Isaiah 47:3
Isaiah 47:3 in Multiple Translations
Your nakedness will be uncovered and your shame will be exposed. I will take vengeance; I will spare no one.”
Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and I will not meet thee as a man.
Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and will spare no man.
The shame of your unclothed condition will be seen by all: I will give punishment without mercy,
You will be seen naked; what should be kept private will be shamefully exposed. I will take vengeance—I won't spare anyone.
Thy filthinesse shall be discouered, and thy shame shall be seene: I will take vengeance, and I will not meete thee as a man.
Revealed is thy nakedness, yea, seen is thy reproach, Vengeance I take, and I meet not a man.
Your nakedness will be uncovered. Yes, your shame will be seen. I will take vengeance, and will spare no one.”
Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yes, thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and I will not meet thee as a man.
Thy nakedness shall be discovered, and thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and no man shall resist me.
You will be naked and very ashamed. I will get vengeance on you and not pity you.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 47:3
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 47:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
תִּגָּל֙
עֶרְוָתֵ֔/ךְ
גַּ֥ם
תֵּרָאֶ֖ה
חֶרְפָּתֵ֑/ךְ
נָקָ֣ם
אֶקָּ֔ח
וְ/לֹ֥א
אֶפְגַּ֖ע
אָדָֽם
תִּגָּל֙
gâlâh
H1540
to reveal
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
עֶרְוָתֵ֔/ךְ
ʻervâh
H6172
nakedness
N-fs | Suff
גַּ֥ם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
תֵּרָאֶ֖ה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
חֶרְפָּתֵ֑/ךְ
cherpâh
H2781
reproach
N-fs | Suff
נָקָ֣ם
nâqâm
H5359
vengeance
N-ms
אֶקָּ֔ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
אֶפְגַּ֖ע
pâgaʻ
H6293
to fall on
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
אָדָֽם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 47:3
תִּגָּל֙
gâlâh
H1540
"to reveal"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to reveal or uncover something, often in a way that's embarrassing or shameful. It can also mean to exile someone, forcing them to leave their home. In some cases, it's used to describe God revealing himself to people.
Definition: : reveal[information] 1) to uncover, remove 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to uncover 1a2) to remove, depart 1a3) to go into exile 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) (reflexive) 1b1a) to uncover oneself 1b1b) to discover or show oneself 1b1c) to reveal himself (of God) 1b2) (passive) 1b2a) to be uncovered 1b2b) to be disclosed, be discovered 1b2c) to be revealed 1b3) to be removed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to uncover (nakedness) 1c1a) nakedness 1c1b) general 1c2) to disclose, discover, lay bare 1c3) to make known, show, reveal 1d) (Pual) to be uncovered 1e) (Hiphil) to carry away into exile, take into exile 1f) (Hophal) to be taken into exile 1g) (Hithpael) 1g1) to be uncovered 1g2) to reveal oneself
Usage: Occurs in 167 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, appear, bewray, bring, (carry, lead, go) captive (into captivity), depart, disclose, discover, exile, be gone, open, [idiom] plainly, publish, remove, reveal, [idiom] shamelessly, shew, [idiom] surely, tell, uncover. See also: Genesis 9:21; Job 38:17; Psalms 18:16.
עֶרְוָתֵ֔/ךְ
ʻervâh
H6172
"nakedness"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for nakedness, implying shame or exposure. It appears in Genesis 9:22 and Leviticus 18:6, often warning against improper behavior. This concept is also mentioned in Deuteronomy 23:14.
Definition: 1) nakedness, nudity, shame, pudenda 1a) pudenda (implying shameful exposure) 1b) nakedness of a thing, indecency, improper behaviour 1c) exposed, undefended (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: ar.vah (עַרְוָה "dishonor" H6173)
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: nakedness, shame, unclean(-ness). See also: Genesis 9:22; Leviticus 20:11; Isaiah 20:4.
גַּ֥ם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
תֵּרָאֶ֖ה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
חֶרְפָּתֵ֑/ךְ
cherpâh
H2781
"reproach"
N-fs | Suff
Cherpah means reproach or shame, often used to describe scorn or disgrace. In the Bible, it is used to express strong feelings of shame or humiliation.
Definition: 1) reproach, scorn 1a) taunt, scorn (upon enemy) 1b) reproach (resting upon condition of shame, disgrace) 1c) a reproach (an object)
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: rebuke, reproach(-fully), shame. See also: Genesis 30:23; Isaiah 25:8; Psalms 15:3.
נָקָ֣ם
nâqâm
H5359
"vengeance"
N-ms
This noun means revenge or vengeance, like the vengeance God took on the Egyptians in Exodus 12:12.
Definition: 1) vengeance 1a) vengeance (by God, by Samson, by enemies of Judah)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenged, quarrel, vengeance. See also: Leviticus 26:25; Isaiah 35:4; Psalms 58:11.
