Isaiah 2:15

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Isaiah 2:15 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

against every high tower, against every fortified wall,

King James Version KJV

And upon every high tower, and upon every fenced wall,

American Standard Version ASV

and upon every lofty tower, and upon every fortified wall,

Bible in Basic English BBE

And on every high tower, and on every strong wall;

Free Bible Version FBV

He will tear down every high tower and every defensive wall.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And vpon euery hie tower, and vpon euery strong wall,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And for every high tower, And for every fenced wall,

World English Bible WEB

for every lofty tower, for every fortified wall,

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And upon every high tower, and upon every fortified wall,

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And upon every high tower, and every fenced wall.

Translation for Translators T4T

He will get rid of all those who think that they are high towers and high strong walls inside of or behind which they will be safe.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 2:15

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Isaiah 2:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/עַ֖ל כָּל מִגְדָּ֣ל גָּבֹ֑הַ וְ/עַ֖ל כָּל חוֹמָ֥ה בְצוּרָֽה

וְ/עַ֖ל ʻal H5921 upon Conj | Prep

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

מִגְדָּ֣ל migdâl H4026 tower N-cs

גָּבֹ֑הַ gâbôahh H1364 high Adj

וְ/עַ֖ל ʻal H5921 upon Conj | Prep

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

חוֹמָ֥ה chôwmâh H2346 wall N-fs

בְצוּרָֽה bâtsar H1219 to gather/restrain/fortify Adj

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 2:15

וְ/עַ֖ל ʻal H5921 "upon" Conj | Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

מִגְדָּ֣ל migdâl H4026 "tower" N-cs

Migdal means tower, referring to a tall structure or elevated stage. It can also symbolize a bed of flowers in the Bible.

Definition: 1) tower 1a) tower 1b) elevated stage, pulpit 1c) raised bed

Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: castle, flower, tower. Compare the names following. See also: Genesis 11:4; Nehemiah 3:26; Psalms 48:13.

גָּבֹ֑הַ gâbôahh H1364 "high" Adj

High means elevated or powerful, like a tall mountain or a proud person, as described in Proverbs where pride comes before a fall.

Definition: adj 1) high, exalted 1a) high, tall 1b) high (in position) 1c) proud, haughty n m 2) loftiness Also means: ga.vah (גָּבֹהַּ "high" H1362)

Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: haughty, height, high(-er), lofty, proud, [idiom] exceeding proudly. See also: Genesis 7:19; Isaiah 5:15; Psalms 104:18.

וְ/עַ֖ל ʻal H5921 "upon" Conj | Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

חוֹמָ֥ה chôwmâh H2346 "wall" N-fs

A wall of protection, like the walls of Jerusalem, provided safety and security for the people. It appears in the Bible as a physical barrier. The Israelites built walls around their cities for defense.

Definition: wall

Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: wall, walled. See also: Exodus 14:22; Nehemiah 6:15; Psalms 51:20.

בְצוּרָֽה bâtsar H1219 "to gather/restrain/fortify" Adj

This word means to gather or fortify, often used to describe harvesting grapes or building strong walls. It appears in the Bible to describe the gathering of crops, such as in the book of Isaiah. It can also mean to restrain or make something inaccessible.

Definition: 1) to gather, restrain, fence, fortify, make inaccessible, enclose 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a2) fortified, cut off, made inaccessible (pass participle) 1a3) secrets, mysteries, inaccessible things (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be withheld 1c) (Piel) to fortify

Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: cut off, (de-) fenced, fortify, (grape) gather(-er), mighty things, restrain, strong, wall (up), withhold. See also: Genesis 11:6; Job 42:2; Psalms 76:13.

Study Notes — Isaiah 2:15

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Isaiah 2:15 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 2:15
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 2:15
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 2:15
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 2:15
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 2:15
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 2:15
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 2:15
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 2:15
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 2:15
Sermons on Isaiah 2:15

Context — The Day of Reckoning

13against all the cedars of Lebanon, lofty and lifted up, against all the oaks of Bashan, 14against all the tall mountains, against all the high hills,

15against every high tower, against every fortified wall,

16against every ship of Tarshish, and against every stately vessel. 17So the pride of man will be brought low, and the loftiness of men will be humbled; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Isaiah 25:12	The high-walled fortress will be brought down, cast to the ground, into the dust.

