King James Version

What Does Isaiah 22:3 Mean?

Isaiah 22:3 in the King James Version says “All thy rulers are fled together, they are bound by the archers: all that are found in thee are bound together, which ha... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

All thy rulers are fled together, they are bound by the archers: all that are found in thee are bound together, which have fled from far. by: Heb. of the bow

Isaiah 22:3 · KJV


Context

1

The burden of the valley of vision. What aileth thee now, that thou art wholly gone up to the housetops?

2

Thou that art full of stirs, a tumultuous city, a joyous city: thy slain men are not slain with the sword, nor dead in battle.

3

All thy rulers are fled together, they are bound by the archers: all that are found in thee are bound together, which have fled from far. by: Heb. of the bow

4

Therefore said I, Look away from me; I will weep bitterly, labour not to comfort me, because of the spoiling of the daughter of my people. weep: Heb. be bitter in weeping

5

For it is a day of trouble, and of treading down, and of perplexity by the Lord GOD of hosts in the valley of vision, breaking down the walls, and of crying to the mountains.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
All thy rulers are fled together, they are bound by the archers—Jerusalem's leadership has collapsed in cowardice. The Hebrew קָצִין (qatsin, rulers/commanders) fled instead of defending the city. Bound by the archers (מִקֶּשֶׁת אֻסָּרוּ, miqqeshet usaru) likely means captured without archery (fled before fighting), emphasizing their disgraceful surrender without resistance.

All that are found in thee are bound together—mass captivity follows failed leadership. The repetition of "all" (כֹּל, kol) stresses totality: every leader, every person found. Which have fled from far suggests even those who tried escaping to distant places were caught and bound. This oracle condemns Jerusalem's leaders who trusted military preparedness (vv.8-11) but fled when crisis came, proving that fortifications without faith are futile.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah 22 is the "Valley of Vision" oracle, likely referring to Jerusalem's Hinnom or Kidron valley. The historical setting is debated—possibly Sennacherib's 701 BC siege (when Hezekiah's officials negotiated), or prophetically the Babylonian siege of 586 BC (when Zedekiah and officials fled, 2 Kings 25:4-5). The chapter condemns Jerusalem's leaders for trusting engineering projects (water systems, fortifications) instead of repentance when threatened.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the failure of Jerusalem's leaders warn against trusting human preparedness over dependence on God?
  2. What modern forms of 'fleeing' characterize leadership that appears strong but lacks spiritual foundation?
  3. How does the image of being 'bound together' illustrate the collective consequences of faithless leadership?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
כָּל1 of 12
H3605

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

קְצִינַ֥יִךְ2 of 12

All thy rulers

H7101

a magistrate (as deciding) or other leader

נָֽדְדוּ3 of 12

are fled

H5074

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

יַחְדָּ֔ו4 of 12

together

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

מִקֶּ֣שֶׁת5 of 12

by the archers

H7198

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

אֻסְּר֣וּ6 of 12

in thee are bound

H631

to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle

כָּל7 of 12
H3605

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

נִמְצָאַ֙יִךְ֙8 of 12

all that are found

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

אֻסְּר֣וּ9 of 12

in thee are bound

H631

to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle

יַחְדָּ֔ו10 of 12

together

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

מֵרָח֖וֹק11 of 12

from far

H7350

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

בָּרָֽחוּ׃12 of 12

which have fled

H1272

to bolt, i.e., figuratively, to flee suddenly


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 22:3 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 22:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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