King James Version

What Does Isaiah 47:1 Mean?

Isaiah 47:1 in the King James Version says “Come down, and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, sit on the ground: there is no throne, O daughter of the C... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 47 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Come down, and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, sit on the ground: there is no throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called tender and delicate.

Isaiah 47:1 · KJV


Context

1

Come down, and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, sit on the ground: there is no throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called tender and delicate.

2

Take the millstones, and grind meal: uncover thy locks, make bare the leg, uncover the thigh, pass over the rivers.

3

Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and I will not meet thee as a man.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The command for Babylon to 'come down, and sit in the dust' reverses her royal pretensions, depicting humiliation and mourning. The phrase 'virgin daughter of Babylon' employs ironic language - she thought herself inviolable but will be violated by conquest. The removal of her throne signifies divine judgment on human pride; God alone is the judge who puts down one and raises up another (Psalm 75:7).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Babylon fell to Cyrus in 539 BC after seeming invincible for centuries. The city's massive walls and hanging gardens symbolized human achievement, making her fall a theological statement about all empires apart from God.

Reflection Questions

  1. What modern 'Babylons' (systems of pride and self-sufficiency) seem invincible but face coming judgment?
  2. How does Babylon's fall warn against trusting in human achievement or security?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
רְדִ֣י׀1 of 20

Come down

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

שְׁבִי2 of 20

and sit

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

עַל3 of 20
H5921

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

עָפָ֗ר4 of 20

in the dust

H6083

dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud

בְּתוּלַת֙5 of 20

O virgin

H1330

a virgin (from her privacy); sometimes (by continuation) a bride; also (figuratively) a city or state

בַּת6 of 20

O daughter

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

בָּבֶ֔ל7 of 20

of Babylon

H894

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

שְׁבִי8 of 20

and sit

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

לָאָ֥רֶץ9 of 20

on the ground

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֵין10 of 20
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

כִּסֵּ֖א11 of 20

there is no throne

H3678

properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)

בַּת12 of 20

O daughter

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

כַּשְׂדִּ֑ים13 of 20

of the Chaldeans

H3778

a kasdite, or descendant of kesed; by implication, a chaldaean (as if so descended); also an astrologer (as if proverbial of that people

כִּ֣י14 of 20
H3588

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

לֹ֤א15 of 20
H3808

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

תוֹסִ֙יפִי֙16 of 20

for thou shalt no more

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

יִקְרְאוּ17 of 20

be called

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

לָ֔ךְ18 of 20
H0
רַכָּ֖ה19 of 20

tender

H7390

tender (literally or figuratively); by implication, weak

וַעֲנֻגָּֽה׃20 of 20

and delicate

H6028

luxurious


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 47:1 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 47:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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