King James Version

What Does Isaiah 11:13 Mean?

Isaiah 11:13 in the King James Version says “The envy also of Ephraim shall depart, and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off: Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and ... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The envy also of Ephraim shall depart, and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off: Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim.

Isaiah 11:13 · KJV


Context

11

And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.

12

And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth. corners: Heb. wings

13

The envy also of Ephraim shall depart, and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off: Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim.

14

But they shall fly upon the shoulders of the Philistines toward the west; they shall spoil them of the east together: they shall lay their hand upon Edom and Moab; and the children of Ammon shall obey them. them of: Heb. the children of they shall lay: Heb. Edom and Moab shall be the laying on of their hand shall obey: Heb. their obedience

15

And the LORD shall utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea; and with his mighty wind shall he shake his hand over the river, and shall smite it in the seven streams, and make men go over dryshod. dryshod: Heb. in shoes


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ancient enmity between Ephraim (northern kingdom) and Judah (southern kingdom) will cease. 'The envy also of Ephraim shall depart' and 'Judah shall not vex Ephraim' promise mutual reconciliation. 'The adversaries of Judah shall be cut off' eliminates all opposition. This depicts comprehensive peace—not just absence of conflict but removal of envy, vexation, and adversarial attitudes. In Christ, former enemies become brothers, historical grudges dissolve, and perfect harmony emerges.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ephraim and Judah were often rivals or enemies (1 Kings 12; 2 Chronicles 28:12). Prophesies reconciliation that never fully occurred politically but is fulfilled spiritually in church. Jews and Gentiles, historically hostile, are reconciled in Christ (Ephesians 2:16). The principle extends to all human divisions—race, class, nationality—all overcome in Christ. The cutting off of adversaries ensures nothing threatens this unity.

Reflection Questions

  1. What historical enmities has Christ reconciled in His church?
  2. How do we overcome envy and vexation toward fellow believers from different backgrounds?
  3. What role does the removal of adversaries play in maintaining unity among God's people?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְסָ֙רָה֙1 of 16

shall depart

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

קִנְאַ֣ת2 of 16

The envy

H7068

jealousy or envy

אֶפְרָֽיִם׃3 of 16

Ephraim

H669

ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

וְצֹרְרֵ֥י4 of 16
H6862

a pebble (as in h6864)

וִֽיהוּדָ֖ה5 of 16

Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

יִכָּרֵ֑תוּ6 of 16

shall be cut off

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

אֶפְרָֽיִם׃7 of 16

Ephraim

H669

ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

לֹֽא8 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יְקַנֵּ֣א9 of 16

shall not envy

H7065

to be (causatively, make) zealous, i.e., (in a bad sense) jealous or envious

אֶת10 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וִֽיהוּדָ֖ה11 of 16

Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וִֽיהוּדָ֖ה12 of 16

Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

לֹֽא13 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָצֹ֥ר14 of 16

and the adversaries

H6887

to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive

אֶת15 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֶפְרָֽיִם׃16 of 16

Ephraim

H669

ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory


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 11:13 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 11:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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