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Isaiah 37:23

Isaiah 37:23 in Multiple Translations

Whom have you taunted and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel!

Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel.

Whom hast thou defied and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice and lifted up thine eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel.

Against whom have you said evil and bitter things? and against whom has your voice been loud and your eyes lifted up? even against the Holy One of Israel.

Who have you been insulting and ridiculing? Who did you raise your voice against? Who did you look at with so proud eyes? It was against the Holy One of Israel!

Whome hast thou railed on and blasphemed? and against whome hast thou exalted thy voyce, and lifted vp thine eyes on hie? euen against the holy one of Israel.

Whom hast thou reproached and reviled? And against whom lifted up the voice? Yea, thou dost lift up on high thine eyes Against the Holy One of Israel.

Whom have you defied and blasphemed? Against whom have you exalted your voice and lifted up your eyes on high? Against the Holy One of Israel.

Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed; and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted thy eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel.

Whom hast thou reproached, and whom hast thou blasphemed, and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thy eyes on high? Against the Holy One of Israel.

Whom do you think you have been despising and ridiculing? Whom do you think you were shouting at? Whom do you think you were looking at very proudly/arrogantly? It was I, the Holy One whom the Israelis worship!

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 37:23

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Word Study

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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 37:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB אֶת מִ֤י חֵרַ֨פְתָּ֙ וְ/גִדַּ֔פְתָּ וְ/עַל מִ֖י הֲרִימ֣וֹתָה קּ֑וֹל וַ/תִּשָּׂ֥א מָר֛וֹם עֵינֶ֖י/ךָ אֶל קְד֥וֹשׁ יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
מִ֤י mîy H4310 who? Part
חֵרַ֨פְתָּ֙ châraph H2778 to taunt V-Piel-Perf-2ms
וְ/גִדַּ֔פְתָּ gâdaph H1442 to blaspheme Conj | V-Piel-Perf-2ms
וְ/עַל ʻal H5921 upon Conj | Prep
מִ֖י mîy H4310 who? Part
הֲרִימ֣וֹתָה rûwm H7311 to exalt V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms
קּ֑וֹל qôwl H6963 voice N-ms
וַ/תִּשָּׂ֥א nâsâʼ H5375 to lift Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2ms
מָר֛וֹם mârôwm H4791 height N-ms
עֵינֶ֖י/ךָ ʻayin H5869 eye N-cd | Suff
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
קְד֥וֹשׁ qâdôwsh H6918 holy Adj
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 37:23

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מִ֤י mîy H4310 "who?" Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
חֵרַ֨פְתָּ֙ châraph H2778 "to taunt" V-Piel-Perf-2ms
The Hebrew word 'châraph' means to acquire or expose something, and can also mean to betroth or defame someone. It is translated as 'betroth', 'blaspheme', or 'reproach' in the KJV Bible.
Definition: 1) to reproach, taunt, blaspheme, defy, jeopardise, rail, upbraid 1a) (Qal) to reproach 1b) (Piel) to reproach, defy, taunt
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: betroth, blaspheme, defy, jeopard, rail, reproach, upbraid. See also: Leviticus 19:20; Psalms 55:13; Psalms 42:11.
וְ/גִדַּ֔פְתָּ gâdaph H1442 "to blaspheme" Conj | V-Piel-Perf-2ms
To blaspheme means to speak badly of someone, including God. In the Bible, this word is used to describe reviling or reproaching others, and is considered a serious offense. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to revile men, blaspheme God 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to revile (between men) 1a2) to blaspheme (God)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: blaspheme, reproach. See also: Numbers 15:30; Psalms 44:17; Isaiah 37:6.
וְ/עַל 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.
מִ֖י mîy H4310 "who?" Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
הֲרִימ֣וֹתָה rûwm H7311 "to exalt" V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms
This verb can mean to lift something or someone up, like a parent lifting a child, or to exalt oneself in pride. In the Bible, it's used to describe God lifting up the humble and bringing down the proud.
Definition: 1) to rise, rise up, be high, be lofty, be exalted 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be high, be set on high 1a2) to be raised, be uplifted, be exalted 1a3) to be lifted, rise 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to raise or rear (children), cause to grow up 1b2) to lift up, raise, exalt 1b3) to exalt, extol 1c) (Polal) to be lifted up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to raise, lift, lift up, take up, set up, erect, exalt, set on high 1d2) to lift up (and take away), remove 1d3) to lift off and present, contribute, offer, contribute 1e) (Hophal) to be taken off, be abolished 1f) (Hithpolel) to exalt oneself, magnify oneself Aramaic equivalent: rum (רוּם "to rise" H7313)
Usage: Occurs in 184 OT verses. KJV: bring up, exalt (self), extol, give, go up, haughty, heave (up), (be, lift up on, make on, set up on, too) high(-er, one), hold up, levy, lift(-er) up, (be) lofty, ([idiom] a-) loud, mount up, offer (up), [phrase] presumptuously, (be) promote(-ion), proud, set up, tall(-er), take (away, off, up), breed worms. See also: Genesis 7:17; Psalms 46:11; Psalms 3:4.
קּ֑וֹל qôwl H6963 "voice" N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
וַ/תִּשָּׂ֥א nâsâʼ H5375 "to lift" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
מָר֛וֹם mârôwm H4791 "height" N-ms
This word refers to a high or elevated place, either physically or figuratively. It can describe a location, such as a mountain, or a state of being, like pride or haughtiness. It is used in various books of the Bible.
Definition: 1) height 1a) height, elevation, elevated place 1a1) in a high place (adv) 1b) height 1c) proudly (adv) 1d) of nobles (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: (far) above, dignity, haughty, height, (most, on) high (one, place), loftily, upward. See also: Judges 5:18; Isaiah 22:16; Psalms 7:8.
עֵינֶ֖י/ךָ ʻayin H5869 "eye" N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
קְד֥וֹשׁ qâdôwsh H6918 "holy" Adj
Holy means set apart or sacred, used to describe God, angels, and saints. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things or people dedicated to God's service, like the Temple in Jerusalem or the prophets who spoke on God's behalf.
Definition: : holy sacred, holy, Holy One, saint, set apart
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: holy (One), saint. See also: Exodus 19:6; Psalms 89:19; Psalms 16:3.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

