Keraia
Isaiah 4

Isaiah 4:1

A Remnant in Zion · Isaiah 4:1–6
Read Isaiah 4

Translations

Modern
In that day seven women will take hold of one man and say, “We will eat our own bread and provide our own clothes. Just let us be called by your name. Take away our disgrace!”
Traditional
And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach.
Literal
Seven women will take hold of one of man in that day, saying, “Our own bread we will eat and our own garment we will wear; only let your name be called over us. Remove our reproach.”
Latin
Et apprehendent septem mulieres virum unum in die illa, dicentes: Panem nostrum comedemus, et vestimentis nostris operiemur: tantummodo invocetur nomen tuum super nos; aufer opprobrium nostrum.

Original

Hebrew
English
In that day seven women will take hold of one man and say, “We will eat our own bread and provide our own clothes. Just let us be called by your name. Take away our disgrace!”

Notes

Isaiah 4:1

During Isaiah’s ministry, Jerusalem’s population was greatly reduced. War, famine (lack of food), and disease caused many deaths (Isaiah 3:1–3; 6:13; 14:30; 22:2; 37:4).

So many men died that few were left in the city. This created a serious absence of leadership (see Isaiah 3:1–12). Without strong leaders, the city became weak and unstable.

Even worse conditions were coming. In 734–732 BC, Judah faced war with an alliance(a military agreement) between Syria and Israel (2 Chronicles 28). Later, from 605 to 586 BC, Babylon conquered Judah. Jerusalem was destroyed and fell to its enemies.

Isaiah 3:16–4:1

TThis passage applies the prophet’s teaching on arrogance (see Isaiah 2:11–12) to the people of Jerusalem. An alternate understanding is that this passage applies specifically to the women of Jerusalem.

Isaiah 2:5–4:1

Isaiah condemned Israel and Judah for their pride and self-importance. He warned them that only God should be honored. All attempts by humans to lift themselves up will actually result in humiliation.

Events

Glossary

Isaiah, Book of

Topics

Barrenness: A Reproach Childlessness: A Reproach Marriage: Celibacy Deplored Marriage: The Jews: Considered Being Debarred From, a Reproach Polygamy: Sought by Women Prophecies Concerning Israel: Prophecies Concerning of War and Other Judgments Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: Seven Women Will Seek a Polyandrous Marriage Woman: Young: Not to be Given in Marriage Considered a Calamity Women: Not to be Given in Marriage Was Considered a Calamity