King James Version

What Does Isaiah 22:25 Mean?

Isaiah 22:25 in the King James Version says “In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall the nail that is fastened in the sure place be removed, and be cut down, and... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall the nail that is fastened in the sure place be removed, and be cut down, and fall; and the burden that was upon it shall be cut off: for the LORD hath spoken it.

Isaiah 22:25 · KJV


Context

23

And I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place; and he shall be for a glorious throne to his father's house.

24

And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his father's house, the offspring and the issue, all vessels of small quantity, from the vessels of cups, even to all the vessels of flagons. vessels of flagons: or, instruments of viols

25

In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall the nail that is fastened in the sure place be removed, and be cut down, and fall; and the burden that was upon it shall be cut off: for the LORD hath spoken it.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall the nail that is fastened in the sure place be removed—Despite Eliakim's faithful service and divine installation (v. 23), even he would eventually fail under the weight. The Hebrew yated (peg/nail), promised as secure (ne'eman, v. 23), will be removed and cut down and fall (תִּמּוֹשׁ וְנִגְדְּעָה וְנָפְלָה). The threefold verbs emphasize total collapse: loosened, cut off, fallen.

This devastating conclusion points beyond Eliakim to messianic typology. Every human 'peg'—no matter how divinely appointed—ultimately proves insufficient. Only Christ fulfills what Eliakim foreshadowed: the eternal government resting on His shoulders (Isaiah 9:6), the key of David that none can shut (Revelation 3:7). For the LORD hath spoken it (כִּי יְהוָה דִּבֵּר) carries prophetic authority: human dynasties crumble, but God's Word endures. The burden that crushes earthly pegs finds its only adequate support in the One who bore our sins on the cross.

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Historical & Cultural Context

While Eliakim served faithfully during Hezekiah's reign, his descendants apparently succumbed to corruption through nepotism. The prophecy's fulfillment likely occurred during subsequent reigns when his family lost favor. This illustrates the biblical pattern: human institutions, however divinely blessed initially, decay without continual renewal.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'sure pegs' (leaders, institutions, traditions) have you trusted that eventually failed?
  2. How does Eliakim's failure point to the necessity of Christ as the only reliable foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11)?
  3. What warning does this passage give about creating dynasties or systems dependent on human strength rather than God's continual grace?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
בַּיּ֣וֹם1 of 19

In that day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֗וּא2 of 19
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

נְאֻם֙3 of 19

saith

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָ֖ה4 of 19

for the LORD

H3068

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

צְבָא֔וֹת5 of 19

of hosts

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

תָּמוּשׁ֙6 of 19

be removed

H4185

to withdraw (both literally and figuratively, whether intransitive or transitive)

הַיָּתֵ֔ד7 of 19

shall the nail

H3489

a peg

הַתְּקוּעָ֖ה8 of 19

that is fastened

H8628

to clatter, i.e., slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become

בְּמָק֣וֹם9 of 19

place

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

נֶאֱמָ֑ן10 of 19

in the sure

H539

properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen

וְנִגְדְּעָ֣ה11 of 19

and be cut down

H1438

to fell a tree; generally, to destroy anything

וְנָפְלָ֗ה12 of 19

and fall

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

וְנִכְרַת֙13 of 19

that was upon it 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

הַמַּשָּׂ֣א14 of 19

and the burden

H4853

a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire

אֲשֶׁר15 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָלֶ֔יהָ16 of 19
H5921

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

כִּ֥י17 of 19
H3588

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

יְהוָ֖ה18 of 19

for the LORD

H3068

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

דִּבֵּֽר׃19 of 19

hath spoken

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue


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 22:25 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 22:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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