Hear this, O house of Jacob, who are called by the name of Israel, and who came from the waters of Judah, who swear by the name of the LORD and confess the God of Israel, but not in truth or right.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Even though they bear the name of Israel and claim to worship God, their actions reveal a deep disconnect. The verse highlights that true faith isn't just about outward rituals like swearing by God's name, but requires sincerity in one's heart and actions – something these people were missing.
Hear this, O house of Jacob, who are called by the name of Israel, and who came from the waters of Judah, who swear by the name of the LORD and confess the God of Israel, but not in truth or right.
English Standard Version (ESV)
God addresses the house of Jacob, who claim the name of Israel and trace their lineage to Judah, highlighting their outward religious practices like swearing by the Lord's name. However, He immediately exposes their hypocrisy, stating that their worship and confession are not genuine but lack truth and righteousness, pointing to their formal adherence rather than heartfelt devotion.
God calls his people by their covenant name, 'Israel,' a name meant to signify struggle and faith. But in this moment, that name feels like a tragic irony.
Isaiah addresses the "house of Jacob," who are "called by the name of Israel." This is not just any name; it's a covenant name, a title bestowed by God after Jacob’s wrestling match where his life was transformed (Genesis 32:28). It signifies a chosen people, set apart. Yet, the prophet immediately contrasts this honored title with their current reality. They are "come forth out of the waters of Judah," reminding them of their lineage and origin, but this lineage hasn't guaranteed faithfulness. The core issue is revealed: they "swear by the name of the LORD and confess the God of Israel," actions that should indicate true devotion, but they do so "not in truth or right."
This highlights a critical spiritual danger: claiming a sacred identity without living up to it. It’s the difference between wearing a uniform and being a soldier. God desires sincerity, where our outward actions align with our inward beliefs and our spoken words.
They call on God's name, they pledge allegiance, but their words are hollow. What does it mean for our worship to be 'not in truth or right'?
The verse pinpoints specific religious actions that have become meaningless: swearing by the LORD's name and mentioning the God of Israel. These weren't minor acts; swearing by a name was a profound acknowledgment of authority and allegiance. To swear by Yahweh's name meant recognizing Him as the one true God, the ultimate judge, and binding oneself to Him.
However, the phrase "but not in truth or right" exposes the deep disconnect. Their oaths and confessions were like a performance – outwardly correct, but inwardly empty. "Truth" speaks to the sincerity of their hearts, the genuineness of their belief. "Righteousness" (or 'rightness') refers to the integrity of their actions, how their lives aligned with God's commands. When these are absent, even the most sacred rituals become mere lip service, a form of hypocrisy that God deeply detests. It’s a warning that our faith must be lived out, not just spoken about.
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Understand the original words
Ya'aqov · Hebrew Proper Noun
In this context, it represents the physical descendants of the patriarch Jacob/Israel, often used to emphasize their covenantal identity and responsibility before God.
Yisra'el · Hebrew Proper Noun
The new name given to the patriarch Jacob by God, representing the people chosen to be in covenant relationship with Yahweh.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
A declaration of the personal, covenantal name of God, revealing His self-existence, holiness, and faithfulness to His people.
'emet · Hebrew Noun
Refers to faithfulness, sincerity, and consistency with God’s revealed character and commands; it signifies alignment with reality as defined by God.
This verse speaks to the descendants of Jacob and Israel who are in exile in Babylon. They are addressed as 'sons of Judah,' emphasizing their lineage from the southern kingdom. Despite their outward religious practices, like swearing by the Lord's name, their hearts are far from Him. This spiritual hypocrisy is particularly poignant in the context of the impending fall of Babylon and the promised return, highlighting God's disappointment with His people's insincere worship even as He works to restore them.
c. 722 BC
Fall of the Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern Kingdom of Israel, exiling many of its inhabitants. This event marks a significant step in the division of the Israelite people.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Under Nebuchadnezzar II, Babylon begins deporting Judeans to Babylon, including members of the royal family and educated elite, initiating the Babylonian Exile.
597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
A further wave of deportations occurs, including prominent figures and artisans. This period deepens the experience of exile and separation from the promised land.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, leading to the final and largest deportation of Judeans to Babylon. This marks the nadir of Israel's national and religious life.
c. 550 BC
Rise of Cyrus the Great
Cyrus the Great begins his conquests, uniting the Medes and Persians and setting his sights on the Babylonian Empire. His rise signals a potential shift in geopolitical power.
539 BC— this verse
Fall of Babylon
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon. This pivotal event paves the way for the return of the Jewish exiles to Jerusalem.
538 BC
Edict of Cyrus
Cyrus issues a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland and rebuild their Temple, marking the beginning of the return from exile.
This passage highlights God's uniqueness and truth in contrast to idols, echoing Isaiah's critique of the Israelites' insincere worship and their reliance on false gods.
Matthew 15:8-9Jesus quotes Isaiah in this New Testament passage, directly addressing the hypocrisy of people who honor God with their lips but whose hearts are far from Him, mirroring the core issue in Isaiah 48:1.
Hosea 11:12This verse speaks of Judah's deceitfulness and impurity, similar to how Isaiah condemns the house of Jacob for their insincere vows and actions, showing a recurring theme of national unfaithfulness.
Psalm 78:36-37This psalm describes how the people of Israel were deceitful and insincere in their covenant with God, despite His mighty acts, paralleling Isaiah's accusation that the house of Jacob swore by the Lord but not in truth or righteousness.
pulpitIsaiah 48:1: "Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of the LORD, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness."
Verse 1. - Jacob... Israel (camp. Isaiah 40:27; Isaiah 41:8, 14; Isaiah 43:1, 22; Isaiah 44:1, etc.). "Jacob" is the natural and secular designation; "Israel" is a spiritual or covenant name (Cheyne). Both terms being appropriate to the ten tribes…
barnesIsaiah 48:1: "Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of the LORD, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness."
Hear ye this - This is an address to the Jews regarded as in Babylon, and is designed to remind them of their origin, and of their privileges as the descendants of Jacob, and having the name of Israel (compare the notes at Isaiah 43:1 ). And are com…
Even though they bear the name of Israel and claim to worship God, their actions reveal a deep disconnect. The verse highlights that true faith isn't just about outward rituals like swearing by God's name, but requires sincerity in one's heart and actions – something these people were missing.
God addresses the house of Jacob, who claim the name of Israel and trace their lineage to Judah, highlighting their outward religious practices like swearing by the Lord's name. However, He immediately exposes their hypocrisy, stating that their worship and confession are not genuine but lack truth and righteousness, pointing to their formal adherence rather than heartfelt devotion.
God addresses the house of Jacob, who claim the name of Israel and trace their lineage to Judah, highlighting their outward religious practices like swearing by the Lord's name. However, He immediately exposes their hypocrisy, stating that their worship and confession are not genuine but lack truth and righteousness, pointing to their formal adherence rather than heartfelt devotion.
"Hear this, O house of Jacob, who are called by the name of Israel, and who came from the waters of Judah, who swear by the name of the LORD and confess the God of Israel, but not in truth or right." — Even though they bear the name of Israel and claim to worship God, their actions reveal a deep disconnect. The verse highlights that true faith isn't just about outward rituals like swearing by God's…
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Last reviewed October 2026