Isaiah 13:7
Isaiah 13:7 in Multiple Translations
Therefore all hands will fall limp, and every man’s heart will melt.
Therefore shall all hands be faint, and every man’s heart shall melt:
Therefore shall all hands be feeble, and every heart of man shall melt:
For this cause all hands will be feeble, and every heart of man be turned to water;
Everyone's hands will fall limp, and everyone will lose their minds in panic.
Therefore shall all hands be weakened, and all mens hearts shall melt,
Therefore, all hands do fail, And every heart of man doth melt.
Therefore all hands will be feeble, and everyone’s heart will melt.
Therefore shall all hands be faint, and every man's heart shall melt:
Therefore shall all hands be faint, and every heart of man shall melt,
All of your people will be very afraid [DOU], with the result that they will be unable even to lift their arms.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 13:7
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 13:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עַל
כֵּ֖ן
כָּל
יָדַ֣יִם
תִּרְפֶּ֑ינָה
וְ/כָל
לְבַ֥ב
אֱנ֖וֹשׁ
יִמָּס
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כֵּ֖ן
kên
H3651
right
Part
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
יָדַ֣יִם
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cd
תִּרְפֶּ֑ינָה
râphâh
H7503
to slacken
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
לְבַ֥ב
lêbâb
H3824
heart
N-ms
אֱנ֖וֹשׁ
ʼĕnôwsh
H582
human
N-ms
יִמָּס
mâçaç
H4549
to melt
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 13:7
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
כֵּ֖ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
יָדַ֣יִם
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cd
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
תִּרְפֶּ֑ינָה
râphâh
H7503
"to slacken"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
This Hebrew word means to slacken or relax, and is used in many contexts, such as feeling disheartened or abandoning something. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in Psalms and Proverbs. The word can also mean to let go or be idle.
Definition: 1) to sink, relax, sink down, let drop, be disheartened 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sink down 1a2) to sink, drop 1a3) to sink, relax, abate 1a4) to relax, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) idle (participle) 1c) (Piel) to let drop 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to let drop, abandon, relax, refrain, forsake 1d2) to let go 1d3) to refrain, let alone 1d4) to be quiet 1e) (Hithpael) to show oneself slack
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: abate, cease, consume, draw (toward evening), fail, (be) faint, be (wax) feeble, forsake, idle, leave, let alone (go, down), (be) slack, stay, be still, be slothful, (be) weak(-en). See H7495 (רָפָא). See also: Exodus 4:26; Nehemiah 6:3; Psalms 37:8.
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
לְבַ֥ב
lêbâb
H3824
"heart"
N-ms
The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ((faint), (tender-) heart(-ed), midst, mind, [idiom] unawares, understanding. See also: Genesis 20:5; 1 Chronicles 17:2; Psalms 4:5.
אֱנ֖וֹשׁ
ʼĕnôwsh
H582
"human"
N-ms
Enosh refers to a human or mankind in general, used to describe individuals or people as a whole in the Bible.
Definition: 1) man, mortal man, person, mankind 1a) of an individual 1b) men (collective) 1c) man, mankind Aramaic equivalent: e.nash (אֱנָשׁ "man" H0606)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: another, [idiom] (blood-) thirsty, certain, chap(-man); divers, fellow, [idiom] in the flower of their age, husband, (certain, mortal) man, people, person, servant, some ([idiom] of them), [phrase] stranger, those, [phrase] their trade. It is often unexpressed in the English versions, especially when used in apposition with another word. Compare H376 (אִישׁ). See also: Deuteronomy 32:26; Psalms 8:5; Psalms 9:20.
יִמָּס
mâçaç
H4549
"to melt"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
To melt or waste away is what this verb means, often used to describe something weakening or disappearing. It appears in books like Psalms and Isaiah, describing the effects of disease or fear. This word can also mean to faint or lose strength.
Definition: 1) to dissolve, melt 1a) (Qal) to waste away 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to melt, vanish, drop off, melt away 1b2) to faint, grow fearful (fig.) 1b3) wasted, worthless (participle) 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to melt
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: discourage, faint, be loosed, melt (away), refuse, [idiom] utterly. See also: Exodus 16:21; Psalms 68:3; Psalms 22:15.
