King James Version

What Does Isaiah 7:22 Mean?

Isaiah 7:22 in the King James Version says “And it shall come to pass, for the abundance of milk that they shall give he shall eat butter: for butter and honey shal...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it shall come to pass, for the abundance of milk that they shall give he shall eat butter: for butter and honey shall every one eat that is left in the land. the land: Heb. the midst of the land”

Isaiah 7:22 · KJV

Context

20

In the same day shall the Lord shave with a razor that is hired, namely, by them beyond the river, by the king of Assyria, the head, and the hair of the feet: and it shall also consume the beard.

21

And it shall come to pass in that day, that a man shall nourish a young cow, and two sheep;

22

And it shall come to pass, for the abundance of milk that they shall give he shall eat butter: for butter and honey shall every one eat that is left in the land. the land: Heb. the midst of the land

23

And it shall come to pass in that day, that every place shall be, where there were a thousand vines at a thousand silverlings, it shall even be for briers and thorns.

24

With arrows and with bows shall men come thither; because all the land shall become briers and thorns.

Read Isaiah 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes the desolation following judgment, where the remnant survives on simple pastoral provisions. The 'abundance of milk' suggests a return to pastoral simplicity after destruction, not prosperity. Butter (curds) and honey represent basic sustenance in a depopulated land where agriculture has ceased. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates the principle that God's judgment purifies His people, reducing them to dependence on His basic provision. The remnant theme recurs throughout Isaiah—God always preserves a faithful few.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This prophecy concerns the Assyrian invasion of Judah (701 BC). The once-cultivated land would revert to pasture, with so few people remaining that dairy products would be plentiful. Archaeological evidence confirms the devastation Sennacherib's armies brought to Judah's countryside, with 46 fortified cities destroyed. The survivors would live on the most basic foods available in a pastoral economy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's judgment sometimes strip away our comforts to teach us dependence on Him alone?
  2. What does the preservation of a remnant teach us about God's faithfulness to His covenant promises?
  3. In what ways might simplicity and reduction be blessings in disguise during seasons of trial?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְהָיָ֗ה1 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מֵרֹ֛ב2 of 14

“And it shall come to pass for the abundance”

H7230

abundance (in any respect)

עֲשׂ֥וֹת3 of 14

“that they shall give”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

חָלָ֖ב4 of 14

“of milk”

H2461

milk (as the richness of kine)

יֹאכֵ֔ל5 of 14

“he shall eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

חֶמְאָ֤ה6 of 14

“butter”

H2529

curdled milk or cheese

כִּֽי7 of 14
H3588

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

חֶמְאָ֤ה8 of 14

“butter”

H2529

curdled milk or cheese

וּדְבַשׁ֙9 of 14

“and honey”

H1706

honey (from its stickiness); by analogy, syrup

יֹאכֵ֔ל10 of 14

“he shall eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

כָּל11 of 14
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַנּוֹתָ֖ר12 of 14

“that is left”

H3498

to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve

בְּקֶ֥רֶב13 of 14

“in”

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

הָאָֽרֶץ׃14 of 14

“the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 7:22 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 7:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 7:15Matthew 3:42 Samuel 17:29

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 7 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Isaiah 7 with CommentaryAll Isaiah ChaptersComplete Isaiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes