Old Testament
Isaiah 25:11
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He will spread out his hands in the midst of them, like a swimmer spreads his hands to swim, and he will bring down their pride along with the spoils of their hands.
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And he shall spread forth his hands in the midst of them, as he that swimmeth spreadeth forth his hands to swim: and he shall bring down their pride together with the spoils of their hands.
What Isaiah 25:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is depicted as a powerful figure who will confront the pride of the people. The imagery of spreading hands like a swimmer suggests a dynamic and forceful action. Just as a swimmer uses their arms to navigate through water, God will use His power to dismantle the arrogance and self-sufficiency of those who oppose Him. The phrase 'bring down their pride' indicates that their confidence and achievements will be humbled. The 'spoils of their hands' refers to the rewards or gains they have accumulated through their prideful actions. Ultimately, this verse emphasizes God's authority to judge and correct, reminding us that human pride is temporary and will be addressed by divine intervention.
How to apply Isaiah 25:11 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own pride and self-reliance. We should strive for humility, recognizing that our achievements are not solely our own. By acknowledging God's role in our lives, we can avoid the pitfalls of arrogance and remain open to His guidance.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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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 does Isaiah 25:11 mean?
Isaiah 25:11 describes God as a powerful figure who will confront and humble the pride of those who oppose Him. The imagery of spreading hands like a swimmer illustrates His dynamic action in dismantling human arrogance and self-sufficiency.
What is the meaning of 'bring down their pride' in Isaiah 25:11?
The phrase 'bring down their pride' indicates that God will humble the confidence and achievements of those who are arrogant. It emphasizes that human pride is temporary and will ultimately be addressed by divine intervention.
How does Isaiah 25:11 relate to humility?
Isaiah 25:11 highlights the importance of humility by showing that pride will be humbled by God's power. It serves as a reminder that we should recognize our dependence on God rather than relying solely on our own achievements.
What themes are present in Isaiah 25:11?
The main themes in Isaiah 25:11 include God's authority, humility, judgment, pride, and divine intervention. These themes emphasize the contrast between human arrogance and God's ultimate power to correct and guide.
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