Several features of this verse need to be noted because they are important elements in Isaiah’s overall presentation. First of all, we note the introductory word Ah, which translates a Hebrew particle that is also rendered elsewhere as “Woe.” It introduces what is often called a Woe Oracle, by which Isaiah condemns certain groups or individuals (see, for example, verse 24; 5.8, 11, 18, 20).

Secondly, as he often does, Isaiah piles up a series of noun phrases to describe people or situations. Usually these are in groups of three or four. In describing Israel here, four synonymous phrases are used, while a group of three clauses describes Israel’s actions.

Thirdly, the phrase the Holy One of Israel is a distinctive title given to Yahweh in this book; it is found 25 times. The LORD’s holiness is of particular significance to the prophet; see 6.3.

The Hebrew word translated Ah is a cry of grief here; it is also a particle of address, calling attention to what follows. The hearer or reader knows that what follows is a word of sharp criticism and condemnation and not one of praise. This is an important introductory discourse marker and translators should try to use a word or expression that is equivalent to the Hebrew cry of despair. If none is available, Good News Translation‘s rendering of the meaning of the particle with the phrase “You are doomed” is a possible model. New Jerusalem Bible begins the verse with “Disaster,” and the 1997 edition of Bible en français courant has “How unfortunate.” New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh uses “Ah” consistently. Revised English Bible and Contemporary English Version do not render it explicitly here, counting on the context to make its meaning clear.

Sinful nation is literally “a nation sinning.” The Hebrew uses a participle to describe the people. The people of Israel have not merely been wrong at certain times. Rather, they are perpetual sinners, they continuously do evil, and they form a nation of sinners. Nation renders a general Hebrew term often used to refer to nations other than Israel, but not exclusively so. Here it clearly points to Israel. Contemporary English Version opens the verse by addressing Israel directly, without translating the introductory particle: “Israel, you are a sinful nation.” Bible en français courant has “guilty nation.”

A people laden with iniquity: People translates the regular Hebrew term used to refer to the people of Israel. In many languages the word people is translated “persons,” meaning a group of individuals without a common bond. If only one term in the sense of “nation” is available in a language, maybe the first two lines can be combined with a single subject, such as “nation/people.” In this line the people of Israel are described literally as being “heavy [with] iniquity.” The Hebrew uses another participle here, this time with the verb “be heavy.” The Hebrew word translated iniquity differs only slightly in meaning from “sin.” It can also be rendered “guilt.” For this line Revised English Bible has “a people weighed down with iniquity,” and Good News Translation says “Your sins drag you down!” (placed as the last of the descriptive phrases).

Offspring of evildoers is literally “seed of ones doing evil.” The focus of the phrase is not on putting blame on the parents; rather, it is an idiom carrying a harshly critical tone. It is directed against the same group that is mentioned in the previous phrases. The idea is that the people themselves have become evil. Bible en français courant translates “race of evildoers.” New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh does well with “Brood of evildoers!”

Sons who deal corruptly: Sons is the same term as in verse 2 and refers to all the people. New International Version, New Jerusalem Bible, and New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh say “children” though the reference here is obviously not to young children. Good News Translation translates offspring and sons with the single word “people,” which is a valid option. “Generation,” “family,” or any other synonym is acceptable too. Both here and in the previous phrase, in fact, there is an implied broader meaning in which the terms offspring and sons refer to the nation as it exists through time, from generation to generation.

The verb phrase deal corruptly renders another Hebrew participle, which is literally “ones doing corruptly” or “ones destroying.” Deal corruptly refers to acting unjustly or dishonestly. Isaiah condemns Judah’s leaders for being unjust and for not showing compassion to those who were defenseless, such as widows, orphans and the poor (see verses 16-17).

The three clauses that follow are in a general sense synonymous. Each describes the broken relationship between Israel and Yahweh and claims that the fault lies with Israel itself. Yahweh speaks through his prophet, using third person pronouns to refer to the people of Israel. Translators can retain this grammatical form, but if Israel is being addressed (see the introductory comments on 1.4-9 above), this can be made explicit. Translators may then follow the versions that use second person forms here (see Good News Translation).

They have forsaken the LORD: The prophet now begins to criticize the people by listing their faults. The three clauses describe their evil ways. Their first fault is that they have abandoned Yahweh. The Hebrew verb rendered forsaken is a term used in the context of corrupt worship. Elsewhere in the book it is clear that the people continue to be “religious,” but their religious actions do not match their life values (see, for example, verses 11-17). This should be left implicit in the translation, however, so a good alternative model for this line is “they [or, you] have abandoned the LORD.”

They have despised the Holy One of Israel: A similar charge is made in 5.24. The Hebrew verb rendered despised may be translated “hated / detested / looked down upon.” The word Holy in Hebrew refers to being set apart, so it relates to the character of Yahweh as the God who is distinctive and unique. It also denotes a moral quality of purity and complete dedication. If elsewhere the translator has rendered Holy as “set aside for God,” this expression obviously can not be used here when it is applied to God himself. A word like “good” would not be acceptable either since it is too limited, but here it may be rendered “[totally] perfect/pure/different.” The phrase of Israel in the divine title refers to Yahweh’s dedication to his people Israel. Also, because Yahweh is Holy, the phrase is a reminder that Israel is called to reflect that same holiness or distinctiveness, particularly in its total commitment to Yahweh. In languages where the Holy One of Israel is difficult to render, a valid alternative is “the Holy God of Israel.” Note that “the Holy Person of Israel” could be a possibility unless “person” in the receptor language automatically refers to a human being. A simple test would be to ask whether God could be named a “person.”

They are utterly estranged: This third accusation against Israel is that they have turned their backs on God. With the verb are estranged, the adverb utterly is used to speak of a deliberate turning away from Yahweh. The people of Israel have made themselves strangers to God. Translators should not be afraid to use an idiomatic expression or an ideophone that evokes this meaning forcefully.

Alternative models for this verse are:

• What a sinful nation you are, [Israel,] overloaded with wickedness!
Evil like your ancestors, a nation steeped in corruption!
You have turned against Yahweh
and shown contempt for the Holy One of Israel.
You have turned your back completely on him.

• Oh what a sinful nation they are, a people burdened with wickedness!
Descendants of those who do evil, a nation thoroughly corrupt!
They have turned their back on Yahweh,
they show contempt for Israel’s Holy One,
they are completely alienated from him.

Quoted with permission from Ogden, Graham S. and Sterk, Jan. A Handbook on Isaiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .