Isaiah 5:21 net — Beware, those who think they are wise, those who think they possess understanding.

NET Bible

"Beware, those who think they are wise, those who think they possess understanding."

— Isaiah 5:21, NET Bible

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Isaiah 5:21 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Isaiah 5 — Context

18

Beware, those who pull evil along using cords of emptiness are as good as dead, who pull sin as with cart ropes.

19

They say,“Let him hurry, let him act quickly, so we can see; let the plan of the Holy One of Israel take shape and come to pass, then we will know it!”

20

Beware, those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness into light and light into darkness, who turn bitter into sweet and sweet into bitter.

21

Beware, those who think they are wise, those who think they possess understanding.

22

Beware, those who are champions at drinking, who display great courage when mixing strong drinks.

23

They pronounce the guilty innocent for a payoff, they ignore the just cause of the innocent.

24

Therefore, as flaming fire devours straw, and dry grass disintegrates in the flames, so their root will rot, and their flower will blow away like dust. For they have rejected the law of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, they have spurned the commands of the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 5:21 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Isaiah 5:21 say?
Isaiah 5:21 in the NET Bible reads: “Beware, those who think they are wise, those who think they possess understanding.”
Where is Isaiah 5:21 in the Bible?
Isaiah 5:21 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Isaiah, chapter 5, verse 21.
Who wrote Isaiah?
Isaiah is traditionally attributed to Isaiah son of Amoz. Many critical scholars propose multiple authors ("Deutero-" and "Trito-Isaiah") for chapters 40–66; conservative scholarship holds to single Isaianic authorship. It was written c. 740–680 BC.
What is the book of Isaiah about?
Isaiah is the most quoted prophet in the New Testament — a sweeping vision of God's holiness, Judah's sin, coming judgment, and a promised Servant who would bear the iniquity of many. From "Holy, holy, holy" to "by his stripes we are healed," Isaiah speaks the gospel before the gospel.
What are the major themes of Isaiah?
Isaiah explores themes including Holiness, Judgment, Servant of the LORD, Hope, Salvation, Restoration. These themes shape the meaning and context of Isaiah 5:21.
What translation should I read Isaiah 5:21 in?
Isaiah 5:21 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Isaiah 5:21?
Isaiah 5:21 reads (NET): “Beware, those who think they are wise, those who think they possess understanding.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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