Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Israel’s watchmen are blind, they all lack knowledge; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they lie around and dream, they love to sleep. New Living Translation For the leaders of my people— the LORD’s watchmen, his shepherds— are blind and ignorant. They are like silent watchdogs that give no warning when danger comes. They love to lie around, sleeping and dreaming. English Standard Version His watchmen are blind; they are all without knowledge; they are all silent dogs; they cannot bark, dreaming, lying down, loving to slumber. Berean Standard Bible Israel’s watchmen are blind, they are all oblivious; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they are dreamers lying around, loving to slumber. Berean Literal Bible His watchmen are blind—all of them! They do not know; all of them are mute dogs, they are not able to bark, dreaming lying down, loving to sleep. King James Bible His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. New King James Version His watchmen are blind, They are all ignorant; They are all dumb dogs, They cannot bark; Sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. New American Standard Bible His watchmen are blind, All of them know nothing. All of them are mute dogs unable to bark, Dreamers lying down, who love to slumber; NASB 1995 His watchmen are blind, All of them know nothing. All of them are mute dogs unable to bark, Dreamers lying down, who love to slumber; NASB 1977 His watchmen are blind, All of them know nothing. All of them are dumb dogs unable to bark, Dreamers lying down, who love to slumber; Legacy Standard Bible His watchmen are blind; All of them know nothing. All of them are mute dogs unable to bark, Dreamers lying down, who love to slumber; Amplified Bible Israel’s watchmen are blind, They are all without knowledge. They are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; Panting, lying down, they love to slumber. Berean Annotated Bible Israel’s watchmen are blind, they are all oblivious; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they are dreamers lying around, loving to slumber. Christian Standard Bible Israel’s watchmen are blind, all of them, they know nothing; all of them are mute dogs, they cannot bark; they dream, lie down, and love to sleep. Holman Christian Standard Bible Israel’s watchmen are blind, all of them, they know nothing; all of them are mute dogs, they cannot bark; they dream, lie down, and love to sleep. American Standard Version His watchmen are blind, they are all without knowledge; they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; dreaming, lying down, loving to slumber. Contemporary English Version You leaders of Israel should be watchdogs, protecting my people. But you can't see a thing, and you never warn them. Dozing and daydreaming are all you ever do. English Revised Version His watchmen are blind, they are all without knowledge; they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; dreaming, lying down, loving to slumber. GOD'S WORD® Translation [Israel's] watchmen are blind. None of them know anything. All of them are like dogs that are unable to bark. They lie around dreaming; they love to sleep. Good News Translation He says, "All the leaders, who are supposed to warn my people, are blind! They know nothing. They are like watch dogs that don't bark--they only lie around and dream. How they love to sleep! International Standard Version His watchmen are blind; they are all without knowledge. They are all dumb dogs— they cannot bark. They keep on dreaming and lying around, and they're lovers of sleep! NET Bible All their watchmen are blind, they are unaware. All of them are like mute dogs, unable to bark. They pant, lie down, and love to snooze. New Heart English Bible His watchmen are blind, they are all without knowledge; they are all mute dogs, they can't bark; dreaming, lying down, loving to slumber. Webster's Bible Translation His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIsrael’s watchmen are blind, they are all oblivious; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they are dreamers lying around, loving to slumber. World English Bible His watchmen are blind. They are all without knowledge. They are all mute dogs. They can’t bark— dreaming, lying down, loving to slumber. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionHis watchmen [are] blind—all of them, "" They have not known, "" All of them [are] mute dogs, they are not able to bark, "" Dozing, lying down, loving to slumber. Berean Literal Bible His watchmen are blind—all of them! They do not know; all of them are mute dogs, they are not able to bark, dreaming lying down, loving to sleep. Young's Literal Translation Blind are his watchmen -- all of them, They have not known, All of them are dumb dogs, they are not able to bark, Dozing, lying down, loving to slumber. Smith's Literal Translation Look about, ye blind; they all knew not, they all dumb dogs, they shall not be able to bark; dreaming, lying down, loving to slumber. