King James Version

What Does Isaiah 7:9 Mean?

Isaiah 7:9 in the King James Version says “And the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is Remaliah's son. If ye will not believe, surely ye shall n... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is Remaliah's son. If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established. If: or, Do ye not believe? it is because ye are not stable

Isaiah 7:9 · KJV


Context

7

Thus saith the Lord GOD, It shall not stand, neither shall it come to pass.

8

For the head of Syria is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin; and within threescore and five years shall Ephraim be broken, that it be not a people. that: Heb. from a people

9

And the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is Remaliah's son. If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established. If: or, Do ye not believe? it is because ye are not stable

10

Moreover the LORD spake again unto Ahaz, saying, Moreover: Heb. And the LORD added to speak

11

Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above. ask it: or, make thy petition deep


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The parallelism limiting Ephraim's head to Samaria and Samaria's head to Remaliah's son emphasizes human limitations, contrasting with Judah's divine protection. The pivotal statement 'If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established' (Hebrew word play: 'im lo ta'aminu ki lo te'amenu') makes faith prerequisite to security. Belief in God's promises, not political alliances, ensures stability. This anticipates New Testament emphasis that faith is foundation (Hebrews 11:1, 6) and that unbelief brings judgment (Hebrews 3:19).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ahaz faced choice: trust God's promise or seek Assyrian alliance. His choice of alliance brought temporary relief but ultimate subjugation, demonstrating that unbelief has consequences.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the connection between belief and establishment inform our response to threatening circumstances?
  2. What areas of life remain unstable because of functional unbelief in God's promises?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְרֹ֥אשׁ1 of 13

And the head

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

אֶפְרַ֙יִם֙2 of 13

of Ephraim

H669

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

שֹׁמְר֖וֹן3 of 13

is Samaria

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

וְרֹ֥אשׁ4 of 13

And the head

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

שֹׁמְר֖וֹן5 of 13

is Samaria

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

בֶּן6 of 13

son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

רְמַלְיָ֑הוּ7 of 13

is Remaliah's

H7425

remaljah, an israelite

אִ֚ם8 of 13
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לֹ֣א9 of 13
H3808

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

תֵאָמֵֽנוּ׃10 of 13

If ye will not believe

H539

properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen

כִּ֖י11 of 13
H3588

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

לֹ֥א12 of 13
H3808

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

תֵאָמֵֽנוּ׃13 of 13

If ye will not believe

H539

properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen


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 7:9 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 7:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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