King James Version

What Does Isaiah 22:17 Mean?

Isaiah 22:17 in the King James Version says “Behold, the LORD will carry thee away with a mighty captivity, and will surely cover thee. will carry: or, the Lord who ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Behold, the LORD will carry thee away with a mighty captivity, and will surely cover thee. will carry: or, the Lord who covered thee with an excellent covering, and clothed thee gorgeously, v.18.shall surely, etc a mighty: Heb. the captivity of a man”

Isaiah 22:17 · KJV

Context

15

Thus saith the Lord GOD of hosts, Go, get thee unto this treasurer, even unto Shebna, which is over the house, and say,

16

What hast thou here? and whom hast thou here, that thou hast hewed thee out a sepulchre here, as he that heweth him out a sepulchre on high, and that graveth an habitation for himself in a rock? as: or, O he

17

Behold, the LORD will carry thee away with a mighty captivity, and will surely cover thee. will carry: or, the Lord who covered thee with an excellent covering, and clothed thee gorgeously, v.18.shall surely, etc a mighty: Heb. the captivity of a man

18

He will surely violently turn and toss thee like a ball into a large country: there shalt thou die, and there the chariots of thy glory shall be the shame of thy lord's house. large: Heb. large of spaces

19

And I will drive thee from thy station, and from thy state shall he pull thee down.

Read Isaiah 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Behold, the LORD will carry thee away with a mighty captivity—The Hebrew ṭūl yəṭalṭēlkā (טוּל יְטַלְטֶלְךָ) uses an intensive form meaning 'hurl you away violently,' suggesting forceful expulsion. The phrase ṭalṭēlâ gāver (טַלְטֵלָה גָּבֶר, 'a mighty captivity' or 'with a man's throw') indicates the strength of a warrior hurling someone away. This contrasts sharply with Shebna's carefully hewn tomb—instead of resting in his prestigious memorial, he would be violently ejected.

And will surely cover thee (וְעָטֹה יַעְטֶה אֹתָךְ, wə-ʿāṭōh yaʿṭeh ʾōtāk) uses another intensive construction. Some interpret this as covering with shame or wrapping for burial far from his intended tomb. Others see it as God covering/concealing him completely—obliterating his memory, the opposite of the fame his tomb was meant to secure. Either way, the irony is devastating: the man building a monument for remembrance will be covered in obscurity.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Exile was the ultimate disgrace for ancient officials who served at royal courts. Being carried away likely refers to either death in battle during Assyrian campaigns or deportation. The Assyrians regularly deported conquered peoples' leadership to break resistance and erase national identity. If Shebna advocated rebellion against Assyria or alliance with Egypt (which failed in 701 BC), he may have been executed or deported when his policy proved disastrous. His demotion to 'scribe' by Isaiah 36-37 (before Sennacherib's siege) suggests partial fulfillment—stripped of power but not yet exiled. Complete fulfillment may have occurred later, unrecorded in Scripture.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the contrast between Shebna's self-made monument and God's violent expulsion teach about human plans versus divine sovereignty?
  2. How does being 'covered' in obscurity after seeking fame illustrate the principle that whoever exalts himself shall be humbled (Luke 14:11)?
  3. What warnings does this prophecy give about building security through earthly position rather than faithful service?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
הִנֵּ֤ה1 of 7
H2009

lo!

יְהוָה֙2 of 7

“Behold the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

מְטַלְטֶלְךָ֔3 of 7

“will carry thee away”

H2904

to pitch over or reel; hence (transitively) to cast down or out

טַלְטֵלָ֖ה4 of 7

“captivity”

H2925

overthrow or rejection

גָּ֑בֶר5 of 7

“with a mighty”

H1397

properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a person simply

עָטֹֽה׃6 of 7

“and will surely”

H5844

to wrap, i.e., cover, veil, clothe, or roll

עָטֹֽה׃7 of 7

“and will surely”

H5844

to wrap, i.e., cover, veil, clothe, or roll

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 22:17 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 22:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 14:3Esther 7:8Job 9:24

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