Isaiah 2:15 Summary

[This verse is saying that God will judge and bring down all the things that people trust in for strength and security, whether it's a physical fortress or a sense of self-importance, as seen in Isaiah 2:17. This is because God wants us to trust in Him alone, as stated in Psalms 20:7-8, and not in our own strength or accomplishments. By surrendering our pride and trust in God, we can experience true security and peace, as seen in Matthew 11:28-30.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean by 'every high tower' in Isaiah 2:15?

The phrase 'every high tower' refers to the strongholds and fortresses of the nations, symbolizing their pride and power, as seen in other scriptures such as Ezekiel 26:9 and Jeremiah 52:4, where high towers and fortified walls are associated with the pride and strength of cities and nations.

Is this verse talking about a physical or spiritual battle?

While the language used in Isaiah 2:15 is physical, the context suggests a spiritual battle, where God is judging the pride and arrogance of humanity, as stated in Isaiah 2:17, where it says 'the pride of man will be brought low, and the loftiness of men will be humbled; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day'

How does this verse relate to the rest of Isaiah chapter 2?

Isaiah 2:15 is part of a larger section that describes God's judgment on the pride and arrogance of humanity, as seen in the surrounding verses, such as Isaiah 2:13, which talks about the cedars of Lebanon and the oaks of Bashan, and Isaiah 2:16, which talks about the ships of Tarshish and the stately vessels.

What is the significance of 'every fortified wall' in this verse?

The 'fortified wall' represents the defenses and strongholds that people trust in for security and protection, but according to Isaiah 2:15, these will be targets of God's judgment, as also seen in Jeremiah 51:53, where it says 'Though Babylon ascends to the heavens, and though she fortifies her lofty stronghold, yet destroyers will come to her from Me,'

Reflection Questions

What are the 'high towers' in my life that I trust in for security and strength, and how can I surrender them to God?
In what ways do I rely on my own strength and fortifications, rather than trusting in God's power and protection, as seen in Psalms 20:7-8?
How can I apply the principle of humility and trust in God's power, as seen in Isaiah 2:17, to my daily life and relationships?
What are some areas in my life where I need to recognize and surrender my pride and arrogance to God, as seen in Proverbs 16:18-19?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 2:15

And upon every high tower, and upon every fenced wall. Which may signify everything that serves to support and defend the antichristian hierarchy, particularly the secular powers.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 2:15

And upon every high tower, and upon every fenced wall, Tower ... wall. Towers were often made on the walls of cities. Fenced - strongly fortified.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 2:15

To which you resorted and trusted for your defence.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 2:15

Isaiah 2:15 And upon every high tower, and upon every fenced wall,Ver. 15. And upon every high tower.] In these the Jews trusted, as sure help in time of distress, but all in vain.

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 2:15

(15) Upon every high tower.—Generic as the words are, they have a special reference to the fortifications which were the glory of Uzziah’s reign, and were continued by his successors (2 Chronicles 26:9-10; 2 Chronicles 27:3-4; Hosea 8:14; Micah 5:11; comp. also Isaiah 22:8-11, Psalms 48:13).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 2:15

Verse 15. See Clarke on Isaiah 2:13.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 2:15

12–16. The conception, although in the highest degree poetic, is not allegorical. Trees, mountains, ships, &c. are not emblems of kings, magnates, commerce and the like; the destruction of all that is imposing and sublime in nature or art is itself the concrete expression of the idea that “the Lord alone shall be exalted.” The appearing of Jehovah is depicted under the imagery of the thunderstorm, an ancient symbol of the Theophany (cf. Judges 5:4 f.; Psalms 18:7-14; Psalms 18:29).

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 2:15

Every high tower - Towers, or fortresses, were erected for defense and protection.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 2:15

15. High tower — Uzziah had filled the land with these, and with fenced walls of cities and towns; at Jerusalem especially. 2 Chronicles 26:9; Deuteronomy 28:52; Hosea 8:14.

Sermons on Isaiah 2:15

	Sermon	Description
	Perfect Peace by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes that in times of panic and chaos, God's faithful people will experience perfect peace, a peace that surpasses all understanding. He references Isaiah 57: