King James Version

What Does Isaiah 7:2 Mean?

Isaiah 7:2 in the King James Version says “And it was told the house of David, saying, Syria is confederate with Ephraim. And his heart was moved, and the heart of... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And it was told the house of David, saying, Syria is confederate with Ephraim. And his heart was moved, and the heart of his people, as the trees of the wood are moved with the wind. is confederate: Heb. resteth on

Isaiah 7:2 · KJV


Context

1

And it came to pass in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, that Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, went up toward Jerusalem to war against it, but could not prevail against it.

2

And it was told the house of David, saying, Syria is confederate with Ephraim. And his heart was moved, and the heart of his people, as the trees of the wood are moved with the wind. is confederate: Heb. resteth on

3

Then said the LORD unto Isaiah, Go forth now to meet Ahaz, thou, and Shearjashub thy son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller's field; Shearjashub: that is, The remnant shall return highway: or, causeway

4

And say unto him, Take heed, and be quiet; fear not, neither be fainthearted for the two tails of these smoking firebrands, for the fierce anger of Rezin with Syria, and of the son of Remaliah. neither: Heb. let not thy heart be tender


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The report that 'Syria is confederate with Ephraim' caused Ahaz's and the people's hearts to move 'as the trees of the wood are moved with the wind' depicts paralyzing fear despite God's promises. This terror reveals lack of faith—trusting circumstances over covenant. The imagery anticipates Jesus' contrast between those founded on rock versus sand (Matthew 7:24-27), showing that faith provides stability while unbelief brings instability.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Two-front threat (Syria from north, Israel from central highlands) appeared militarily overwhelming. Ahaz faced pressure to seek Assyrian alliance rather than trust God.

Reflection Questions

  1. What circumstances cause our hearts to 'move like trees' rather than rest in God's promises?
  2. How does fear reveal functional unbelief despite professed faith?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיֻּגַּ֗ד1 of 17

And it was told

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לְבֵ֤ית2 of 17

the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

דָּוִד֙3 of 17

of David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לֵאמֹ֔ר4 of 17

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

נָ֥חָֽה5 of 17

is confederate

H5117

to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l

אֲרָ֖ם6 of 17

Syria

H758

aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite

עַל7 of 17
H5921

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

אֶפְרָ֑יִם8 of 17

with Ephraim

H669

ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

כְּנ֥וֹעַ9 of 17

are moved

H5128

to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (as subjoined)

וּלְבַ֣ב10 of 17

And his heart

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

וּלְבַ֣ב11 of 17

And his heart

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

עַמּ֔וֹ12 of 17

of his people

H5971

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

כְּנ֥וֹעַ13 of 17

are moved

H5128

to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (as subjoined)

עֲצֵי14 of 17

as the trees

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

יַ֖עַר15 of 17

of the wood

H3293

a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)

מִפְּנֵי16 of 17

with

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

רֽוּחַ׃17 of 17

the wind

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the


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 7:2 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 7:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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