King James Version

What Does Isaiah 22:11 Mean?

Isaiah 22:11 in the King James Version says “Ye made also a ditch between the two walls for the water of the old pool: but ye have not looked unto the maker thereof,...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Ye made also a ditch between the two walls for the water of the old pool: but ye have not looked unto the maker thereof, neither had respect unto him that fashioned it long ago.”

Isaiah 22:11 · KJV

Context

9

Ye have seen also the breaches of the city of David, that they are many: and ye gathered together the waters of the lower pool.

10

And ye have numbered the houses of Jerusalem, and the houses have ye broken down to fortify the wall.

11

Ye made also a ditch between the two walls for the water of the old pool: but ye have not looked unto the maker thereof, neither had respect unto him that fashioned it long ago.

12

And in that day did the Lord GOD of hosts call to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with sackcloth:

13

And behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine: let us eat and drink; for to morrow we shall die.

Read Isaiah 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ye made also a ditch between the two walls for the water of the old pool—continuing water system improvements. The ditch (מִקְוָה, miqveh, reservoir/collection pool) channeled water from the old pool (הַבְּרֵכָה הַיְשָׁנָה, haberekhah hayeshanah) between two walls, protecting it during siege. Sophisticated hydraulic engineering.

But ye have not looked unto the maker thereof (וְלֹא הִבַּטְתֶּם אֶל־עֹשֶׂהָ, velo hibattem el-oseha)—the devastating indictment. They looked to (הִבִּיט, hibbit, gazed at, regarded, trusted) armor, water systems, fortifications, but not to the Maker. The maker thereof refers to God who created Jerusalem, established it, planned it.

Neither had respect unto him that fashioned it long ago (וְיֹצְרָהּ מֵרָחוֹק לֹא רְאִיתֶם, veyotsrah merachoq lo re'item)—"fashioned" (יָצַר, yatsar) is the potter/designer word used in Genesis 2:7 for God forming man. God shaped Jerusalem's history and destiny "long ago" (מֵרָחוֹק, merachoq, from afar/ancient times). They saw immediate threats but ignored the eternal God.

This is the chapter's theological climax: comprehensive human preparation (vv.8-11) without spiritual repentance or trust in God is ultimately futile. They trusted the created (walls, water, weapons) while ignoring the Creator.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse may reference Hezekiah's famous tunnel project (2 Kings 20:20, 2 Chronicles 32:3-4, 30), which brought Gihon Spring water inside the city via a 1,750-foot tunnel—an engineering marvel still visible today. The tunnel inscription found in 1880 describes how workers dug from both ends and met in the middle. While this was wise planning, Isaiah condemns doing such work without corresponding spiritual preparation—repentance, prayer, trust in God who controls whether sieges succeed or fail.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to 'look unto the maker' in practical terms when facing threats or challenges?
  2. How do we similarly invest in 'ditches and pools' (practical preparations) while neglecting 'him that fashioned it long ago' (spiritual foundations)?
  3. Why does God condemn preparation and wisdom when they replace rather than accompany faith and repentance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וּמִקְוָ֣ה׀1 of 15

“also a ditch”

H4724

a collection, i.e., (of water) a reservoir

עֹשֶׂ֔יהָ2 of 15

“Ye made”

H6213

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

בֵּ֚ין3 of 15
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

הַחֹ֣מֹתַ֔יִם4 of 15

“between the two walls”

H2346

a wall of protection

לְמֵ֖י5 of 15

“for the water”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

הַבְּרֵכָ֣ה6 of 15

“pool”

H1295

a reservoir (at which camels kneel as a resting-place)

הַיְשָׁנָ֑ה7 of 15

“of the old”

H3465

old

וְלֹ֤א8 of 15
H3808

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

הִבַּטְתֶּם֙9 of 15

“but ye have not looked”

H5027

to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care

אֶל10 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עֹשֶׂ֔יהָ11 of 15

“Ye made”

H6213

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

וְיֹצְרָ֥הּ12 of 15

“unto him that fashioned”

H3335

to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)

מֵֽרָח֖וֹק13 of 15

“it long ago”

H7350

remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)

לֹ֥א14 of 15
H3808

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

רְאִיתֶֽם׃15 of 15

“thereof neither had respect”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

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 22:11 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 22:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Micah 7:7Jeremiah 33:2-3Isaiah 31:12 Kings 25:4Isaiah 17:7Jeremiah 39:4

Places in This Verse

Old PoolPool · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in Isaiah 22 →

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