King James Version

What Does Isaiah 47:10 Mean?

Isaiah 47:10 in the King James Version says “For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou hast said, None seeth me. Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 47 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou hast said, None seeth me. Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee; and thou hast said in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me. perverted: or, caused thee to turn away”

Isaiah 47:10 · KJV

Wisdom

Context

8

Therefore hear now this, thou that art given to pleasures, that dwellest carelessly, that sayest in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me; I shall not sit as a widow, neither shall I know the loss of children:

9

But these two things shall come to thee in a moment in one day, the loss of children, and widowhood: they shall come upon thee in their perfection for the multitude of thy sorceries, and for the great abundance of thine enchantments.

10

For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou hast said, None seeth me. Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee; and thou hast said in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me. perverted: or, caused thee to turn away

11

Therefore shall evil come upon thee; thou shalt not know from whence it riseth: and mischief shall fall upon thee; thou shalt not be able to put it off: and desolation shall come upon thee suddenly, which thou shalt not know. from: Heb. the morning thereof put: Heb. expiate

12

Stand now with thine enchantments, and with the multitude of thy sorceries, wherein thou hast laboured from thy youth; if so be thou shalt be able to profit, if so be thou mayest prevail.

Read Isaiah 47 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The accusation 'thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee' shows that human learning divorced from God becomes spiritual poison. Babylon's claim 'I am, and none else beside me' appears again, showing how intellectual pride leads to practical atheism. This warns against all humanistic education that excludes God - knowledge without fear of the Lord is folly (Proverbs 1:7).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Babylon pioneered mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and literature - genuine achievements that bred arrogance. The same learning that developed early civilization became the means of mocking God's people and trusting in human achievement.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can legitimate learning and achievement become spiritually perverting when divorced from God?
  2. In what areas has increased knowledge made you more self-reliant rather than God-dependent?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַתִּבְטְחִ֣י1 of 14

“For thou hast trusted”

H982

properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure

בְרָעָתֵ֗ךְ2 of 14

“in thy wickedness”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

וַתֹּאמְרִ֣י3 of 14

“thee and thou hast said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵ֣ין4 of 14
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

רֹאָ֔נִי5 of 14

“None seeth”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

חָכְמָתֵ֥ךְ6 of 14

“me Thy wisdom”

H2451

wisdom (in a good sense)

וְדַעְתֵּ֖ךְ7 of 14

“and thy knowledge”

H1847

knowledge

הִ֣יא8 of 14
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

שׁוֹבְבָ֑תֶךְ9 of 14

“it hath perverted”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

וַתֹּאמְרִ֣י10 of 14

“thee and thou hast said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בְלִבֵּ֔ךְ11 of 14

“in thine heart”

H3820

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

אֲנִ֖י12 of 14
H589

i

וְאַפְסִ֥י13 of 14

“I am and none else”

H657

cessation, i.e., an end (especially of the earth); often used adverb, no further; also the ankle (in the dual), as being the extremity of the leg or f

עֽוֹד׃14 of 14
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

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 47:10 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 47:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 5:21Isaiah 29:15Romans 1:22Psalms 52:7Ezekiel 8:12Isaiah 59:4

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