What is the meaning of Isaiah 32:5?
No longer
• The phrase signals a decisive shift initiated by God—an end to a distorted social order.
• Similar prophetic turning points appear inIsaiah 2:17, where “the pride of men will be humbled,” and inRevelation 21:4, when former things pass away.
• It reminds us that history is not cyclical chaos; the Lord sets a day when wrong labels and unjust honors are overturned.
will a fool• Scripture consistently describes the fool as one who resists God’s wisdom (Psalm 14:1;Proverbs 1:7).
• Here, the “fool” is not merely naïve but morally stubborn, rejecting the fear of the LORD that is “the beginning of knowledge.”
• Isaiah is declaring that such rebellion will no longer be tolerated or hidden behind flattering titles.
be called noble• Society often confers dignity on those lacking true virtue;Isaiah 5:20 warns against calling evil good.
• In God’s reordered kingdom, titles will match character. Compare withMatthew 23:12, where Jesus says, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled.”
• Authentic nobility flows from righteousness, not status or clever self-promotion.
nor a scoundrel• The “scoundrel” speaks of active harm—one who schemes for personal gain (seeProverbs 6:12-15).
• Isaiah targets leaders who abuse power, echoing earlier rebukes of corrupt officials inIsaiah 1:23.
• God’s justice exposes hidden agendas and condemns exploitation.
be respected• Respect must be grounded in truth and godliness (Romans 13:3-4).
• When Christ reigns, public honor aligns with divine appraisal;1 Corinthians 4:5 promises that the Lord “will disclose the motives of hearts.”
• The verse forecasts a community where esteem is reserved for those who genuinely serve, reflecting Jesus’ model inMark 10:43-45.
summaryIsaiah 32:5 foretells a time when God rectifies social deceit: fools lose the mask of nobility, scoundrels forfeit unearned respect, and titles finally mirror character. The verse assures believers that the Lord is moving history toward a kingdom where truth governs honor and righteousness defines leadership.