King James Version

What Does Isaiah 3:1 Mean?

Isaiah 3:1 in the King James Version says “For, behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, doth take away from Jerusalem and from Judah the stay and the staff, the whole...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For, behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, doth take away from Jerusalem and from Judah the stay and the staff, the whole stay of bread, and the whole stay of water,”

Isaiah 3:1 · KJV

Context

1

For, behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, doth take away from Jerusalem and from Judah the stay and the staff, the whole stay of bread, and the whole stay of water,

2

The mighty man, and the man of war, the judge, and the prophet, and the prudent, and the ancient,

3

The captain of fifty, and the honourable man, and the counsellor, and the cunning artificer, and the eloquent orator. the honourable: Heb. a man eminent in countenance eloquent: or, skilful of speech

Read Isaiah 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The title 'Lord, the LORD of hosts' combines Adonai (sovereign master) with Yahweh Sabaoth (covenant God of armies), emphasizing both authority and power. God's removal of 'stay and staff' (support structures) represents comprehensive judgment—both bread (physical sustenance) and water (life necessity) will be withdrawn. This divine action demonstrates that human survival depends entirely on God's provision, not human systems.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This prophecy anticipated Babylonian siege and exile when Jerusalem would experience severe famine. The removal of basic provisions fulfilled covenant curses for disobedience (Leviticus 26:26, Deuteronomy 28:48).

Reflection Questions

  1. How dependent are you on God for daily provision versus trusting in human systems?
  2. What happens to society when God withdraws His common grace sustaining civilization?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
כִּי֩1 of 16
H3588

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

הִנֵּ֨ה2 of 16
H2009

lo!

הָאָד֜וֹן3 of 16

“For behold the Lord”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

יְהוָ֣ה4 of 16

“the LORD”

H3068

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

צְבָא֗וֹת5 of 16

“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

מֵסִ֤יר6 of 16

“doth take away”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

מִירוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙7 of 16

“from Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וּמִ֣יהוּדָ֔ה8 of 16

“and from Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

מִשְׁעַן9 of 16

“stay”

H4937

a support (concretely), i.e., (figuratively) a protector or sustenance

וּמַשְׁעֵנָ֑ה10 of 16

“and the staff”

H4938

support (abstractly), i.e., (figuratively) sustenance or (concretely) a walking-stick

וְכֹ֖ל11 of 16

“and the whole”

H3605

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

מִשְׁעַן12 of 16

“stay”

H4937

a support (concretely), i.e., (figuratively) a protector or sustenance

לֶ֔חֶם13 of 16

“of bread”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

וְכֹ֖ל14 of 16

“and the whole”

H3605

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

מִשְׁעַן15 of 16

“stay”

H4937

a support (concretely), i.e., (figuratively) a protector or sustenance

מָֽיִם׃16 of 16

“of water”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

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 3:1 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 3:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 26:26Ezekiel 14:13Ezekiel 4:16-17Isaiah 1:24Isaiah 2:22Psalms 105:16

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Isaiah 3 →

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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