Study Notes — Isaiah 37:23

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Ezekiel 39:7 So I will make My holy name known among My people Israel and will no longer allow it to be profaned. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.
2 Daniel 5:20–23 But when his heart became arrogant and his spirit was hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne, and his glory was taken from him. He was driven away from mankind, and his mind was like that of a beast. He lived with the wild donkeys and ate grass like an ox, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until he acknowledged that the Most High God rules over the kingdom of mankind, setting over it whom He wishes. But you his son, O Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, even though you knew all this. Instead, you have exalted yourself against the Lord of heaven. The vessels from His house were brought to you, and as you drank wine from them with your nobles, wives, and concubines, you praised your gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you have failed to glorify the God who holds in His hand your very breath and all your ways.
3 Isaiah 17:7 In that day men will look to their Maker and turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel.
4 Daniel 7:25 He will speak out against the Most High and oppress the saints of the Most High, intending to change the appointed times and laws; and the saints will be given into his hand for a time, and times, and half a time.
5 2 Thessalonians 2:4 He will oppose and exalt himself above every so-called god or object of worship. So he will seat himself in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.
6 Ezekiel 28:9 Will you still say, ‘I am a god,’ in the presence of those who slay you? You will be only a man, not a god, in the hands of those who wound you.
7 Isaiah 41:16 You will winnow them, and a wind will carry them away; a gale will scatter them. But you will rejoice in the LORD; you will glory in the Holy One of Israel.
8 Isaiah 10:13–15 For he says: ‘By the strength of my hand I have done this, and by my wisdom, for I am clever. I have removed the boundaries of nations and plundered their treasures; like a mighty one I subdued their rulers. My hand reached as into a nest to seize the wealth of the nations. Like one gathering abandoned eggs, I gathered all the earth. No wing fluttered, no beak opened or chirped.’” Does an axe raise itself above the one who swings it? Does a saw boast over him who saws with it? It would be like a rod waving the one who lifts it, or a staff lifting him who is not wood!
9 Isaiah 43:3 For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your place.
10 Isaiah 2:11 The proud look of man will be humbled, and the loftiness of men brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day.

Isaiah 37:23 Summary

[Isaiah 37:23 reminds us that God will not tolerate pride or blasphemy, and He will judge those who challenge His authority, as seen in scriptures like Psalm 138:6 and Luke 1:51-53. This verse teaches us to be humble and recognize God's sovereignty in all aspects of life. By understanding God's holiness and our place before Him, as taught in Leviticus 11:44-45, we can cultivate a heart of humility and reverence, living in awe of the Holy One of Israel.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the context of Isaiah 37:23?

