King James Version

What Does Isaiah 3:7 Mean?

Isaiah 3:7 in the King James Version says “In that day shall he swear, saying, I will not be an healer; for in my house is neither bread nor clothing: make me not ... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

In that day shall he swear, saying, I will not be an healer; for in my house is neither bread nor clothing: make me not a ruler of the people. swear: Heb. lift up the hand healer: Heb. binder up

Isaiah 3:7 · KJV


Context

5

And the people shall be oppressed, every one by another, and every one by his neighbour: the child shall behave himself proudly against the ancient, and the base against the honourable.

6

When a man shall take hold of his brother of the house of his father, saying, Thou hast clothing, be thou our ruler, and let this ruin be under thy hand:

7

In that day shall he swear, saying, I will not be an healer; for in my house is neither bread nor clothing: make me not a ruler of the people. swear: Heb. lift up the hand healer: Heb. binder up

8

For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen: because their tongue and their doings are against the LORD, to provoke the eyes of his glory.

9

The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The refusal—'I will not be an healer'—indicates complete social breakdown when potential leaders reject responsibility. The acknowledgment of lacking food and clothing reveals economic devastation. The phrase 'make me not a ruler' shows that even desperate appeals cannot compel leadership in collapsed society. This reverses biblical patterns where God raises leaders (Judges 2:16); absent divine appointment, chaos reigns. It demonstrates that leadership is divine calling, not human presumption.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This scenario likely reflects post-exilic conditions where survivors faced overwhelming desolation. Without divine intervention to raise leaders like Zerubbabel and Nehemiah, restoration was impossible.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse inform our understanding of leadership as divine calling rather than personal ambition?
  2. What 'healing' might God be calling us to attempt despite feeling inadequate?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
יִשָּׂא֩1 of 16

shall he swear

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

בַיּ֨וֹם2 of 16

In that day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֤וּא׀3 of 16
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

לֵאמֹר֙4 of 16

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹא5 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אֶהְיֶ֣ה6 of 16
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

חֹבֵ֔שׁ7 of 16

I will not be an healer

H2280

to wrap firmly (especially a turban, compress, or saddle); figuratively, to stop, to rule

וּבְבֵיתִ֕י8 of 16

for in my house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אֵ֥ין9 of 16
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

לֶ֖חֶם10 of 16

is neither bread

H3899

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

וְאֵ֣ין11 of 16
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

שִׂמְלָ֑ה12 of 16

nor clothing

H8071

a dress, especially a mantle

לֹ֥א13 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תְשִׂימֻ֖נִי14 of 16

make

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

קְצִ֥ין15 of 16

me not a ruler

H7101

a magistrate (as deciding) or other leader

עָֽם׃16 of 16

of the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock


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 3:7 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 3:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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