King James Version

What Does Isaiah 28:3 Mean?

Isaiah 28:3 in the King James Version says “The crown of pride, the drunkards of Ephraim, shall be trodden under feet: under: Heb. with feet” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The crown of pride, the drunkards of Ephraim, shall be trodden under feet: under: Heb. with feet”

Isaiah 28:3 · KJV

Context

1

Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is a fading flower, which are on the head of the fat valleys of them that are overcome with wine! overcome: Heb. broken

2

Behold, the Lord hath a mighty and strong one, which as a tempest of hail and a destroying storm, as a flood of mighty waters overflowing, shall cast down to the earth with the hand.

3

The crown of pride, the drunkards of Ephraim, shall be trodden under feet: under: Heb. with feet

4

And the glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fat valley, shall be a fading flower, and as the hasty fruit before the summer; which when he that looketh upon it seeth, while it is yet in his hand he eateth it up. eateth: Heb. swalloweth

5

In that day shall the LORD of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people,

Read Isaiah 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The crown of pride, the drunkards of Ephraim, shall be trodden under feet: This verse repeats the indictment from verse 1 but states the consequence directly: shall be trodden under feet (beraglaim teramesnah, בְּרַגְלַיִם תֵּרָמֵסְנָה, literally "with feet it shall be trampled"). The image is devastating—what was exalted high (the crown on the hill) will be crushed low underfoot. This reverses their self-exaltation through divinely-ordained humiliation. Invading armies will literally march over Samaria's ruins.

The repetition of crown of pride emphasizes that their arrogance itself is being judged. Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5 declare God "resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." The New Testament church faced similar warning against pride (1 Corinthians 10:12, Romans 11:20). What we exalt apart from God, God brings low.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Assyrian conquest was brutal. Reliefs from Sennacherib's palace depict Assyrian soldiers marching over conquered enemies, literally trampling them underfoot. Samaria's population was deported, the city destroyed and resettled with foreigners (2 Kings 17:24). The prideful crown literally lay in the dust, trampled by Assyrian boots. Archaeological excavations reveal destruction layers from this period. History repeatedly demonstrates that human pride cannot withstand divine judgment—empires that exalted themselves (Babylon, Rome, etc.) eventually fell.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does pride set believers up for a fall, and what does genuine humility look like in practical terms?
  2. What 'crowns' (sources of self-exaltation, pride-producing accomplishments) might God need to bring low in your life?
  3. How should the certainty of judgment against pride motivate believers toward humility and dependence on God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
בְּרַגְלַ֖יִם1 of 6

“under feet”

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

תֵּֽרָמַ֑סְנָה2 of 6

“shall be trodden”

H7429

to tread upon (as a potter, in walking or abusively)

עֲטֶ֥רֶת3 of 6

“The crown”

H5850

a crown

גֵּא֖וּת4 of 6

“of pride”

H1348

the same as h1346

שִׁכּוֹרֵ֥י5 of 6

“the drunkards”

H7910

intoxicated, as a state or a habit

אֶפְרָֽיִם׃6 of 6

“of Ephraim”

H669

ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

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 28:3 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 28:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 26:6Hebrews 10:292 Kings 9:33Isaiah 28:1Revelation 11:2Daniel 8:13

Places in This Verse

Samaria 1Settlement · Modern: Samaria · 32.28°N, 35.20°E113 verses across 12 books
View all places in Isaiah 28 →

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