Isaiah 47:1
Isaiah 47:1 in Multiple Translations
“Go down and sit in the dust, O Virgin Daughter of Babylon. Sit on the ground without a throne, O Daughter of Chaldea! For you will no longer be called tender or delicate.
Come down, and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, sit on the ground: there is no throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called tender and delicate.
Come down, and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon; sit on the ground without a throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called tender and delicate.
Come and take your seat in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon; come down from your seat of power, and take your place on the earth, O daughter of the Chaldaeans: for you will never again seem soft and delicate.
Go down and sit in the dust, virgin daughter of Babylon. Sit on the ground without a throne, daughter of Babylonia! No longer will people call you gentle and delicate.
Come downe and sit in the dust: O virgine, daughter Babel, sit on the ground: there is no throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called, Tender and delicate.
Come down, and sit on the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, Sit on the earth, there is no throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans, For no more do they cry to thee, 'O tender and delicate one.'
“Come down and sit in the dust, virgin daughter of Babylon. Sit on the ground without a throne, daughter of the Chaldeans. For you will no longer be called tender and delicate.
Come down, and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, sit on the ground: there is no throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called tender and delicate.
Come down, sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, sit on the ground: there is no throne for the daughter of the Chaldeans, for thou shalt no more be called delicate and tender.
Yahweh also says, “You people of Babylon, you should go and sit in the dust/dirt to show that you are mourning, because your time to rule [MTY] other countries is almost ended. People will never again say that Babylonia is beautiful like a very attractive/beautiful young woman.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 47:1
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 47:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
רְדִ֣י
וּ/שְׁבִ֣י
עַל
עָפָ֗ר
בְּתוּלַת֙
בַּת
בָּבֶ֔ל
שְׁבִי
לָ/אָ֥רֶץ
אֵין
כִּסֵּ֖א
בַּת
כַּשְׂדִּ֑ים
כִּ֣י
לֹ֤א
תוֹסִ֨יפִי֙
יִקְרְאוּ
לָ֔/ךְ
רַכָּ֖ה
וַ/עֲנֻגָּֽה
רְדִ֣י
yârad
H3381
to go down
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
וּ/שְׁבִ֣י
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2fs
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
עָפָ֗ר
ʻâphâr
H6083
dust
N-ms
בְּתוּלַת֙
bᵉthûwlâh
H1330
virgin
N-fs
בַּת
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fs
בָּבֶ֔ל
Bâbel
H894
Babylon
N-proper
שְׁבִי
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
לָ/אָ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
אֵין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
כִּסֵּ֖א
kiççêʼ
H3678
throne
N-ms
בַּת
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fs
כַּשְׂדִּ֑ים
Kasdîy
H3778
Chaldea
N-proper
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תוֹסִ֨יפִי֙
yâçaph
H3254
to add
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2fs
יִקְרְאוּ
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
לָ֔/ךְ
Prep | Suff
רַכָּ֖ה
rak
H7390
tender
Adj
וַ/עֲנֻגָּֽה
ʻânôg
H6028
dainty
Conj | Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 47:1
רְדִ֣י
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
וּ/שְׁבִ֣י
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2fs
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
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.
עָפָ֗ר
ʻâphâr
H6083
"dust"
N-ms
Aphar means dust or dry earth, and is also used to describe clay, earth, or mortar. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) dry earth, dust, powder, ashes, earth, ground, mortar, rubbish 1a) dry or loose earth 1b) debris 1c) mortar 1d) ore
Usage: Occurs in 103 OT verses. KJV: ashes, dust, earth, ground, morter, powder, rubbish. See also: Genesis 2:7; Job 28:6; Psalms 7:6.
בְּתוּלַת֙
bᵉthûwlâh
H1330
"virgin"
N-fs
A virgin, or bride, is described by this word, emphasizing her private and untouched state, as seen in the stories of Genesis and Esther.
Definition: virgin
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: maid, virgin. See also: Genesis 24:16; Isaiah 23:12; Psalms 45:15.
