King James Version

What Does Isaiah 10:13 Mean?

Isaiah 10:13 in the King James Version says “For he saith, By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom; for I am prudent: and I have removed the boun...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For he saith, By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom; for I am prudent: and I have removed the bounds of the people, and have robbed their treasures , and I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant man: a valiant: or, many people”

Isaiah 10:13 · KJV

StrengthWisdom

Context

11

Shall I not, as I have done unto Samaria and her idols, so do to Jerusalem and her idols?

12

Wherefore it shall come to pass, that when the Lord hath performed his whole work upon mount Zion and on Jerusalem, I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks. punish: Heb. visit upon stout: Heb. greatness of the heart

13

For he saith, By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom; for I am prudent: and I have removed the bounds of the people, and have robbed their treasures , and I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant man: a valiant: or, many people

14

And my hand hath found as a nest the riches of the people: and as one gathereth eggs that are left, have I gathered all the earth; and there was none that moved the wing, or opened the mouth, or peeped.

15

Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? or shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? as if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up, or as if the staff should lift up itself, as if it were no wood. the rod: or, a rod should shake them that lift it up itself, as if: or, that which is not wood

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Assyria's pride is quoted directly: 'By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom.' This exemplifies autonomous humanism—attributing success solely to human capability. The claim to remove borders and rob treasures boasts of imperial conquest. 'I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant man' glorifies military prowess. This hubris—claiming credit for what God orchestrated—guarantees judgment. Pride that denies God's sovereignty provokes His wrath.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Assyrian royal inscriptions perfectly match this description. Sennacherib's annals boast: 'By the might of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom, for I am prudent.' They attribute victories to personal strength and patron gods, never acknowledging Yahweh's sovereignty. This archaeological confirmation validates Isaiah's prophetic insight into Assyrian pride. Such boasting made their eventual fall more dramatic.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we sometimes claim credit for what God has accomplished through us?
  2. What is the relationship between pride and denying God's sovereignty over our successes?
  3. How can we cultivate humility by recognizing God's hand in all our achievements?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
כִּ֣י1 of 16
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אָמַ֗ר2 of 16

“For he saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בְּכֹ֤חַ3 of 16

“By the strength”

H3581

vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)

יָדִי֙4 of 16

“of my hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

עָשִׂ֔יתִי5 of 16

“I have done”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

וּבְחָכְמָתִ֖י6 of 16

“it and by my wisdom”

H2451

wisdom (in a good sense)

כִּ֣י7 of 16
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נְבֻנ֑וֹתִי8 of 16

“for I am prudent”

H995

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

וְאָסִ֣יר׀9 of 16

“and I have removed”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

גְּבוּלֹ֣ת10 of 16

“the bounds”

H1367

a boundary, region

עַמִּ֗ים11 of 16

“of the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וַעֲתֽיּדֹתֵיהֶם֙12 of 16
H6264

prepared; by implication, skilful; feminine plural the future; also treasure

שׁוֹשֵׂ֔תִי13 of 16

“and have robbed”

H8154

to plunder

וְאוֹרִ֥יד14 of 16

“and I have put down”

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

כַּאבִּ֖יר15 of 16

“like a valiant”

H47

a valiant one

יוֹשְׁבִֽים׃16 of 16

“the inhabitants”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 10:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 10:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 4:30Deuteronomy 8:17Ezekiel 28:2-92 Kings 18:15Ezekiel 26:22 Kings 19:22-24

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