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHis watchmen are all blind, they are all ignorant: dumb dogs not able to bark, seeing vain things, sleeping and loving dreams. Catholic Public Domain Version His watchmen are all blind. They are all ignorant. They are mute dogs without the ability to bark, seeing empty things, sleeping and loving dreams. New American Bible All the sentinels of Israel are blind, they are without knowledge; They are all mute dogs, unable to bark; Dreaming, reclining, loving their sleep. New Revised Standard Version Israel’s sentinels are blind, they are all without knowledge; they are all silent dogs that cannot bark; dreaming, lying down, loving to slumber. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAll that are blind can see, but they know not; they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; they see, but they lie down and slumber. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated See, all blind ones, and they do not know, all the dogs are dumb, and they cannot bark. They see and are lying down and they love to sleep OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917His watchmen are all blind, Without knowledge; They are all dumb dogs, They cannot bark; Raving, lying down, loving to slumber. Brenton Septuagint Translation See how they are all blinded: they have not known; they are dumb dogs that will not bark; dreaming of rest, loving to slumber. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Israel's Sinful Leaders9Come, all you beasts of the field; eat greedily, all you beasts of the forest. 10Israel’s watchmen are blind, they are all oblivious; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they are dreamers lying around, loving to slumber. 11Like ravenous dogs, they are never satisfied. They are shepherds with no discernment; they all turn to their own way, each one seeking his own gain:… Cross References Israel’s watchmen are blind, Ezekiel 33:6-7 But if the watchman sees the sword coming and fails to blow the horn to warn the people, and the sword comes and takes away a life, then that one will be taken away in his iniquity, but I will hold the watchman accountable for his blood.’ / As for you, O son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word from My mouth and give them the warning from Me. Ezekiel 3:17 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me. Matthew 15:14 Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” they are all oblivious; Jeremiah 8:7 Even the stork in the sky knows her appointed seasons. The turtledove, the swift, and the thrush keep their time of migration, but My people do not know the requirements of the LORD. Hosea 4:6 My 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. Isaiah 1:3 The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s manger, but Israel does not know; My people do not understand.” they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; Isaiah 62:6 On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD shall take no rest for yourselves, Ezekiel 33:2-6 “Son of man, speak to your people and tell them: ‘Suppose I bring the sword against a land, and the people of that land choose a man from among them, appointing him as their watchman, / and he sees the sword coming against that land and blows the ram’s horn to warn the people. / Then if anyone hears the sound of the horn but fails to heed the warning, and the sword comes and takes him away, his blood will be on his own head. … Jeremiah 6:17 I appointed watchmen over you and said, ‘Listen for the sound of the ram’s horn.’ But they answered, ‘We will not listen!’ they are dreamers lying around, Jude 1:8 Yet in the same way these dreamers defile their bodies, reject authority, and slander glorious beings. Jeremiah 23:25-32 “I have heard the sayings of the prophets who prophesy lies in My name: ‘I had a dream! I had a dream!’ / How long will this continue in the hearts of these prophets who prophesy falsehood, these prophets of the delusion of their own minds? / They suppose the dreams that they tell one another will make My people forget My name, just as their fathers forgot My name through the worship of Baal. … Deuteronomy 13:1-3 If a prophet or dreamer of dreams arises among you and proclaims a sign or wonder to you, / and if the sign or wonder he has spoken to you comes about, but he says, “Let us follow other gods (which you have not known) and let us worship them,” / you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. For the LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul. loving to slumber. Proverbs 20:13 Do not love sleep, or you will grow poor; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of food. Proverbs 6:9-11 How long will you lie there, O slacker? When will you get up from your sleep? / A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, / and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit. Proverbs 24:33-34 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, / and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit. Ezekiel 34:1-10 Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, / “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed their flock? / You eat the fat, wear the wool, and butcher the fattened sheep, but you do not feed the flock. … Treasury of