Isaiah 3:2
Isaiah 3:2 in Multiple Translations
the mighty man and the warrior, the judge and the prophet, the soothsayer and the elder,
The mighty man, and the man of war, the judge, and the prophet, and the prudent, and the ancient,
the mighty man, and the man of war; the judge, and the prophet, and the diviner, and the elder;
The strong man and the man of war; the judge and the prophet; the man who has knowledge of secret arts, and the man who is wise because of his years;
their strong fighters and soldiers, leaders and prophets, fortune-tellers and elders,
The strong man, and the man of warre, the iudge and the prophet, the prudent and the aged,
Hero and man of war, judge and prophet, And diviner and elder,
the mighty man, the man of war, the judge, the prophet, the diviner, the elder,
The mighty man, and the man of war, the judge, and the prophet, and the prudent, and the ancient,
The strong man, and the man of war, the judge, and the prophet, and the cunning man, and the ancient.
He will take away your heroes and your other soldiers, your judges and your prophets, people who do rituals to find out what will happen in the future and the elders,
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 3:2
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 3:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
גִּבּ֖וֹר
וְ/אִ֣ישׁ
מִלְחָמָ֑ה
שׁוֹפֵ֥ט
וְ/נָבִ֖יא
וְ/קֹסֵ֥ם
וְ/זָקֵֽן
גִּבּ֖וֹר
gibbôwr
H1368
mighty man
Adj
וְ/אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-ms
מִלְחָמָ֑ה
milchâmâh
H4421
battle
N-fs
שׁוֹפֵ֥ט
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
V-Qal
וְ/נָבִ֖יא
nâbîyʼ
H5030
prophet
Conj | N-ms
וְ/קֹסֵ֥ם
qâçam
H7080
to divine
Conj | V-Qal
וְ/זָקֵֽן
zâqên
H2205
old
Conj | Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 3:2
גִּבּ֖וֹר
gibbôwr
H1368
"mighty man"
Adj
This word describes a strong or mighty man, like a warrior or champion, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:51 where David defeats Goliath. It can also imply a brave or valiant person.
Definition: adj 1) strong, mighty n m 2) strong man, brave man, mighty man
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: champion, chief, [idiom] excel, giant, man, mighty (man, one), strong (man), valiant man. See also: Genesis 6:4; 2 Chronicles 17:16; Psalms 19:6.
וְ/אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מִלְחָמָ֑ה
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.
שׁוֹפֵ֥ט
shâphaṭ
H8199
"to judge"
V-Qal
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
וְ/נָבִ֖יא
nâbîyʼ
H5030
"prophet"
Conj | N-ms
A prophet is someone who speaks for God, like a spokesperson. This word is used in the Bible to describe true and false prophets, like those in 1 and 2 Kings.
Definition: 1) spokesman, speaker, prophet 1a) prophet 1b) false prophet 1c) heathen prophet Aramaic equivalent: ne.vi (נְבִיא "prophet" H5029)
Usage: Occurs in 288 OT verses. KJV: prophecy, that prophesy, prophet. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Kings 24:2; Psalms 51:2.
וְ/קֹסֵ֥ם
qâçam
H7080
"to divine"
Conj | V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to use magic or divination to predict the future, like Balaam did. It's often associated with false prophets and forbidden practices. This concept appears in various books, including Numbers and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) (Qal) to practice divination, divine 1a) of diviners of the nations, Balaam 1b) of false prophets of Israel 1c) prohibited
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: divine(-r, -ation), prudent, soothsayer, use (divination). See also: Deuteronomy 18:10; Ezekiel 13:9; Isaiah 3:2.
וְ/זָקֵֽן
zâqên
H2205
"old"
Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word means old or elderly, as in the case of the elderly men who appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:11. It can also refer to those in positions of authority, like the elders who helped Moses in Exodus 24:1. The term is used to describe respect and leadership.
Definition: : old 1) old 1a) old (of humans) 1b) elder (of those having authority) Also means: za.qen (זָקֵן ": elder" H2205)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator. See also: Genesis 18:11; 1 Samuel 28:14; Psalms 105:22.
