King James Version

What Does Isaiah 2:13 Mean?

Isaiah 2:13 in the King James Version says “And upon all the cedars of Lebanon, that are high and lifted up, and upon all the oaks of Bashan, — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And upon all the cedars of Lebanon, that are high and lifted up, and upon all the oaks of Bashan,

Isaiah 2:13 · KJV


Context

11

The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.

12

For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low:

13

And upon all the cedars of Lebanon, that are high and lifted up, and upon all the oaks of Bashan,

14

And upon all the high mountains, and upon all the hills that are lifted up,

15

And upon every high tower, and upon every fenced wall,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The cedars of Lebanon and oaks of Bashan—renowned for height and strength—symbolize human pride and self-exaltation. God's promise that His day will be 'upon' these proud symbols indicates judgment on all that exalts itself against divine authority. The typology anticipates eschatological 'day of the LORD' when all human pride is humbled (Philippians 2:10-11). This reflects the Reformed conviction that God's glory tolerates no rival; His judgment necessarily targets autonomous self-assertion.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Cedar and oak were prized construction materials for palaces and temples (1 Kings 5:6-10), symbolizing human architectural achievement and power. Their judgment represents the toppling of human pretension.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'cedars' and 'oaks'—sources of human pride and accomplishment—does God target for judgment in our lives?
  2. How does the certainty of pride's eventual humbling inform present humility?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְעַל֙1 of 10
H5921

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

כָּל2 of 10
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אַרְזֵ֣י3 of 10

And upon all the cedars

H730

a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)

הַלְּבָנ֔וֹן4 of 10

of Lebanon

H3844

lebanon, a mountain range in palestine

הָרָמִ֖ים5 of 10

that are high

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

וְהַנִּשָּׂאִ֑ים6 of 10

and lifted up

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

וְעַ֖ל7 of 10
H5921

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

כָּל8 of 10
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אַלּוֹנֵ֥י9 of 10

and upon all the oaks

H437

oak tree

הַבָּשָֽׁן׃10 of 10

of Bashan

H1316

bashan (often with the article), a region east of the jordan


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 2:13 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 2:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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