King James Version

What Does Isaiah 21:15 Mean?

Isaiah 21:15 in the King James Version says “For they fled from the swords, from the drawn sword, and from the bent bow, and from the grievousness of war. from the s...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For they fled from the swords, from the drawn sword, and from the bent bow, and from the grievousness of war. from the swords: or, for fear, etc: Heb. from the face, etc”

Isaiah 21:15 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

13

The burden upon Arabia. In the forest in Arabia shall ye lodge, O ye travelling companies of Dedanim.

14

The inhabitants of the land of Tema brought water to him that was thirsty, they prevented with their bread him that fled. brought: or, bring ye

15

For they fled from the swords, from the drawn sword, and from the bent bow, and from the grievousness of war. from the swords: or, for fear, etc: Heb. from the face, etc

16

For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Within a year, according to the years of an hireling, and all the glory of Kedar shall fail:

17

And the residue of the number of archers, the mighty men of the children of Kedar, shall be diminished: for the LORD God of Israel hath spoken it. archers: Heb. bows

Read Isaiah 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'For they fled from the swords, from the drawn sword, and from the bent bow, and from the grievousness of war.' The cause of refugee crisis: military devastation—'swords...bow...grievousness of war.' The multiplied terms emphasize comprehensive military threat: close combat (swords), ranged weapons (bows), and overall war's horrors. This wasn't voluntary migration but desperate flight from mortal danger. The description validates the refugees' need—they aren't opportunistic migrants but genuine victims of violence requiring aid. This establishes moral obligation to assist—when people flee genuine danger (not mere economic migration), providing refuge is justice, not optional charity. The passage doesn't identify the attacking force (likely Assyrian campaigns), focusing instead on humanitarian crisis and proper response. This models keeping focus on human need rather than political considerations when responding to displacement crises.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Assyrian military campaigns were notoriously brutal—psychological warfare through terror, systematic destruction, mass deportations. Arabian tribes weren't exempt from this violence. Sargon II and Sennacherib's annals describe campaigns in Arabia using same terror tactics employed elsewhere—impalement, burning, deportation. Refugees fleeing such violence faced genuine mortal danger justifying their flight and others' assistance. Modern parallels abound: wars and persecutions creating genuine refugee crises requiring humanitarian response. The biblical pattern establishes obligation to distinguish genuine refugees (fleeing violence) from economic migrants, while maintaining compassion for both. The emphasis on weapons and war's grievousness validates the Dedanites' refugee status, modeling how to assess displacement claims—are they fleeing genuine danger?

Reflection Questions

  1. What distinguishes genuine refugees (fleeing violence) from economic migrants in biblical perspective?
  2. How does describing specific threats (swords, bows, war) validate refugee status and moral claims?
  3. What modern applications follow from biblical obligations toward displaced persons fleeing violence?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
כִּֽי1 of 13
H3588

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

וּמִפְּנֵ֖י2 of 13

“and from”

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

חֶ֣רֶב3 of 13

“sword”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

נָדָ֑דוּ4 of 13

“For they fled”

H5074

properly, to wave to and fro (rarely to flap up and down); figuratively, to rove, flee, or (causatively) to drive away

וּמִפְּנֵ֖י5 of 13

“and from”

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

חֶ֣רֶב6 of 13

“sword”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

נְטוּשָׁ֗ה7 of 13

“the drawn”

H5203

properly, to pound, i.e., smite; by implication (as if beating out, and thus expanding) to disperse; also, to thrust off, down, out or upon (inclusive

וּמִפְּנֵ֖י8 of 13

“and from”

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

קֶ֣שֶׁת9 of 13

“bow”

H7198

a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris

דְּרוּכָ֔ה10 of 13

“the bent”

H1869

to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)

וּמִפְּנֵ֖י11 of 13

“and from”

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

כֹּ֥בֶד12 of 13

“the grievousness”

H3514

weight, multitude, vehemence

מִלְחָמָֽה׃13 of 13

“of war”

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

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 21:15 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 21:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 6:19-20Isaiah 13:14

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