בַּת
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
בָּבֶ֔ל
Bâbel
H894
"Babylon"
N-proper
Babel refers to Babylon, a city and empire in the Bible, meaning confusion or mixing. It appears in Genesis 11:9 and is associated with the tower of Babel. The city was situated on the Euphrates River.
Definition: § Babel or Babylon = "confusion (by mixing)" Babel or Babylon, the ancient site and/or capital of Babylonia (modern Hillah) situated on the Euphrates
Usage: Occurs in 233 OT verses. KJV: Babel, Babylon. See also: Genesis 10:10; Jeremiah 29:22; Psalms 87:4.
שְׁבִי
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
לָ/אָ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
אֵין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
כִּסֵּ֖א
kiççêʼ
H3678
"throne"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a throne, symbolizing a seat of power or authority, often canopied or covered. It is used to describe the throne of God or a king, representing royal dignity and power.
Definition: 1) seat (of honour), throne, seat, stool 1a) seat (of honour), throne 1b) royal dignity, authority, power (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: seat, stool, throne. See also: Genesis 41:40; 2 Chronicles 23:20; Psalms 9:5.
בַּת
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
כַּשְׂדִּ֑ים
Kasdîy
H3778
"Chaldea"
N-proper
Chaldea refers to a region in Mesopotamia and its inhabitants, known for wisdom and astrology, as seen in Daniel 1:4. The Chaldeans lived near the Persian Gulf and were considered wise. They are mentioned in 2 Kings 25:11.
Definition: § Chaldea or Chaldeans = "clod-breakers" 1) a territory in lower Mesopotamia bordering on the Persian Gulf 2) the inhabitants of Chaldea, living on the lower Euphrates and Tigris 3) those persons considered the wisest in the land (by extension)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: Chaldeans, Chaldees, inhabitants of Chaldea. See also: Genesis 11:28; Jeremiah 37:13; Isaiah 13:19.
כִּ֣י
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.
לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תוֹסִ֨יפִי֙
yâçaph
H3254
"to add"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2fs
To add means to increase or do something again, like adding more of something or continuing an action. This word is used in the Bible to describe growth or repetition.
Definition: : add/more[amount] 1) to add, increase, do again 1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to join, join oneself to 1b2) to be joined, be added to 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to add, increase 1c2) to do more, do again
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield. See also: Genesis 4:2; 2 Samuel 19:14; Psalms 10:18.
יִקְרְאוּ
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
לָ֔/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
רַכָּ֖ה
rak
H7390
"tender"
Adj
This Hebrew word means tender or weak, and can be used to describe something that is soft or delicate. It can also be used to describe someone who is faint-hearted or timid.
Definition: 1) tender, soft, delicate, weak 1a) tender, delicate (of flesh) 1b) weak of heart, timid 1c) soft (of words) 1c1) gentle words (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: faint((-hearted), soft, tender ((-hearted), one), weak. See also: Genesis 18:7; 1 Chronicles 29:1; Proverbs 4:3.
וַ/עֲנֻגָּֽה
ʻânôg
H6028
"dainty"
Conj | Adj
This word describes something or someone as dainty or delicate, requiring careful handling. In the Bible, it is used to describe the beauty of a loved one. The KJV translates it as 'delicate'.
Definition: dainty, delicate
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: delicate. See also: Deuteronomy 28:54; Deuteronomy 28:56; Isaiah 47:1.
Study Notes — Isaiah 47:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 47:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 47:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 47:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 47:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 47:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 47:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 47:1
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 47:1
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 47:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 47:1
- Sermons on Isaiah 47:1
Context — The Humiliation of Babylon
1“Go down and sit in the dust, O Virgin Daughter of Babylon. Sit on the ground without a throne, O Daughter of the Chaldeans! For you will no longer be called tender or delicate.
2Take millstones and grind flour; remove your veil; strip off your skirt, bare your thigh, and wade through the streams. 3Your nakedness will be uncovered and your shame will be exposed. I will take vengeance; I will spare no one.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 51:33 | For this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “The Daughter of Babylon is like a threshing floor at the time it is trampled. In just a little while her harvest time will come.” |
| 2 | Psalms 137:8 | O Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, blessed is he who repays you as you have done to us. |
| 3 | Zechariah 2:7 | “Get up, O Zion! Escape, you who dwell with the Daughter of Babylon!” |
| 4 | Jeremiah 50:42 | They grasp the bow and spear; they are cruel and merciless. Their voice roars like the sea, and they ride upon horses, lined up like men in formation against you, O Daughter of Babylon. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 46:11 | Go up to Gilead for balm, O Virgin Daughter of Egypt! In vain you try many remedies, but for you there is no healing. |
| 6 | Isaiah 3:26 | And the gates of Zion will lament and mourn; destitute, she will sit on the ground. |
| 7 | Isaiah 14:13–14 | You said in your heart: “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God. I will sit on the mount of assembly, in the far reaches of the north. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” |
| 8 | Psalms 18:27 | For You save an afflicted people, but You humble those with haughty eyes. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 48:18 | Come down from your glory; sit on parched ground, O daughter dwelling in Dibon, for the destroyer of Moab has come against you; he has destroyed your fortresses. |
| 10 | Isaiah 37:22 | this is the word that the LORD has spoken against him: ‘The Virgin Daughter of Zion despises you and mocks you; the Daughter of Jerusalem shakes her head behind you. |
Isaiah 47:1 Summary
[This verse is saying that the city of Babylon, which was very powerful and proud, is going to be brought down to the ground. It will no longer be able to rely on its own strength and wealth, but will have to acknowledge God's power, as seen in Daniel 4:29. This is a reminder that all earthly power and prestige is fleeting, and that true strength comes from trusting in God, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 9:23-24. We can apply this lesson to our own lives by recognizing that our true security and identity come from our relationship with God, not from our earthly possessions or status.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be called 'tender or delicate' in Isaiah 47:1?
In this context, being called 'tender or delicate' refers to the privileged and pampered life that the Virgin Daughter of Babylon has been living, as described in Isaiah 47:1, but this will come to an end as judgment falls, as seen in Isaiah 13:19 and Jeremiah 50:15
Who is the 'Virgin Daughter of Babylon' in this verse?
The 'Virgin Daughter of Babylon' is a figurative expression referring to the city of Babylon, which was a major power in the ancient world, as mentioned in Daniel 4:29 and Jeremiah 50:42
What is the significance of sitting 'in the dust' and 'on the ground without a throne'?
Sitting in the dust and on the ground without a throne symbolizes the loss of power, prestige, and authority, as seen in Job 2:8 and Lamentations 4:5
Is this verse a judgment on all people or just the Babylonians?
This verse specifically addresses the judgment of Babylon, but it also serves as a warning to all nations and people who trust in their own power and wealth, rather than in God, as seen in Proverbs 16:18 and 1 Peter 5:6-7
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I have been living a 'tender or delicate' life, and how might God be calling me to humility and surrender?
- In what ways can I identify with the 'Virgin Daughter of Babylon', and how can I apply the lessons of this verse to my own life?
- What are some 'thrones' in my life that I need to relinquish, in order to sit at the feet of Jesus and acknowledge His sovereignty?