Study Notes — Isaiah 13:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 13:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 13:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 13:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 13:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 13:7
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 13:7
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 13:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 13:7
- Sermons on Isaiah 13:7
Context — The Burden against Babylon
5They are coming from faraway lands, from the ends of the heavens— the LORD and the weapons of His wrath— to destroy the whole country.
6Wail, for the Day of the LORD is near; it will come as destruction from the Almighty.
7Therefore all hands will fall limp, and every man’s heart will melt.
8Terror, pain, and anguish will seize them; they will writhe like a woman in labor. They will look at one another, their faces flushed with fear. 9Behold, the Day of the LORD is coming— cruel, with fury and burning anger— to make the earth a desolation and to destroy the sinners within it.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 21:7 | And when they ask, ‘Why are you groaning?’ you are to say, ‘Because of the news that is coming. Every heart will melt, and every hand will go limp. Every spirit will faint, and every knee will turn to water.’ Yes, it is coming and it will surely happen, declares the Lord GOD.” |
| 2 | Nahum 2:10 | She is emptied! Yes, she is desolate and laid waste! Hearts melt, knees knock, bodies tremble, and every face grows pale! |
| 3 | Nahum 1:6 | Who can withstand His indignation? Who can endure His burning anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; even rocks are shattered before Him. |
| 4 | Isaiah 19:1 | This is the burden against Egypt: Behold, the LORD rides on a swift cloud; He is coming to Egypt. The idols of Egypt will tremble before Him, and the hearts of the Egyptians will melt within them. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 7:17 | Every hand will go limp, and every knee will turn to water. |
| 6 | Isaiah 51:20 | Your sons have fainted; they lie at the head of every street, like an antelope in a net. They are full of the wrath of the LORD, the rebuke of your God. |
| 7 | Exodus 15:15 | Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed; trembling will seize the leaders of Moab; those who dwell in Canaan will melt away, |
| 8 | Isaiah 10:3–4 | What will you do on the day of reckoning when devastation comes from afar? To whom will you flee for help? Where will you leave your wealth? Nothing will remain but to crouch among the captives or fall among the slain. Despite all this, His anger is not turned away; His hand is still upraised. |
| 9 | Isaiah 37:27 | Therefore their inhabitants, devoid of power, are dismayed and ashamed. They are like plants in the field, tender green shoots, grass on the rooftops, scorched before it is grown. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 50:43 | The king of Babylon has heard the report, and his hands hang limp. Anguish has gripped him, pain like that of a woman in labor. |
Isaiah 13:7 Summary
[Isaiah 13:7 is saying that when the Day of the Lord comes, people will be so scared and overwhelmed that they will not be able to do anything, their hands will be weak and their hearts will melt with fear, as also described in Ezekiel 21:7. This is because they will realize that they are facing the judgment of a holy and all-powerful God, as stated in Psalm 98:9. The verse is a reminder that we should always be prepared to meet God, and that we should not take His judgment lightly, as warned in Hebrews 10:31. By trusting in God's love and mercy, as shown in John 3:16, and by living a life that is pleasing to Him, as encouraged in Colossians 1:10, we can face the future with confidence and hope.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cause of the fear and weakness described in Isaiah 13:7?
The fear and weakness in Isaiah 13:7 are caused by the terror of the Day of the Lord, as described in Isaiah 13:6, which will come as destruction from the Almighty, and the knowledge of God's wrath and judgment, as seen in Isaiah 13:5 and Deuteronomy 32:22.
How does this verse relate to the concept of fear of the Lord?
This verse shows that the fear of the Lord is a natural response to His power and judgment, as seen in Psalm 111:10, and that it can lead to a recognition of our own weakness and limitations, as stated in Proverbs 1:7.
Is this verse only talking about the destruction of a specific nation or people?
While the context of Isaiah 13 is the judgment of Babylon, the principles described in Isaiah 13:7 can be applied more broadly to the final judgment of all nations, as described in Revelation 20:11-15 and Matthew 25:31-46.
How can we prepare ourselves for the Day of the Lord?
