Isaiah 9:21
What does Isaiah 9:21 mean?
A plain-English look at Isaiah 9:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Isaiah 9:21 means
This final verse of the chapter illustrates the ultimate internal fragmentation and self-destruction within Israel, specifically mentioning the tribes of "Manasseh" and "Ephraim." Though they are brothers (descendants of Joseph), they turn against each other, locked in a devouring internal conflict. Yet, despite their mutual animosity, they temporarily unite "against Judah," highlighting their shared rebellion against the divinely appointed Davidic line and their persistent defiance. The chapter concludes with the repeated, ominous refrain: "For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still." This emphasizes God's unwavering judgment until genuine repentance occurs.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Manasseh, Ephraim; and Ephraim, Manasseh; and they together shall be against Judah. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Manasseh, Ephraim; and Ephraim, Manasseh: and they together shall be against Judah. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Manasseh, Ephraim; and Ephraim, Manasseh; and they together shall be against Judah. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Manasseh was making a meal of Ephraim, and Ephraim of Manasseh; and together they were attacking Judah. For all this his wrath is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Manasseh--Ephraim, and Ephraim--Manasseh, Together they <FI>are<Fi> against Judah, With all this not turned back hath His anger. And still His hand is stretched out!
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752After all these things his indignation is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Manasseh, Ephraim, and Ephraim, Manasseh; [and] they together are against Judah. For all this his anger is not turned away, and his hand is stretched out still.
Context
Concluding the section on God's judgment against unrepentant Israel, this verse illustrates the final stage of internal disarray, with brother fighting brother even as they unite against Judah. It brings the cycle of judgment to a climax, leaving an unsettling picture of the nation's spiritual and social ruin. This context is vital as it not only summarizes the devastating consequences of their apostasy but also reiterates God's persistent anger, leaving the reader with the somber reality of unfulfilled justice.
v.20And one shall snatch on the right hand, and be hungry; and he shall eat on the left hand, and they shall not be satisfied: they shall eat every man the flesh of his own arm:
v.21This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 5:25
Therefore is the anger of Jehovah kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them; and the mountains tremble, and their dead bodies are as refuse in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.
- 2 Chronicles 28:6
For Pekah the son of Remaliah slew in Judah a hundred and twenty thousand in one day, all of them valiant men; because they had forsaken Jehovah, the God of their fathers.
- Matthew 24:10
And then shall many stumble, and shall deliver up one another, and shall hate one another.
- Isaiah 9:12
the Syrians before, and the Philistines behind; and they shall devour Israel with open mouth. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.
- 2 Kings 15:30
And Hoshea the son of Elah made a conspiracy against Pekah the son of Remaliah, and smote him, and slew him, and reigned in his stead, in the twentieth year of Jotham the son of Uzziah.
- Judges 7:2
And Jehovah said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me.
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