King James Version

What Does Isaiah 9:21 Mean?

Isaiah 9:21 in the King James Version says “Manasseh, Ephraim; and Ephraim, Manasseh: and they together shall be against Judah. For all this his anger is not turned... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Manasseh, Ephraim; and Ephraim, Manasseh: and they together shall be against Judah. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.

Isaiah 9:21 · KJV


Context

19

Through the wrath of the LORD of hosts is the land darkened, and the people shall be as the fuel of the fire: no man shall spare his brother. fuel: Heb. meat

20

And he shall snatch on the right hand, and be hungry; and he shall eat on the left hand, and they shall not be satisfied: they shall eat every man the flesh of his own arm: snatch: Heb cut

21

Manasseh, Ephraim; and Ephraim, Manasseh: and they together shall be against Judah. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Tribal warfare erupts between Manasseh and Ephraim (both sons of Joseph, brother tribes), then they unite against Judah. This intra-family violence shows how sin destroys even closest relationships. Brother fights brother, then both fight their cousins—comprehensive civil war. The refrain returns for the fourth time: despite all this judgment, God's anger isn't satisfied and His hand remains extended in judgment. The repetition emphasizes Israel's hardness—no amount of suffering produces repentance without divine grace enabling it.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

During Israel's collapse, tribal and factional warfare was common (2 Kings 15-17). The split between Ephraim (representing northern kingdom) and Judah (southern kingdom) had existed since Rehoboam (930 BC), but periods of cooperation alternated with conflict. In Israel's final days, internal divisions weakened them before Assyria's final blow. United they might have survived longer; divided, they fell quickly.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does sin divide even the closest relationships and communities?
  2. What does persistent impenitence despite escalating judgment reveal about the need for gracious regeneration?
  3. How can Christians maintain unity in the face of conflicts that threaten to divide us?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה1 of 18

Manasseh

H4519

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

אֶת2 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וְאֶפְרַ֙יִם֙3 of 18

Ephraim

H669

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

וְאֶפְרַ֙יִם֙4 of 18

Ephraim

H669

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

אֶת5 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה6 of 18

Manasseh

H4519

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

יַחְדָּ֥ו7 of 18

and they together

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

הֵ֖מָּה8 of 18
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

עַל9 of 18
H5921

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

יְהוּדָ֑ה10 of 18

shall be against Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

בְּכָל11 of 18
H3605

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

זֹאת֙12 of 18
H2063

this (often used adverb)

לֹא13 of 18
H3808

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

שָׁ֣ב14 of 18

is not turned away

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אַפּ֔וֹ15 of 18

For all this his anger

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

וְע֖וֹד16 of 18
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

יָד֥וֹ17 of 18

but his hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

נְטוּיָֽה׃18 of 18

is stretched out still

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)


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 9:21 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 9:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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