Old Testament

Isaiah 47:2

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Isaiah 47:2, the imagery of grinding flour with millstones symbolizes the humiliation and degradation of Babylon, a powerful nation that will face judgment.

Author: Isaiah the prophet
Written: Around 700 BC
Genre: Prophecy
Original Audience: Judah and the surrounding nations

CBTClear Bible Translation

Pick up the millstones and grind flour. Uncover your hair, make bare the leg, uncover the thigh, and cross the rivers.

KJVKing James Version

Take the millstones, and grind meal: uncover thy locks, make bare the leg, uncover the thigh, pass over the rivers.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Isaiah 47:2, the imagery of grinding flour with millstones symbolizes the humiliation and degradation of Babylon, a powerful nation that will face judgment. The commands to uncover hair and legs suggest a loss of dignity and status, as these actions were associated with shameful exposure. The mention of crossing rivers indicates a transition or movement, possibly towards captivity or destruction. This verse serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of pride and the eventual downfall of those who oppose God. The vivid imagery emphasizes the reversal of fortunes, where the once mighty will be brought low, illustrating the theme of divine justice. The call to grind flour also implies a return to basic, humble tasks, contrasting the former glory of Babylon with its impending disgrace. Overall, this verse encapsulates the themes of judgment, humiliation, and the sovereignty of God over nations.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Isaiah 47:2 to your life

This verse encourages us to reflect on our own pride and the importance of humility. It serves as a reminder that no matter how powerful we may feel, we are ultimately accountable to God. Embracing humility can lead to a more grounded and faithful life.

Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Isaiah 47:2 mean?

Isaiah 47:2 uses the imagery of grinding flour to symbolize the humiliation of Babylon, indicating that the once powerful nation will face judgment and degradation. The commands to uncover hair and legs reflect a loss of dignity, while crossing rivers suggests a transition towards captivity.

What is the significance of grinding flour in Isaiah 47:2?

Grinding flour in Isaiah 47:2 symbolizes the reduction of Babylon from a mighty empire to a state of humiliation and servitude. It highlights the reversal of fortunes and the consequences of pride against God's authority.

What does uncovering hair and legs represent in Isaiah 47:2?

In Isaiah 47:2, uncovering hair and legs represents shame and loss of dignity. These actions were culturally associated with disgrace, emphasizing the humiliation that Babylon will experience.

What themes are present in Isaiah 47:2?

Isaiah 47:2 encompasses themes of judgment, humiliation, divine justice, pride, and the downfall of nations. It illustrates how even the mightiest can be brought low by God's sovereignty.

Book Summary

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.

The isles see and fear, and the ends of the earth draw near. Craftsmen encourage one another and strengthen idols with nails so they do not move. The LORD then speaks directly to Israel, calling him his servant, the seed of Abraham his friend. He tells Israel not to fear, for he is with him, and says he strengthens, helps, and upholds him with the right hand of his righteousness. He promises those who contend with Israel are as nothing, makes Israel a new sharp threshing instrument that threshes mountains, and answers the poor and needy by making rivers in high places and fountains in valleys. Isaiah 42: Behold My Servant The LORD presents his servant, whom he upholds and in whom his soul delights. He says he puts his spirit upon him and that he brings forth judgment to the Gentiles, not crying or lifting up his voice in the streets, and not breaking a bruised reed. The LORD says he calls him in righteousness, holds his hand, keeps him, and gives him for a covenant of the people and a light of the Gentiles. The LORD declares his glory he does not give to another nor his praise to graven images. He speaks of new things before they spring forth and calls for a new song from the ends of the earth. The chapter describes the LORD going forth as a mighty man and crying out against his enemies. It describes a people robbed and spoiled, snared in holes, yet not saying, “Restore,” and it says they do not lay it to heart. The LORD pours upon them fury of his anger and the strength of battle, yet they do not know or consider.

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