Study Notes — Isaiah 3:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 3:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 3:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 3:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 3:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 3:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 3:2
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 3:2
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 3:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 3:2
- Sermons on Isaiah 3:2
Context — Judgment on Jerusalem and Judah
1For behold, the Lord GOD of Hosts is about to remove from Jerusalem and Judah both supply and support: the whole supply of food and water,
2the mighty man and the warrior, the judge and the prophet, the soothsayer and the elder,
3the commander of fifty and the dignitary, the counselor, the cunning magician, and the clever enchanter. 4“I will make mere lads their leaders, and children will rule over them.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 9:14–15 | So the LORD will cut off Israel’s head and tail, both palm branch and reed in a single day. The head is the elder and honorable man, and the tail is the prophet who teaches lies. |
| 2 | 2 Kings 24:14–16 | He carried into exile all Jerusalem—all the commanders and mighty men of valor, all the craftsmen and metalsmiths—ten thousand captives in all. Only the poorest people of the land remained. Nebuchadnezzar carried away Jehoiachin to Babylon, as well as the king’s mother, his wives, his officials, and the leading men of the land. He took them into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. The king of Babylon also brought into exile to Babylon all seven thousand men of valor and a thousand craftsmen and metalsmiths—all strong and fit for battle. |
| 3 | Lamentations 5:12–14 | Princes have been hung up by their hands; elders receive no respect. Young men toil at millstones; boys stagger under loads of wood. The elders have left the city gate; the young men have stopped their music. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 8:12 | “Son of man,” He said to me, “do you see what the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the darkness, each at the shrine of his own idol? For they are saying, ‘The LORD does not see us; the LORD has forsaken the land.’” |
| 5 | Isaiah 2:13–15 | against all the cedars of Lebanon, lofty and lifted up, against all the oaks of Bashan, against all the tall mountains, against all the high hills, against every high tower, against every fortified wall, |
| 6 | Ezekiel 17:13 | He took a member of the royal family and made a covenant with him, putting him under oath. Then he carried away the leading men of the land, |
| 7 | Ezekiel 9:5 | And as I listened, He said to the others, “Follow him through the city and start killing; do not show pity or spare anyone! |
| 8 | Psalms 74:9 | There are no signs for us to see. There is no longer any prophet. And none of us knows how long this will last. |
| 9 | Amos 2:3 | I will cut off the ruler of Moab and kill all the officials with him,” says the LORD. |
Isaiah 3:2 Summary
Isaiah 3:2 lists the types of people God is removing from Jerusalem and Judah, including strong warriors, wise judges, and spiritual prophets. This removal is a form of judgment, as God is taking away the people who were supposed to lead and guide His people, similar to what is described in Deuteronomy 28:20. Without these leaders, the people will be left without direction, as seen in Isaiah 3:4, where it says children will rule over them. This reminds us that God is in control of all things, including the rise and fall of leaders, as stated in Daniel 2:21 and Romans 13:1-2.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of people is God removing from Jerusalem and Judah according to Isaiah 3:2?
God is removing people of authority and influence, including military leaders, judges, prophets, and elders, as seen in Isaiah 3:2, which lists the mighty man, warrior, judge, prophet, soothsayer, and elder.
Why is God removing these leaders from Jerusalem and Judah?
God is removing these leaders as a form of judgment, as stated in Isaiah 3:1, where it says the Lord GOD of Hosts is about to remove from Jerusalem and Judah both supply and support, and also in Isaiah 1:4-7, where God expresses His displeasure with the sinful state of His people.
How does this verse relate to the idea of God's judgment on a nation?
This verse illustrates how God's judgment on a nation can involve the removal of its leaders and the disruption of its social structures, as also seen in Deuteronomy 28:20 and Proverbs 29:2, which describe the consequences of a nation's disobedience to God.
What does the removal of these leaders mean for the people of Jerusalem and Judah?
The removal of these leaders will lead to a lack of guidance and direction, as stated in Isaiah 3:4, where it says 'I will make mere lads their leaders, and children will rule over them', and also in Proverbs 11:14, which emphasizes the importance of wise leadership for a nation's prosperity.
Reflection Questions
- What are the consequences when a nation's leaders are removed or fail to lead according to God's will?
- How can we as individuals and as a community prepare for times of uncertainty and leadership vacuum, as described in Isaiah 3:2-4?
- What does this verse teach us about God's sovereign control over the affairs of nations and leaders, as seen in Daniel 2:21 and Romans 13:1-2?