Isaiah 37:23 is part of a message from God to Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, in response to his taunts against the Lord, as seen in Isaiah 37:21-25 and supported by other scriptures like 2 Kings 19:20-37.

Who is the Holy One of Israel?

The Holy One of Israel is a title given to God in the Bible, emphasizing His holiness and unique relationship with Israel, as seen in Isaiah 37:23 and also in Isaiah 1:4 and Leviticus 11:44-45.

Why does God respond so strongly to Sennacherib's taunts?

God responds strongly because Sennacherib's actions and words are a direct challenge to God's authority and sovereignty, as seen in Isaiah 37:23-25, and similar challenges are addressed in other scriptures like Exodus 15:11 and Psalm 2:1-4.

What does this verse teach about pride and humility?

Isaiah 37:23 teaches that pride, especially when directed against God, is sinful and will be judged, as also seen in Proverbs 16:18 and 1 Peter 5:6-7, emphasizing the importance of humility before God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do I recognize and respond to pride in my own life, especially when it leads me to challenge God's authority?
  2. In what ways can I, like Sennacherib, unintentionally taunt or blaspheme God through my actions or words, and how can I correct this?
  3. What does it mean for me to lift my eyes in pride against the Holy One of Israel, and how can I cultivate humility instead?
  4. How does understanding God as the Holy One of Israel impact my relationship with Him and my daily life, especially in times of challenge or doubt?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 37:23

Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed?.... A creature like thyself? no, but a God, and not one like the gods of the nations, the idols of wood and stone, but the living God: and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 37:23

Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel. Whom hast thou reproached? - Not an idol.

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 37:23

(23) Whom hast thou reproached . . .—The manifold iteration of the question emphasises the force of the answer. The “Holy One of Israel,” at whom the scornful revellers had sneered (Isaiah 30:11), was now seen to be the one mighty deliverer.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 37:23

Verse 23. Against the Holy One of Israel.] For אל el, to, the other copy has על al, against, rather more properly.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 37:23

23. “What sort of being is He whom thou hast defied?” The first two sentences are rhetorical questions, and require no answer. The last sentence is to be read as an affirmation: Yea, thou hast lifted up thine eyes to the height against the Holy One of Israel. To “lift up the voice” means here to speak proudly, not as often to cry aloud (e.g. ch. Isaiah 13:2).

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 37:23

When hast thou reproached? - Not an idol. Not one who has no power to take vengeance, or to defend the city under his protection, but the living God. Exalted thy voice - That is, by thy messenger.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 37:23

23. Whom… blasphemed — Not a senseless idol, like the gods you boast of as being superior to Him, as you will soon know to your harm.

Sermons on Isaiah 37:23

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson Your Battle Is the Lord’s (See 2 Chronicles 20:15) by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes that the battles we face are ultimately the Lord's, not ours. He draws from 2 Chronicles 20, where King Jehoshaphat and his people seek God in the face o
Shane Idleman The Deception of Pride by Shane Idleman Shane Idleman emphasizes the dangers of pride in his sermon 'The Deception of Pride,' explaining how it can lead to a lack of love, critical attitudes, and a false sense of securit
Anton Bosch What Is the Biggest Sin ? by Anton Bosch Anton Bosch emphasizes the destructive nature of pride, highlighting how it is the root sin that leads many to Hell and causes Christians to miss out on God's blessings. Pride blin
Chuck Smith Luke 14:11 by Chuck Smith Chuck Smith emphasizes the principle that true exaltation comes through humility, as demonstrated by Jesus during a dinner at a Pharisee's house. Observing the guests vying for pla
Art Katz Ger-12 Martyrdom by Art Katz In this sermon, Arthur Katz discusses the power of the cross and the victory of God. He emphasizes the importance of demonstrating the self-sacrificing nature of Jesus Christ, who
Aldy Fam Fanous Skyland Conference 1979-11 Report on the Mideast by Aldy Fam Fanous In this sermon, the speaker recounts a personal experience of being protected from shrapnel during a bombing. Despite the danger, the speaker and their family were miraculously unh
Edgar Reich Christians in the Great Tribulation - Part 2 by Edgar Reich This sermon delves into the presence of Christians in the Great Tribulation as depicted in the Bible, focusing on the persecution they will face under the Antichrist's rule. It emp

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