King James Version

What Does Isaiah 47:6 Mean?

Isaiah 47:6 in the King James Version says “I was wroth with my people, I have polluted mine inheritance, and given them into thine hand: thou didst shew them no me... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 47 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

I was wroth with my people, I have polluted mine inheritance, and given them into thine hand: thou didst shew them no mercy; upon the ancient hast thou very heavily laid thy yoke.

Isaiah 47:6 · KJV


Context

4

As for our redeemer, the LORD of hosts is his name, the Holy One of Israel.

5

Sit thou silent, and get thee into darkness, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called, The lady of kingdoms.

6

I was wroth with my people, I have polluted mine inheritance, and given them into thine hand: thou didst shew them no mercy; upon the ancient hast thou very heavily laid thy yoke.

7

And thou saidst, I shall be a lady for ever: so that thou didst not lay these things to thy heart, neither didst remember the latter end of it.

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:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's statement 'I was wroth with my people' admits His agency in using Babylon to discipline Israel, yet 'thou didst shew them no mercy' condemns Babylon for exceeding her mandate with cruel oppression. This demonstrates that God can employ evil instruments for good purposes while still holding them accountable for their evil intentions (Genesis 50:20). Babylon's judgment arises from cruel pride, not mere obedience to God's disciplinary purposes.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Nebuchadnezzar's destruction of Jerusalem (586 BC) included temple desecration, mass slaughter, and deportation. While God ordained this judgment (Jeremiah 27:6), Babylon's excessive cruelty and mockery (Psalm 137:3) merited her own judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can God use evil to accomplish good purposes while still judging the evil agents?
  2. When has God's discipline in your life been intensified by others' lack of mercy?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
קָצַ֣פְתִּי1 of 16

I was wroth

H7107

to crack off, i.e., (figuratively) burst out in rage

עַל2 of 16
H5921

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

עַמִּ֗י3 of 16

with my people

H5971

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

חִלַּ֙לְתִּי֙4 of 16

I have polluted

H2490

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

נַחֲלָתִ֔י5 of 16

mine inheritance

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

וָאֶתְּנֵ֖ם6 of 16

and given

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

בְּיָדֵ֑ךְ7 of 16

them into thine hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

לֹא8 of 16
H3808

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

שַׂ֤מְתְּ9 of 16

thou didst shew

H7760

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

לָהֶם֙10 of 16
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

רַחֲמִ֔ים11 of 16

them no mercy

H7356

compassion (in the plural)

עַל12 of 16
H5921

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

זָקֵ֕ן13 of 16

upon the ancient

H2205

old

הִכְבַּ֥דְתְּ14 of 16

heavily

H3513

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

עֻלֵּ֖ךְ15 of 16

laid thy yoke

H5923

a yoke (as imposed on the neck), literally or figuratively

מְאֹֽד׃16 of 16

hast thou very

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or


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 47:6 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 47:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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