אֶקָּ֔ח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | 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.
אֶפְגַּ֖ע
pâgaʻ
H6293
"to fall on"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
To meet or encounter, either by chance or intention, as seen in the story of Jacob and Esau in Genesis 33:1-17. It can also mean to make a request or intercede on behalf of someone. In Exodus 32:1-14, Moses intercedes for the Israelites.
Definition: 1) to encounter, meet, reach, entreat, make intercession 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, light upon, join 1a2) to meet (of kindness) 1a3) to encounter, fall upon (of hostility) 1a4) to encounter, entreat (of request) 1a5) to strike, touch (of boundary) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to light upon 1b2) to cause to entreat 1b3) to make entreaty, interpose 1b4) to make attack 1b5) to reach the mark
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: come (betwixt), cause to entreat, fall (upon), make intercession, intercessor, intreat, lay, light (upon), meet (together), pray, reach, run. See also: Genesis 23:8; 1 Samuel 10:5; Isaiah 47:3.
אָדָֽם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
Study Notes — Isaiah 47:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 47:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 47:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 47:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 47:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 47:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 47:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 47:3
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 47:3
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 47:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 47:3
- Sermons on Isaiah 47:3
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.”
4Our Redeemer—the LORD of Hosts is His name— is the Holy One of Israel. 5“Sit in silence and go into darkness, O Daughter of the Chaldeans. For you will no longer be called the queen of kingdoms.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nahum 3:5 | “Behold, I am against you,” declares the LORD of Hosts. “I will lift your skirts over your face. I will show your nakedness to the nations and your shame to the kingdoms. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 51:20–24 | “You are My war club, My weapon for battle. With you I shatter nations; with you I bring kingdoms to ruin. With you I shatter the horse and rider; with you I shatter the chariot and driver. With you I shatter man and woman; with you I shatter the old man and the youth; with you I shatter the young man and the maiden. With you I shatter the shepherd and his flock; with you I shatter the farmer and his oxen; with you I shatter the governors and officials. Before your very eyes I will repay Babylon and all the dwellers of Chaldea for all the evil they have done in Zion,” declares the LORD. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 50:27–28 | Kill all her young bulls; let them go down to the slaughter. Woe to them, for their day has come— the time of their punishment. Listen to the fugitives and refugees from the land of Babylon, declaring in Zion the vengeance of the LORD our God, the vengeance for His temple. |
| 4 | Revelation 16:19 | The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations collapsed. And God remembered Babylon the great and gave her the cup of the wine of the fury of His wrath. |
| 5 | Romans 12:19 | Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” |
| 6 | Jeremiah 51:11 | Sharpen the arrows! Fill the quivers! The LORD has aroused the spirit of the kings of the Medes, because His plan is aimed at Babylon to destroy her, for it is the vengeance of the LORD— vengeance for His temple. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 51:4 | And they will fall slain in the land of the Chaldeans, and pierced through in her streets. |
| 8 | Hebrews 10:30–31 | For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge His people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. |
| 9 | Isaiah 59:17–18 | He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on His head; He put on garments of vengeance and wrapped Himself in a cloak of zeal. So He will repay according to their deeds: fury to His enemies, retribution to His foes, and recompense to the islands. |
| 10 | Revelation 6:9–10 | And when the Lamb opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony they had upheld. And they cried out in a loud voice, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You avenge our blood and judge those who dwell upon the earth?” |
Isaiah 47:3 Summary
This verse is saying that God will expose the sins of Babylon and punish them for their wrongdoing, just like He will punish anyone who refuses to follow Him. This is because God is a holy and just God, as seen in Psalm 92:15, and He cannot tolerate sin. In simple terms, when we disobey God, we are like a person who is naked and ashamed, and we need to come to Him for forgiveness and covering, as described in Psalm 32:1-2. By recognizing our sin and turning to God, we can experience His mercy and love, as promised in Isaiah 1:18.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of 'nakedness' in Isaiah 47:3?
In this context, 'nakedness' refers to the exposure of Babylon's sin and shame, similar to how Adam and Eve's sin was exposed in Genesis 3:7, leading to a sense of vulnerability and guilt before God.
Why will God 'spare no one' in His vengeance?
God's vengeance is a result of Babylon's refusal to repent and turn to Him, as seen in Isaiah 46:12, and is a demonstration of His holy justice, as described in Deuteronomy 32:4.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
Isaiah 47:3 is part of a larger prophetic message condemning Babylon for its pride and idolatry, as seen in Isaiah 47:1-2, and serving as a warning to other nations of the consequences of rebellion against God, as stated in Isaiah 13:19.
What is the significance of God taking vengeance?
God's vengeance is an expression of His righteous anger against sin, as seen in Romans 1:18, and serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking forgiveness and redemption through faith in Him, as described in Acts 2:21.
