King James Version

What Does Isaiah 7:25 Mean?

Isaiah 7:25 in the King James Version says “And on all hills that shall be digged with the mattock, there shall not come thither the fear of briers and thorns: but ... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And on all hills that shall be digged with the mattock, there shall not come thither the fear of briers and thorns: but it shall be for the sending forth of oxen, and for the treading of lesser cattle.

Isaiah 7:25 · KJV


Context

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.

25

And on all hills that shall be digged with the mattock, there shall not come thither the fear of briers and thorns: but it shall be for the sending forth of oxen, and for the treading of lesser cattle.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Hills once terraced for productive farming would become pasture for grazing animals, showing economic regression and depopulation. The 'digging with the mattock' refers to the intensive labor required for hillside cultivation in ancient Palestine. The fear of 'briers and thorns' prevents agricultural work, completing the cycle of judgment. This passage illustrates how God's discipline can be comprehensive, affecting every aspect of life. Yet even in judgment, God provides—the land supports basic livestock, preserving the remnant.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Terraced hillside agriculture was essential in mountainous Judah, requiring enormous labor to build and maintain. These terraces prevented erosion and maximized arable land. When populations declined and terror made farming impossible, terraces collapsed and reverted to rough pasture. Archaeological surveys show dramatic agricultural decline in Judah following Sennacherib's invasion, with many terraced hills abandoned for centuries.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's discipline touch every area of our lives until we return to Him?
  2. What can we learn from the transformation of productive labor into mere subsistence?
  3. In what ways does God preserve His people even in the midst of comprehensive judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְכֹ֣ל1 of 16
H3605

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

הֶהָרִ֗ים2 of 16

And on all hills

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

אֲשֶׁ֤ר3 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בַּמַּעְדֵּר֙4 of 16

with the mattock

H4576

a (weeding) hoe

יֵעָ֣דֵר֔וּן5 of 16

that shall be digged

H5737

to arrange, as a battle, a vineyard (to hoe); hence, to muster and so to miss (or find wanting)

לֹֽא6 of 16
H3808

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

תָב֣וֹא7 of 16

there shall not come thither

H935

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

שָׁ֔מָּה8 of 16
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

יִרְאַ֖ת9 of 16

the fear

H3374

fear (also used as infinitive); morally, reverence

שָׁמִ֣יר10 of 16

of briers

H8068

a thorn; also (from its keenness for scratching) a gem, probably the diamond

וָשָׁ֑יִת11 of 16

and thorns

H7898

scrub or trash, i.e., wild growth of weeds or briers (as if put on the field)

וְהָיָה֙12 of 16
H1961

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

לְמִשְׁלַ֣ח13 of 16

but it shall be for the sending forth

H4916

a sending out, i.e., (abstractly) presentation (favorable), or seizure (unfavorable); also (concretely) a place of dismissal, or a business to be disc

שׁ֔וֹר14 of 16

of oxen

H7794

a bullock (as a traveller)

וּלְמִרְמַ֖ס15 of 16

and for the treading

H4823

abasement (the act or the thing)

שֶֽׂה׃16 of 16

of lesser cattle

H7716

a member of a flock, i.e., a sheep or goat


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 7:25 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 7:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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