Scripture His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. watchmen Isaiah 52:8 Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the LORD shall bring again Zion. Ezekiel 3:17 Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. are blind Isaiah 29:10 For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered. Jeremiah 14:13,14 Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, the prophets say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place… Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. they are all dumb Isaiah 58:1 Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. Jeremiah 6:13,14 For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely… Jeremiah 23:13,14 And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied in Baal, and caused my people Israel to err… sleeping. Proverbs 6:4-10 Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids… Proverbs 24:30-34 I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; … Jonah 1:2-6 Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me… Jump to Previous Able Bark Blind Dogs Dream Dreamers Dreaming Dumb Ignorant Israel's Lie Lying Mute Raving Sleep Sleeping Slumber Sound Tongues Unable WatchmenJump to Next Able Bark Blind Dogs Dream Dreamers Dreaming Dumb Ignorant Israel's Lie Lying Mute Raving Sleep Sleeping Slumber Sound Tongues Unable WatchmenIsaiah 56 1. The prophet exhorts to sanctification3. He promises it shall be general, without respect of persons 9. He protests against blind watchmen Israel’s watchmen are blind In the context of ancient Israel, watchmen were responsible for alerting the city of impending danger. Spiritually, this term refers to leaders and prophets who were supposed to guide and protect the people. The blindness of these watchmen indicates a failure to perceive spiritual truths and moral decay. This blindness is a metaphor for their inability to see the consequences of their actions or the needs of the people. In the New Testament, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for their spiritual blindness (Matthew 15:14), drawing a parallel to the leaders in Isaiah's time. they are all oblivious they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark they are dreamers lying around loving to slumber Persons / Places / Events 1. Israel's WatchmenThese are the leaders and prophets of Israel, tasked with guiding and protecting the people spiritually. In this context, they are criticized for failing in their duties. 2. Isaiah The prophet who conveyed God's messages to the people of Israel. He often addressed the spiritual and moral state of the nation. 3. Israel The nation chosen by God, often depicted in the Bible as needing guidance and correction due to their recurring disobedience. Teaching Points The Responsibility of LeadershipLeaders in the church are called to be vigilant and aware, guiding their congregations with wisdom and discernment. Spiritual blindness in leadership can lead to the downfall of the community. The Danger of Complacency Just as the watchmen loved to slumber, Christians must guard against spiritual complacency. We are called to be alert and active in our faith. The Importance of Spiritual Discernment Being spiritually discerning helps us recognize false teachings and remain steadfast in truth. This discernment is crucial for both leaders and laypeople. Accountability in the Community The community of believers should hold each other accountable, ensuring that leaders are fulfilling their roles and that everyone remains spiritually awake. The Call to Wakefulness Christians are encouraged to remain spiritually awake, actively engaging in prayer, study, and service to avoid the pitfalls of spiritual slumber. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Isaiah 56:10?2. How does Isaiah 56:10 describe the leaders' failure to watch over God's people? 3. What characteristics of "blind watchmen" can be seen in today's spiritual leaders? 4. How can we ensure vigilance in our spiritual leadership roles? 5. Compare Isaiah 56:10 with Ezekiel 34:2-6 on shepherding responsibilities. 6. What steps can believers take to avoid spiritual complacency in their communities? 7. What does Isaiah 56:10 mean by "blind watchmen" in a spiritual context? 8. How does Isaiah 56:10 challenge the leadership within the church today? 9. Why does Isaiah 56:10 describe the watchmen as "mute dogs"? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 56? 11. Why did Jesus refer to the Canaanite woman as a dog? 12. Isaiah 10:15-16: Does it contradict divine omnipotence to use flawed human empires to accomplish God's will, then punish them for their actions? 13. Isaiah 10:5-6: How does using a ruthless nation like Assyria as an instrument of punishment align with moral consistency? 14. How do we reconcile Isaiah 59:9-10, describing spiritual and moral blindness, with other biblical passages that suggest God provides ongoing guidance to His people? What Does Isaiah 56:10 Mean Israel’s watchmen are blind“Israel’s watchmen are blind” (Isaiah 56:10). • Watchmen were posted on city walls to spot danger; God likewise appointed prophets and leaders to guard the nation’s spiritual welfare (Ezekiel 3:17; 33:7). • Blindness here is moral and spiritual, not merely physical—leaders had functioning eyes yet refused to see truth (Matthew 15:14; John 9:40-41). • Because Scripture is accurate and literal, the indictment is factual: those tasked with warning Israel had lost spiritual sight and left the people exposed to judgment (Isaiah 1:5-6). they are all oblivious “They are all without knowledge.” • Ignorance is willful; God had given His law, prophets, and repeated calls to repentance (Jeremiah 6:17; Hosea 4:6). • When leaders ignore revelation, the flock follows into darkness (Revelation 3:17). • God’s people suffer when shepherds choose comfort over truth (Jeremiah 10:21). they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark • A good guard dog warns at the first hint of danger (Isaiah 62:6). Israel’s leaders were silent when sin advanced. • Silence in the pulpit lets wolves ravage the flock (Acts 20:29-31). • Instead of sounding the alarm, they allowed error to spread unchecked (2 Timothy 4:2-4; Philippians 3:2). they are dreamers lying around • Rather than standing watch, they indulged in daydreams—self-made visions that lull people into complacency (Jeremiah 23:25-32; Jude 8). • The picture is one of leaders sprawled in idle ease while enemies gather at the gate (Proverbs 24:30-34). loving to slumber • Their sin is not mere fatigue but an affection for ease—choosing sleep over service (Proverbs 6:9-11). • God repeatedly calls His people to wakefulness: “It is time to awaken from sleep” (Romans 13:11; Ephesians 5:14; Mark 13:35-37). • Slumbering shepherds forget that Christ could return at any moment, expecting faithfulness (1 Thessalonians 5:6). summary Isaiah 56:10 paints a tragic portrait of leaders who were meant to safeguard God’s people yet became blind, uninformed, silent, idle, and complacent. Because Scripture speaks plainly and accurately, the passage warns every generation: spiritual oversight demands clear vision, truthful knowledge, courageous proclamation, diligent vigilance, and alert readiness. Where these qualities vanish, God’s flock is imperiled; where they abound, the church stands secure until the Chief Shepherd appears. (10) His watchmen are blind.--These are the guides of the people, and specially the self-styled prophets, who are "blind" to the signs of the times, who are "dumb," and give no warning to the people of the real dangers that threaten them, who prophesy for the rewards of divination (Numbers 22:7 :1Samuel 9:7; Nehemiah 6:12), who are conspicuous for their luxury and intemperance. Given the men who are described in Isaiah 5:22; Isaiah 28:7-8; Isaiah 30:10, and the circumstances of Manasseh's reign, no other result could be expected. . . . Verse 10. - His watchmen are blind. Israel's "watchmen" are his guides and teachers, the prophets (Isaiah 6:17; Ezekiel 3:17; Habakkuk 2:1, etc.). At the time of which Isaiah speaks, they are "blind" (Isaiah 29:18; Isaiah 35:5; Isaiah 42:7, 16, 18, 19; Isaiah 43:8, etc.), or without knowledge - like the "blind guides" of the Gospel (Matthew 15:14; Luke 6:39, etc.). They have not the spiritual discernment which would enable them to lead the people aright. Further, they are dumb dogs. Instead of acting as faithful watch-dogs, who give warning of the approach of danger by their barking, they remain apathetic, and utter no warning at all. It is as if they passed their lives in sleep.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Israel’s watchmenצֹפָ֞יו (ṣō·p̄āw) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 6822: To lean forward, to peer into the distance, to observe, await are blind, עִוְרִ֤ים (‘iw·rîm) Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 5787: Blind they are all כֻּלָּם֙ (kul·lām) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every oblivious; יָדָ֔עוּ (yā·ḏā·‘ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 3045: To know they are all כֻּלָּם֙ (kul·lām) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every mute אִלְּמִ֔ים (’il·lə·mîm) Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 483: Mute (unable to speak) dogs, כְּלָבִ֣ים (kə·lā·ḇîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3611: A dog, a male prostitute they cannot לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no bark; לִנְבֹּ֑חַ (lin·bō·aḥ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 5024: To bark they are dreamers הֹזִים֙ (hō·zîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 1957: To dream, rave lying around, שֹֽׁכְבִ֔ים (šō·ḵə·ḇîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 7901: To lie down loving אֹהֲבֵ֖י (’ō·hă·ḇê) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct Strong's 157: To have affection f to slumber. לָנֽוּם׃ (lā·nūm) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 5123: To be drowsy, slumber Links Isaiah 56:10 NIVIsaiah 56:10 NLT Isaiah 56:10 ESV Isaiah 56:10 NASB Isaiah 56:10 KJV Isaiah 56:10 BibleApps.com Isaiah 56:10 Biblia Paralela Isaiah 56:10 Chinese Bible Isaiah 56:10 French Bible Isaiah 56:10 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Isaiah 56:10 His watchmen are blind they are all (Isa Isi Is) |
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