Isaiah 21:15
Isaiah 21:15 in Multiple Translations
For they flee from the sword— the sword that is drawn— from the bow that is bent, and from the stress of battle.
For they fled from the swords, from the drawn sword, and from the bent bow, and from the grievousness of war.
For they fled away from the swords, from the drawn sword, and from the bent bow, and from the grievousness of war.
For they are in flight from the sharp sword, and the bent bow, and from the trouble of war.
They're running away from a fierce battle, from swords, drawn swords, from bows and arrows.
For they flee from the drawen swords, euen from the drawen sword, and from the bent bowe, and from the grieuousnesse of warre.
For from the face of destructions they fled, From the face of a stretched-out sword, And from the face of a trodden bow, And from the face of the grievousness of battle.
For they fled away from the swords, from the drawn sword, from the bent bow, and from the heat of battle.
For they fled from the swords, from the drawn sword, and from the bent bow, and from the grievousness of war.
For they are fled from before the swords, from the sword that hung over them, from the bent bow, from the face of a grievous battle.
They are fleeing in order not to be killed by their enemies’ swords and not to be shot in battles by arrows.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 21:15
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 21:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
מִ/פְּנֵ֥י
חֲרָב֖וֹת
נָדָ֑דוּ
מִ/פְּנֵ֣י
חֶ֣רֶב
נְטוּשָׁ֗ה
וּ/מִ/פְּנֵי֙
קֶ֣שֶׁת
דְּרוּכָ֔ה
וּ/מִ/פְּנֵ֖י
כֹּ֥בֶד
מִלְחָמָֽה
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
מִ/פְּנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
חֲרָב֖וֹת
chereb
H2719
sword
N-fp
נָדָ֑דוּ
nâdad
H5074
to wander
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
מִ/פְּנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
חֶ֣רֶב
chereb
H2719
sword
N-fs
נְטוּשָׁ֗ה
nâṭash
H5203
to leave
V-Qal-Inf-c
וּ/מִ/פְּנֵי֙
pânîym
H6440
face
Conj | Prep | N-cp
קֶ֣שֶׁת
qesheth
H7198
bow
N-fs
דְּרוּכָ֔ה
dârak
H1869
to tread
V-Qal-Inf-c
וּ/מִ/פְּנֵ֖י
pânîym
H6440
face
Conj | Prep | N-cp
כֹּ֥בֶד
kôbed
H3514
heaviness
N-ms
מִלְחָמָֽה
milchâmâh
H4421
battle
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 21:15
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
מִ/פְּנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
חֲרָב֖וֹת
chereb
H2719
"sword"
N-fp
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
נָדָ֑דוּ
nâdad
H5074
"to wander"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to wander or flee, and is used in the Bible to describe people moving from place to place, like the Israelites in the wilderness in Exodus 14:3. It can also mean to chase someone away or to flutter like a bird.
Definition: 1) to retreat, flee, depart, move, wander abroad, stray, flutter 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to retreat, flee 1a2) to flee, depart 1a3) to wander, stray 1a4) to flutter (of birds) 1b) (Poal) to flee away, be chased 1c) (Hiphil) to chase away 1d) (Hophal) to be chased away 1e) (Hithpolel) to flee away Aramaic equivalent: ne.dad (נְדַד "to flee" H5075)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: chase (away), [idiom] could not, depart, flee ([idiom] apace, away), (re-) move, thrust away, wander (abroad, -er, -ing). See also: Genesis 31:40; Isaiah 16:2; Psalms 31:12.
מִ/פְּנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
חֶ֣רֶב
chereb
H2719
"sword"
N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
נְטוּשָׁ֗ה
nâṭash
H5203
"to leave"
V-Qal-Inf-c
To leave or forsake something, like God forsaking his people in the book of Isaiah. It can also mean to permit or let something happen. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's relationship with his people.
Definition: 1) to leave, permit, forsake, cast off or away, reject, suffer, join, spread out or abroad, be loosed, cease, abandon, quit, hang loose, cast down, make a raid, lie fallow, let fall, forgo, draw 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to leave, let alone, lie fallow, entrust to 1a2) to forsake, abandon 1a3) to permit 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be forsaken 1b2) to be loosened, be loose 1b3) to be let go, spread abroad 1c) (Pual) to be abandoned, be deserted
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: cast off, drawn, let fall, forsake, join (battle), leave (off), lie still, loose, spread (self) abroad, stretch out, suffer. See also: Genesis 31:28; Psalms 78:60; Psalms 27:9.
וּ/מִ/פְּנֵי֙
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Conj | Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
קֶ֣שֶׁת
qesheth
H7198
"bow"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for bow refers to a weapon used for hunting or battle, but also symbolizes strength and is used to describe a rainbow. In the Bible, it appears in Genesis and other books. It represents power and beauty.
Definition: 1) bow 1a) bow (for hunting, battle) 1b) bowmen, archers 1c) bow (fig. of might) 1d) rainbow
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] arch(-er), [phrase] arrow, bow(-man, -shot). See also: Genesis 9:13; Psalms 44:7; Psalms 7:13.
דְּרוּכָ֔ה
dârak
H1869
"to tread"
V-Qal-Inf-c
To tread means to walk or step on something, and is used in the Bible to describe various actions, such as treading a press or leading an army. In Exodus 15:6 and Psalm 60:12, the word is used to describe God's power and leadership, highlighting His ability to guide and direct His people.
