Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of falsehood, who draw sin as with cart ropes,
English Standard Version (ESV)
These verses use a powerful metaphor of sin as a heavy load that people willingly pull. It's not that sin just happens to us; we actively choose to drag it, starting with "cords of vanity"—deceptive justifications and weak arguments. As we continue, these cords strengthen into "cart ropes," signifying a deep, deliberate commitment to sin, showing how we actively enlist ourselves in the service of wrongdoing.
Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of falsehood, who draw sin as with cart ropes,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Isaiah, following a song lamenting Israel's unfaithfulness, now pronounces a series of "woes" against specific sins. This verse describes people who actively and deliberately entangle themselves in sin, gradually deepening their commitment until it becomes a powerful, irresistible force in their lives, much like hauling a heavy cart. This imagery of "drawing iniquity" sets the stage for further rebukes of the people's willful rebellion against God and their scornful dismissal of His warnings.
Ever felt like a small habit slowly turned into a big problem? Isaiah uses a vivid image to show how sin can start innocently, but grow with alarming speed.
The verse describes iniquity being drawn with 'cords of vanity' and sin with 'cart ropes.' This isn't about being dragged into sin unwillingly, but rather actively drawing it to ourselves.
The Gentle Pull
Initially, sin might seem weak or insignificant, like a slender thread ('cords of vanity'). These 'cords' are described as 'vanity' or 'falsehood,' meaning they're based on deceitful arguments, flimsy excuses, or misleading rationalizations. They promise freedom or pleasure but are ultimately empty.
The Unstoppable Force
As these small cords are continually pulled, they strengthen and multiply, becoming like 'cart ropes.' This signifies a powerful, almost irresistible force. What started as a subtle temptation has grown into a massive, ingrained habit that drags the person deeper and deeper into destruction. It's the idea of an evil inclination growing from a fine hair-string to thick ropes capable of pulling a heavy cart.
Are you merely tempted by sin, or are you actively seeking it out? Isaiah’s 'woe' is directed at those who don't just fall into sin, but deliberately pull it toward themselves.
The phrase 'draw iniquity' suggests an active, intentional engagement with sin. It's not about being caught off guard but about actively seeking, soliciting, and striving to commit wrongdoing.
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Active Engagement
This implies a conscious effort to pursue sin. It means finding opportunities, using all sorts of deceptive arguments ('cords of vanity') to justify actions, and putting in significant effort and strength, like pulling a heavy cart ('cart ropes').
Scoffing at God's Justice
This active pursuit is often coupled with a dangerous defiance. The commentaries mention the sentiment behind this verse as people saying, 'Let God hasten his work and bring his judgment, that we may see it!' This isn't a genuine desire for justice but a scornful challenge, implying disbelief in God's power or willingness to act. They are so entrenched in their sin that they dare God to prove His warnings are real.
Understand the original words
hoy · Hebrew Interjection
An expression of intense grief, sorrow, or a prophetic pronouncement of impending judgment and divine condemnation upon those persisting in rebellion.
avon · Hebrew Noun
Moral perversity, twistedness, or guilt; it refers to the act of departing from the right path or the distortion of God’s standard.
shav · Hebrew Noun
Deception, fraud, or intentional untruthfulness; it signifies that which is contrary to the reality and integrity of God.
chattah · Hebrew Noun
Missing the mark of God’s standard; a failure to fulfill the purpose for which God created man, resulting in a state of separation from Him.
Isaiah uses the imagery of 'cords of vanity' and 'cart ropes' to condemn the people of Judah. They are actively and forcefully drawing sin and its consequences upon themselves through deceitful practices and a stubborn refusal to acknowledge God's judgment, especially in the context of the looming Assyrian threat and its devastating consequences for the region.
c. 8th century BC
Assyrian Empire's Rise
The Neo-Assyrian Empire was a dominant force in the ancient Near East, known for its military might and expansionist policies. Their presence loomed over the kingdoms of Israel and Judah.
c. 740 BC
Isaiah's Ministry Begins
Isaiah is called to prophesy during a time of political instability and perceived moral decay in Judah, facing the growing threat of Assyria.
c. 734-732 BC
Syro-Ephraimitic War
Assyria's intervention in a conflict between Syria and the northern kingdom of Israel led to the deportation of northern tribes, serving as a stark warning to Judah.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, Samaria, fell to the Assyrians, leading to the exile of the northern tribes and a greater sense of dread in Judah.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
King Sennacherib of Assyria besieged Jerusalem. While the city was not captured, the surrounding towns were devastated, and a heavy tribute was imposed on Judah.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
The Babylonian Empire, having overthrown the Assyrians, began deporting Jewish elites to Babylon, marking the start of the Babylonian exile.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple, leading to the further exile of the remaining population.
This passage speaks of a 'law of sin' in our members that 'takes me captive,' mirroring Isaiah's imagery of being drawn into sin by powerful 'cords' and 'ropes.'
Proverbs 1:10-14It describes the enticement of sinners to 'lie in wait for blood' and 'swallow them up alive,' which parallels how people willingly draw iniquity to themselves with deceptive means.
Jeremiah 2:22This verse describes sin as being 'marked with a staff of iron' and 'inscribed with the point of a diamond,' showing a deep, ingrained sinfulness that, like Isaiah's ropes, signifies strong attachment to wrongdoing.
Galatians 5:18This passage contrasts being 'led by the Spirit' with being 'not under the law,' highlighting that those not led by the Spirit are vulnerable to being 'drawn' into sin by their own desires, much like the imagery in Isaiah.
barnesIsaiah 5:18: "Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope:"
Wo unto them ... - This is a new denunciation. It introduces another form of sin, and threatens its appropriate punishment. That draw iniquity with cords of vanity - The general idea in this verse and the next, is, doubtless, that of plunging deeper and deeper into sin. The word "sin" here, has been sometimes supposed to mean "the punishment" for sin. The word has that meaning sometimes, b…
gillIsaiah 5:18: "Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope:"
Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity,.... The prophet returns to the wicked again, and goes on with the account of their sin and punishment; and here describes such, not that are drawn into sin unawares, through the prevalence of their own hearts' lusts and corruptions, through the temptations of Satan, the snares of the world, or the persuasions of others; but such who dr…
These verses use a powerful metaphor of sin as a heavy load that people willingly pull. It's not that sin just happens to us; we actively choose to drag it, starting with "cords of vanity"—deceptive justifications and weak arguments. As we continue, these cords strengthen into "cart ropes," signifying a deep, deliberate commitment to sin, showing how we actively enlist ourselves in the service of wrongdoing.
Isaiah, following a song lamenting Israel's unfaithfulness, now pronounces a series of "woes" against specific sins. This verse describes people who actively and deliberately entangle themselves in sin, gradually deepening their commitment until it becomes a powerful, irresistible force in their lives, much like hauling a heavy cart. This imagery of "drawing iniquity" sets the stage for further rebukes of the people's willful rebellion against God and their scornful dismissal of His warnings.
Isaiah, following a song lamenting Israel's unfaithfulness, now pronounces a series of "woes" against specific sins. This verse describes people who actively and deliberately entangle themselves in sin, gradually deepening their commitment until it becomes a powerful, irresistible force in their lives, much like hauling a heavy cart. This imagery of "drawing iniquity" sets the stage for further rebukes of the people's willful rebellion against God and their scornful dismissal of His warnings.
"Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of falsehood, who draw sin as with cart ropes," — These verses use a powerful metaphor of sin as a heavy load that people willingly pull. It's not that sin just happens to us; we actively choose to drag it, starting with "cords of vanity"—deceptive…
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Last reviewed October 2026