Old Testament
Isaiah 22:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Thus says the Lord GOD of hosts, 'Go to this treasurer, to Shebna, who is over the house, and say to him:
Compare translations
Thus saith the Lord GOD of hosts, Go, get thee unto this treasurer, even unto Shebna, which is over the house, and say,
What Isaiah 22:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 22:15, God instructs a messenger to go to Shebna, the treasurer who manages the royal household. This verse highlights God's authority over leaders and His concern for the integrity of those in power. Shebna is likely being called out for his pride and mismanagement, as the context of the chapter suggests that he is not fulfilling his duties properly. The Lord's message serves as a reminder that leaders are accountable to God for their actions and decisions. This passage emphasizes the importance of humility and responsibility in positions of authority, as well as the consequences of failing to serve faithfully. God’s directive to confront Shebna indicates that He is aware of the injustices and mismanagement occurring in the kingdom, and He will address them. This moment sets the stage for further revelations about Shebna's fate and the future of Jerusalem, illustrating the serious nature of leadership and the divine oversight that governs it.
How to apply Isaiah 22:15 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own roles and responsibilities, whether in leadership or daily life. It reminds us to act with integrity and humility, recognizing that our actions have consequences and that we are accountable to a higher authority.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel

Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Isaiah 22:15
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Isaiah 22:15
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What is the significance of Shebna in Isaiah 22:15?
Shebna is identified as the treasurer over the royal household, representing leadership and authority in Jerusalem. His mention in Isaiah 22:15 highlights God's concern for the integrity of leaders. The context suggests that Shebna's pride and mismanagement have led to a call for accountability, emphasizing that those in power must act responsibly and humbly.
What does Isaiah 22:15 teach about leadership?
Isaiah 22:15 teaches that leadership comes with accountability to God. It underscores the importance of integrity and humility for those in positions of authority. The verse serves as a reminder that leaders must be vigilant in their duties, as their actions can have significant consequences for the community they serve.
How does Isaiah 22:15 relate to God's judgment?
In Isaiah 22:15, God's directive to confront Shebna indicates that He is aware of injustices and mismanagement. This reflects God's judgment on leaders who fail to fulfill their responsibilities. The passage illustrates that divine oversight governs leadership, and those who act with pride or negligence will face consequences.
What lessons can we learn from Isaiah 22:15 for our daily lives?
Isaiah 22:15 encourages us to reflect on our own responsibilities, whether in leadership roles or everyday situations. It reminds us to act with integrity and humility, acknowledging that our actions have consequences. The verse serves as a call to be accountable to a higher authority in all aspects of life.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.