King James Version

What Does Isaiah 25:11 Mean?

Isaiah 25:11 in the King James Version says “And he shall spread forth his hands in the midst of them, as he that swimmeth spreadeth forth his hands to swim: and he ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he shall spread forth his hands in the midst of them, as he that swimmeth spreadeth forth his hands to swim: and he shall bring down their pride together with the spoils of their hands.”

Isaiah 25:11 · KJV

Context

9

And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

10

For in this mountain shall the hand of the LORD rest, and Moab shall be trodden down under him, even as straw is trodden down for the dunghill . trodden down under: or, threshed, etc trodden down for: or, threshed in Madmenah

11

And he shall spread forth his hands in the midst of them, as he that swimmeth spreadeth forth his hands to swim: and he shall bring down their pride together with the spoils of their hands.

12

And the fortress of the high fort of thy walls shall he bring down, lay low, and bring to the ground, even to the dust.

Read Isaiah 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He shall spread forth his hands in the midst of them, as he that swimmeth spreadeth forth his hands to swim—The subject 'he' is ambiguous: either Moab desperately flailing to escape judgment, or God actively executing judgment. The Hebrew verb paras (spread out, stretch) describes a swimmer's arm motions. The image: futile thrashing in an overwhelming flood. And he shall bring down their pride together with the spoils of their hands—God (clearly the subject here) brings down Moab's ga'avah (pride, arrogance) along with arboth (craftiness, schemes, spoils). The Hebrew arboth suggests cunning schemes—perhaps Moab's political machinations.

This verse emphasizes pride as the root sin leading to judgment. Moab's pride (mentioned in 16:6, 'We have heard of the pride of Moab; he is very proud') becomes his undoing. The swimming metaphor is ironic: normally swimmers spread hands to stay afloat, but here the motion hastens sinking. Every attempt to save himself drives him deeper. This mirrors what happens when proud people face God's judgment—their very efforts to justify, excuse, or escape compound their guilt. Only humble submission brings grace; pride ensures destruction. James echoes this: 'God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble' (James 4:6).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Moab's pride was proverbial in ancient times. Despite being a small nation, they consistently overestimated their strength and importance. Their archaeological remains show cultural confidence and religious devotion to Chemosh, their god. This national pride led to hubris in dealings with larger powers (Babylon, Assyria) and arrogant treatment of Israel. Pride precedes fall (Proverbs 16:18).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does pride cause people to 'thrash' in ways that worsen their situation rather than improve it?
  2. What is the relationship between human pride and the futility of self-salvation attempts?
  3. How does this verse illustrate that the same actions (spreading hands) mean rescue when God does them but destruction when humans do them in pride?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
יְפָרֵ֥שׂ1 of 12

“And he shall spread forth”

H6566

to break apart, disperse, etc

יָדָֽיו׃2 of 12

“his hands”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

בְּקִרְבּ֔וֹ3 of 12

“in the midst”

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר4 of 12
H834

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

יְפָרֵ֥שׂ5 of 12

“And he shall spread forth”

H6566

to break apart, disperse, etc

לִשְׂח֑וֹת6 of 12

“his hands to swim”

H7811

to swim; causatively, to inundate

לִשְׂח֑וֹת7 of 12

“his hands to swim”

H7811

to swim; causatively, to inundate

וְהִשְׁפִּיל֙8 of 12

“and he shall bring down”

H8213

to depress or sink (especially figuratively, to humiliate, intransitive or transitive)

גַּֽאֲוָת֔וֹ9 of 12

“their pride”

H1346

arrogance or majesty; by implication, (concretely) ornament

עִ֖ם10 of 12
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

אָרְבּ֥וֹת11 of 12

“together with the spoils”

H698

ambuscades

יָדָֽיו׃12 of 12

“his hands”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

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 25:11 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 25:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 14:26Isaiah 2:11Isaiah 16:14Isaiah 16:6Isaiah 5:25Jeremiah 51:44

Places in This Verse

Moab 1Region · Modern: Kerak · 31.18°N, 35.70°E162 verses across 22 books
View all places in Isaiah 25 →

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