We can prepare ourselves by repenting of our sins, as in Isaiah 55:7, and by trusting in God's mercy and salvation, as described in Romans 10:9-10 and Acts 2:21.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can prepare my heart for the Day of the Lord, and how can I make sure that I am not caught off guard by God's judgment?
- How does the description of God's judgment in Isaiah 13:7 make me feel, and what does that reveal about my own heart and my relationship with God?
- In what ways do I see the fear of the Lord at work in my own life, and how can I cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for God's power and holiness?
- What are some practical ways that I can apply the principles of Isaiah 13:7 to my daily life, and how can I use this verse to encourage and warn others about the importance of repentance and faith?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 13:7
Therefore shall all hands be faint,.... Or hang down; that is, the hands of all the Babylonians, the city being taken suddenly and at once, so that they should not be able to lift them up to lay hold
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 13:7
Therefore shall all hands be faint, and every man's heart shall melt: Therefore shall all hands be faint, and every man's heart shall melt. So Jeremiah 50:43 : cf. Joshua 7:5.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 13:7
Isaiah 13:7 Therefore shall all hands be faint, and every man’ s heart shall melt:Ver. 7. Therefore shall all hands be faint.] Base fear, that cowardly passion, shall betray them to the enemy, by expectorating their courage, and causing their hearts to fall into their heels, as we say. But this also cometh from the Lord of hosts, who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in working, for he ordereth the armour, and he strengtheneth or weakeneth the armies of either party. Whencesoever the sword cometh it is "bathed in heaven." And every heart shall melt.] How much more shall wicked men’ s hearts do so at the day of judgment, when the powers of heaven shall be shaken. Alegoriae; haec veriora erunt in die iudicii cuius hic est typus.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 13:7
(7) They shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth.—The image of powerless agony occurs both in earlier and later prophets (Hosea 13:3; Micah 5:9; Jeremiah 6:24, et al.). Perhaps the most striking parallelism is found in Psalms 48:6, probably, like the other psalms of the sons of Korah, contemporary with Isaiah. Their faces shall be as flames.—The comparison seems at first to describe those who cause terror rather than those that feel it. What is described is, however, the moment of horror, when the dejected pallor of ordinary fear flashes into a new intensity, and the eyeballs glare, and the face glows as with a terrible brightness.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 13:7
7. “Hands hanging down” and “hearts melting” are frequent images of despair (ch. Isaiah 19:1; Ezekiel 21:7; Job 4:3; Joshua 7:5, &c.).
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 13:7
Therefore shall all hands be faint - This is designed to denote the consternation and alarm of the people. They would be so terrified and alarmed that they would have no courage, no hope, and no power to make resistance.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 13:7
7. Be faint — Hanging down in nerveless despondency. Shall melt — Both clauses describe bodily effects indicating despairing mental states.
Sermons on Isaiah 13:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
They Will Not Believe It Until They Feel It! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the urgency of fleeing from the coming wrath of God, which is the greatest evil that can befall a soul. He warns that many will not believe in this wrath u |
|
The Wrath to Come by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon delivers a powerful sermon titled 'The Wrath to Come,' emphasizing the contrast between the peace experienced by Christians and the impending judgment awaiting sinner |
|
His Wrath by Catherine Booth | Catherine Booth preaches about the impending great day of God's wrath, drawing parallels to past instances of divine judgment such as the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, the flo |
|
The Anger and the Goodness. by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar emphasizes the duality of God's nature, focusing on His anger and goodness as depicted in Nahum 1:6-7. He explains that God's anger is real, righteous, dreadful, and |
|
Arab-02 Egypt - My People by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses a revelation from Egypt, where the Lord is seen riding on a fast cloud. The idols of Egypt rise from his face, causing the heart of Egypt to m |
|
(Isaiah) Judgment of the Nations by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the fall of Babylon as described in the book of Isaiah. He emphasizes the vividness and power of God's word, which conveys the panic and terr |
|
A Highway Out of Egypt! by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson delivers a powerful sermon titled 'A Highway Out of Egypt!' where he expounds on Isaiah 19's prophecy, emphasizing God's promise to bring back lost children and bac |