King James Version

What Does Isaiah 10:27 Mean?

Isaiah 10:27 in the King James Version says “And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing. be taken: Heb. remove”

Isaiah 10:27 · KJV

Context

25

For yet a very little while, and the indignation shall cease, and mine anger in their destruction.

26

And the LORD of hosts shall stir up a scourge for him according to the slaughter of Midian at the rock of Oreb: and as his rod was upon the sea, so shall he lift it up after the manner of Egypt.

27

And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing. be taken: Heb. remove

28

He is come to Aiath, he is passed to Migron; at Michmash he hath laid up his carriages:

29

They are gone over the passage: they have taken up their lodging at Geba; Ramah is afraid; Gibeah of Saul is fled.

Read Isaiah 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The burden (Assyrian oppression) will be removed and the yoke destroyed. The phrase 'because of the anointing' is challenging—it may refer to God's anointed king (Hezekiah/Messiah) or the anointing oil making yokes slip off. Either way, divine intervention breaks oppression. The yoke's destruction 'because of the anointing' ultimately points to Messiah, who breaks sin's yoke through His anointing by the Spirit. This illustrates Christ as the ultimate Deliverer who frees from all bondage.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Immediately fulfilled when Assyria's yoke was broken from Judah (701 BC). More fully fulfilled in Christ, the Anointed One (Messiah/Christ means 'Anointed'), who breaks sin's yoke (Matthew 11:28-30). Jesus's anointing by the Spirit (Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18) empowered Him to liberate captives. Every yoke-breaking deliverance in Scripture prefigures Christ's ultimate liberation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's anointing by the Spirit enable Him to break the yoke of sin and Satan?
  2. In what ways have you experienced Christ breaking yokes of bondage in your life?
  3. How do Old Testament deliverances point forward to Christ's greater deliverance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְהָיָ֣ה׀1 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בַּיּ֣וֹם2 of 14

“And it shall come to pass in that day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֗וּא3 of 14
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יָס֤וּר4 of 14

“shall be taken away”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

סֻבֳּלוֹ֙5 of 14

“that his burden”

H5448

load (figuratively)

מֵעַ֣ל6 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

שִׁכְמֶ֔ךָ7 of 14

“from off thy shoulder”

H7926

the neck (between the shoulders) as the place of burdens; figuratively, the spur of a hill

עֹ֖ל8 of 14

“and his yoke”

H5923

a yoke (as imposed on the neck), literally or figuratively

מֵעַ֣ל9 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

צַוָּארֶ֑ךָ10 of 14

“from off thy neck”

H6677

the back of the neck (as that on which burdens are bound)

וְחֻבַּ֥ל11 of 14

“shall be destroyed”

H2254

to wind tightly (as a rope), i.e., to bind; specifically, by a pledge; figuratively, to pervert, destroy; also to writhe in pain (especially of partur

עֹ֖ל12 of 14

“and his yoke”

H5923

a yoke (as imposed on the neck), literally or figuratively

מִפְּנֵי13 of 14

“because”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

שָֽׁמֶן׃14 of 14

“of the anointing”

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

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 10:27 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 10:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 9:4Luke 4:18Isaiah 14:25Psalms 105:151 John 2:20Psalms 45:7

Places in This Verse

Rimmon 1Natural Area · Modern: El Jai Cave · 31.85°N, 35.31°E4 verses across 2 books
View all places in Isaiah 10 →

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 10 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Isaiah 10 with CommentaryAll Isaiah ChaptersComplete Isaiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes