KJV ORIGINAL
Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
They declare guilty people innocent when they're paid to do so, and they deny justice to people who are actually in the right!
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
God is condemning corrupt judges and leaders who take bribes to protect wrongdoers while punishing innocent people.
📚 Historical Context
This verse comes from Isaiah's series of 'woes' against the corrupt leaders of Judah around 740-700 BC. During this time, the judicial system had become deeply corrupted, with judges accepting bribes and wealthy people buying their way out of consequences for their crimes. Isaiah was speaking against the social injustice that was tearing apart God's covenant community.
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