King James Version

What Does Isaiah 47:9 Mean?

Isaiah 47:9 in the King James Version says “But these two things shall come to thee in a moment in one day, the loss of children, and widowhood: they shall come upo...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 47 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Isaiah 47:9 · KJV

Context

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:

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

Read Isaiah 47 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The judgment 'these two things shall come to thee in a moment in one day' emphasizes sudden, comprehensive destruction despite Babylon's confidence. The 'loss of children, and widowhood' reverses her boasted immunity (v. 8). The condemnation extends to 'multitude of sorceries' and 'enchantments,' demonstrating that occult practices cannot avert God's judgment. All forms of divination are rebellion seeking knowledge God has forbidden.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Babylon was the ancient world's center of astrology, divination, and magical arts. The 'Chaldeans' became synonymous with astrologers. Despite this concentrated occult power, Babylon fell suddenly to Cyrus's night attack.

Reflection Questions

  1. What modern 'sorceries' (astrology, new age, etc.) do people trust instead of God's revealed will?
  2. How does the suddenness of Babylon's fall warn you to be ready for Christ's return?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
בָּ֣אוּ1 of 17

“they shall come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

לָּ֨ךְ2 of 17
H0
שְׁתֵּי3 of 17

“But these two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

אֵ֥לֶּה4 of 17
H428

these or those

רֶ֛גַע5 of 17

“to thee in a moment”

H7281

a wink (of the eyes), i.e., a very short space of time

בְּי֥וֹם6 of 17

“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

אֶחָ֖ד7 of 17

“in one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

שְׁכ֣וֹל8 of 17

“the loss of children”

H7908

bereavement

וְאַלְמֹ֑ן9 of 17

“and widowhood”

H489

bereavement

כְּתֻמָּם֙10 of 17

“upon thee in their perfection”

H8537

completeness; figuratively, prosperity; usually (morally) innocence

בָּ֣אוּ11 of 17

“they shall come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

עָלַ֔יִךְ12 of 17
H5921

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

בְּרֹ֣ב13 of 17

“for the multitude”

H7230

abundance (in any respect)

כְּשָׁפַ֔יִךְ14 of 17

“of thy sorceries”

H3785

magic

בְּעָצְמַ֥ת15 of 17

“abundance”

H6109

powerfulness; by extension, numerousness

חֲבָרַ֖יִךְ16 of 17

“of thine enchantments”

H2267

a society; also a spell

מְאֹֽד׃17 of 17

“and for the great”

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 47:9 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 47:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Thessalonians 5:3Psalms 73:19Isaiah 47:12-13Nahum 3:4Revelation 18:8-10Jeremiah 51:62-64

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