for those who guide this people have been leading them astray, and those who are guided by them are swallowed up.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that the "leaders" aren't just civil rulers, but specifically include those who "guide" with their words and teachings. Even more pointedly, the original language suggests these "leaders" are those who pronounce blessings or declare people fortunate, implying they are flattering the people into a false sense of security while leading them to ruin.
for those who guide this people have been leading them astray, and those who are guided by them are swallowed up.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage comes in the midst of a prophetic indictment against Israel for their continued sin and refusal to repent. Isaiah has described impending judgment, detailing how the nation is steeped in corruption from their leaders down to the common people. The verses immediately preceding and following this one highlight the comprehensive nature of God's impending judgment, which will spare no one due to their widespread wickedness.
Ever feel like you're being led down the wrong path? This verse speaks to a deep human problem: when those in charge mislead the people, both groups suffer.
Isaiah here highlights a devastating cycle of spiritual and practical failure. The leaders, whether civil or religious, are actively causing the people to 'err' – to wander off the right path.
What does it truly mean to be 'swallowed up'? This verse paints a stark picture of total ruin that extends beyond mere inconvenience.
The imagery of being 'swallowed up' is powerful and visceral. It's not just about making a mistake; it's about complete consumption and destruction.
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Understand the original words
me’ashere · Hebrew Participle (Verb)
Refers to individuals entrusted with leadership roles (priests, prophets, kings). When godly, they provide spiritual direction; when corrupt, they lead the community away from covenant fidelity to God.
tat’u · Hebrew Verb
To be led off the path of truth, righteousness, or divine commandment; often used to describe spiritual deception or the abandonment of God's ways.
This verse was spoken during a period when both the northern kingdom of Israel and, later, the southern kingdom of Judah, were facing catastrophic judgment. The corrupt leadership, described here as leading people astray, was a major factor contributing to their downfall and exile by empires like Assyria and Babylon.
c. 734 BC
Assyrian Invasion of Israel
Tiglath-pileser III of Assyria invades the northern kingdom of Israel (also called Ephraim or Samaria), conquering several cities and deporting parts of the population. This marks the beginning of the end for the northern kingdom.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Exile
The Assyrian king Shalmaneser V, and later Sargon II, conquer the northern kingdom of Israel, destroying its capital city, Samaria, and exiling the remaining population. This event seals the fate of the ten northern tribes.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
Sennacherib of Assyria invades the southern kingdom of Judah, devastating its cities and besieking Jerusalem. Although Jerusalem is miraculously spared, Judah is forced into vassalage.
586 BC
Babylonian Conquest of Judah
Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon conquers Jerusalem, destroys Solomon's Temple, and exiles the majority of the Judean population to Babylon. This marks the end of the Davidic monarchy and the nation of Judah.
539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon, allowing exiled peoples, including the Judeans, to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples.
c. 8th Century BC— this verse
Isaiah's Ministry in Judah
Isaiah prophesies during a time of political instability and impending judgment for both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah, warning against idolatry and corrupt leadership.
This passage echoes Isaiah's theme of corrupt leaders, stating that prophets prophesy falsely and priests rule by their means, leading to disaster for the people.
Micah 3:11This verse directly parallels Isaiah 9:16, highlighting how leaders in Jerusalem teach for hire and priests sell their learning, yet they all lean on the Lord, wrongly assuming His favor while disaster looms.
Ezekiel 34:1-10This passage describes God's judgment on the shepherds (leaders) of Israel who feed themselves instead of the flock, leading to the sheep being scattered and vulnerable, much like the people led astray in Isaiah.
Matthew 15:14Jesus directly quotes Isaiah when warning about blind leaders, stating that if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit, illustrating the destructive consequences of misguided leadership.
barnesIsaiah 9:16: "For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed."
For the leaders of this people ... - Note, Isaiah 3:12 . Hebrew 'They that call this people blessed' - referring more particularly to the false prophets. They that are led of them - Hebrew, 'They that are called blessed by them.' Are destroyed - Hebrew, 'Are swallowed up;' see the note at Isaiah 3:12. They are ruined; or swallowed up as in a vast whirlpool or vortex.
pulpitIsaiah 9:16: "For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed."
Verse 16. - The leaders of this people cause them to err (comp. Isaiah 3:12). Both the peoples were led into idolatry by their rulers, but Israel especially. Jeroboam, the first king, introduced the calf-worship, and his successors from first to last persisted in his sin. Ahab added the still grosset idolatry of Baal. Those who held high position under the kings were equally bad example…
The verse highlights that the "leaders" aren't just civil rulers, but specifically include those who "guide" with their words and teachings. Even more pointedly, the original language suggests these "leaders" are those who pronounce blessings or declare people fortunate, implying they are flattering the people into a false sense of security while leading them to ruin.
This passage comes in the midst of a prophetic indictment against Israel for their continued sin and refusal to repent. Isaiah has described impending judgment, detailing how the nation is steeped in corruption from their leaders down to the common people. The verses immediately preceding and following this one highlight the comprehensive nature of God's impending judgment, which will spare no one due to their widespread wickedness.
This passage comes in the midst of a prophetic indictment against Israel for their continued sin and refusal to repent. Isaiah has described impending judgment, detailing how the nation is steeped in corruption from their leaders down to the common people. The verses immediately preceding and following this one highlight the comprehensive nature of God's impending judgment, which will spare no one due to their widespread wickedness.
"for those who guide this people have been leading them astray, and those who are guided by them are swallowed up." — The verse highlights that the "leaders" aren't just civil rulers, but specifically include those who "guide" with their words and teachings. Even more pointedly, the original language suggests these…
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Last reviewed October 2026