Definition: 1) to tread, bend, lead, march 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tread, march, march forth 1a2) to tread on, tread upon 1a3) to tread (a press) 1a4) to tread (bend) a bow 1a5) archer, bow-benders (participle) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to tread, tread down 1b2) to tread (bend with the foot) a bow 1b3) to cause to go, lead, march, tread
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: archer, bend, come, draw, go (over), guide, lead (forth), thresh, tread (down), walk. See also: Numbers 24:17; Proverbs 4:11; Psalms 7:13.
וּ/מִ/פְּנֵ֖י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Conj | Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
כֹּ֥בֶד
kôbed
H3514
"heaviness"
N-ms
Heaviness or weight is what this word describes, whether it is a great multitude of people, like in 1 Samuel 29, or a heavy burden, as in Isaiah 1.
Definition: 1) weight, heaviness, mass, great 1a) heaviness, weight 1b) mass, abundance 1c) vehemence, heaviness
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: grievousness, heavy, great number. See also: Proverbs 27:3; Isaiah 30:27; Isaiah 21:15.
מִלְחָמָֽה
milchâmâh
H4421
"battle"
N-fs
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
Study Notes — Isaiah 21:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 21:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 21:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 21:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 21:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 21:15
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 21:15
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 21:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 21:15
Context — The Burden against Arabia
13This is the burden against Arabia: In the thickets of Arabia you must lodge, O caravans of Dedanites.
14Bring water for the thirsty, O dwellers of Tema; meet the refugees with food.
15For they flee from the sword— the sword that is drawn— from the bow that is bent, and from the stress of battle.
16For this is what the Lord says to me: “Within one year, as a hired worker would count it, all the glory of Kedar will be gone. 17The remaining archers, the warriors of Kedar, will be few.” For the LORD, the God of Israel, has spoken.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 6:19–20 | The caravans of Tema look for water; the travelers of Sheba hope to find it. They are confounded because they had hoped; their arrival brings disappointment. |
| 2 | Isaiah 13:14 | Like a hunted gazelle, like a sheep without a shepherd, each will return to his own people, each will flee to his native land. |
Isaiah 21:15 Summary
Isaiah 21:15 is talking about people running away from a war, trying to escape the danger of swords and bows, which is a common theme in the Bible, as seen in 2 Kings 8:21 and Jeremiah 4:5-6. Just like these people, we may face our own 'battles' in life, but we can trust in God's protection and care, as promised in Psalm 91:4 and Jeremiah 29:11. This verse reminds us that God is our refuge and strength, and that He will help us through the tough times, just like He did for the Israelites in the wilderness, as recorded in Deuteronomy 1:31 and 8:4.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Isaiah 21:15?
Isaiah 21:15 is part of a prophecy against Arabia, where God is speaking through the prophet Isaiah to warn of an impending attack and the subsequent fleeing of its people, as seen in Isaiah 21:13-17 and supported by similar prophecies in Ezekiel 25:13 and Jeremiah 25:23-24.
Who are the people fleeing from the sword in Isaiah 21:15?
The people fleeing are likely the caravans of Dedanites mentioned in Isaiah 21:13, who are trying to escape the danger of war, similar to the refugees in 2 Chronicles 28:5-15 who fled from the king of Syria.
What is the significance of the 'stress of battle' in Isaiah 21:15?
The 'stress of battle' refers to the physical and emotional toll of war on those involved, as seen in other Bible passages like Exodus 17:12 and 1 Samuel 30:9-10, where the stress of battle affected the physical and emotional well-being of the soldiers.
How does Isaiah 21:15 relate to God's sovereignty?
Isaiah 21:15 shows that God is in control of the events of history, including the rise and fall of nations, as stated in Daniel 2:21 and Psalm 103:19, where God's sovereignty over all things is clearly proclaimed.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can apply the concept of fleeing from danger to my own life, and how can I trust in God's protection like the Israelites did in Exodus 14:13-14?
- How does the image of the drawn sword and bent bow make me think about the spiritual battles that I face, and what are some ways that I can prepare for them like the army of God in Ephesians 6:10-18?
- What are some things that cause me stress and anxiety in my life, and how can I cast those cares on God like it says in 1 Peter 5:7?
- How can I be a source of comfort and support to those around me who may be fleeing from their own 'swords' and 'bows', just like the dwellers of Tema were instructed to do in Isaiah 21:14?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 21:15
For they fled from the swords,.... Of their enemy, whom they could not withstand; perhaps the Assyrian army: from the drawn sword; just ready to be sheathed in them: and from the bent bow; just going
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 21:15
For they fled from the swords, from the drawn sword, and from the bent bow, and from the grievousness of war. For they fled - the fugitive Dedanites and other Arabs.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 21:15
Isaiah 21:15 For they fled from the swords, from the drawn sword, and from the bent bow, and from the grievousness of war.Ver. 15. For they fled from the swords, &c.] Swords, bows, battle to all the rest. Crosses seldom come single. See on James 1:2.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 21:15
(15) For they fled from the swords.—The fourfold repetition of the somewhat full form of the Hebrew preposition (literally, from the face of) seems as if intended to emphasise the several stages of retreat.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 21:15
15. The caravans have deserted the frequented paths, because of armed bands scouring the country. 16 f. The interpretation of the vision is regarded by many commentators as a later appendix similar to ch. Isaiah 16:13 f. There is certainly a surprising resemblance between the two passages, which may suggest that they are both from the same hand.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 21:15
For they fled - The inhabitants of one part of the land. The grievousness of war - Hebrew, כבד kobed - “the weight, the heaviness, the oppression” of war; probably from the calamities that would
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 21:15
13-15. Burden upon Arabia — On critical grounds, both Ewald and Delitzsch make it doubtful that Arabia, as a whole, is meant, but rather think that the oracle relates to the sandy desert, the Arabah,