- How can I balance the pursuit of comfort and security with the call to follow Jesus, who often leads us through difficult and challenging paths, as seen in Matthew 16:24-26?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 47:1
Come down, and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon,.... The kingdom of Babylon is meant, as the Targum paraphrases it; or the Babylonish monarchy, called a virgin, because it had never been
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 47:1
Come down, and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, sit on the ground: there is no throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called tender and delicate.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 47:1
ISAIAH CHAPTER 47 God’ s judgments upon Babylon and Chaldea; for their cruelty towards God’ s people, ; their pride and other sins, . Their enchantments shall not deliver them, . Come down from thy throne, as it follows, and sit in the dust; either necessarily, because thou shalt have no higher seat; or voluntarily, as mourners do, bewailing thine approaching calamities. O virgin daughter of Babylon; so called, either, 1. Because she had not yet been humbled and conquered; or rather, 2. Because she was tender and delicate, as the next clause informeth us. There is no throne, to wit, for thee. The empire is taken away from thee, and translated to the Persians. Thou shalt no more be called; either be reputed so, or rather be so; for to be called is frequently put for to be, as hath been divers times noted. Thou shalt be reduced to great hardships and miseries.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 47:1
Isaiah 47:1 Come down, and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, sit on the ground: [there is] no throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called tender and delicate.Ver. 1. Come down.] From thy lofty top and towering state, as the head city of the world. Sit in the dust.] As a mourner. So Judea, being subdued by Vespasian, was pictured upon money coined by him as a handmaid sitting on the ground. Sic ruet alto a culmine Roma! O virgin daughter of Babylon.] Thou that hast never yet been subdued. So Venice hath for her motto, ‘ Intacta maneo’ ; so Cologne-upon-Rhine is called ‘ the virgin city.’ Thou shalt no more be called tender and delicate.] So as queens use to be - Cleopatra, for instance. Sic transit gloria mundi. , So fleeting is the glory of the world. Cyrillus wrote εντωοκοτει.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 47:1
XLVII. (1) Come down . . .—The virgin daughter of Babylon, i.e., Babylon itself, personified as till now unconquered, is called to leave her throne and sit in the dust as a menial slave. The epithets “tender” (better, perhaps, wanton) and “delicate” point to the luxury which had been identified with Babylon, and which was now to cease.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 47:1
CHAPTER XLVII The destruction of Babylon is denounced by a beautiful selection of circumstances, in which her prosperous is contrasted with her adverse condition. She is represented as a tender and delicate female reduced to the work and abject condition of a slave, and bereaved of every consolation, 1-4. And that on account of her cruelty, particularly to God's people, her pride, voluptuousness, sorceries, and incantations, 5-11. The folly of these last practices elegantly exposed by the prophet, 12-15. It is worthy of observation that almost all the imagery of this chapter is applied in the book of the Revelation, (in nearly the same words,) to the antitype of the illustrious capital of the Chaldean empire, viz., Babylon the GREAT. NOTES ON CHAP. XLVII Verse 1. Come down, and set in the dust - "Descend, and sit on the dust"] See Clarke on Isaiah 3:26, and on "Isaiah 52:2".
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 47:1
1–4. The first strophe consists of a tristich (Isaiah 47:1) followed (on Duhm’s reconstruction) by two distichs. The leading thought is the degradation of Babylon from her position of ease and luxury.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 47:1
Come down - Descend from the throne; or from the seat of magnificence and power. The design of this verse has already been stated in the analysis.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 47:1
1. Virgin daughter — The proud city figured as a royal damsel (denoting city and inhabitants) stripped of her rich clothing, degraded from her lofty rank, and made a gazing stock of shame. For same figures see chap.
Sermons on Isaiah 47:1
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Belshazzar's Feast and the Fall of Babylon by John F. Walvoord | John F. Walvoord preaches on the downfall of Belshazzar and the fall of Babylon as prophesied in the book of Daniel. The sermon highlights the divine judgment on the wicked world, |
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Satan Is Alive and Well by Hal Lindsey | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the existence of a powerful and real spiritual being behind the conflicts and suffering in the world. He emphasizes the importance of understa |
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Gods Order in Christ - Part 9 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing and abiding in the word of God. They highlight the battle between life and death and the need for spiritual tog |
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Abraham, My Friend: 05 Looking Forward to the City by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the speaker explores the life of Abraham and his journey towards becoming a praying man and a friend of God. The importance of the first step in any venture is emph |
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Satan's Religion by B.H. Clendennen | This sermon delves into the dangers of Satan's religion, focusing on how he seeks to dilute and compromise the message of Christ by promoting counterfeit doctrines and false teachi |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 97 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God and how believers should not be defeated by the lies of the enemy. He highlights the need for revival and how it reveals ar |
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I. the Origin of the Tempter by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee explores the origin of the tempter, revealing that he was once a beautiful and wise creature who fell from grace by aspiring to be equal with God. This pride led to hi |