Old Testament
Isaiah 13:17
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God declares that He will raise up the Medes, a fierce and powerful nation, to bring judgment against Babylon.
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
"Watch — I am stirring up the Medes against them. Silver means nothing to them, and gold holds no appeal."
Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them, which shall not regard silver; and as for gold, they shall not delight in it.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God declares that He will raise up the Medes, a fierce and powerful nation, to bring judgment against Babylon. The Medes are depicted as being indifferent to wealth, symbolized by silver and gold, which means they are driven by a purpose beyond material gain. This indicates that their motivation is not for riches but for fulfilling God's plan. The passage emphasizes the futility of relying on wealth for security, as the Medes will not be swayed by bribes or treasures. This serves as a warning to those who trust in their riches rather than in God. The broader context of this prophecy highlights God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to use any means necessary to accomplish His will, even through those who do not value material possessions.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Isaiah 13:17 to your life
This verse reminds us that true security does not come from wealth or possessions. Instead, we should place our trust in God, who controls the outcomes of nations and our lives. It encourages us to evaluate our priorities and not let materialism distract us from our spiritual commitments.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 13:17 mean?
Isaiah 13:17 means that God will raise the Medes to judge Babylon, showing their indifference to wealth. They will not be tempted by silver or gold, indicating their focus on fulfilling God's purpose rather than seeking material gain.
What is the significance of the Medes in Isaiah 13:17?
The Medes represent a powerful nation that God uses to execute His judgment against Babylon. Their lack of interest in wealth highlights their determination and the seriousness of God's plan.
What does 'silver means nothing to them' imply in Isaiah 13:17?
The phrase 'silver means nothing to them' implies that the Medes are not motivated by material wealth. This suggests that their mission is divinely ordained and not influenced by bribes or riches.
How does Isaiah 13:17 relate to the theme of divine judgment?
Isaiah 13:17 illustrates divine judgment by showing how God orchestrates events and nations to fulfill His will. The Medes' indifference to wealth emphasizes that God's plans will prevail regardless of human desires.
The Book of Isaiah
Isaiah 41: Fear Not, I Am With You
The LORD calls the nations to keep silence before him and to renew their strength. He asks who raises up the righteous man from the east and gives nations before him, making him rule over kings. He says he gives them as dust to his sword and as driven stubble to his bow, and he declares he is the first and with the last.
Unlock the full Isaiah summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Isaiah — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 66 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Isaiah summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.