King James Version

What Does Isaiah 42:25 Mean?

Isaiah 42:25 in the King James Version says “Therefore he hath poured upon him the fury of his anger, and the strength of battle: and it hath set him on fire round a... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 42 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Therefore he hath poured upon him the fury of his anger, and the strength of battle: and it hath set him on fire round about, yet he knew not; and it burned him, yet he laid it not to heart.

Isaiah 42:25 · KJV


Context

23

Who among you will give ear to this? who will hearken and hear for the time to come? for: Heb. for the after time?

24

Who gave Jacob for a spoil , and Israel to the robbers? did not the LORD, he against whom we have sinned? for they would not walk in his ways, neither were they obedient unto his law.

25

Therefore he hath poured upon him the fury of his anger, and the strength of battle: and it hath set him on fire round about, yet he knew not; and it burned him, yet he laid it not to heart.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God poured fury of anger and violence of war upon Israel, yet 'he knew not'—they didn't understand—and though it burned, 'yet he laid it not to heart.' The Hebrew 'sum lev' (lay to heart) means taking seriously, learning lessons. Suffering without spiritual perception produces no benefit.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Despite the devastating judgment of exile, many Israelites failed to recognize it as divine discipline or respond with repentance. External suffering alone doesn't produce spiritual transformation without understanding.

Reflection Questions

  1. What sufferings have you experienced without learning their intended spiritual lessons?
  2. How can you move from merely enduring hardship to laying it to heart and learning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיִּשְׁפֹּ֤ךְ1 of 16

Therefore he hath poured

H8210

to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc

עָלָיו֙2 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

חֵמָ֣ה3 of 16

upon him the fury

H2534

heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)

אַפּ֔וֹ4 of 16

of his anger

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

וֶעֱז֖וּז5 of 16

and the strength

H5807

forcibleness

מִלְחָמָ֑ה6 of 16

of battle

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

וַתְּלַהֲטֵ֤הוּ7 of 16

and it hath set him on fire

H3857

properly, to lick, i.e., (by implication) to blaze

מִסָּבִיב֙8 of 16

round about

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

וְלֹ֣א9 of 16
H3808

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

יָדָ֔ע10 of 16

yet he knew

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

וַתִּבְעַר11 of 16

not and it burned

H1197

to be(-come) brutish

בּ֖וֹ12 of 16
H0
וְלֹא13 of 16
H3808

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

יָשִׂ֥ים14 of 16

him yet he laid

H7760

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

עַל15 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

לֵֽב׃16 of 16

it not to heart

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything


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 42:25 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 42:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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