w·lêl)Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5768:A sucklingoppressנֹגְשָׂ֣יו(nō·ḡə·śāw)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5065:To drive, to tax, harass, tyrannizeMy people,עַמִּי֙(‘am·mî)Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5971:A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flockand womenוְנָשִׁ֖ים(wə·nā·šîm)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 802:Woman, wife, femaleruleמָ֣שְׁלוּ(mā·šə·lū)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 4910:To rule, have dominion, reignover them.ב֑וֹ(ḇōw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's HebrewO My people,עַמִּי֙(‘am·mî)Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5971:A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flockyour guidesמְאַשְּׁרֶ֣יךָ(mə·’aš·šə·re·ḵā)Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 833:To be straight, to go forward, be honest, propermislead you;מַתְעִ֔ים(maṯ·‘îm)Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 8582:To vacillate, reel, straythey turn youבִּלֵּֽעוּ׃(bil·lê·‘ū)Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1104:To swallow down, swallow up, engulffrom your paths.אֹֽרְחֹתֶ֖יךָ(’ō·rə·ḥō·ṯe·ḵā)Noun - common plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 734:A well-trodden road, a caravan
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 3:12 As for my people children are their (Isa Isi Is) |