Reflection Questions
- What are the ways in which I may be 'uncovering my nakedness' through sinful behaviors or attitudes, and how can I seek God's forgiveness and restoration?
- How can I balance the concept of God's vengeance with His love and mercy, as seen in John 3:16 and Psalm 103:8-10?
- In what ways can I apply the warning of Isaiah 47:3 to my own life, recognizing the potential consequences of rebellion against God and the importance of humility and repentance?
- What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how can I deepen my understanding of His holiness and justice through further study of Scripture?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 47:3
Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen,.... Not only stripped of their garments, and have nothing to cover their naked bodies, being spoiled of all by the soldiers; but should
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 47:3
Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and I will not meet thee as a man.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 47:3
Thy nakedness shall be uncovered; either, 1. For want of raiment to cover it; or rather, 2. By thine enemies in way of scorn and contumely, by comparing this place with 23:29. Thy shame shall be seen upon thee for thy many and great injuries done to my people. I will take vengeance, as a man meets his enemy in the field, to contend with thee. I will not meet thee as a man, with moderation and gentleness, as those men who have not quite put off humanity use to do; but like a lion tearing thee to pieces, to which God in such case compareth himself, as 13:7,8: compare .
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 47:3
Isaiah 47:3 Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and I will not meet [thee as] a man.Ver. 3. Thy nakedness shall be uncovered.] Thou shalt be stripped, and worse dealt with - the ordinary lot of women prisoners. At the sack of Magdeburg by Monsieur Tilly, ladies, gentlewomen, and others, like beasts and dogs, being naked and coupled together, were led into the woods, and there ravished. Such as resisted, the soldiers stripped naked, whipped them, cropped their ears, and so sent them home again. I will not meet thee as a man.] But as a lion rather; thou shalt have vengeance without mixture of mercy. See 2 Samuel 7:24 Isaiah 13:6; Isaiah 27:7-8 Hosea 5:14. Men use sometimes to deal favourably with women, but they shall not do so with thee. Absque omni humanitatis contemperatione. - Scult. Tractabo te pro divina potentia mea. - Piscat.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 47:3
(3) I will not meet thee as a man.—The words in italics show that the phrase is difficult. Omitting them we get I shall not meet a man, i.e., there will be none to oppose me, or I will not spare a man.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 47:3
Verse 3. I will not meet thee as a man - "Neither will I suffer man to intercede with me."] The verb should be pointed, or written, אפגיע aphgia, in Hiphil.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 47:3
3. Thy nakedness … seen] These words, which undoubtedly spoil the rhythm of the verse, are deleted by Duhm as a gloss suggested by the latter part of Isa 47:2. and I will not meet thee as a man] The sense is very obscure. Either (a) “I will spare no man” (i.e. meet him with friendly intentions); the figure of the virgin being dropped: or (b) “I will not entreat any man (for help)”: or (c) the vowel-points being changed, “I will let no man intercede,”—all unacceptable on one ground or another. The difficulty lies in the word for “man”; this would be got rid of by simply changing ’âdâm into ’âmar (= “saith”) read by some MSS. of the LXX. as the first word of Isa 47:4. The verb then stands absolutely, and is best pointed and translated as Niphal tolerativum: “I will not (let myself) be entreated.” (Oort and Duhm). See further on Isaiah 47:4.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 47:3
Thy nakedness - This denotes the abject condition to which the city would be reduced. All its pride would be taken away; and it would be brought to such a state as to fill its inhabitants with the deepest mortification and shame.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 47:3
3. I will take vengeance — This, with the words following, has many versions. It is a divine threat against Babylonia; God himself is to execute it.
Sermons on Isaiah 47:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
We Need More Troublemakers in the Church by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man who reached out for help because his wife claimed to be a prophetess and had a vision of going to heaven and skydiving with |
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(Saved Through the Fire) 13 - God's True Message by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the concept of the day of the Lord, where God will judge and punish all nations based on their actions. He warns that whatever one gives out |
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God's Agency in War by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes God's sovereignty and agency in the affairs of nations, particularly in times of war and judgment. He argues that just as God punished nations in the Old Testa |
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If Any Man by J.C. Ryle | The preacher delves into the concept of outbursts of anger, exploring the Greek word 'thumos' which describes a passionate and impulsive anger that rushes along, often leading to s |
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The Restraining Power of the Holy Ghost by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of David and Nabal from the Bible. David sends his men to Nabal's house during shearing time to ask for provisions for his hungry a |
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(Genesis) Genesis 34:31 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of following the teachings of Romans 12 for Christians today. He explains that seeking revenge or taking vengeance goes again |
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Die Feinde Des Evangeliums Sollen Abgeschnitten Werden (German) by Richard Wurmbrand | In this sermon, a young man shares his personal testimony of being freed from prison and his desire for forgiveness from his father. He believes that if he sees white bags hanging |