King James Version

What Does Isaiah 27:7 Mean?

Isaiah 27:7 in the King James Version says “Hath he smitten him, as he smote those that smote him? or is he slain according to the slaughter of them that are slain ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Hath he smitten him, as he smote those that smote him? or is he slain according to the slaughter of them that are slain by him? as: Heb. according to the stroke of”

Isaiah 27:7 · KJV

Context

5

Or let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me.

6

He shall cause them that come of Jacob to take root: Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit.

7

Hath he smitten him, as he smote those that smote him? or is he slain according to the slaughter of them that are slain by him? as: Heb. according to the stroke of

8

In measure, when it shooteth forth, thou wilt debate with it: he stayeth his rough wind in the day of the east wind. it shooteth: or, thou sendest it forth he: or, when he removeth it with

9

By this therefore shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged; and this is all the fruit to take away his sin; when he maketh all the stones of the altar as chalkstones that are beaten in sunder, the groves and images shall not stand up. images: or, sun images

Read Isaiah 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Hath he smitten him, as he smote those that smote him? or is he slain according to the slaughter of them that are slain by him? This rhetorical double-question contrasts God's discipline of Israel with His judgment of Israel's enemies. The Hebrew uses wordplay with nakah (נָכָה, smite/strike): has He smitten him [Israel] as He smote those that smote him [Israel's enemies]? The implied answer is "No!" God's chastening of His people differs from His destroying of their oppressors.

The parallel second question reinforces this: is he slain according to the slaughter of them that are slain by him? Again, "No!" The nations that slaughtered Israel face total destruction; Israel faces measured correction. This reflects Jeremiah 10:24: "O LORD, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing." And Jeremiah 30:11: "I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished." God's covenant faithfulness means His people receive discipline for restoration, not wrath for destruction. Hebrews 12:5-11 explains this fatherly discipline as proof of sonship—God chastens those He loves.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel experienced devastating judgments—Assyrian conquest of Northern Kingdom (722 BC), Babylonian exile (586 BC)—yet survived when mighty empires (Assyria, Babylon) eventually fell forever. This historical reality proved God treated His people differently than their enemies. Jewish survival through centuries of persecution, when nations oppressing them vanished, testifies to this principle. For the church, this assures that God's discipline is corrective, not condemnatory (1 Corinthians 11:32).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding the difference between God's discipline (for believers) and judgment (for His enemies) affect your view of suffering?
  2. What does this verse teach about God's covenant faithfulness even when He chastens His people?
  3. How should believers respond to God's fatherly discipline differently than fearing His wrath?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
הַכְּמַכַּ֥ת1 of 7

“him as he smote”

H4347

a blow (in 2 chronicles 2:10, of the flail); by implication, a wound; figuratively, carnage, also pestilence

הִכָּ֑הוּ2 of 7

“Hath he smitten”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

הִכָּ֑הוּ3 of 7

“Hath he smitten”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אִם4 of 7
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

כְּהֶ֥רֶג5 of 7

“according to the slaughter”

H2027

slaughter

הֹרָֽג׃6 of 7

“him or is he slain”

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

הֹרָֽג׃7 of 7

“him or is he slain”

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

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 27:7 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 27:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 37:36-38Nahum 1:14Nahum 3:19Jeremiah 50:33-34Jeremiah 51:24Isaiah 14:22-23

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