- In what ways can we seek God's wisdom and guidance in our own lives, especially when faced with uncertain or challenging circumstances, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and James 1:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 3:2
The mighty man, and man of war,.... The meaning is either that these should die in war, as thousands of them did; or that men fit to be generals of armies should be removed by death before this time,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 3:2
The mighty man, and the man of war, the judge, and the prophet, and the prudent, and the ancient, The mighty man, and the man of war - fulfilled under Nebuchadnezzar (2 Kings 24:14). The prudent.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 3:2
The mighty man; strong and valiant men. The judge; the civil magistrates. The prophet; either strictly so called, the want of whom is matter of grief; see ; or largely, so as to include all skilful and faithful teachers. The prudent; whose wisdom and conduct was necessary to preserve them from ruin. The ancient; whose wisdom was increased by long experience.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 3:2
Isaiah 3:2 The mighty man, and the man of war, the judge, and the prophet, and the prudent, and the ancient,Ver. 2. The mighty man, and the man of war.] Such as were David’ s mighties; Hannibal; Fabius Maximus, of whom the poet, Hic patria est, murique urbis stant pectore in uno; Scipio Africanus, of whose death when Metellus heard, he ran out into the public forum and cried out, Concurrite cives, urbis vestrae moenia corruerunt; Come forth and consult what is to be done, for your city is undone. The judge and the prophet.] When God gathereth such by clusters as it were, some evil is at hand; as when men pull up their hedges and fences, it is open tide. And the prudent.] Heb., The diviner: such as have their eyes in their head, their hearts at their right hands, that judiciously pondering things past, can prudently order things present, and providently foresee to prevent dangers likely to ensue. And the ancient.] With whom is wisdom and counsel.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 3:2
(2) The mighty man, and the man of war.—The first word points to the aristocracy of landed proprietors, the latter to those who, whether of that class or not, had been prominent as leaders in the king’s armies. The judge, and the prophet.—Each is named as the representative of a class. The latter was that to which Isaiah himself belonged, but in which he found, as Jeremiah did afterwards, his chief opponents. The prudent, and the ancient.—The former word has the more definite meaning of “diviners,” those who had a real gift of wisdom, but who by their abuse of that gift had become as degenerate prophets. In the “ancient” we have the “elders” who were prominent in the municipal politics of the East, and formed at least the nucleus of the king’s council (Rth 4:4; 2 Samuel 19:11; 1 Kings 20:7; 1 Kings 21:8; and elsewhere).
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 3:2
2, 3. A list of the officials and prominent persons who form the “props” of society. No clear principle of arrangement can be traced, although the titles tend to fall into pairs, and those in Isaiah 3:3 are perhaps of less distinction than those in Isaiah 3:2. The art. is better omitted throughout as in Heb.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 3:2
The mighty man - The hero, The idea expressed is not simply that of personal strength and prowess, but the higher one of military eminence or heroism. “Prof.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 3:2
2. 3. Mighty man… man of war — Besides men, martial armaments are included. Uzziah had a widespread military organization. 2 Chronicles 26:11-15. Prudent — About the same as prophet.
Sermons on Isaiah 3:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Ephesians by J.B. Rowell | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a hardworking mother who sacrificed to send her son to college. When the mother visits her son's room at college, she notices the p |
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God Sees Everything by Roy Daniel | The sermon begins with a personal story about a dog on a farm, leading into a reflection on Ezekiel 8:12. The speaker then prays for God's word to impact the listeners' lives and r |
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The Delapitated House by Jenny Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the state of a house that was once a shining example of God's creative power. The house, which represents our testimony as believers, is des |
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Is There Sin in Our Own Heart That We Know Little Of? by Andrew Murray | Andrew Murray addresses the hidden sins within the church, emphasizing that many believers may be unaware of the abominations present in their hearts and lives. He draws parallels |
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Hell's Message to a No-Hell Generation by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching about God's eternal judgment and punishment against sin. He mentions a significant religious event in 1963 where |
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Freedom From Denominationalism by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking God's truth and total freedom from anything that binds us. He encourages humility, servanthood, and having a father |
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(Through the Bible) Ezekiel 6-10 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the difficulty of describing heavenly things in human language. He uses the example of Ezekiel's vision of heavenly beings with four faces to |